Interview with Rosy Thornton and book giveaway

Rosy Thornton lives in a village near Cambridgeshire(UK) with her partner, two young daughters and two spaniels. When she's not teaching Law at Cambridge University as a Fellow of Emmanuel College, she writes novels, which according to her "you might call romantic comedy with a hint of satire - or possibly social satire with a hint of romance." She is the author of "Hearts and Minds," "More than Love Letters," and "Crossed Wires."

Melissa Patafio and I received the opportunity to ask Rosy some questions about her book and other things that would allow us to get to know her better. She also gave me a signed copy of her latest novel, "The Tapestry of Love" to send to one lucky reader in the US or Canada.


MP: Your most recent book “The Tapestry of Love” is set in Cévennes, France. Have you or do you plan to return there for a holiday?
RT: My only acquaintance with the Cévennes is from a two-week family holiday there twenty years ago, but the place crept under my skin and nagged at me to be the setting for a novel. When I fantasise about escape and a new life away from the pressures of my crowded existence, that’s always where my mind wanders. I’d love to go back some day.

MP: What challenges did you experience while writing “The Tapestry of Love”?
RT: The worst part was being tied in knots, at the start, over language. My main character, Catherine, is fluent in French, and speaks French to most of the locals. I was therefore hearing the dialogue in French in my head, and then ‘translating’ it into English for the page – a strange experience until I got used to it. The main difficulty was when words or phrases were used which have no real translation in English. I tended to render them in French, with an explanation, but my editor found this rather cumbersome, and in the end a lot of the French words had to be dropped.

MA: What inspired you to write “The Tapestry of Love?”
RT: Partly my recollection of the landscape – and partly the experiences of my own family, who have all gone to live in France. My brother married a Frenchwoman and lives in the Rhône-Alpes; he runs a small business and his run-ins with French bureaucracy were useful fodder for the book. My parents retired to the western Loire seventeen years ago, to an old stone farmhouse in much need of renovation, so I have also stolen some of their experiences, especially in the plumbing and electrical departments! But I think on another level, many of us harbour some fantasy of escape to a new and simpler life, closer to nature, closer to the landscape, and this was me indulging mine in fictional form.

MA: Do you have any pre- or post- publishing rituals or traditions?
RT: Not that I can think of. I usually have an overwhelming urge to hide under my desk for a few weeks when a new book comes out and people are actually going to read it. It’s a scary moment!

MA: Do you feel you are similar to or different from Catherine, the main character of “Tapestry?”
RT: We are utterly different! Although I dream of a life in the mountains, I would never make a go of it, or not on my own as Catherine does. I am far too fond of having my family and friends around me. Her bravery in striking out on her own as she does earns my wondering admiration.

MP: Do you plan to keep doubling as a writer and law lecturer or are you going to “retire” one or the other in the foreseeable future?
RT: I would never give up my day job. I love teaching, I love the daily contact with students and colleagues, and arguing about ideas. Writing fiction full-time would be a sad and lonely life, for which I am not cut out – see my answer to the previous question! And writing… well, I don’t think I could ever give that up.

MP: Have you ever visited the United States? If so, where did you go? If not where would you like to go?
RT: Sadly, not. But my partner took our elder daughter (then aged twelve) to New York for a week a couple of years ago, and I have been insanely jealous ever since. I would also love to explore some of the glorious mountain wilderness areas with which your country is blessed.

MP:Are you fluent in French or any other languages?
RT: I speak French, but that’s about it – unless you count schoolroom German or being able to book a restaurant table in Italian.

MA: What is your favorite childhood memory?
RT: What an impossible question! How to pick just one thing? Maybe, in the spirit of ‘The Tapestry of Love’, it would be paddling in mountain streams on family holidays.

MA: What is your favorite quote or saying?
RT: Again, so many! But if ever I am feeling downtrodden, with my confidence at a low ebb, I like to think of that line from ‘Rebecca’, where the nameless heroine draw herself up and says to Mrs Danvers, ‘I am Mrs de Winter now.’

Special thanks to Rosy for her lovely answers and the book for the giveaway. Thanks, as always, to Melissa P. for her thoughtful questions.



**Giveaway is closed**

How to win "The Tapestry of Love":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite quote/saying?
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.

Open to US/Canada residents only. Giveaway ends Thursday, August 12th, at midnight EST.

Book Review: The Cougar Club

By Melissa Amster

Has anyone ever told you that life stops at age 45? That's how Kat, Carla and Elise feel, but they refuse to let that adage stop them from living their lives. In "The Cougar Club" by Susan McBride, these three dynamic women have to deal with age-related pitfalls in their careers and personal lives and are not going to take defeat lying down.

