Thursday, April 25, 2013

A "night" to remember with Sophie Kinsella...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Blake Little
Introduction and interview by Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

If you don't already know this by now, I am a huge Sophie Kinsella fan. I even wrote a tribute to her last year, during International Chick Lit Month. Her books are so clever, funny and endearing (as are the characters in each book). And from doing this interview with her, I like her even more as a person, as she seems so sweet, genuine and down-to-earth. I could totally see myself hanging out with her if she ever came to my town for a visit. (A girl can dream, right?!?)

Sophie has earned her notoriety in the chick lit universe, with her Shopaholic series AND her stand-alone novels. She also writes chick lit novels under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. They have a different feel to them, but still worth checking out.

I am thrilled and honored to be able to share this interview with Sophie Kinsella, as it is her first time visiting Chick Lit Central. (I hope it won't be her last!) I wouldn't mind an in-person visit one of these days, but again, that's just wishful thinking on my part. I'd probably end up all star struck anyway! You can find Sophie at her website and Facebook.


UK cover
I want to thank Transworld Publishers for coordinating this interview. Also, thanks to Random House, we have TWO copies of her latest novel, Wedding Night to share with lucky readers in the US and/or Canada. In addition, I'd like to personally share some of her previous stand alone novels with our readers anywhere in the world. (Even if you've read them before, you're still welcome to enter and share the prize with someone else who hasn't experienced the joy of a Sophie Kinsella novel before.) It's a surprise as to which books I've chosen to share!


In regards to the topic of your latest novel, Wedding Night, what is your favorite memory from your own wedding?
I will always remember walking up the aisle on my father's arm, while a choir made up of all our friends belted out Vivaldi. It was quite overwhelming.

Out of all your characters from any of your novels, who do you relate to most? Least?
I relate to all my heroines - they all have a piece of me in them. I'm a fantasist like Becky Bloomwood, and I'm a a bit of a klutz like Emma Corrigan and I'm a real romantic like Lottie. I suppose the girl I relate to least is Becky's sister Jess - she is so practical and unromantic. But that's not to say I don't understand and respect her.

Any plans for future Shopaholic novels or another way to keep us updated on the whereabouts of Becky?
Yes, I am planning another Shopaholic book. I am missing Becky myself!

Of your stand-alone books, which do you think would make a great movie and who would you cast in the lead roles?
I think The Undomestic Goddess would make a great movie but I've no idea who I would cast. I just know that Nathaniel would have to be someone gorgeous!

Since your name is an alias, how did you come up with it in the first place?
Sophie is my middle name and Kinsella is my mother's maiden name. Growing up, I always loved the name Kinsella so I was very happy to have a way to use it!

Special thanks to Sophie for visiting with us, Transworld for coordinating the interview and Random House for sharing Wedding Night with our readers!

US cover
How to win Wedding Night OR a previous Sophie Kinsella novel:
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.)

If you live in the US or Canada, please indicate that, as well. (Otherwise, your entry will NOT also count toward Wedding Night.)



Bonus entries:
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite Sophie Kinsella novel? (If you haven't read her novels yet, tell us which one you'd want to read first.)
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. Follow us on Twitter and/or Pinterest.
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.


US/Canada only for Wedding Night.
Worldwide for previous novels.
Giveaway ends April 30th at midnight EST.

92 comments:

BRN2SHOP9 said...

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

I love Sophie Kinsella's books!

BRN2SHOP9 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
BRN2SHOP9 said...

My favorite book by Ms Konsella is Undomestic Goddess.

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

BRN2SHOP9 said...

I follow via Facebook, twitter, and GFC

Brn2shop9 at gmail dot com

Book Mama said...

I live in the US

My favorite was Can You Keep A Secret.

I follow this blog

I posted this on FB

I'm a member of CLC on FB

I follow CLC on Twitter and Pinterest

I added Cheryl Landry to the CLC FB page

mengel2@nycap.rr.com

karenk said...

can you believe I have not read any of sophie's novels...yet!

i'm a follower

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot co

Hailey Fish said...

Sounds like a great read. :)
fishiegirl22@yahoo.com
I'm from the US

1. I haven't read Sophie Kinsella yet but I would like to read Confessions of a Shopaholic.
2. I follow the blog
3. I shared it on Facebook
4. I'm a member of CLC on FB
5. I follow on Twitter/Pinterest

Unknown said...

I follow this blog

I posted this on FB

I'm a member of CLC on FB

I follow CLC on Twitter and Pinterest
love all your books
have tweeted:)

JCzaplewski said...

My favorite book is "The Undomestic Goddess."

jenna.czaplewski@gmail.com

I also posted on Facebook and RTed on Twitter.

JROSEN60 said...

1. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
2. I Follow
4. I am a member on facebook
5. I follow on twitter

jrosen60@gmail.com

Serena said...

My favorite of her non-shopaholic books is Undomestic Goddess - I had fantasies about Nathanial!

savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com

I follow on Twitter and some of the Pinterest boards.

I follow the blog via email.

I signed up to join your Facebook group..

I've shared the giveaway on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=590873667597420&id=108116422539816

Suzanne said...

1. Favorite book - Can you keep a secret!!
2. I follow your blog!
3. I posted/shared this on FB
4. I am a member on FB
suzannefine @ yahoo.com

ufruth said...

I have read almost all of her books - love them! Thanks Melissa!!

Ruth Lamberty
ufruth@yahoo.com
ufruth at yahoo dot com

fredamans said...

Thanks for the chances to win!

I live in Canada.

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

The only Sophie Kinsella book I have read is Twenties Girl, and I loved it!!

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

Follow via GFC

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

Tweet; https://twitter.com/fredalicious/status/327446088044912640

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

Already a member of Chick Lit FB group. (Freda Mans)

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

fredamans said...

Follow tweets @fredalicious and Pinterest: Freda Mans

freda.mans[at]gmail.com

Lisamarie said...

I love the shopaholic series!
I am a CLC blog follower
CLC FB & twitter follower

tropicalsunlover05(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love the original Shopaholic

Paula said...

caged_uk@yahoodotcom

I love the original Shopaholic

Na said...

My first book by Sophie Kinsella is The Undomestic Goddess and I've been hooked. That one is probably my favorite because it was my first :) I love her characters!

GFC: Na
Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

Sue G. said...

I own probably 5 of her books and they are in my TBR stack.

1. The first I will read is probably I've Got Your Number because I actually bought that one in hardback.
2. Yes, I am a follower of the blog
3. Posted contest on facebook (Sue Galuska)
4. I'm on Chick Lit Central on facebook :)
6. I think my mom signed up (Shirley Burgo or shirleyburgo@cox.net)

suegaluska (at) yahoo (dot) com

Nova said...

sparkle40175@hotmail.com
I live in the U.S.
I follow this blog by email.
I follow this blog by GFC.
I am a fan of CLC on facebook.
I follow CLC on pinterest.
I would love to read the book: "Remember Me".

Kristen said...

I was hooked from the very first Shopaholic book - they are such fun!

I follow on fb and email.

kly(dot)327(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

ivonac@hotmail.co.uk

I love all Sophie Kinsella's books. Aside from Discworld ovels they are the only books to literally make me laugh out loud and there;s normally a twist or two to keep you on your toes.
My favourite is 'Can You Keep A Secret?' because someone finding out all your stupid little secrets would be an absolute nightmare!

Jessica said...

1. Seriously, you want me to pick a favorite? I think that's impossible! I guess I would have to say her latest, I've Got Your Number. It made me laugh out loud it was so funny and books rarely do that to me!
2. I follow this blog through GFC.
3. I tweeted this. https://twitter.com/xxpaperhearts/status/327492909790294017
4. I'm a member of Chick Lit Central on facebook.
5. I follow through twitter and pinterest.

I live in the US.

Thanks so much!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Mrs Mommy Booknerd said...

twenties girl is my fav so far!

I follow blog, twitter, Facebook and Pinterest

Mrsmommybooknerdsbookreviews at gmail dot com

Amy said...

I love Sophie Kinsella's books. My favorite is the first Shopaholic book. I am a member of her Facebook, Pinterest and twitter. Amyasb@comcast.net

Unknown said...

Thanks for offering this giveaway! kateivan (at) aol (dot) com

1. "Can You Keep A Secret?"
2. Following the blog
3. Shared on FB (https://www.facebook.com/katherine.ivan.7?ref=tn_tnmn#!/katherine.ivan.7/posts/568643283173236)
4. Member of CLC.
5. Following on Twitter.

Unknown said...

It's a toss-up between Can You Keep a Secret? and Undomestic Goddess. I love all of her books, but those two are my favorites!

I follow the blog
I'm a member of CLC on Facebook
I follow on twitter

bjoneill@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've enjoyed the Shopaholic books.
bridgett_gx@yahoo.com

susieqlaw said...

I've Got Your Number is my favorite so far!

sendsusanmail at gmail dot com

I tweeted this #giveaway at susieqlaw

I follow CLC blog, pinterest, twitter, and facebook.

Bonnie K. said...

I would have to say the most favorite of Sophie Kinsella's books would be Confessions of a Shopaholics. I enjoyed reading it--it gave me a good time and it's funny. I ended up reading all her other books including those written under her name Madeleine Wickham. I look forward to reading the Wedding Night. The UK version would be cool.

bluedawn95864 at gmail dot com

I follow the blog.

