Author Spotlight: Colette Freedman

Colette Freedman, author of The Affair, stopped by Traveling With T to talk about her #literarycrush, #literaryconfessions, favorite books and more.

Author Spotlight: Colette Freedman

Colette, when you are not writing- what do you like to do with your time?

I love to cycle and am currently training for a triathlon, though I’m a bit nervous about the swimming part. I also love to read, travel and I am trying to learn to cook because my only current culinary skill is making Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Could you tell us who some of your favorite authors are?

Stephen Fry, Ann Patchett, Nick Hornby, Kazuo Ishiguro, Jackie Collins & Michael Scott.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

Try as I might, I still can’t get past “Call me Ishmael.” (Sorry Herman Melville)

Do you have a #literarycrush?

My literary crush is Atticus Finch. He is noble, honest, a good father and someone who stood up for what he believed no matter what the cost. And it didn’t hurt that the incredibly sexy Gregory Peck played him in the film.

What are some of the books you are looking forward to reading in 2013?

Lionel Shriver’s Big Brother and Stephen King’s Dr. Sleep…I loved The Shining and can’t wait for the sequel.

If you could be best friends with a character in a book- who would you pick? And why?

Tina Fey in BossyPants. Who DOESN’T want to be best friends with Tina Fey?!!! She is funny, smart, self deprecating, entertaining and loyal. Perfect qualities of a best friend.

What is your favorite “guilty pleasure” song?

It’s a toss up between Jefferson Starship’s “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” and Adele’s “Someone Like You.”

*Special thanks to Colette Freedman for the author spotlight.

Colette Freedman, author of The Affair, is hard at work on her second book (for a teaser about the title, come back on Wednesday to read Colette’s interview!) Need to know more about Colette? Check out her website or Twitter. Want to see how funny Colette can be? Read her post Colin Firth, Brad Pitt, and why I Love Book Clubs– it’s adorable and so funny!

To read Traveling With T’s review of The Affair, click HERE.

Lori Nelson Spielman: Author Spotlight

On Tuesday, I posted an interview with Lori Nelson Spielman- who just had her debut novel, The Life List, published! It’s in stores- just waiting for readers to come by and pick it up!

Today, Lori is back to talk about her #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush and more!

Author Spotlight: Lori Nelson Spielman

1. Lori, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

–I love to sail, and here in Michigan we’re lucky to have the fabulous Great Lakes. I love listening to live music, baking, traveling, reading, and being outdoors. Most of all, I love time with my friends and family, sharing a meal or chatting over a glass of wine.

2. Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?

–Some of my all time favorites are John Steinbeck, Maeve Binchey, Elizabeth Berg, and Edith Wharton.

3. What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

–The Help and East of Eden. Always.

4. Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

–Ha! Yes, I do! I’ll whisper it to you: I never finished Harry Potter. And I’m not talking the series, I’m talking the first book, The Sorcerer’s Stone. I started reading it with one of my students, but he returned to school before we’d finished and I never picked it back up.

5. Do you have a #literarycrush?

–Okay, this is really a confession, since my crush is based on a real person, the author of Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts. His character, Lindsay, was courageous and kind, strong yet gentle. I listened to this book on audio, so the Australian accent didn’t hurt, either!

6. What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?

–Oh my gosh, there are so many fantastic books out there. I’m reading The Glass Wives right now, Amy Sue Nathan’s terrific debut novel, and I just received a copy of Anita Hughes’ Market Street, which is sure to be a fun read. My book club is reading Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter and I hope to find time for Caroline Leavitt’s latest, Is This Tomorrow, along with Meg Wolitzer’s The Interestings.

7. What was your favorite childhood book?

–Here’s another #literaryconfession: My childhood library was pretty lame. I did read and love some of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, but mostly I’d swipe and devour my brother’s Encyclopedia Brown books. In third grade Miss Travis read The Boxcar Children to our class and I was completely and utterly spellbound. I’d have to say that was my favorite.

8. Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?

–I remember being at my grandmother’s house when I was about ten, bored to tears, and finding an old dime store paperback called, First Love. It was my first romance/YA and I couldn’t put it down. That’s when I discovered how much fun it was to get lost in a novel. I’d love to see that silly book now.

9. If you were not an author, what would you want to be?

–My fantasy profession would be either a pastry chef or an actress. I know—acting seems inconsistent with my earlier claim of not enjoying the spotlight or public speaking, right? But something shifts when playing a character. I’ve dabbled in community theater, and someday, when time allows, I’d love to audition again.

