Wednesday, January 7, 2009

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!).

25 comments:

Kathryn Magendie said...

I love those titles! And the book cover is engaging and fun....okay, going to go read the interview now....

donnas said...

Great interview. I cant wait to read this book.

Donna

Carleen Brice said...

Um...can I enter here if I'm also doing a giveaway over at my place??

word verification: blessems
I like that!

Judy Merrill Larsen said...

Kat, I know, aren't they great?

Donnas--thanks for stopping by!

Carleen--Of course you can still play! hat a great word verification.

Anonymous said...

I completely understand the answer to #4. In fact, I'm so addicted to 'beginnings' I can't seem to get much further than that.

But 2009's my year. I can feel it. ;)

Kaye said...

I wrote my review of Scot on the Rocks just a few days ago and Jack with a Twist is on my list! Enter me in the contest please.

Great interview, btw.

Daisy said...

I love good reading and new books! Please enter me in your drawing.

darbyscloset said...

Thank you for the fun interview and the giveaway!!!
Thanks so much!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

T U Dawood said...

Great interview Judy. I really liked Brenda's tips for writers.

Would love to be entered in the contest.

Anonymous said...

I read Scot on the Rocks and loved it! I would also love to win a signed copy of Jack with a Twist!

wildflower00 said...

I loved the interview It really made me much more interested in the book. Win it or not Ill be reading it soo, Thank you for offering it to us.

texasgirl (at) rocketmail (dot) com

julie said...

Thanks for the interview and the giveaway. This looks like a fun book!

Lady Roxi said...

Love to read this.

Thanks,

A Reader said...

Sounds like a great read.
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

guru said...

The titles are great. I would love to read either of these books!

Renee G said...

I'd love to read these.

rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com

Francine Anchondo said...

Thanks for the giveaway.

fmd518@inbox.com

Unknown said...

I have been wanting to read this!

bridget3420(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bitchilla The Hun said...

Looks like a great book. Thanks for the fun inteview and giveaway.

debra said...

What a perfect way to celebrate Obama's inauguration!

Leslie said...

I have read other reviews on this book; all positive. I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

Preethi said...

I would love to read this book.. sounds like a feast!! :)
incessant.preethi@gmail.com

Dawn D. said...

I would love it too - sounds like a great read.

chstress said...

I hope i AM NOT TO LATE FOR THE CONTEST, sOUNDS LIKE A GREAT READ

Anonymous said...

So was there a winner? Did I miss the announcement?