Writers in their own words--and a Book GIVEAWAY!!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready to take on 2009! I cleaned/rearranged/purged my closet, I've organized my calendar, and I'm committed to the gym 4 days a week. I've even balanced my checkbook. So now it's time to kick back a little bit (I mean we're already a week in) and not only chat about a fun new book, but give a signed copy away to one lucky commenter. So, get your fingers ready and when you're done reading, comment away!



Without further ado, let me introduce you to Brenda Janowitz who is the author of JACK WITH A TWIST (Engaging your adversary and other things they don’t teach you in law school) and SCOT ON THE ROCKS (How I survived my ex-boyfriend's wedding with my dignity ever so slightly intact), as well as the short story BASED ON A TRUE STORY. You can learn more about Brenda here and check out her blog.



1.) How did you come up with the idea for this book? Are you more driven by plot or by character?

When I finished SCOT ON THE ROCKS, I just knew that Brooke’s story had to continue! Since both she and Jack are lawyers, I thought it would be so much fun to pit them against each other in the courtroom… all while planning their fairy-tale wedding. Thus the idea for JACK WITH A TWIST was born!

2.) Who's your favorite character in this book and why?

I love all of my characters equally, as if they were children!

But in JACK, I had a lot of fun writing Brooke’s mom. She drives Brooke completely crazy, but ultimately, always wants what’s best for our protagonist. I had so much fun having Brooke’s mom drink too much champagne and embarrass Brooke at every phase of the wedding planning.

And before my mother gets up in arms, no, Brooke’s mom is not based on my mom! (Although she does like a nice glass of champagne just as much as the next gal….)

3.) What's your writing process/writing environment like?

I write on my laptop which means that I can pretty much write wherever I please! I love to write on my couch at home, or, if I’m too distracted, at a nearby coffee shop. A fun thing for me is to meet my writer friends and have coffee or breakfast and then put our laptops on the table and write the rest of the day away!

4.) What's your favorite part of writing?

I love beginnings! It’s always so much fun to get started with a new project and set the stage.

5.) What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten about writing?

Keep writing! It’s so easy to get discouraged or feel like you don’t have the time to write. But like anything else that is important in life, you have to work at it and make the time for it.


Edit! Editing your work is almost as important as the writing itself. Sure, you’re telling your story, but it’s also important to consider the way that you tell it. You want your writing to be tight, elegant and polished. It can only get to be that way through careful and thorough editing.


Develop a very thick skin. You’re putting yourself out there when you write and not everyone is going to love what you do. But that’s okay! You’re not writing to please everyone out there.

Brenda has graciously offered to send signed copy to a randomly selected commenter. So, don't be shy, okay? I'll pick one lucky winner after midnight on Jan. 21 (that gives you two whole weeks!).