Presenting:
*** SPECIAL FEATURE - October'12 ***
Interview with Lauren Clark
What or who inspired you to start writing?
My parents were a big influence on me–especially since they turned off the television all summer, every summer–so I spent my time reading and at the library. I love books and love stories that move me, so I’ve always dreamed about becoming an author.
How did you come up with ideas for your books?
Dancing Naked in Dixie came about after visiting the Pilgrimage and because I’m a Northern girl living in the Deep South. The cultural differences are so interesting—the food, the mannerisms, the traditions—it’s a fascinating world to explore. I wrote Stay Tuned after working in TV for six years. The two main anchors at the station where I worked actually got into a fistfight. It was in the parking lot, not on-air, but I thought it would make a great start to a novel! (Yes, this is me on the anchor desk at WWNY-TV7)
What expertise did you bring to your writing?
I have a master’s degree in journalism, a bachelor’s in English. After college, I worked as a television news anchor in New York and Alabama for six years. It was fabulous experience and I learned to write fast, often while bumping along in a news van at 70 miles an hour, of course when someone else was driving!
What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?
I love to cook for other people, I’m a neat freak, I love the color pink, I like my Kindle and ‘real’ books, I’m a speed reader, I miss the snow at Christmas time, I love libraries, and I treasure my children. (This is my son after getting ‘slimed’ at Nickelodeon Suites in Orlando!)
Do you belong to a critique group?
Yes, kind of....I love to socialize–If I went every month, I would spend all of my time drinking coffee and talking! I have a few beta reader-friends whom I trust implicitly. They give me honest feedback and I revise from there!
When did you first decide to submit your work?
I began submitting Stay Tuned about five or six years ago. I had some interest from HQ and a few agents, but it wasn’t “there” yet. I dug it out two years ago and worked with a small publicity firm to revamp and polish it. After receiving an offer from a small publisher, I decided to go it on my own. I even established my own publishing company.
What is the best and worst advice you ever received?
Best advice – Read a lot, write a lot. Worst advice – Don’t outline. I tried it and the plot meandered all over the place. I had to work twice as hard to get the story straight! Of course, that manuscript will never see the light of day!!!
Do you outline your books or just start writing?
Outline! I use note cards first because I can rearrange the order, then once I get them set, I type everything up on my laptop and get to work!
Have you started your next project?
I am researching for my next novel, Pie Girls, also set in small-town Alabama. This story will follow a girl who’s gone off to a big city (like Atlanta or New York) and vows NEVER to come home. She’s forced to return home, though, when her romantic relationship falls apart. Since she’s burned a lot of bridges, it will be interesting to see how she makes amends.
If you were a casting director for the film version of Dancing Naked in Dixie, who would play your lead roles?
Melissa, one of my proofreaders, dreamed that Dixie was a movie! I asked her who played Julia, and she said Reese Witherspoon. She’s adorable, so I have to agree! For Shug, I’m thinking Patrick Dempsey. Alice Eve (She’s Out of My League movie) could play Mary Katherine. David Sullivan – Sam Neill. (Cities all over the South like Eufaula have belles who dress up for special events… these girls are Azalea Trail Maids in Mobile, Alabama with my son & his friend)
Giveaway
Now for the most amazing news! The Giveaway! Ms.Lauren Clark is giving away a $50 Amazon gift card. Yeah I know its amazing & I wish I could enter it myself. The number of books I could get for it!
So,what are you waiting for??? Go Enter NOW!!
Rules:
1. There's only two compulsory entry to qualify for this Giveaway.
2. Please provide proper info & links in the Rafflecopter. I will be checking the entries - so no cheating please.
3. The Giveaway is open Internationally.
4. I will select the winner through Random.org on 31st October and will send an e-mail. They have to reply with their mailing address/e-mail id within 48 hours, or I will select another winner.
5. Please do not leave your e-mail id in the comment section.
a great one
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