Thursday, August 30, 2012

Lucky to know Kristyn Kusek Lewis...plus a book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Today we consider ourselves lucky to introduce you to Kristyn Kusek Lewis, debut author of "How Lucky You Are" (reviewed here). Her novel is as intriguing as she is and we think you'll really enjoy getting to know her.

Kristyn Kusek Lewis holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and has worked in magazines for over 15 years. She has written for the New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Glamour, Allure, Good Housekeeping, Self, More, and Redbook, among other publications. The topics she covers both in her fiction and her magazine work, reflect what she's most curious about in her own life, such as navigating modern-day motherhood and obtaining a thoughtful, fully realized life while enjoying the journey that goes along with it. Kristyn lives in North Carolina with her husband, daughters, and two big dogs.

Thanks to BookSparks PR, we have one copy of "How Lucky You Are" for a, shall we say, "lucky" US reader.

You can find Kristyn at her website, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

First off, tell us about your awesome book, "How Lucky You Are," and what inspired you to write it…
When Publishers Weekly recently reviewed the book, they said that it explored the “consequences of accrued secrets and growing pains of long-lived friendships” and I just loved that. I set out to write a book about old friends and the way that our relationships can change as we grow older, and the story concerns three women: Waverly, a bakery owner; Amy, a stay-at-home mom; and Kate, a politician’s wife. Several secrets unfold throughout the book, so I’ll keep it at that!
I’d actually just finished writing another book when I started it. I knew that that story wasn’t "The One," and when a close friend and fellow writer challenged me to do National Novel Writing Month, an annual event where you spend the month of November writing a 50,000 word novel, I thought it was as good a time as any to get started on the next one.

At what age did you discover writing?
I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. In middle school, we had to write a poem based on Joyce Kilmer’s "Trees" poem, and I distinctly remember sitting on the front stoop of my childhood home, very earnestly attempting to get inspired—ha! I was always a big reader as a kid—Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, "Sweet Valley High," all of that stuff—and I started crawling into bed with a notebook and pen when I was probably 12 or 13. I’d stay up late and write for hours. I moved to New York a week after I graduated from college and got a job at Glamour magazine. After a few years of editing and doing freelance writing on the side, I bit the bullet and started freelance writing full-time for national magazines and newspapers. It’s really all I’ve ever done.

Describe your writing in three words.
Honest, emotional, sensory.

Which authors have inspired you?
Nora Ephron has been my forever answer to “Who’s your favorite writer?” I just admire her ability to write about relationships in such a smart, funny way. Also, Mary Karr, E.B. White, Grace Paley, Anna Quindlen, Abigail Thomas, Toni Morrison, Jhumpa Lahiri, Susan Orlean, Stephen Dunn, Maya Angelou, Tom Wolfe, Kate Chopin, Jennifer Weiner…I can go on and on.

If "How Lucky You Are" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
What a fun question! For Waverly, maybe Christina Applegate or Kate Winslet. For Amy, I’d go with Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Garner—somebody very all-American. And for Kate, definitely Gwyneth Paltrow.

(CLC: Melissa A. had completely different ideas in her review, but could easily see why Kristyn made these choices. All fabulous actresses!)

If you could live anywhere in the world, besides where you’re currently living, where would it be, and why?
I know that I should say something more exotic, but honestly? Cape Cod. Growing up, I spent a lot of time there and I was lucky enough to spend three weeks there this summer. I just love everything about it—the quaint towns, the style of the homes, the peaceful beaches, the weather (yes, even in the wintertime!), and, of course, endless opportunities to eat lobster rolls.

What is your theme song?
I’m working on my second book so probably “Everyday I Write the Book” by Elvis Costello or “Paperback Writer” by the Beatles. That said, I’ve always joked that if I became a major league baseball player, my at-bat song would be “Tootsie Roll.” Guilty pleasure!

What is your go-to breakfast item?
Well, I can’t not say doughnut muffins—they figure prominently in the book!

I usually drink a smoothie--frozen berries, unsweetened almond milk, a banana, a scoop of chocolate protein powder, and a handful of baby spinach or a scoop of kale powder. I’m not going to pretend that I’d pick it over a plate of eggs benedict, but it’s my perfect “busy weekday morning” meal.

Special thanks to Kristyn for chatting with us and to BookSparks PR for sharing "How Lucky You Are" with our readers.

How to win "How Lucky You Are":
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 are you jealous of and why? (You don't need to share names if you don't want to.)
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 September 4th at midnight EST.




26 comments:

Marthalynn said...

I'm always impressed by authors who start young. It's so inspiring!

I really try to keep my jealousy in check, but I'd say I'm probably most envious of the women who make "having it all" look so effortless!

I follow.

marthalynn16 at gmail

Connie said...

As the risk of sounding like some goody two shoes, I cannot think of anyone I'm jealous of. I'm happy and content in my own skin and don't feel the need to lust for something someone else has.

