Monday, March 16, 2009

Author interview and book giveaway: Alison Pace

Today we've got the lovely and talented Alison Pace here to answer some of our deepest darkest questions. Now you all know that I absolutely loved her latest, CITY DOG, and now, Alison is being kind enough to give a copy away to one lucky reader! To enter, just leave a comment below!

And now, on to the grilling!



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

City Dog is the story of Amy, an author in New York City who writes children's picture books about her dog. When her dog becomes much more famous than she is and one of her fictional characters begins to take on a life of his own, Amy's world takes a turn toward the surreal.

And I think that was more than twenty-five words.


When did you first begin writing?

I've always been writing. The first big project I remember was second grade, a short-story about how God created the world with a rubber band and bathtub faucet. Some weighty stuff.


Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Luckily for me, I find inspiration everywhere: my dog, Central Park, New York City, music (definitely music) conversations I have with friends, people who annoy me...for starters.


What are you working on right now?

I'm working on a collection of essays about life in New York with and without dogs. The tentative title is Write Your Own Happy Ending, but I'm not sure that's going to stick, even though I'm quite fond of it.


What are you reading right now?

I'm back and forth between Laurie Colwyn's Happy All the Time and David Ebershoff's The 19th Wife.


How do you fight writer’s block?

Writing is my job. I sit down and write. Granted, some days are going to be much, much better than others, but I still try my absolute best to stay the course.

If your book were to become a movie, who would you cast?

For City Dog, I'd cast Carlie as herself, obvs. For Amy, I think someone quirky, but cool, who could work with a little bit of darkness. Zooey Deschanel would be perfect. And Jason Bateman as Robert Maguire, no question.

[Editor’s note: Jason Bateman! Yum!]


What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is when I'm reading something over that I'm just thrilled to have written. It doesn't happen very frequently, but when it does, it's fantastic.

I think my least favorite, even though it shouldn't be, is when anonymous people write these downright awful reviews of my work on Amazon, etc. I know it shouldn't but those reviews completely ruin my day when I come across them. To that end, I'm a fan of positive reader reviews all the same.


What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?

Stick with it, stay the course. Believe in yourself.


Thanks so much to Alison for stopping by today! Want to win a free signed copy of Alison's book? Just leave a comment below and you're entered! Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about it for another entry. Become of follower of this blog for another entry, too.

The winner will be announced on March 31st.

49 comments:

The Brunette Librarian said...

I LOVE YOUR COVERS!! Oh my gosh, every one of them was adorable!

I have a weenie dog and there are so many pictures of her in our house it's insane.

These books sound terrific. Love the idea of them and I think they appeal to a lot of people who love their animals and live life to the fullest. :D

Erika Powell said...

Jason Bateman yum is right! And I really like the idea of you rnext book and can't wait to read the essays.

Angela said...

I think bad Amazon reviews should at least be deleted if they have misspellings or poor grammar.

I love Ms. Pace's books, they're so smart and bright.

donnas said...

Sounds like a great book. I would love the chance to read it.

I follow your blog in Google Reader.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love dogs! I'd like to enter the contest:)

MarjoleinBookBlog said...

I just love the book that is in the giveaway and hope to enter ! Iam subscribing as a follower. Th cover of City Dog is just so cute and I love the nyc look of it!
Best,
Marjolein

KR said...

I'd love to read this.

jscrilla said...

Bad reviews are definitely a bummer. I'm sure (if I ever get published) I'll think the same way you do about those.

Anonymous said...

I'd deinitely like to read this. It sounds unique and fun!
I often think that someone creative could find a ton of inspiration from my quirky dogs! hehe

mindy said...

what a wonderful read thanks for the giveaway

Anonymous said...

I read Pug Hill and enjoyed it so I know I'd love to read the new one! Thanks!

scottsgal said...

Love the cover - we had a westie growing up. I'd love to read this!thanks

msboatgal at aol dot com

Robynia Trapper said...