Shared on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.karoly/posts/10151392730775233 and twitter: https://twitter.com/grobiemum/status/327516581410250752

I'm a member of Chick Lit Central.

I follow on twitter.

Mary Jo Burke said...

The Shopaholic books

maryjo(at)maryjoburke(dot)com

Rhonda said...

Favorite the shopaholic series.I follow on email lomazowr@gmail.com &Twitter@ rhondareads will tweet.

Mary said...

I love the Shopaholic series, every single one of them!

Mary said...

I follow via Facebook, email, twitter and GFC.

mryward(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marla Martenson said...

I can't believe I have not read any of her books. I hope I win, I know I would love her style!
marlamartenson@mac.com

https://www.facebook.com/marla.martenson

Lea said...

leaasmanATyahooDOTcom
US

1. I've Got Your Number
2. Follow your blog via email
3. Posted on Twitter
4. In the FB group
5. Follow on Twitter

Thanks for the giveaway. I can't wait to read her new book!

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

Ahhhhh! I want this so bad! I have been a Kinsella fan since the beginning of the Shopaholic saga. My favorite book is Twenties Girl!

I'm a folkower through GFC.
I follow on twitter.
I follow on fb.

Missamberljohnson at gmail dot com

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

My favorite Sophie Kinsella book (so far) is The Undomestic Goddess.

I follow this blog.

monsterhead01(at)comcast(dot)net

Linda Kish said...

I liked Remember Me?

I am a GFC follower

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

holdenj said...

Nice Q&A!

One of my favorites is Twenties Girl.

I am a follower!

Thanks!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

The Book Chick said...

I am from Canada and would love to win "Wedding Night"!

jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

1. I loved "Twenties Girl"!
2. Follower!
3. I'm a member on Facebook
4. I follow on Twitter!

Jeryl M. said...

I haven't read any of sophie kinsella's books, but I would like to read all of them.

I am a subscriber.

I am a Facebook fan.

I am a twitter follower.

I am a pinterest follower.

jeryl.marcus@gmail.com

Jennifer said...

The shopaholic books!

I'm a blog follower; fb groupie; follow you on twitter and tweeted; plus on Pinterest

Jennifer.smeth@gmail.com

Heather said...

So excited to see Sophie Kinsella here!! She is the one that got me hooked on chick lit!
Ra6352 (at) gmail ( dot) com

Heather said...

I can't pick a favorite, because I LOVE them all! I really love the shopaholic series though and glad to hear there will be another!
Ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

I'm a member of CLC!
Ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Heather said...

Shared on Facebook!
Ra6352 (at) gmail ( dot) com

Heather said...

I'm now following on pinterest!
Ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

I love the whole shopaholic series. It was fun to read!

I follow Chick Lit Central

opesopinions@gmail.com

Jennifer L. said...

jentam777 at gmail dot com

I live in Canada.
My favourite book by Sophie Kinsella is Can You Keep a Secret?

I follow this blog as Jennifer L.
I follow you on twitter as jentamar.

GoGreen said...

Email can be found clicking of Blogger icon.

I am in Canada.

I am a follower of CLC. I am a member of CLC on FB. I follower CLC on Twitter (@greenurlifenow)

I posted the contest on FB. http://www.chicklitcentral.com/2013/04/a-night-to-remember-with-sophie.html

I have only read I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, so that is my favourite book of hers so far.




Bonnie

Heather said...

I live in the US!
ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

Jilleen said...

First of all I love all of Sophie Kinsella's books, but my favorite is Can You Keep a Secret? Still waiting on a sequel to that one! I do love the shopaholic series too though - can't get enough of Becky!

I follow CLC on Facebook
I follow via email
I follow CLC on Twitter
I follow CLC On Pinterest

Thank you for such a great giveaway!

Jill at Seaside Book Nook

Seasidebooknook at Yahoo com

Colleen Turner said...

I LOVE Sophie Kinsella! I first fell in love with her writing when I read the first Shopaholic book but I think my favorite is The Undomestic Goddess!

I am in the US

candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).

candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I follow on Facebook (Colleen Turner).

candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I follow on Twitter (@candc320).

candc320@gmail.com

Colleen Turner said...

I tweeted (@candc320).

candc320@gmail.com

Karen said...

Favorite: Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I'm a follower of CLC via blog online and in email.

I'm a Facebook fan.

I can't post the contest on FB until I do something I'm supposed to do there.

I'm one of the few people in the world who can't figure out Twitter and Pinterest but as soon as I can, I'll be following you there!

Thus, under the circumstances, I've done everything I can!

Karen.dyer@gmail.com

bn100 said...

Haven't read any of her books yet. Wedding night would be a good one to start with.

I follow the blog.

bn100candg at hotmail dot com

Erica said...

I love all the Shopaholic books!