The story begins with Kat getting laid off from her job and finding her boyfriend in a rather compromising position. She makes a drastic and impulsive decision that reunites her with Carla, a beloved newscaster who feels she is going to be replaced by a younger model and Elise, a dermatologist and empty-nester, who feels her husband is trading her in for a younger model, as well. The story is told from the perspectives of all three women so that you can see what is going on in each of their lives and how their friendships with one another help them through the roughest times.

This book is called "The Cougar Club" for a reason, as it relates to women in their 40's who are dating or seeking out men in their 20's and 30's. It's interesting to see the dynamics of the relationships and connections between these three women and the younger men who take part in their lives. There's a part in the story that describes a stereotypical "cougar" and it allows the reader to realize that these women don't fit that description, but that they happen to have a lot of life left in them and a lot to offer to a younger generation of men.

When I first heard of the book, I had wondered what I would have in common with these women, being 11 years their junior. However, I realized that I watch "Desperate Housewives" and can relate to the women on that show and that every generation has a similar set of hopes, dreams and worries. And, as Meg Ryan once said in "When Harry Met Sally": "I'm gonna be forty....someday!" Therefore, I decided to give "The Cougar Club" a chance and was very glad that I did. The witty banter and snappy dialogue kept this book going. The descriptiveness made me feel like I was right there, sharing in the experiences with Kat, Carla and Elise. I loved the friendship dynamic. It made me think of my relationships with my closest girlfriends. There were some interesting twists to the story that I was not expecting and that kept me on my toes as a result. Finally, I liked the fact that it took place in St. Louis, Missouri. I have never been there, but Ms. McBride took me on a wonderful tour of her hometown through the eyes of her characters. Overall, it was a quick read as it was difficult to put down.

I feel that "The Cougar Club" embodies all that chick lit stands for, in my opinion. It has friendship between women, romantic relationships, career issues and a "Sex and the City" feel overall. It made me want to go out for a night on the town with my girlfriends (or at least check in with the ones I don't get to see as much in person), if that says anything. I look forward to reading future novels from Ms. McBride and I highly recommend this one to all fans of chick lit.

Winners of "Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother"

To find the winner, I assigned everyone numbers by the order in which the entries came in and used the Custom Random Number Generator.

Congrats to....
7-LadyKathryn, whose favorite fairy tale is Cinderella
9-KarenK, whose favorite fairy tale is Cinderella
33-Sandy, whose favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast
65-Pia, whose favorite fairy tale is Snow White
78-Tiffany, whose favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast

Thanks again for all your participation, to Claudia for the interview, to Charlotte for the books to give away and to Melissa P. for her fun and interesting questions.

There's another great book up for grabs, so stop by and meet Alicia Bessette and win her first novel, "Simply from Scratch". US/Canada only. Giveaway ends Monday evening.

Interview with Alicia Bessette and book giveaway

Alicia Bessette is a debut author for 2010, whose novel "Simply from Scratch" can now be found on the shelves of your local bookstore. She also writes a blog with her husband called Quest For Kindness, where people can share essays about their experiences with their own kindness or the kindness of others.

Here is a trailer for "Simply from Scratch":


Recently, Melissa Patafio and I got to ask Alicia some questions about her book and got to know her a little better. We hope you will enjoy getting to know her too. She also has offered to give away two signed copies of "Simply from Scratch" to some lucky readers in the US and Canada.

MP: Do you have any personal remedies for “writers block”?
AB: Go for a walk. Take a shower. Talk things over with the dog. Prepare a meal. Anything that gets your body moving or your thoughts flowing. Anything that feels creative, constructive, or therapeutic.


MP: What was the journey to publishing like for “Simply from Scratch”?
AB: I began writing Simply From Scratch in 2008. My goal was to write an emotionally honest book that book clubs would fall in love with. I wrote six hours a day, six or seven days a week. I also spent many hours researching agents and soliciting advice from kind writer-acquaintances.

Ten months and two revisions later, I started pitching to agents. I emailed a query to Laney Katz Becker, who is now with Markson Thoma Literary Agency. After reading the manuscript, she called and asked if I was willing to make some changes. We talked about how it might be improved, and she offered me representation.

After some editing, the fabulous Laney sold Simply From Scratch to Penguin’s Dutton imprint. I spent a few more months editing with my editor, the equally fabulous Erika Imranyi, before nailing the final version.

