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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

A day at the cinema with Emma and Nicola, plus a book giveaway

From left to right:
Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.
Intro and interview by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

Lights! Camera! Action!

In 2007, the bright lights of Hollywood shined upon Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus when their debut novel, "The Nanny Diaries," was released as a major motion picture starring Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney and Alicia Keys. Drawing from their experiences as nannies in Manhattan, this dynamic-duo busted out on the literary scene in 2002 with a tale about a young woman, Annie Braddock, a.k.a. "Nanny," who takes a job on the Upper East Side looking after Grayer, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. X. As time goes on, Nanny has to learn to manage the reality of the world she has been thrust into, and comes to the realization that life on the Upper East Side isn't all it's cracked-up to be.

Prior to teaming up, both Emma and Nicola attended New York's University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and worked in both the public and private business sector. Since their debut, they have written six additional novels and have also contributed to various publications such as The New York Times and The London Times. Additionally, both Emma and Nicola write their own individual blog for The Huffington Post (Click the links for Emma's blog and Nicola's blog.)

Their sixth, and most recent novel, "Between You and Me," (reviewed here) was inspired by Britney Spears and takes a behind the scenes look at the music industry, the true price of fame and what really happens once the lights go down and the cameras stop rolling. They also have a new young adult novel, "Over You," coming out later this summer.

You can visit them at their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. They also have a store available on OpenSky for a limited time, if you want to purchase the fashions and other items featured in "Between You and Me."

They're here today to talk about movies. If you have a book-themed question for them, stop by Goodreads before Friday to ask them whatever you'd like (as long as it's appropriate for the Internet)! Thanks to Engelman and Co., we have TWO copies of "Between You and Me" for some lucky US readers!

Since it's movie month, it's only fair that we share a trailer!


Who is your favorite Chick Flick character, and what qualities do they possess that makes them so unforgettable?
N: Gigi. Because she's trying to grow up and figure out how to have emotional integrity in a muddy situation. She's been raised to expect less, but she won't settle.

E: With the caveat that her politics are WRONGWRONGWRONG, my first love was Scarlett O’Hara because she wouldn’t take no for an answer on any front of her life right up through the last line.


When they were casting actors for the movie adaptation of “The Nanny Diaries”, what involvement did you have in process? What involvement did you have in the production of the film?
N: We cheered excitedly from the sidelines.

E: We had first seen Lost in Translation together and when he heard Scarlett was going to play Nanny we totally broke down crying because we were so happy.

Fill in the blanks: My favorite movie of all time is ___________ because _____________.
N: My favorite movie of all time is The English Patient, because it's a sweeping, heartbreaking epic about love, war, and loyalty. And incredibly sexy to boot.

E: And on the other end of the spectrum—I can watch Jerry Maguire a thousand times and probably have. I love the writing and think the calibration of warmth and humor is rocket science. Tom Cruise performs a symphony of anxiety. I can’t imagine making a wildly entertaining story about integrity but Cameron Crowe nailed it.

For you, what makes a movie memorable?
N: Now that I have a two year-old--coffee.

E: Ditto!

Favorite Movie Quote:
N: "I brought you flours," from an amazing movie called Stranger Than Fiction starring Will Ferrell in a straight acting role. If you love books see it!!!!

E: There was this moment in the film Courage Under Fire where Meg Ryan is playing a soldier who’s squadron is trapped by the enemy and while in the heat of forming a battle plan she takes a second to cry. One of her men gives her attitude about it and she says something to the affect of “It’s just estrogen, asshole. It doesn’t mean anything.” And then she saves all their lives. Totally badass.

If you could star in a movie that was based upon any Chick Lit book, what book would you choose and what role would you play?
N: Does watching The Notebook a hundred times count? Not that they would ever need to, but if they re-made it, count me in!!!

E: Could we both do it? Could Ryan Gosling take turns with us? He’s young, I think he’s up to it.

If you could meet any movie star, who would it be?
N: Kate Winslet. Because she's awesome. And she fights against photoshopping.

E: And Ryan Gosling. So we could “talk”.

What is movie night at your home like? Are there any special traditions or snacks involved?
N: Every couple has this thing they decide they will not let go of after having children and for us it's opening weekend for a blockbuster. Hunger Games, The Avengers, Snow White & the Huntsmen--we like to buy our tickets and participate in the record-breaking box office. On the rare occasions we watch something at home I have to have a cupcake. And the aforementioned coffee.

E: I am so impressed with Nicki on this front—that is no small task. At our house we're slaves to movies On Demand. It’s all about the cozy pajama and chocolate and praying the baby monitor doesn’t light up just as the music swells

Special thanks to Emma and Nicola for talking about movies with us and to Engelman and Co for facilitating the interview and sharing "Between You and Me" with our readers.

How to win "Between You and Me":
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 or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: Who is your favorite Chick FLICK character, and what qualities do they possess that makes them so unforgettable?
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.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US only. Giveaway ends June 25th at midnight EST.

33 comments:

  1. These two are so funny. I loved the Nanny and thought the trailor for this book was interesting. I could have kept watching it! I was surprized that they did not have more "favorites"!!!
    pascale(dot)poitras(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  2. What ambition they have!

