Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Jillian Cantor is thankful...and she has a book to give away!



**Giveaway is now closed**


Jillian Cantor was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia and now lives in Arizona with her husband, two kids and four cats. She is the author of two young adult novels, as well as her first adult novel, "The Transformation of Things," which is now being sold in book stores. She also has a blog, in which she focuses on being positive and optimistic, even during challenging times.
Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, we've decided to ask Jillian for what she is most thankful. We found her list to be very candid and entertaining and we hope you will agree once you read it too. She also has one signed copy of "The Transformation of Things" to give away to a lucky reader in the US or Canada.

1. My family: I feel so thankful for each one of my family members individually that they each deserve their own spot on this list. (But that also feels like cheating!). I know I’m incredibly lucky to have an amazing husband who is also my best friend, two sweet little boys, parents who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and a sister who subjected me to years of torture as a kid (and thus good writing material now) but who has grown into one of my best friends.
2. The Internet: I live across the country from my extended family and a lot of my friends, so I am always thankful for things like e-mail, Facebook, and Flip video sharing which make it easy to keep in touch.
3. My laptop: Since I’m a writer, this one probably requires no explanation! But I used to only have a desktop, and I didn’t realize how freeing it was to be able to write anywhere, until I got my laptop about six months ago. Also, this makes it a lot easier to get work done/check e-mail while simultaneously doing things like making school lunches and doing laundry.
4. My agent: I am eternally thankful for my agent, Jessica Regel. Writing is such a tenuous and sometimes scary profession, that I am always so thankful to have her in my corner. Also, because she reads endless drafts of my work, replies to my endless e-mails, and always, always is super positive and brilliant in the process. Did I mention she’s awesome?
5. My cats: I’ve got four of them, so go ahead and call me a crazy cat lady! But I get lonely when I go away and don’t have anyone to curl up on my lap at night. Plus, they always keep me entertained with their endless mischief.
6. Books: This should probably also go without saying, but I feel I need to say it anyway. I’m thankful for books that gave me countless hours of entertainment as a child (and adult), and for always inspiring me to want to write.
7. Trader Joe's: I’m obsessed. When my husband and I were discussing cities we might want to move, my requirement was that there must be a Trader Joes nearby. They have the best food, and even their Fearless Flyer is entertaining to read!

Special thanks to Jillian Cantor for sharing her "thankful list" and offering the book for our giveaway.


How to win "The Transformation of Things":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page if you can receive messages there.)

1. Please tell us: If you had to move to a new town, what store or restaurant (or any other favorite hangout) would be a requirement in order for you to want to live there?
2. Please tell us: What keeps you positive or optimistic during times of stress?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Monday, November 8th, at 6 pm EST.

Don't forget to check out Jillian Cantors's bucket list at Chick Lit is Not Dead, as well.

59 comments:

PoCoKat said...

I would want an Outback Steakhouse!

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Benita said...

I would love to read this book.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

PoCoKat said...

My faith in Jesus keeps me strong in times of stress.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

I follow on GFC.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

PoCoKat said...

I joined Chick Lit Central on Facebook.

littleone AT shaw DOT ca

Benita said...

I'd definitely need to have a fine restaurant, Italian or Mediterranean at best. Here, it's Madison's. The name doesn't matter, the quality and the food do.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

Yoga keeps me positive and focused.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Benita said...

GFC Follower.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Teresa said...

I'd have to say that it would have to have a fun local coffee shop.

I rely on my son to help me remain positive.

I am a follower.

teresasreadingcorner at gmail dot com

Kritters Ramblings said...

My requirement to move was not upheld when we made our last move - I am a sweet tea drinker - in NoVA they do not serve sweet tea at most restaurants, SO we make it at home.

kdurham2@gmail.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

Curling up on the couch with my pup, a blanket and a book help relieve stress after a hectic day.

kdurham2@gmail.com

Kritters Ramblings said...

I am a GFC.

kdurham2@gmail.com

BookHounds said...