I follow the blog by email FB twitter pinterest

wordywon@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I like Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I follow on FB..
I follow the blog.
I follow on Pinterest.

melinda.garza15@yahoo.com

Sherry said...

I love your books. Not sure which would be my favourite, maybe The Gatecrasher.

I am Canadian

scylla777 at g mail dot com

follow on twitter, facebook & GFC

A.C. said...

I love Sophie Kinsella!

audras at gmail dot com

A.C. said...

1. My favorite book is Can You Keep a Secret!
2. I live in the US
3. I am a blog follower!
4. I follow you on Facebook

audras at gmail dot com

Jackie said...

My favourite book is "Can You Keep a Secret?"

Thanks for the giveaway!
I live in Canada
I follow this blog, Facebook and Twitter

jwenner(at)hotmail(dot)com

EKB said...

Confessions of a Shopaholic (if I must pick one though they are all fabulous!!)
I follow this blog
I LIKe on FB
follow on Pinterest

erin713 at gmail dot com

EFC Chrissy said...

I love all of Sophie's (And Madeleine's books! ;) ) Too pick a favorite is hard but it would have to be Confessions of a Shopaholic. That really started me like her and chick lit.

I follow the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, email.

Thanks for the chance!

everyfreechance@gmail.com

Tamara said...

Live in the US

Fav Sophie Kinsella book: Confessions of a Shopaholic OR Can You Keep a Secret. I'm always back and forth over which I love best.

I follow Chick Lit Central Blog, Facebook, Twitter.

I posted to my FB AND Twitter

tamarawelch(AT)hotmail(.)com

Anonymous said...

1. My favorite is Twenties Girl
2. I follow this blog
3. I posted the contest on Facebook
4. I follow CLC on Facebook
5. I follow on Twitter

SuzyQ4PR at aol dot com

Mary Preston said...

I think I would like to begin with THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS - I can totally relate.

FB & GFC: Mary Preston

Email Subscriber:

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Unknown said...

Great interview!
I have yet to read any of Sophie Kinsella's books, but the one that sounds most intriguing is The Undomestic Goddess!
Thanks for the giveaway!
jakki36 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I follow CLC blog!
jakki36 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I tweeted this post & Giveaway!
@J_Leatherberry
https://twitter.com/J_Leatherberry/status/328585709613109251

Unknown said...

I am a member of the CLC group on FB!
Jakki Leatherberry
jakki36 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I follow CLC on Twitter
@J_Leatherberry

Unknown said...

I added Candy Morton to your FB group
jakki36 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Sorry, forgot to mention that I am a US resident!
I also follow CLC on Pinterst!
Jakki Leatherberry
jakki36 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

1. My most favorite book is Can You Keep A Secret? I love love love that book!
2. I am a follower
3. Posted in FB
4. Joined the group

LJT said...

Great giveaway!

laurenturkel@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

sabrinafitria@yahoo.com


1. My fave is I've Got Your Number
2. Followed (Hanako Himawari)
3.https://twitter.com/sabrina_2303/status/329233611167506433
4. Already member
5. Followed (@sabrina_2303)
6. Added (Eirene Swans)

Gina said...

See now this one just looks too adorable to miss. I have yet to read her work but I would like to actually start with "I've got your number"as I been told it's preferable to the shop a holic series as far as a starting point...but don't tell my Mom that because she's read them all!! ^-^

Grgenius(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

"Can you keep a secret?" is my favorite book.

My email is mstypo78 at gmail dot COM.

Thank you

Nophee168 said...

Follow this blog.
Shared on Twitter.
My fav novel by Sophie Kinsella so far is I've got your number.
My email is novi_indra_sari@yahoo.com.

Anonymous said...

Princessxxsofia@aol.com

my favourite book has got to be Confessions of a Shopaholic,first book will always be the best

Melissa said...

Thanks for participating and telling us your favorite Sophie Kinsella books or ones you'd like to read soon.

I'd have a hard time choosing a favorite from her books. I know that most of them have been impossible to put down! I'm currently reading Wedding Night and laughing out loud...a LOT!

Thanks to Sophie for chatting with us, Transworld for coordinating the interview and Random House for sharing Wedding Night with our winners.

Random.org chose FOUR winners from all entries with contact info. (Only US/Canada entries were included for WN, everyone was included for the other two.)

We had two Bonnies win Wedding Night! What are the odds?

Congrats to: Bonnie K (bluedawn95864) and Bonnie (GoGreen)!

For the mystery books...Congrats to:
Nova, who won Remember Me? and lisamarie, who won The Undomestic Goddess!

For more chances to win great novels, visit our giveaways page and internationalchicklitmonth.com!!

Bonnie K. said...

Thank you much! Congrats to the other winners, too, including the other Bonnie. :)