    Well, I've said it a hundred times, but Bridget Jones has been a character with which I can totally relate because she's so flawed and clumsy but her intentions are good.

    I'm a follower.

    marthalynn16 at gmail

    ReplyDelete
  3. sendsusanmail AT gmail DOT com

    I follow this blog and am a Facebook fan on CLC.

    I like Shopaholic, because she is so funny and interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ladies..you are full of humor in your answers to the interview questions! I must say I admire the ambition attitude~Keep writing! I feel a connection with "Shopaholic's Becky"
    as I have one or two(ok..more)items that I bought and then faced the bills on that magic card(former known as Visa that is frozen in a block of ice in my freezer)She writes the bank.. I go and dip in my savings. She tries to excuse the unpleasant stuff in life. She does her best. I wear "reality" glasses..well mostly. I am a Facebook member of the CLC group. I subscribe via RSS Google.
    Cyndee Thomas Cyndee dot thomas0 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am twitter follower rhonda reads and facebook follower.Bridget Jones is my favorite.Lomazowr@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I really enjoyed both the book and movie of The Nanny Diaries. I would love to win Between You and Me.

    bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

    One of my favorite chick lit character is Bridget Jones because she's ordinary and not a classic beauty and funny. She seems clumsy but at the same time can be sexy. She landed a hot guy in Colin Firth(in the movie).

    I follow your blog by email: bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. It would have to be from my very first Chick Lit book I ever read, Becky Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic.

    She is so funny and messy in life and just plain nice. I was happy that she found some good in her life and that she stayed as a shopaholic.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I follow this blog by email.
    mrsajovel (at) gmail (dot) com

    I twitted this giveaway on my page, saintlyadriana.

    ReplyDelete
  9. jackiecmask at gmail dot com

    my favorite chick flick character is Andy Sachs in the devil wears prada. The fashion, the boss, the city. Loved her journey.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Vivian in Pretty Woman, because...It's Julia Roberts and a great movie
    follow on gfc, fb, twitter
    kyfaithw at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hard to choose my favorite chick flick character. Sally from When Harry Met Sally. Bridget Jones. Sandra Bullock's character in While You Were Sleeping. Meg Ryan's character in You've Got Mail. So many good ones! I like characters who are quirky and also true to themselves.

    Big fan of The Nanny Diaries and Nanny Returns. I'm so intrigued that they write as a team!

    Would love to win Between You and Me. I follow CLC on Twitter (I'm @nottobrag).

    mep AT nottobrag DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Bridget Jones because she is such a normal "every woman".

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. My favorite chick-flick character would be Kathleen Kelly, played by Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. Is that not the cutest book store in the whole world?!?!
    nina565(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. THis sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway! Favorite female chick lit character...Kathleen Kelly - She's just so sweet. I love the scene where she and her boyfriend are breaking up and she mentions the news anchor and they laugh about it. Such a great moment.

    everyfreechance@gmail.com

    I follow your blog! Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I loved Kate Winslet's character, Iris, in 'The Holiday' because she is of her warmth and humor the fantastic way she recognizes her worth and dumps the bad boy once and for all!
    I'm a facebook fan and a blog follower. Thanks for the chance to win.

    cherbasonATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  16. How have I not entered this one yet??? I would pick Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality (Gracie Lou Freebush!). Probably because I love her as an actress, but because she's not perfect. :)

    I follow at FB and email.

    kly(dot)327(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. My favorite would be Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) in Legally Blonde.
    I follow on GFC - maureen
    tweet: https://twitter.com/MaureenCE/status/216537761421856768
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  18. My favorite movie: My Best Friends Wedding. My favorite Character: Julia Roberts. I love how she plays like she doesn't need a man, other than her best friend and then when he decides to get married... she goes out to get him despite the consequences. Great movie!

    jessnik79 at yahoo dot come

    ReplyDelete
  19. I like Rachel in Something Borrowed.

    I am a subscriber.

    I am a Facebook fan.

    jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I like Becky Bloomwood because she's funny.

    I follow the blog.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. This sounds like a really good and funny book. Please put me in the drawing.



    cp1935@oppcatv.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. pretty woman, julia roberts was so much fun on that one - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Megan in Bridesmaids. She is extremely funny, and very confident!

    I am a follower of the blog.

    I'm a member of CLC on Facebook.

    bjoneill@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love chick-lit books

    droopydog63 at hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I like Audrey Hepburn in funny face because she is simple and smart at the same time
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. GFC follower ERin Cook
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I like you on facebook Erin Cook
    cookster77@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. I really enjoyed the interview. thank you
    christal c
    willdebbie97 at yahoo dot ocm

    ReplyDelete
  29. Would love to win this...loved the interview!

    savvyhousewife @yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. tamarawelch AT hotmail Dot com

    Way too many chick flick characters I like- but I guess my fav is Elle Woods from Legally Blonde- she's funny, smart and beautiful.

    I also tweeted about giveaway- rockstar1023

    ReplyDelete
  31. My favorite is Janey Glenn from Girls Just Wanna Have Fun because she believes in the power of her dreams!

    ATREAU at GMAIL dotcom.

    ReplyDelete
  32. GFC: Atreau.

    ATREAU at GMAIL dotcom.

    ReplyDelete
  33. love their books!

    cdyoungsatyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete