Guest interview with Emily Liebert...plus a book giveaway

Q: What do Emily Liebert and Jennifer Tropea O'Regan have in common? 
A: They have great positive energy, they're all about books, and we love them both! 

Today, they're here with an exclusive interview they did together and we're excited to share it with you. Emily also has THREE copies of her latest novel, When We Fall, for some lucky US readers! (And Jennifer is doing a US/Canada giveaway for this book, as well!)

Introduction and interview by Jennifer Tropea O'Regan

Emily Liebert is an award-winning author and TV personality. Her debut novel, You Knew Me When (Penguin), published exactly a year ago to rave reviews! Her first non-fiction book, Facebook Fairytales, is available across the globe.

Emily's second novel, When We Fall (Penguin Random House), was just published yesterday! At its heart, this poignant novel examines the complex bonds between women—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. I sat down with my dear friend for an exclusive interview for CLC. Toting her addicting charm, vivacious smile, and new book (which I devoured in two days!), Emily dishes out her real life story... a bestseller in and of itself.

Visit Emily at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Tell us the story behind the story. How did you come up with the plot for When We Fall?
The plot follows two leading ladies—Allison and Charlotte. Allison has recently moved back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York over a decade after her husband died, which was just two weeks before she found out she was pregnant with their son Logan. Charlotte, on the other hand, is someone who seems to have it all—a devoted husband, a beautiful little girl, and enough financial security to never have to worry. But behind her “perfect” façade lie a strained marriage and a fractured relationship with her sister.

Both Allison and Charlotte are loosely based on women in my own life. That’s the well I draw from—I also happen to live in a suburb of Manhattan, so I know a thing or two about the world they live in.

As far as the plot, I typically build that around the characters I create. With this book, my goal was to develop real, flawed “people” who readers would love, love to hate, and identify with all at the same time.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing When We Fall?
I wanted to be very respectful in handling the concept of loss, especially the gut-wrenchingly profound loss of a significant other at such a young age. I did a lot of research and, I can only hope, I got it at least somewhat right.

What is the message you want readers to take away from your novel?
That they’re not alone in the things that they go through in their relationships with significant others, friends, and family members. And that, at the end of the day, you have to remain true to yourself and not allow other people or circumstances to stand in the way of your happiness.

You have two BEAUTIFUL young boys. How do you balance writing and motherhood?
Thank you! But, balance? What’s that? I do the best I can. My kids are my first priority. Though, sometimes work does get in the way. There’s a lot of “mom guilt!!” That said, it also nourishes me that my kids know I have a career I’m passionate about. And that it’s a career that allows mommy to pick them up from school and take them for ice cream on any old Tuesday. (Except book launch Tuesday!)

What books are on your nightstand currently?
ALL FALL DOWN by Jennifer Weiner and BIG LITTLE LIES by Liane Moriarity

You and I have dished about being reality TV junkies. What’s your guilty pleasure? What are you recording on your DVR currently?
Here’s where it gets real. Let’s do this…I’m always recording whichever Real Housewives seasons are on (Orange County rules!). This, naturally, comes with Watch What Happens Live (obsessed with Andy Cohen). Not to be forgotten, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, E! News, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Food Network Star, and Top Chef…I could go on, but I’ll spare everyone. I also watch Homeland. And the news. Does that redeem me?!

How do you maintain your incredible physique?
I’m not sure it’s incredible, but you’ve just been upgraded to my best friend in the whole wide world! I do work at it; I’m not going to lie. My rear end is in classes at Pure Barre Westport about six days a week. “Lift, Tone, Burn” (LTB). I should tattoo it on my posterior. And I play some tennis when I can. Mainly because I love my little Nike tennis dress. Watch out Serena!

If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, whom would you choose?
My maternal grandfather at my age. Now there’s a brain I’d like to pick. Not to mention that I’d give anything for one last chance to spend time with him.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about his or her work?
Don’t do this to me! I have to say four. The first is Jane Green. Unfailingly, she creates the most true-to-life characters. She’s never disappointed me, even fifteen books later. Jennifer Weiner. I wish my brain took me the places that hers does (I think!). She’s a phenomenal storyteller. Emily Giffin because her books make me want to stay in bed all day long, reading from start to finish. And she’s amazing with dialogue. And, last but definitely not least, Sarah Pekkanen. There’s something so unique about her style. Her books stay with you. The characters are people you know.

What are your current projects?
I’m in edits on my fourth book, THOSE SECRETS WE KEEP, which will publish in June 2015. And I’m about to start writing my fifth book which will come out in Spring 2016. You keep on reading…I’ll keep on writing!

In addition to fostering a love of literacy within her unprivileged high school students, Jennifer Tropea O'Regan has many noteworthy philanthropic accolades. During her husband's plight with cancer – she single-handedly raised over 3,000 books for the Johns Hopkins Hospital Oncology Patient Library. Jennifer is now sharing her unbridled passion for reading via Confessions of a Bookaholic--a page dedicated to celebrating female authors. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to Jennifer and Emily for this awesome interview! Thanks also to Emily for sharing her book with our readers!

How to win:  Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


US only. Giveaway ends September 8th at midnight EST.