Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Jackie Pilossoph has hit the chick lit jackpot and has a book to give away

**Giveaway is now closed**

The best things in life are free....and Jackie Pilossoph is out to prove it with her latest novel, "Free Gift with Purchase" (reviewed here). Jackie is full of crazy stories (like getting fired on her birthday, while holding the cake given to her by her co-workers) and loves to share them with a big helping of humor on the side. Even after going through her share of rough times, she finds a way to come out on top, whether it's through writing or making love connections for others (as she believes in true love and craves romance and is responsible for over 10 marriages). Jackie describes herself in so many ways; just to name a few, she is a mother, work-out fanatic, reader, ice cream binger, and movie lover. She enjoys going out with her girlfriends and dishing on dates or sharing celebrity gossip, over a glass of sangria. For those of you living in the Chicago area, you should definitely find a way to connect with her. There's no doubt that she has plenty of room for new friends! (Melissa A would totally be hanging out with her if she still lived there...especially since they also have the Jewish connection.)

Jackie is here today to chat about writing and she has THREE Kindle versions of "Free Gift with Purchase" to share with some lucky readers anywhere in the world. And there's no purchase required this time! (Although she wouldn't complain if you bought her books...) Even a Kindle is free...if you don't already have it and want to download it to your PC.

Well, what are you waiting for?!? Jackie is ready to meet you on Facebook and Twitter. And don't forget to visit her fabulous website and blog (where her love for storytelling is evident and you can also find movie reviews).

Do you base characters on yourself?
Absolutely! That's what makes my protagonist so well developed. That said, I take some of myself, plus a lot of things I WANT to be and put them in my character. It actually makes me a better person sometimes, because I'll say, "Emma would never do that. Why can't you be more like HER?"

What did you do to celebrate when you were first published?
For my past two books, I had a community book launch event and both events were really fun and crowded. But this time, I'm actually going to have a book party at my house, just for close friends (all women by the way) and for the women who have shown me support for the past few years. I feel like I want to give them a night of free drinks and dinner because they deserve it. That will be the best celebration I can think of.

What five authors or people, past or present, have been important to your writing? What
question or comment have you always wanted to say to them?
1. Nora Ephron: I was very sad that she passed away. I would have loved to have met her and said, "Thank you for giving me such inspiration." I have always strived to write like her.

2. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon: These guys motivated me to no end when they wrote Good Will Hunting and won best screenplay. I would say, "You guys are awesome, AND you're both hot!"

3. John Favreau: I would say to him, "Good job on Swingers." This is another example of a guy who took a chance, believed in his project, and then made the movie, which catapulted his career.

4. Kathryn Stockett: I read an interview with her awhile back. She said she had a book signing and 5 people showed up, and three of them were her family. I would say to her, "You're an amazing writer and you inspire me!!"

5. Candace Bushnell: There is no bigger fan of Sex and the City. Carrie Bradshaw is a role model for me and she's not even real!! Ha! But she's strong and when she falls, she doesn't give up. And she's funny and finds humor in things. And she's vulnerable and not afraid to let people see that. I try to be like that because I think women respond to it. Plus, she's sexy and defiant, and at the same time she's a romantic-just like me. Obviously I will never meet Carrie Bradshaw, but if I ever met Sarah Jessica Parker and/or Candace Bushnell, I would say, "Thank you for creating Carrie and Sex and the City, which is my all time favorite show. I know every word to every episode. And by the way, I loved both movies."

If "Free Gift With Purchase" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
There are so many great choices, I can't even count. Emma is very pretty on the outside, but she's really down to earth and she's real. Underneath her extreme vulnerability, Emma's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and she gets really tough and gets her act together throughout the book. It's very motivating. Right now, there are a couple of really big name actresses who are reading "Free Gift With Purchase." My fingers are crossed!

What is your favorite thing about living by Chicago?
There are so many amazing things here in my favorite city of all time. From the Bulls and the Cubs, to the amazing restaurants, to the architecture to the beautiful skyline on Lake Michigan. I don't know where to begin. But, hands down, my favorite thing about Chi-town are the people. I love Chicagoans. They are conservative (they have a bit of that Midwestern shyness) until you get them talking. I've always loved that Saturday night live skit with the bar guys talking about "Da Bears." It's really accurate! I adore these people!!