10. If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?

Wouldn’t it be fun to be Anne, from Anne of Green Gables, living at the Avonlea farmhouse on Prince Edward Island? She’s a great character, spunky and smart, with a great imagination and joy for life.

Author Spotlight: Karen Brown

Karen Brown, author of The Longings of Wayward Girls, found some time in her schedule to stop by to talk about her #literarycrush, #literaryconfessions and more!

Look for The Longings of Wayward Girls to be in stores July 2nd. It’s a psychological thriller that might give a person second thoughts about children playing in the woods.

Author Spotlight with Karen Brown

1. Karen, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

Reading comprises much of my free time. Even though it is intricately part of the life of a writer and in that sense might be considered “work,” I’ve always been an avid reader. I also find time to fit in running, which I enjoy, and hosting family gatherings.

2. Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?

This is such a hard question for a writer—I read for different reasons—but ultimately my favorites are those that somehow inform my own work, so on that note, some classic and current favorites: Emily Bronte, Shirley Jackson, John Cheever, William Trevor, and John Updike (my male triumvirate). Other writers who interest me: Claire Messud, Steven Millhauser, Jeffrey Eugenides, Don Delillo, Josh Weil, Lauren Groff, and Elizabeth Strout. (I’ve revised this response five or six times—clearly my favorites change from day to day.)

3. What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

The Stories of John Cheever, first edition, with the inscription: To Mary Lee in honor of our sojourn in Naples, and other things, March 1979, Mary L. Ward. (My grandmother’s book)

4. Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

As an academic who sometimes teaches American literature I’m ashamed to confess I’ve never read a word of Moby Dick. (But I have read Sena Jeter Naslund’s wonderful Ahab’s Wife!)

5. Do you have a #literarycrush?

I love the “Mad Men” era, and John Updike’s male characters are awfully bad in a good way, so I’d say Richard Maple from Too Far to Go: The Maples Stories.

6. What are some of the books that you want to read for 2013?

So very many on my list, but here are a handful: The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner, A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra, You Are One of Them by Elliot Holt, The Son by Philipp Meyer.

*Thank you, Karen Brown, for answering these questions.

Look for my review of The Longings of Wayward Girls and my interview with Karen Brown. Once you read, The Longings of Wayward Girls, come back and let me know how it was!

Kimberly McCreight: Author Spotlight

Yesterday, I posted my interview with Kimberly McCreight. Today, it’s Author Spotlight time- we’ll find out some of Kim’s favorite things to do when she’s not writing, books she is looking forward to reading in 2013 and her #literaryconfessions.

Author Spotlight: Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly, when you are not writing- what do you like to do with your time?

I just completed my first triathlon a couple years ago. I have fantasies of doing a half Iron Man soon, a big challenge because I am a hopeless—read doggy-paddle—swimmer. I’m a huge baker too. Whenever I have time, I love making cookies and cakes. I also love modern art and theatre. Oh, and there is so much great TV right now. I love Mad Men, Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I fell asleep during the last two Shakespeare productions I saw. In my defense, I was very excited to see both, but was sorely sleep deprived because of work deadlines. Legitimate excuses notwithstanding, I‘m not sure that my beloved father-in-law—a huge Shakespeare buff—will ever look at me the same way again.

What are some of the books you are looking forward to reading in 2013?

The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth Silver, The Never List by Koethi Zan and Tampa by Alissa Nutting

*Thanks to Kimberly McCreight for answering these questions.

Other Reconstructing Amelia or Kimberly McCreight info you might be interested to read:

Interview With Kimberly McCreight

Kimberly McCreight Answers: Reconstructing Amelia (spoilers possible!)

Beth Albright: Author Spotlight

Ready to find out about Beth Albright- her #literarycrush, her #literaryconfessions, Southern writers that she just gushes over? Grab a salty margarita and get ready to find out all that and so much more!

Author Spotlight with Beth Albright

Beth, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

I love to take pictures! I am never without my camera and literally have thousands of photos, many of my son, but also so many of nature! Living in California, the dramatic scenery beckons and I am always trying to capture it! If not taking pics or writing, you can find me at the movies! I am a movie fanatic!

Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?

I love Mary Kay Andrews! Also Dorothea Benton Frank and Patti Callahan Henry. I read them regularly. And who doesn’t LOVE Janet Evanovich? Early on, when I sent the book to family and friends, so many of them told me I sounded just like a Stephanie Plum novel!! One of my best compliments ever!! I was reading Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank when I scribbled my first words down. She was an inspiration. Also, I have nearly all of Mary Kay’s books. Hissy Fit was an early inspiration as well. I also love Emily Giffin’s novels. Also, I just LOVE humorist Celia Rivenbark! Have every one of her books—sidesplitting, I swear- you will wet your pants!

What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

The classics, so I can look at them and pretend I read them ALL!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I have so many! I always wanted to read ALL the classics– alas, when I am in the ever- after, I will have time.

(See question above 🙂 )

Do you have a #literarycrush? (Joe Morelli from Stephanie Plum series is one of mine!)

OMYGOSH, he is mine! But then there’s Ranger…MMMMMM! I like those mysterious chivalrous types. But truly, I love my own hero of Sonny Bartholomew so much. I found myself flying when I was writing about him…getting out 5000 words a day! He makes me very excited!

What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?

Just bought the new Dorothea Benton Frank novel, The Last Original Wife, just finished Patti Callahan Henry’s new novel, And Then I Found You. Adding Mary Kay’s new one, Ladies’ Night. And oh yeah, I’ll be working on my next trilogy, first one due in the fall.

What was your favorite childhood book?

Loved Charlotte’s Web. So emotional. I read it several times, over and over.

Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?

I would say it was Dorothea Benton Frank and all her Low Country tales. I wanted to be just like her. I was not a big reader till I stopped talking…for a living! Haha. When I left talk radio, I started reading and I wanted to read Southern books. I began with hers and migrated to include Mary Kay Andrews. Now my first review, from Booklist, May 1^st, actually compares me to Mary Kay Andrews! I nearly had a fit!!!

If you were not an author, what would you want to be?

Okay, I know this is crazy, but if I had anything to choose from, I would love to be one of the professional dancers on Dancing With The Stars! Also, I would go nuts to act on Broadway…which I could soooo do, if I wasn’t in a musical. Nobody wants to hear me sing!

If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?

I can’t even narrow it down. All the typical ones come to mind, but I like some of the female characters in Emily Giffin’s novels too. I like strong women but I like really feminine women who are ok with being a woman and letting the man be the man, like Stephanie Plum! Oh, too many to choose from.

Being a former Days of Our Lives actress and now an author- how different are the worlds? Did your Days experience give you insight into writing? Into meeting fans and other people?

The worlds are very, very different. While I did love acting, I missed the live audience of talk radio. That’s why I love stage acting so much! The audience is right there and I love the live element of both the stage and talk radio! Days Of Our Lives didn’t really give me any insight into novel writing, but it did help with script writing—two very different things.

Talk radio best prepared me to meet the readers as I did so many live broadcasts in malls and everywhere from local to remote shows broadcast live from Hollywood, CA. I loved those Hollywood shows where I would do my show live with, who else…Soap Opera stars! I loved the idea of playing a bad girl and never messing up my make-up!

#Giveaway time! A copy of The Sassy Belles could be headed your way (perfect for that beach vacation or just lounging by the pool!) To win a copy of The Sassy Belles– tell me one thing you love about Southern Belles! The #giveaway is open to US only (sorry!) and you MUST provide your email in the comment section. You may use (AT) and (DOT) (example: iheartbooks (AT) gmail (DOT) com) as you write your email in the comment section. Comments without an email will not be considered in the #giveaway.

The #giveaway will run from Friday June 21- through Friday, June 28th at 11:59pmEST. Winner will be notified by email on Monday, July 1.

Beth Albright, author of The Sassy Belles, can be found tweeting to her fans on Twitter, talking on her Facebook page, or hanging out at her website. The next 2 books in the series are Wedding Belles (out July 30th) and Sleigh Belles (to be released later in 2013).

Marybeth Whalen: Author Spotlight

Marybeth Whalen stopped by today to tell Traveling With T about #literaryconfessions, #literarycrush, and much more. Enjoy getting to know a bit more about Marybeth Whalen, author of The Wishing Tree.

Author Spotlight

Marybeth, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

Read. Watch movies or crime shows. Go on dates with my husband. Hang out with friends.

Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?
Elizabeth Berg, Jodi Picoult, Sarah Addison Allen, Joshilyn Jackson, Lee Smith

What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

Just one shelf? 🙂

I have a collection of all of Lee Smith’s work, dating back to the first book of hers I ever got—when my father had some people move out of his rental house and leave boxes of books behind. (Can you imagine?) Before he donated them, he let me go through them because he knew how much I loved books. I was 14 years old and plucked a book called Black Mountain Breakdown out of the box. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the beginning of something. I fell in love with southern writing from that moment on, and realized that not all writers have to live in and write about New York City. It gave me hope.

Sometimes I go to my shelves just to run my hands across the book spines, visiting with them like the old friends they are.

