Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Marilyn Brant

Today we've got a fellow GCC'er here to chat-- Marilyn Brant. She's here today to tell us all about her debut novel: According to Jane. And, to make things even better, she's going to be giving away a signed copy! Deets on how to enter are below.


How much do you love this cover?! So, without further ado, let's dig in!!!

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



According to Jane is the story of a modern woman who gets dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen.


2. When did you first begin writing?



I wrote songs and poems and little stories in elementary school, but sixth grade was when the notion of writing professionally first occurred to me. But, aside from being on the newspaper and yearbook staff in high school, I didn’t take writing seriously until I was about 30.


3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?



From conversations I overhear, things my friends tell me, funny stuff that happened in my family, incidents I’ve observed out in public, stories I’ve read in books or seen on TV and those endless “what if?” questions writers always ask themselves.


4. What are you working on right now? 



A few final revisions on my 2nd novel, which is a modern fairytale about three suburban woman who shake up their lives and their marriages.


5. What are you reading right now? 



Some entertaining Austen-inspired fiction: Laurie Viera Rigler’s newest novel Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict and Beth Pattillo’s Jane Austen Ruined My Life.


6. What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?



I’d say the best advice I could offer is to really understand WHY you write. This is a personal thing, of course, and it’s rare that two writers in a room would share the exact same reason, but what’s YOUR draw? Crafting characters? Plotting something dramatic/suspenseful/funny/heartwarming? The possibility of fame, fortune and lengthy book tours? What brings you back to your notebook or your computer screen, even without a contract nudging you? Cherish that…and remember it.


Thanks so much for stopping by, Marilyn!


To enter to win a copy of According to Jane, just leave a comment below. Winners will be announced on October 13th!

29 comments:

Kaye said...

Great interview. I guess we had all better behave in public in case there is a writer in the area doing "research". Ha

Please enter me in the drawing. The book sounds really good.

florida982002[at]yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a book I would enjoy reading. Please enter my name in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

Marilyn Brant said...

Thanks for hosting me this week, Brenda!

Hi to Kaye and Wanda! Thank you for taking time to stop by :).

jenn oneil said...

Sounds like a great book and what a fantastic cover design as well!

KR said...

i'd love to read this.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

holdenj said...

What a great interview and premise for a book! I just started reading Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict, enjoying it so far!

Thanks for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Ashley said...

Sounds like a great read- thanks for the recommendation. Something to hold us over until your next book! awaters8785@hotmail.com

Bunny B said...

I would love to read this! Please count me in. Thank you!

bunnybx at gmail . com

M. said...

The cover gods smiled on this author! Austen spinoffs seem to be very popular at the moment, but this one looks different with a modern twist.

M. said...

forgot to mention: mayamissani AT yahoo DOT ca

my bad!

BTW: are you planning to go to a different house, now the Red Dress Ink looks to be discontinued? So bummed.

DarcyO said...

Great interview. This sounds like a fun read. Please include me in the draw.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Linna said...

I would love to read this book. Please count me in. :D

linna.hsu at gmail dot com

mindy said...

aounds like a terrific read thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

Simply Stacie said...

Thanks for the chance!!

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

heatherzilla said...

I do love the cover! How great would it be to have Jane's spirit guiding you?!??!
Please include me in the giveaway.

heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

Mia J. said...

This sounds like a great read. I have always been a big Jane Austen fan so this interests me. Thanks for the chance.

Mary said...

This sounds like something I would really enjoy reading.

mamie316(at)sbcglobal.net

Gaby317 said...

Great interview! This sounds like such a fun read. And such a gorgeous cover! Please count me in

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

kathy55439 said...

Sounds like a great read.... thank you for the contest....

Marilyn Brant said...

So wonderful to see so many people visiting and entering the contest--thank you!

Wishing you all a great weekend. :)

NYer in NZ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
NYer in NZ said...

Jane Austen seems to be the literary "It-girl" of inspiration for the moment! I'd love to read this take.

NYerinNZ [at] gmail.com

traveler said...

Enjoyable interview. Thanks for this lovely book giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Bingo said...

Leave it to the real writers to really know how to sell a book! WOW...what a good interview. I'd love a chance at this one! Thanks!

kdhaney (AT) gmail (dot) com

Carolina Baker said...

carolina.baker@gmail.com

Michelle said...

Sounds like a great read!

Sue said...

Looks good! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Jennifer said...

This looks like a really interesting book, thanks for the giveaway!

mattandjen[at]gmail.com

Victoria said...

This book sounds really good! I'd love to win a copy. Thanks for the interview with the author. utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com