Who was your celebrity crush when you were growing up?
Joe Namath, baby!! He was one hot guy. (I grew up in Pittsburgh, if you're wondering why. Joe is from around there.)
I also loved Michael J. Fox in Family Ties.

What is your favorite carnival food?
I love funnel cakes. Isn't that universal across the board?

What’s the most interesting comment you’ve received about your books?
I'll tell you a good one and a bad one.

Bad one: I was at a book fair selling books and a woman comes up to me and says, "Oh! I read "Hook, Line and Sink Him." Then she just stood there. So, I go, "So, what did you think?" And she says, "Hmm...what did I think?" Keep in mind there are now about five women standing there waiting for her reply and she's not finishing her sentence and I'm cringing. Finally, she goes, "It was alright." Funny: Six months later, I sent out an email to a bunch of people asking if anyone knew of a college student who might want to be an intern for me, and that same woman responded, "It would be so much fun to work with you! Would you consider hiring me?" Yeah, right.

Good one: A woman came up to me and said, "Your book was like eating candy. I couldn't stop. Each page was like eating another piece, like I was unwrapping the candy." Something like that. Now, that's nice, huh?

Special thanks to Jackie for the fun (and funny) girl talk and for sharing "Free Gift with Purchase" with our readers!

How to win "Free Gift with Purchase":
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: What is your favorite episode of Sex and the City? OR Which character from SATC is most similar to you?
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.


Giveaway ends August 27th at midnight EST.

34 comments:

Kat said...

Great interview, I cannot wait to read this. It'd be added bonus to win it my e-mail address is: k_duncan21@yahoo.com

1.I would say the one that Miranda's mum passed on, as I could relate to this so much and I cried quite a lot through this episode and felt the girls got closer too.

2. I already follow

3. Posted on facebook

4. I already follow

5. I added Emma Lamb

Anonymous said...

I only buy make-up if I get a "Free Gift With Purchase" LOL Can't wait to read it! jmclac1111@bellsouth.net

Jessica said...

1. I think I'm most like Carrie.
2. I'm a follower of this blog on GFC.
3. I posted this on twitter.
https://twitter.com/xxpaperhearts/status/238287511535890434
4. I am a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

rubynreba said...

I like the episode where Big goes to Paris to bring Carrie back to NYC.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

Like you on facebook
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

jackie pilossoph said...

Come on ladies!! Tell me your favorite episodes! I'll share a few.

How about the one where Charlotte is dating the guy who goes on Prozac?

Or the one where Carrie meets the guy who still lives with his parents?

Or when Samantha finally admits she's in love with Smith?

Or when Carrie has a huge zit on her face and wants to cancel her date with Big?

Or when Miranda dates the guy who can only have sex while watching porn?

Would love to hear YOUR favorite one!

Thanks so much for participating in this!

Literary Chanteuse said...

I love too many episodes to pick one. I think I am most like Carrie. A dreamer.

-blog follower
-tweeted
-member of CLC group on fb

Margaret
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

Stephanie said...

I'm most like Miranda.

gfc follower

Skk25@aol.com

Catherine said...

OMG! Can you believe that I have never read nor seen an episode of Sex And The City. I know, I know, you must wonder if I have been living on an isolated island for the past 10 years. Paris in France is not exactly isolated but so much to read/watch and so little time. I obviously missed something here. But I would be happy not to miss the lastest book by Jackie Pilossoph. Jackpot was something!
I follow by e-mail.
cyrano123 (at) live (dot) fr

Bridget O'Neill said...

I haven't seen many episodes, but as for which character I'm most like, it's definitely Charlotte. I'm a dreamer, believe in fairy tales, and also have an adopted daughter! :)

I follow the blog

I'm a member of CLC on facebook

bjoneill@hotmail.com

susieqlaw said...

Miranda

I follow the CLC blog, Facebook, and twitter. I tweeted the contest @susieqlaw

sendsusanmail AT gmail DOT com

Janine K said...

I would love to read your book, always on the lookout for new authors! I adore the title, I try and wait to buy makeup when there is a free gift with purchase!

I loved Charlotte, the ultimate romantic, loved the episode when her and Trey had to find alternative names for their privates - hilarious!!!

I follow onCLC and am now following you on Facebook.

Please choose me 😊jkkimberley@bigpond.com

Na said...

Carrie is THE character that comes to mind when it comes to SATC. Her fashions is what comes to mind.

GFC: Na
Cambonified{at}yahoo{dot}com

Linda Kish said...