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

So many great works of literature I’ve never read. <Hangs head in shame.> Seriously. It’s sad.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Ah, Finny from A Separate Peace. I just loved his wildness and his tragic death broke my heart. (Spoiler alert!)

What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?

Take a look at our June books at She Reads—that’s my reading list for this summer!

The Books of Summer

There is truly a glut of wonderful titles out this summer. None of us have any excuse to not be reading every minute!

What was your favorite childhood book?

Just one? 🙂

Harriet The Spy taught me what it meant to be an observer and cataloguer. Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards taught me that there were other little girls who existed on the outside of things and longed for a space of their own. From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankwiler taught me that other kids longed to run away and live on their own terms. Danny The Champion of the World by Roald Dahl taught me that parents are just doing the best they can, and sometimes that’s enough. And The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe made me fall in love with the mighty and amazing Aslan.

Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?

My mom tells me that when I was old enough to walk, I would toddle across the room and bring her a book to read. When she was done with that one, I would go get another. This would go on as long as she would keep reading. I credit her for continuing to read the books I brought her for hours on end. I really did come with a powerful, voracious hunger for words and she had the wisdom to feed it early on.
If you were not an author, what would you want to be?

A Food Network star a la Pioneer Woman. Me, my husband and kids, my wild and crazy house, and easy dinners served up with southern flair.

If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?

Pippi Longstocking. I love her spunk, her daring, and her refusal to live on anyone else’s terms

ICYMI: Interview with Marybeth Whalen author of The Wishing Tree and Traveling With T’s review of The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen.

Erika Marks: Author Spotlight

Today, I’m pleased to announce that Erika Marks is back with an Author Spotlight. In this, she confesses her #literaryconfessions and #literarycrush! Come see what else she revealed today!

Author Spotlight:

Erika, when you are not writing- what are some of your favorite things to do?

Being outside, for one! My husband is a biologist so we are big hikers and campers and gardeners. We are also a family of cooks and bakers, and are always looking to try new recipes.

Could you tell us some of your favorite authors?

There are so many! I would definitely include Alice Hoffman, Annie Proulx, Louise Erdrich, Karen White, Andre Dubus, Wendy Wax, Jo-Ann Mapson, Ann Hite, Stephen King, Elizabeth Berg, Anne Rivers Siddons.

What book (or books!) will you always make room for on your shelf?

LIFE OF PI

Do you have any #literaryconfessions? (Mine is: Last summer I confessed that I’d never read Pride and Prejudice (although now I have!)

I’ve never read PRIDE AND PREJUDICE either! In fact, I’ve been slowing chipping away at a list of classics that I always wanted to read but never did, so my #literaryconfessions could take a while!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Oh, I absolutely do! I remember all of my earliest literary crushes. Ben Mears from Stephen King’s ‘SALEM’S LOT, I always loved him for the way he swoops in and takes matters into his hands and ultimately saves young Mark, becoming like a father to him. Atticus Finch, definitely. Finny, from A SEPARATE PEACE. Pretty much all the Curtis boys in THE OUTSIDERS. And of course, Gilbert Blythe!

What are some of the books that will be in your beach bag for 2013?

There are so many I’m excited about! For starters, Susan Tekulve’s IN THE GARDEN OF STONE, Karen White’s THE TIME BETWEEN, Louise Erdrich’s THE ROUND HOUSE, Beth Hoffman’s LOOKING FOR ME.

What was your favorite childhood book?

I loved John Christopher’s Tripods trilogy (Will was definitely one of my early #literarycrushes!)

Was there a person or a book series that helped start your love of reading?

My sixth grade English teacher, Mr. McKee. He gathered a group of us—outside of class—and we read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy with his guidance and support. It was extraordinary. There’s no question his encouragement and passion for books and story made a huge impact on me.

If you were not an author, what would you want to be?

If I weren’t such a lightweight when it comes to blood, I would want to be a doctor or a vet.

If you could be a character in a book, who would you be? Why?

Oh wow—what a great question! I’d have to say Claudia from FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER. I mean, spend the night in the Met?! What could be cooler?

Now that you’ve read through the author spotlight- I have more to announce! Today begins the #giveaway for a copy of The Guest House, Erika’s latest book. It’s a lovely story- and one that should be read with a glass of sweet tea.

To enter the giveaway (sorry US only!) please comment on this post. Include your email (you may use the (AT) and (DOT)). The giveaway ends Thursday, June 20th at 11:59pmEST. While liking Traveling With T’s Facebook page or following the blog will not earn extra entries- it’s always appreciated. 🙂

ICYMI: Interview with Erika Marks

Traveling With T’s Review of The Guest House