I enjoyed reading your interview! I love how you write about dogs! And your book titles are cute! I will be adding you to my reading list!

eyeslikesugar said...

My mother adores books with dogs! I would love to win this for her. :) Thank you for offering this giveaway! eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com.

Sherri said...

Is that a Westie I see gracing the cover of this book? I'm hooked on all things Scottish and I especially adore books featuring dogs and this one is so adorable.

Unknown said...

This is my first visit to your blog and I have to say I'm very impressed by the content and overall look of your website.

And I love Alison Pace's work, especially the subject. Keep 'em coming Ms. Pace!

A Reader said...

Huge dog lover here, so I would love to read this.
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

NotMyPrimaryBlog said...

Please keep writing! We dog lovers can't get enough of your stories. Thank you!!!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

ld love to read this and I love your covers too

Unknown said...

This sounds like a cute book that would be different than the usually books I read.

ps.I've had a crush on Justin Bateman since I first saw him on "Little House on the Prairie" :)

Anonymous said...

I want to read City Dog so bad. I have it on my to-read list. The dog is super cute! If I had a dog, it would be that dog! I'd love to enter to win! Thanks for hosting the contest!!

Unknown said...

This book sounds great!

Unknown said...

I'm following you

Nicole C. said...

I would love to read this!!

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

Kristi said...

Sounds like a cute book - please enter me in the drawing. I also follow your blog in feeddemon.

thanks,
kherbrand at comcast dot net

Lady Roxi said...

Love to have this.

Thanks,

darkfyre1(at)gmail(dot)com

Sandra K321 said...

I enjoy books that include dogs. Please enter me.

Elizabeth McKenzie said...

Yes, what you said about reading something you've written well and being thrilled is true. And, unfortunately, for me, not everything I write thills me. You're book sounds like fun. Jason Bateman is fun too.

lilbabypug said...

The cover photos are so beautiful. I just love the Pug Hill cover. Please enter me in the drawing for City Dog

Anonymous said...

Alison the dog lover would get a kick out of this book.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read this :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

Anonymous said...

I blogged about the giveaway :
http://theluckyladybug.org/2009/03/18/330-city-dog-giveaway/
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

Anonymous said...

I'm following you on Blogger :)
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

Jenna Z said...

Wow! I knew about Emily Carmichael's books because of course I have a corgi! But I never knew about this whole slew of doggy novels! Neat! Off to the library!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great book, I'd love a chance to read it thanks.
unforgetable_dreamer_always (AT)hotmail.com

Ann Diana Dinh, said...

Count me in!

behapppppppy(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Anyone who puts dogs in their books has a place in my heart. I loved Pug Hill because I am a pug lover myself. I have two of my own pugs and that book just made me smile - especially the ending.

I will definitely be reading Alison's other books!

Llehn said...

Hey the terrier on the cover looks just like a dog I used to have!

Lesley
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

Yay! Hi there!

Edna said...

I would love to win a book from you. I love reading and read every night for about 4 hours and I go through a lot of books.

Thanks

Anonymous said...

I am a huge animal lover and I am really looking forward to reading your newest book!!

Megan

Sheri S. said...

This book has been recommended to me and I've heard only great things - I'd love be entered!!

Sheri S. said...

Also, I follow your blog :)

Vanessa said...

I've never heard of this author before, but now I'm dying to read this book. Please include me in the contest.

Vanesa
gypsyrover21@yahoo.ca

ccqdesigns said...

Love your book covers and I am an avid Chihuahua lover and rescuer. Can't wait to read this, hopefully for free!

Leslie said...

Carlie is so adorable! The book sounds great, as well. Thank you for the giveaway.

Emilie said...

This looks like a great book!!! Thanks :)

Wrighty said...

I would love to read this! We have three dogs that drive me crazy now but I can't imagine not having them. Please include me and thanks for your contest!

5wrights1[at]verizon{dot]net

Beauty for ashes said...

I might be too late to enter but I will give it a shot!