I am a cross between Charlotte and Miranda. I think I am more like Miranda though.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Sheena said...



I'm a combination of Miranda and Charlotte.

I follow the blog and am a member on facebook:)

Sheena

wapneski@yahoo.com

Nova said...

I would be a combination of all the women. I think that is one reason I love that show :I can see parts of their character in myself.
I liked CLC on facebook.
I follow by email.
I love/hate the episode where "berger"breaks up with Carrie on a post-it. LOVE the episode when Big goes to Paris to tell get Carrie!
Sparkle40175(at)hotmail(dot)com

karenk said...

i liked charlotte...

thanks for the chance to read this fabulous novel

i'm a follower, too

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Fun giveaway! Can't wait!

sudhamalee at hitmail dot com

Mary Preston said...

I don't think I am like any of the characters.

I follow.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

bn100 said...

I like the episode where Steve and Miranda got married in a garden.

I follow the blog.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Kritters Ramblings said...

My favorite SATC character is Charlotte, for many reasons.

i follow this blog

i am a fan on facebook

kdurham2@gmail.com

Jilleen said...

My favorite episode - seriously - all of them! I don't think I could pick just one.

Follower - Seasidebooknook

Fan/follower on FB

Thanks for the great review and giveaway.

Seasidebooknook at yahoo

Cyndee said...

I am most like Charlotte. I love the episodes of her and Trey. The one where she finds out its hard to have a baby.. too sad. I cried for 1 hour after. I love the 2 movies too.
Send my winning copy to my email:
Cyndee(dot)thomas0 (at) gmail (dot)com. Cyndee Thomas
I follow:RSS, Facbook CLC Group,Goodreads,Pinterest.
I want to read this book chock full of humor and Characters. Great Stories in interview too!

Twisty J said...

Thanks for sharing!

1. I would have of say one of my favorite episodes is the one where Carrie does the runway show. It always make me happy every time I see it.
2. GFC follower
3. Facebook member
4. twistingthelens@gmail.com

jackie pilossoph said...

Oh my gosh, I love all these episodes you are all talking about! How about the one where Miranda's date doesn't show up so she calls his mother and it turns out, the guys died. or the one where Charlotte meets the widower and he invites several women to his wife's grave? So many good ones! I think i am carrie and charlotte combined. Carrie because of the writer, but Charlotte because I've always been a romantic who beleives in happy endings. Man, I miss those girls!!

Dolly said...

Can't wait to read 'Free Gift With Purchase', loved the interview!

I have characteristics of all four women but I'd like to be as optimistic as Charlotte, as independent as Miranda (thinks she is), as fun as Carrie, and as free as Samantha (thinks she is). :-)

I'm a FB/blog stalker, love you guys! jcsites2002 at hotmail dot com

StereoQueenBee said...

1. Please tell us: What is your favorite episode of Sex and the City? OR Which character from SATC is most similar to you?

I watch SATC every weekend on the Diva channel here in Canada. Too many good things to choose from, so I can't possibly!

2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).

I am already a follower.

3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Facebook - Sabrina-Kate Eryou
Twitter - stereoqueenbee

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.)

Am already a member.

queenofcrunk@gmail.com

Reading Mind / The Loyal Book said...

Such a lovely interview! and the title is very appealing lol.

1. I feel a lot like charlotte. I'd love to be a Carrie, but I'm not.

2. I don't have a fav ep, but I hated the last one. Just because.

3. GFC follower reading mind

4. FB follower lucia pannacci

aliasgirl at libero dot it

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

follow on gfc, fb, and twitter

Favorite:Carrie
2. Samantha
3. Charlotte
4. Miranda

When Samantha catches Richard cheating is a good episode. When Big goes to Paris. Any with Big and Carrie. OH and the laptop crashing episode. When Carrie is on the cover of a magazine smoking and looks rough, when she is walking the runway.

kyfaithw at aol dot com

Jeryl M. said...

I don't really feel like I am like any of the characters on SATC, and I didn't watch it enough to have a favorite episode.

I am a Facebook fan.

I am a subscriber.

jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

Krystal Lynn said...

I've only recently gotten into SATC so I haven't seen too many episodes. But I loved when Carrie was in Paris. And, if I can include scenes from the movie, I thought Charlotte in Mexico was hilarious. And I'm most like her.

Follower &
Group member

miss_kris_11(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

kendra@kendraayers.com