No need to enter me
I just posted this at win a book!

http://winabook.westofmars.com/2010/11/02/the-transformation-of-things-by-jillian-cantor/

Anonymous said...

1. If you had to move to a new town, what store or restaurant (or any other favorite hangout) would be a requirement in order for you to want to live there?
- Craft stores and book stores are a definite MUST in my list :)

estrella [dot] azul20 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

2. Please tell us: What keeps you positive or optimistic during times of stress?
- Hmmm... my friends and family who are so supportive and I'm the luckiest to have them in my life.

estrella [dot] azul20 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I already follow this blog through GFC.

estrella [dot] azul20 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I'm also a member of Chick Lit Central on FB :)

Thanks for this chance!

estrella [dot] azul20 [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

i would like a bookstore to be nearby...

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

prayer is very important to me


karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

email subscriber :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Kat said...

Excellent interview as always!!

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Kat said...

I'm actually not fussy about my stores and I adapt pretty quickly. But I think I would definitely need a Tim Horton's (such a Canadian in this respect!).

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Kat said...

I've been going through one of those stressful life periods lately, and it's always my mom who boosts me up. I also have an awesome group of friends who keep me smiling.

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Kat said...

I already follow the blog.

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Kat said...

Already a member of ChickLit Central.

ladykathryn@rogers.com

Kat said...

Posting link to Facebook. :)

ladykathryn@rogers.com

StereoQueenBee said...

queenofcrunk@gmail.com. I posted on Twitter (@stereoqueenbee) I follow you on Facebook.

I would need a library in any town I lived in. I deal with stress by reading a good book and sleeping.

Sherry said...

I stay positive my knowing I have friends and family that support me no matter what , that I am strong enough to make it through anything, my father will always be watching over me, and to be able to calm myself to remember all this a good work out and sweating the stress out and then coming home to cuddle with my son and dogs is alway the cure:)

slbercu@msn.com

a real librarian said...

I rely on my family and friends. Without them, I would be nothing!

Thanks for the chance to win!!

areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

a real librarian said...

I would want a Carraba's nearby - YUM!!

areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

Heather said...

My requirement is Michaels! I need to have a craft store close by!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

My husband keeps me positive!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

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

Heather said...

I shared on facebook!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

I am a member of Chick Lit Central!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Def H&M to shop for clothes!

billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

If we moved to a new town, it has to have a bookstore and a very good coffee place nearby.
Music, depending on my mood like solo piano, dance, country or indie po helps me relax oh and a good book helps.
I am a follower and will tweet this. Thanks!

ADR said...

I would need a Target within 5 miles.
Getting lost in a book relieves my stress.
I follow on Facebook & Twitter

adr52775 at aol dot com

mrsshukra said...

There has to be a Barnes & Noble or a Borders!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

My family keeps me positive!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Google follower!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Bonnie said...

I am thankful as well....would love to read this!
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Bonnie said...

I would want a Lowe's and a nice restaurant (no chain!)....have to shop, then eat!
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Bonnie said...

I am a facebook follower.
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Bonnie said...

shared link on Facebook.
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Bonnie said...

Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/intrepid9923/status/1113066330656769
intrepid9923@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

Any bookstore & coffee shop is a must!

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

My husbands' calm demeanor is my stress-buster!

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Ruthie said...

FB follower

ruthiekb72@yahoo.com

Colleen Turner said...

I love her Thankful For list! I have never heard of Trader Joes, but with an endorsement like that I have to find out what it is :).
Thanks,
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I don't think I could live somewhere that does not have a Target. I just don't know how I would survive!
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

My husband keeps me positive and keeps up the faith when I just can't do one more thing. He is really good about keeping up the slack and keeping me calm when I feel like I might explode.
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a GFC follower of the blog (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a Facebook follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com

Nancye said...

I would have to have a Target!!

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

My faith in Jesus and my amazing husband keep me positive in times of stress.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I joined ChickLit Central on Facebook

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis

http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/1745236292272128

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net