I’ve blogged quite a bit about my road to publishing. If you’re interested, feel free to check out the following posts for more details and advice:

Good Hurt
Persistence + Luck = Pluck

MP: Your husband is also a writer, do you both work from the same space or do you prefer to have your own separate corners?
AB: I can write anywhere; Matt needs to hole up. In our apartment, his office is the second bedroom. My “office” is a corner of the living room, in front of a window that looks out over a busy street. We’re separated, but within yelling distance.
I love that Matt and I are both writers. We understand each other so well, and we read and edit each others' work. It’s a beautiful partnership.

MP: You write the main character from the point of view of a widow. What inspired you to create such an emotionally tragic and heart wrenching story?
AB: I set out to write about healing, about how to let yourself be lifted up by friends, love, family, home -- things we all live for, things we all need and celebrate. Simply From Scratch is about how vulnerability can lead to transformation. It’s about how communities can heal individuals, and how individuals can heal communities.

MP: Do you hope to see “Simply from Scratch” made into a movie at some point? If so, who would you cast in the main roles?
AB: Sure! I think a lot of writers imagine their books as films. I don’t have a movie deal, but I’d love to see Renee Zellweger as Zell, Isaiah Mustafa (the Old Spice guy) as Garrett, John C. Reilly as EJ, and either Joan Allen or Jamie Lee Curtis as Trudy.

MA: How are you similar to or different from Zell? Ingrid?
AB: Just as Zell and Ingrid are fans of a celebrity chef and her television show, I am obsessed with watching cooking shows. Seriously, I could watch the Food Network all day long.
Zell and I are both very sensitive and perceptive. Both Ingrid and Zell are a lot braver than me.

MA: Do you have plans for another novel?
AB: I have plans for several more novels. Details to come!

MA: What is your favorite dessert to bake?
AB: Mini red velvet cupcakes. They're adorable, and .... mmmm ….

MA: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
AB: At different points, I dreamed of being a veterinarian, a wildlife photographer, a French professor, a restorer of antique furniture, and a concert pianist. But somehow I knew from a very young age that I’d be a writer.

MA: What type(s) of music do you like listening to the most?
AB: It varies from day to day. I have very broad musical tastes. To quote Trudy in "Simply From Scratch" -- who is actually quoting my husband! -- “The more you like, the happier you are.”
Lately, I can’t get enough of the band Mumford & Sons. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Schubert.


Thanks to Melissa P. for some more great questions. She does a great job with researching before she asks!

Special thanks to Alicia for answering our questions. We enjoyed learning about her. Also thanks to her for providing the books for the giveaway.



**Giveaway is now closed**

How to win "Simply from Scratch":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite dessert to bake (or eat)?
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.

Open to residents of the US and Canada. Giveaway ends Monday at 6pm EST.

Winners of "Free to a Good Home"

This time around, I let Eve Marie Mont pick the winners:

"I did random number generator twice and got # 5 and #30. Thanks so much for running this giveaway and for posting the interview!"

Congrats to Jonita and Sarah!

Thanks again to everyone for participating and sharing your pet stories. Thanks to Eve for a great interview and picking the winners. And thanks to our new admin, Melissa Patafio, for her thought provoking questions.

Need more reading material? Check out our interview with Claudia Carroll and enter to win "Personally, I Blame My Fairy Godmother." Giveaway ends Thursday at midnight EST.

Interview with Claudia Carroll and book giveaway

Claudia Carroll is an author from Dublin. She has written "Remind Me Again Why I Need a Man" and "I Never Fancied Him Anyway" (which will be made into a film). Her latest novel is "Personally I Blame My Fairy Godmother." Suzanne Sangster from Harper Collins presented Melissa Patafio and myself with the opportunity to ask Claudia some questions about her books, movies, being on an Irish soap opera and some other fun information. She has a great sense of humor and we enjoyed learning more about her. We hope you will too!
You also have the chance to win "Personally...," as Suzanne promised books for five lucky readers (before leaving her work in the capable hands of Charlotte Allen).

MP: What was the transition like going from acting to writing full time?
CC: I’m presently a full time writer, but prior to that, I worked extensively as a theatre and TV actress. For fourteen years, I appeared in Fair City, (Ireland’s answer to Eastenders,) playing a character I like to describe as ‘the horrible old cow that everyone loves to hate.’
But now I have to say that writing is without doubt, the single best job in the whole entire world. Even on the days when nothing’s coming and I’m half ready to fling my computer up against a wall, I wouldn’t change it for anything. In my last TV job, on the soap opera, we worked crazy hours, often shooting from six am till well after midnight. I love the creative process and the idea of being my own boss, it’s the best! And no, I most definitely do NOT miss standing out on location in January at eleven at night in sub zero temperatures with a director screaming at the cast…not a chance!

