Tuesday, November 17, 2009

GCC Author interview and book giveaway: Melissa Senate

Today we've got the lovely and talented Melissa Senate here to chat! You may know her from any one of her previous seven novels (yes! seven!), including her debut, SEE JANE DATE, which was turned into a TV movie (go Melissa!), but today, you're going to hear all about her latest novel, THE SECRET OF JOY.


And, it gets even better: Melissa will be giving away a signed copy of THE SECRET OF JOY! Deets on how to enter are at the bottom of the post.

THE SECRET OF JOY asks the question: what would you do if you discovered you had a half-sister you never knew existed? The book's been getting amazing buzz so far....


"The Secret of Joy by Melissa Senate opened my heart, made me laugh, cry, and smile all at the same time. A don't-miss read!" –New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips

"A wonderfully heartfelt story about hope, possibilities and the yearning for real connections. Senate's latest will take you on a much needed vacation, while sneaking vital life lessons in when you're not looking." –Caprice Crane


Kinda makes you want to run out and buy it right this very second, doesn't it?! But before you run out to the store, let's have a little chat with Melissa first!


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


A 28-year-old New Yorker discovers she has a half-sister she never knew existed. Off she goes to a small Maine town to find her.


Where do you find inspiration for your work?


I use my own life—but flip everything so that just the nugget of the idea is autobiographical. A serial dater working in publishing in NYC—check. A woman who gets pregnant two months into a new relationship—check. Planning a wedding that isn’t what you expected—check. Half-sibling you’ve never met contacting you out of the blue—check!


How do you fight writer’s block?


Best cure I’ve found is to sleep on it, to let whatever is stuck work itself out deep in my subconscious. I often wake up at the crack of dawn with the answer. Another good trick is to take a long walk alone, no iPOD. Just you, the wind and your thoughts.


What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?


My favorite part is when I understand my characters so well that the writing feels effortless (even though it never is). My least favorite is the dreaded first draft, which always makes me doubt myself!


What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?


Believe in yourself! Trust your gut—it knows more than you may think it does.


Thanks so much for stopping by, Melissa! And now for the book giveaway! If you want to be entered to win a signed copy of THE SECRET OF JOY, just leave a comment below! The winner will be announced on December 1st.

20 comments:

Sue said...

This looks great. I love that Melissa could sum up her book in 25 words (or less). I can't sum up ANYTHING that easily. Thanks for the giveaway!

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

holdenj said...

I'm so glad she stopped by! I've enjoyed every one of her books that I have read! Thanks for the chance to win.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Mitzy said...

i love your author interviews! can't wait to check out the book =)


mitzyanne33 at gmail dot com

Llehn said...

I'd so love to play for a copy please! Thanks.

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Simply Stacie said...

Please count me in!

simplystacieblog at gmail dot com

DarcyO said...

This book has been getting great reviews. I'd love to read it. Thanks for the giveaway.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

--Angela said...

OMG I LOVE Melissa Senate! I didn't hear about her releasing another book till now! Thank you for the chance to win one of her books!!

angelastreit at hotmeil dot come
angelastreit@hotmail.com

Bunny B said...

Sounds like a good read!! Count me in please!
bunnybx at gmail . com

Linda said...

I've never read anything by this author, but the premise of this book sounds fascinating. Growing up I always wished I had a sister; not so sure I'd want to find out about a half-sister now, as an adult.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

Debbie F said...

Books sounds great and I would love to try another new author! Count me in!
thanks!
dcf_beth at verizon dot net

Lucyinthesky said...

I'd love a chance to win a copy. I also had a half sister find me and unfortunately it didn't turn out well. Sometimes it doesn't I guess. But when it turns out good it's nice for all involved.

bookcat1010 at gmail dot com

mrsshukra said...

What an inspiring book, please count me in!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

sarah Pekkanen said...

Sounds like a terrific book - I'd love to read it!

Sarah at sarahpekkanen dot com

mindy said...

sounds like a great read thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

Anonymous said...

I really liked See Jane Date, so I'd love to read this.

Nycole
knycks1@aol.com

Alicia said...

Would love to read this.

Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

bloggyig at gmail dot com

Margay Leah Justice said...

I'm with the consensus: This does look like a great book and I would love a chance to win it.
Margay

Margay1122@aol.com

Kelly said...

This sounds great--even the cover makes me smile! I'd love to read it. :)

krtrumpet [at] aol [dot] com

mariska said...

ooooh...i love to win this book. Melissa is a new author for me ! I'd like to read and know her works better.

uniquas at ymail dot com

jennem said...

Thanks for the chance!
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com