Monday, July 26, 2010

Interview with Isabelle Laflèche and book giveaway!


Isabelle Laflèche is the author of "J'Adore New York." It's her first novel and I've already read some great reviews. Recently, Melissa Patafio and I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about the book, the writing process and some of her interests. She also gave me a signed copy of "J'Adore New York" to send to one lucky winner.

MP: How much of J’adore New York is based on your personal experiences working in the New York corporate world?

IL: The novel is based partly on my own experiences. I was also inspired by several friends who worked in big law firms, television shows such as Ally McBeal and movies.


MP: When did you decide that there would be a follow-up to J’adore or did
you know from the beginning that there would be a second book?

IL: I decided there would be a sequel once I had completed the last scene. I decided to leave the ending somewhat open so that Catherine could live on. I’m really happy that I did, as several readers have been writing me asking for more!


MA: What kept you motivated during the process of writing this book?

IL: The feeling that I had a compelling story to tell. I wanted to share some of my own experiences dealing with a major career change and I felt that this would make a good novel.

Although J'Adore New York is a call for introspection and the need to reevaluate one's values, I also wanted to entertain people and make them laugh.


MA: How did you feel when you finished writing “J’Adore…?”

IL: Ecstatic! I must admit that I also felt a tinge of sadness the day my editor told me the manuscript was completed. Writing and editing this novel had become such an integral part of my every day life; it felt as thought a gaping hole had been left behind when it was over.


MA: Casting couch time: If “J’Adore New York” were optioned for film, who would play the main characters?

IL: My dream cast (and I dream big!) would be:

Catherine: Marion Cotillard

Antoine: Ryan Reynolds

Jeffrey: Hugh Jackman

Rikash: My dear friend Yanic Truesdale, who played the role of Michel in The Gilmore Girls.



MP: Who is your style icon?
IL: I have a few but I would say Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel for her audacity, Diane Kruger for her impeccable style and Jenna Lyons, the president of J. Crew, for her great eye.

MP: What designer would you absolutely love to wear for a red carpet event?
IL: A Dior haute couture gown with a Chanel bag.

MA: What is your favorite thing about New York?
IL: Its energy. No other city can compare, you immediately feel the buzz as soon as you set foot there. I would say the amazing shopping comes in close second!

MP: On a similar note, what is your favorite city in the world to visit?
IL: Other than New York, Paris is my favorite. Everywhere you look, there is beauty and it’s quite intoxicating. Whether it’s the magnificent architecture, the lovely shops, or the succulent food, presentation is always flawless.

I’ve just come back from spending a week in France doing research for my next book. While I was there, I dropped into Ladurée’s tea salon for a snack and, to me, this represents quintessential French style; nibbling on rose flavored macaroons while sipping tea in a gorgeous baroque style setting. It just doesn’t get better than that.

MA: What is something about you that most people would find surprising?
IL: I create entire scenes for my novels while lounging in my bath!

I want to thank Melissa Patafio for the questions she contributed to this interview. We'll be working on more interviews together in the near future and she may even be flying solo on a few.

Special thanks to Isabelle Laflèche for answering our questions. We really enjoyed doing this interview with her. I also want to thank her for the book to give away.

How to win this book.
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite city in the world to visit?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Giveaway ends Thursday, July 29th at midnight EST.

62 comments:

Colleen Turner said...

This sounds like an interesting read. Please include me in your giveaway!
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

My favorite city to visit is Atlanta, Georgia. The one I get to go to the most, however, is Orlando, FL.
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Heather said...

I am a follower
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

I posted to facebook
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

Picking a favorite city is tough....I would have to say Paris or London though. I need to visit both again soon!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Sarah said...

I would love to read this book:)

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah said...

I really haven't been to many places but I enjoy visitig Seaside Oregon. It is a beautiful place for a family vacation.

foxchick0323@live.com

Sarah said...

I am a follower:)

foxchick0323@live.com

Anonymous said...

5 stars on Amazon . . . looks like a must read!

misseway@aol.com

Monica said...

Great giveaway!

aragao_monica(at)yahoo.com

Monica said...

My favorite city in the world is Toronto, Canada :)

aragao_monica(at)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in this contest. This book sounds like a great change of pace.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I follow this blog.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My favorite city in this world is Shanghai. I love the Bund and The shopping which is rare for me, the museums and many places to go.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

Favourite city is London, England!

cjw29@hotmail.com

StereoQueenBee said...

My favorite city to visit is ironically New York. I follow your blog and posted it on Twitter @stereoqueenbee

BookHounds said...