Congratulations on your new book!

Lucie Simone said...

First, let me say that this book sounds great, and I just love the cover! As for who I'm jealous of, perhaps any author who makes a living from writing. I so envy their day jobs! Hehe.

I follow on Facebook & Twitter.

Lalucie AT sbcglobal DOT net

Rita Wray said...

I enjoyed the review, the book sounds great.
Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Cyndee said...

I do not have a jealous bone in my body! I am proud of those in Family and Friends who have great success in careers,family,income, health,relationships and so much more. It is negative energy!
Ms. Lewis writes a book about a subject that is universal. I really want to read a copy!
I follow: RSS,Pinterest,CLC Group on Fb,Goodreads.
Great cover and interview.
Cyndee Thomas
cyndee (dot)thomas0 (at)gmail(dot)com

Mary said...

I am jealous of Mrs. Jon Bon Jovi! :)

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

I follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Lilian said...

1. Please tell us: Who are you jealous of and why? (You don't need to share names if you don't want to.)

I am jealous of a friend who recently went to art school in New York. I would love to be in her shoes right now.

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

I'm already a GFC follower as Lilian Cheng.

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

posted on Twitter: https://twitter.com/noveltoybox/status/241274731465170944

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.)

Joined as Lilian Cheng.

Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
lilianxchengATgmail.com

Nova said...

I would be jealous of my boyfriend who os traveling to New York tomorrow. I can't go because of family obligations.
I follow CLC on facebook.
I subscribe to thr blog by email.
sparkle40175(at) hotmail (dot) com
Thanks!

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

I'm jealous of anyone that has a fast metabolism! Mine is so stinkin' sluggish! ;)

I follow on GFC, Twitter and FB.

missamberljohnson at gmail dot com

Thanks!

Stephanie said...

I'm jealous of someone I know who's living abroad. I would love to do that someday!

gfc follower

Skk25@aol.com

Linda Kish said...

I can honestly say I am not jealous of anyone. I guess that comes with age, maybe. No reason to be jealous anymore.

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

susieqlaw said...

Multitaskers! What is their secret to success!

sendsusanmail AT gmail DOT com

I follow CLC blog, Facebook, and twitter.

I tweeted this contest @susieqlaw

EFC Chrissy said...

Great review and interview!!!

everyfreechance@gmail.com

I follow this fantastic blog! Thanks for the great reviews, author interviews, and giveaways!

I can't honestly think of anyone that I am jealous of.

Erica said...

Great interview. Not so jealous now, but in my past I envied people who loved their jobs.

I follow on email, Facebook, twitter, GFC!!

wordywon at gmail dot com

Maureen said...

When I see my sister I am jealous since her children are little and mine are grown but then they start crying and screaming and I am not jealous anymore.
I follow on GFC
Tweet: https://twitter.com/MaureenCE/status/241478478694866945
mce1011 AT aol DOT com

Margie said...

Sounds like an intriguing book. THanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

-GFC follower
-Facebook fan

Margie said...

I'm jealous of people who can play the piano well.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

Nina said...

Sounds like a great debut read, plus you've got to love anyone who loves Nora Ephron! ;)
As for who I'm jealous of, I'll go for a safe and obvious answer and say...Oprah!! ;)
nina565(at)aol(dot)com

Twisty J said...

I am jealous of Amy from Dr. Who, because she gets to travel around with the Doctor! I know, it's fictional and I am a total geek, but it's true.

GFC: Twisty J
Facebook member
twistingthelens@gmail.com

bn100 said...

Not jealous of anyone

I follow the blog.

bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I am jealous of woman who are grandparents. I want to hold, talk to and tell stories to my grandchildren!


I follow with GFC and an e-mail subscription.

I tweeted: http://t.co/JQqM1xG4

I follow this blog on FB as Carol Naomi Wong


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Unknown said...

This sounds weird, but I'm jealous of any woman who has two breasts. I had a mastectomy 6 years ago, and while I had reconstruction surgery, it just isn't the same. To anyone who still has their natural breasts, I say enjoy them!

I follow the blog

I'm a member of CLC on Facebook

bjoneill@hotmail.com

Krystal Lynn said...

Jimmy Fallon's wife!


miss_kris_11(at)yahoo

leonel said...

I also try not to get jealous! Maybe envious of other people? I am enviosu of people who get to travel for a living, perhaps.

Follower, FB member

leonelescota AT g mail

Booksnyc said...

I am very happy for but also jealous of my brother for his two wonderful kids - they are delicious and I would love to be a mother right now!

I follow via GFC
I posted about this on FB
I am a member of CLC on FB

thanks for hosting!

booksncity (At) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited to read this book!

I try not to be jealous, but when I am it's for little things. Right now I'm jealous of people who don't get migraines!

jmazgajewski@gmail.com