MP: Your book “I Never Fancied Him Anyway” is being made into a movie. What stage of production are they currently in and when can we expect to see the characters come to life on the big screen?
CC: "I Never Fancied Him Anyway" is being adapted for a movie, produced by Wendy Finerman, (who made PS, I LOVE YOU as well as THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA,) and the adaptation is by Robin Swicord, who also adapted THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB. All very exciting! I was in L.A. earlier this year meeting the producers and they tell me the project is in a stage of ‘super advancement,’ (L.A.-speak…..!!)
Also, Remind me Again Why I Need A Man was optioned by Fox TV, but is still ‘in development, ‘ as they say in L.A. and more recently, If This Is Paradise, I Want My Money Back has been optioned by Canyon Creek films, with Simon Brooks producing. Mind you, until I’m sitting down in the cinema with a bucket of popcorn on my knee watching one of these movies, I won’t believe it……


MP: Your newest book is “Personally I Blame My Fairy Godmother”. What inspired you to write a modern day Cinderella story?

CC: The inspiration for PERSONALLY, I BLAME MY FAIRY GODMOTHER came from of all things, the global recession and economic downturn. I read about people my age losing their homes and suddenly being forced to move back in with family. The Boomerang Generation, as they’re known. Then I thought of that quote from Harold Pinter; ‘Home is the one place, when you go there, they have to take you in.’
So I thought; imagine a modern day fairy tale gone wrong; Cinderella backwards. Where you have a heroine who starts out with her heart’s desire, a fabulous career, a palatial home to live in and a guy she supposes to be Prince Charming. Then in one fell swoop, she loses her job and the whole house of cards fast collapses on top of her, leaving her homeless, jobless and dumped. So she has no choice but to move back in with her Stepmother and two Stepsisters, who hate the very sight of her…………
I thought here was a good basis for a subverted fairytale; after all, everyone knows the story of Cinderella and the rags to riches story is one of the world’s seven basic plots. But I though, let’s test the heroine and have her starting out with everything, then losing it all and having to go back to her hated old life…..throw in two stepsisters who are a bit like Patti and Selma from The Simpsons and the comedy was ready made.

MP: Have you or would you ever consider doing a book tour in the U.S.?
CC: Are you kidding me? Just waiting to be asked! I can’t think of anything I’d adore more.

MA: If “Personally…” were also made into a film, who would you want to play the lead characters?

CC: Hard one to call! There are so many gifted comic actresses around right now; she would have to be twenty eight, with a dippy, quirky, off-beat quality, who the audience would root for from the very start.

MP: You were on a hit Irish soap opera for years before you started writing, do you plan to return to film or television work in the future?
CC: No, I’m a full-time author now. Mind you, the producers on "I Never Fancied Him Anyway" have promised me a walk-on extra part, so that could be interesting……

MA: Which other fairy tale(s) would you consider basing a novel on?
CC: Funny, but one of the themes of the book I’m writing at the moment is not dissimilar to "The Wizard of Oz;" a heroine who runs screaming from her hometown because she despises small-town life so much, then realises slowly over the course of the novel that really, there is no place like home

MA: Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
CC: You will roar laughing, but I’m a Twi-hard and love Robert Pattinson in those movies so much. I know, and I’m old enough to be his granny. I’m a disgrace.

MA: What is your favorite way to kick back and relax after a long day?
CC: By watching rubbish telly, and the more crap the better. X Factor, Big Brother, Strictly Come Dancing…you name it, I’ll watch it. Throw in a glass of Sancerre and I’m in Heaven.


MA: What is your “not-so-special” talent? (Something that is NOT artsy or creative. Ex. Being able to blow the largest bubbles with your gum.)
CC: Without a doubt, my ability to walk long distances in high heels. Be-fuddles the hell out of my friends, I can tell you.

Special thanks to Claudia for such a great interview.

Thanks to Suzanne, and now Charlotte, for facilitating the interview and giveaway.

And thanks to Melissa Patafio for her help, as always.


**Giveaway is now closed**

How to win "Personally I Blame my Fairy Godmother":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite fairy tale?
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.

Giveaway ends Thursday, August 5th at midnight EST.

Winner of "J'Adore New York"

I let Melissa Patafio pick the winning number again and she came up with 47. (I had already assigned numbers to each entry, but she did not have access to this list.)

The winner is The Simply Luxurious Life! Congrats!!!

Thanks again to everyone for participating, Isabelle Laflèche for the interview and book to give away and Melissa Patafio for her great interview questions and for helping to pick the winner.

There's another giveaway going on now, for "Free to a Good Home" by Eve Marie Mont. Ends Monday evening. US/Canada only.