No need to enter me.
I just posted this for you on win a book.

http://winabook.westofmars.com/2010/07/26/jadore-new-york-by-isabelle-lafleche/

Luvdaylilies said...

I would absolutely LOVE to have this book! Crossing my fingers=)
Lethea B
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

Luvdaylilies said...

Favorite City = London

Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

Julie! said...

I like Orlando, FL the best!!

I follow you

julie102794@gmail.com

Luvdaylilies said...

Blog Follower~Luvdaylilies

Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

ChristyJan said...

I would love to be entered to win a copy of this book.

hawkes(at)citlink.net

ChristyJan said...

I'm more of a "town" ;) visitor so my choices are limited. It's a toss up between Vancouver, Canada and/or Orlando, Florida

hawkes(at)citlink.net

ChristyJan said...

I'm a GFC follower

hawkes(at)citlink.net

Mary said...

I'd love to read this book. I'm always on the lookout for new authors.

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

My favorite city to visit is New York City. There is something about the energy and vitality there.

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

Mary said...

I follow on GFC. (mamie316)

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

*Holly* said...

perduehk@gmail.com

*Holly* said...

I am a follower in Google Reader
perduehk@gmail.com

*Holly* said...

My favorite city is Los Angeles!
perduehk@gmail.com

Chick Lit Author said...

Would love to be entered! (if it's a worldwide comp?)

jtmauthor(at)gmail.com

Jen said...

Sounds like a great book! I haven't been to many big cities, but I loved New Orleans, and Philly always holds a special place in my heart

jen161@hotmail.com

Gaye Alexander said...

Would like to read this book. I work for an attorney in a small town, although I did live right outside of "the city" for about a year back in the 80s.

Laura Rachel Fox said...

Would love to read this one. Thanks for the great interview Melissa.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

Would love to read this one. Thanks for the great interview Melissa.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

My favorite city is Kansas City, Missouri. I'm not that well traveled, but we did live there for 4 years and we just fell in love with it.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

I'm already a follower. Love reading the reviews, interviews, and of course the contests.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

Laura Rachel Fox said...

Posted a link on Facebook.

lostlibrarygirl@sbcglobal.net

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

Thank you for sharing with your readers a bit more about Isabelle. I am anxious to read her book.

email - info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

I'm a follower!

info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

The Simply Luxurious Life said...

Just tweeted about the giveaway!
info@thesimplyluxuriouslife.com

Brittany Roshelle said...

Sounds like an a wonderful book! Count me in!

askbrittanyroshelle at gmail dot com

a real librarian said...

THis sounds great, thanks for the chance to win!

areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

a real librarian said...

My favorite city to visit is Nashville, TN. I used to live there, so it's awesome to see my friends and hang out at all my favorite places!

areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

I'd love a chance to read this, thanks for entering me into this giveaway!

unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com

JHS said...

My review copy of this book never arrived, so maybe I will be lucky and win!

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

JHS said...

Favorite city to visit is New York City, so long as the trip includes lots of Broadway shows. Otherwise . . . any city that's on the beach.

JHS
Colloquium

jhsmail at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

always love a new author to read!!

Caroline said...

I read it and it is simply amazing: brilliant, captivating and so funny. It had been a while since I had so much fun reading a book.
Caroline

Anonymous said...

"This book looks really amazing, would love to read it!"

Patrice said...

Got it on iBooks, read it, loved it!

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

Had to delete my last comment because I hadn't included my e-mail! When creating my new blog, I have Pink Lemonade listed in my favorite blogs column in the sidebar and was shocked to see that I hadn't yet actually become an "official" follower ... oh my. Now that that's fixed, I would love a signed copy of you fabulous new book! Love your blog, love NY ... and so enjoy your tweets! artist@sandramarkwalder.com

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

I see that most people posted more than once ... so I'm joining the crowd! I've loved NY forever xoxo

artist@sandramarkwalder.com

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

And now, I'll submit my third try! Love the blog, am a follower, love hearing your tweets, love New York, love romance ... need I say more? Oh yes ...

artist@sandramarkwalder.com

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this novel :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

i'm a follower :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

karenk said...

my favouite city to visit is charleston, sc

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Katherine said...

I would love to read this. Please put my name in the for the draw :)

katherine.kw.chu (at) gmail.com

Katherine said...

My favourite city in the world to visit has always been London, England! Such history and activity!

katherine.kw.chu (at) gmail.com

Katherine said...

Am now a following of your blog through Google Connect :)

katherine.kw.chu (at) gmail.com