Monday, December 15, 2008

GCC Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Melissa Clark

I'm so thrilled to be bringing you my very first Girlfriends Cyber Circuit interview, and it's a good one! Today, we've got the wonderful Melissa Clark with us. Melissa is the creator and executive producer of the award-winning television series, 'Braceface', and has written for shows on the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Fox. She received a master's degree from the writing program at U.C. Davis, and currently lives in Los Angeles.


Melissa has generously offered to giveaway one copy of her debut novel, SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY. To enter, just post a comment in the comment section below!

Winners will be announced next week. But now, let's get to the questions!

1. Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.

Sasha Salter is pregnant, only she hasn't had sex in over 2 years. Doctors have diagnosed her as harboring a 'lazy sperm' and she must now trace her love life to figure out who the father is. (Uh oh, I'm bad at math)

2. When did you first begin writing?

My dad is a writer, so I was always playing on his typewriter and writing on legal steno pads. I wrote short stories from the time that I could write. In my late 20's to mid-30's I worked as a writer in television. I created a kid's show called "Braceface" which ran for 5 seasons. I loved that experience, but really wanted to write a novel, so I quit my own show and set out to write "Swimming Upstream, Slowly." It was the best risk I've ever taken!

3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

"Swimming Upstream, Slowly" was born because I was having lunch with a friend and overate. I lifted my shirt to expose my bloated belly and the friend said, half joking, "Are you sure you're not pregnant?" and I said, "Yeah, right, from a lazy sperm." I went home that night and started outlining it for a movie. I decided, eventually, to write it as a novel instead.



4. What are you working on right now?

I JUST finished my second novel last week. It is another medical anomaly type of story, but more of a coming-of-age. It is at the agent's now and I am on pins and needles waiting for her call!

5. What are you reading right now?

I just started "Bright, Shiny Morning" by James Frey (author of the infamous 'A Million Little Pieces') because a friend said he read it in a 24 hour period and I was just so curious as to what grabbed his attention. So far it's pretty good, but I don't think I'll finish it in 24 hours!

Wanna win a free copy of Melissa's book? Just post a comment here and you're entered to win!

38 comments:

Margay Leah Justice said...

My girls watched Braceface! So cool that you decided to write a novel. And what an interesting concept!

Meljprincess said...

Hi Melissa,
I'd love to win SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY! Do you know a guy named Ty Arnold? I met him when they were filming PARENTHOOD in Orlando.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Melissa K.
Meljprincess AT aol DOT com

Anonymous said...

The book seems so interesting. I'd love to win it. It's cool that your Dad is a writer too, Melissa, writing must be in your blood. I wonder if he did help you with your stories.

Anywho thanks for the great giveaway, and happy holidays ; )

CĂ©lia said...

I would like to enter this contest. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Oh my I am sitting here chuckling after reading what the book is about and what gave the author the idea to write the story. It sounds like a really great book and I would love to read it!

mindy said...

thanks for the wonderful contest

donnas said...

Please enter me. After reading the summary I cant wait to read this, what a unique storyline.

Carla said...

OMG I used to watch Braceface, lol. But reading anything that would enlighten my thoughts and expand my knowledge about everyday issues. I'm all up for it

dominican757@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Oh how I would love to win this book!!

drey said...

This book sounds like it would be a quick-witted read. Brenda - I blogged about the interview and giveaway, hopefully it'll help someone find your blog & site. =)

drey said...

& I forgot - please enter me!
dreyshouse at gmail dot com

Thank you!

Alyce said...

I would love to win! Her description of the book made me laugh. :)
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com

Renee G said...

This sounds like a fun read.

rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com

Wrighty said...

What a great idea! I would love to read this book. Please include me and thanks for your contest. Happy holidays to all!

5wrights1@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

That's a really good idea to write a book about. What a way to connect to readers.

-.- said...

What a fantastic idea for a book. I'd love to be entered in this giveaway!

Thanks

~ Popin

S. Krishna said...

I'd love to read this one - thanks for the giveaway!

Juicebox.mom said...

Great interview! I'd love to win the book....

Thanks!!

April said...

Sounds like a very interesting book, I'd love to win it! Merry Christmas!

jen said...

This sounds like an interesting book!

traveler said...

Thanks for this great interview. I am intrigued with your book which is unique and special. All the best for the season.

Kaye said...

With a premise like this one, it makes me really curious and wanting to read the book. please enter me in the contest.

florida982002@yahoo[dot] com

Brooke Reviews said...

Ah, Braceface! That was a cute show!

Swimming Upstream, Slowly sounds really interesting, I'd love to read it. :D

Mary said...

I loved the humor in Braceface. I used to watch it with the kids. I would love to read your book.

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

ChristyJan said...

What a cute idea for a story ~ please include me for the giveaway.

squiresj said...

I would love to win this book. I would love to review this book for you. I enjoyed this blog.
jrs362 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to win this book!!

Spiceoflife said...

Awesome that you were inspired so easily and moved so swiftly. I have the belly for it, if not the talent! I love learning new authors! Thanks for sharing!

Marjolein Reads said...

Great giveaway, Would love to enter!
best
Marjolein

taterbug said...

Count me in the running - sounds great!

Sheila Hickmon said...

Sounds great, please enter me!

Unknown said...

Hey I remember braceface!! hehe

This book sounds good please enter me :D

taterbug said...

Sounds like a great book - count me in the running!

Sara said...

Please enter me. The novel sounds like it has a great premise. Thanks!
Sararush at hotmail . com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a good book. I would love to win it!

Thanks.

Stacy
stacyb02@yahoo.com

Nicole C. said...

I would love to read this book!!

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I find the concept to SWIMMING UPSTREAM, SLOWLY do to very interesting. I would like to check it out.