Interview with author Josie Brown + Giveaway

I recently had the chance to interview Josie Brown, author of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives. This is one of the books I read for my 50 in 2010 challenge. I enjoyed the story very much. You can find my quick review here. At the end of the interview you'll see how to enter the giveaway for a copy of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives.

1. Did you always want to be a writer?
I loved to watch Perry Mason reruns, so it was either that, or a lawyer...

In truth, though, somewhere deep down inside, yes, that was the case. I was always an avid reader (which is why I was wearing glasses at seven).

However, it was the day I brought my firstborn home from the hospital, that it hit me: you're a wife and you're now a mom. But what else defines you? That's when I sat down at my computer keyboard and began what I hoped would be my first novel. And yet, it took my fifteen years to write my first book proposal. By then I'd had a career in advertising and in journalism, which allowed me to right my first non-fiction book. That attracted my first literary agent, who was open to pitching my fiction proposal on TRUE HOLLYWOOD LIES. That book went to auction (three publishers wanted it) and that was the start of a new definition of "me."

2. What is your writing process like?

For me, a premise for a story can come from anywhere In fact, the novel being released in April--The Baby Planner--came to me while I was sitting in the reception area of my physician's mammography center. I flipped open a magazine and read about this interesting job some women have created for themselves, in which they take on the responsibility of helping their time-stressed pregnant clients prepare for the births of their babies: things like shopping for baby gear, baby-proofing their homes. planning the baby shower. I thought to myself: "Wow, now THERE's a book!" My editor loved the concept, and a book was birthed.

Once I have a concept, I then do a working outline. I start with a lot of "what ifs" that become plot turns. For example, in SECRET LIVES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES, the what ifs were: "What if a nasty divorce made a Master-of-the-Universe hubby change course and fight for the kids, the house, the dog--the life that he's worked so hard to support for himself and his family?" And "How can such a divorce affect those who are on the outside looking in, like the neighbors?"

Every book as a beginning, a middle and an end. Usually what happens is that people will have the premise (beginning) and maybe figure out the end. But it's the middle--those 300 or so pages--that is the sticking point. For me, outlines help you move through the process more efficiently.

3. One thing I really liked about The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives was how real Lyssa seemed. I really felt for her as I read the book. How do you come up with your characters and stories? Is any of it based on real life?

Thanks, Jenn, for saying that! It made my day!In fact, I received an email from someone who wrote that, as she read Lyssa describe the lack of passion her marriage, she felt as if hers was being described as well. Lyssa ending is not tragic, nor sweet, but bittersweet. I wish that could be the case in real life, but, alas, it rarely is such.As a journalist who deals with relationship trends and advice, I've been exposed to various marriage scenarios that aren't always happy ones. I try very hard to make my characters realistic--although you'll note that others in SECRET LIVES provide some comic relief. Believe it or not, even they are based on the actions of people I know personally, or (horror) stories I've heard about neighbors or "mean mommies."

4. Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?

I love to read spy novels and mysteries. John Le Carre is my all-time fave spy novelist. Martin Cruz Smith has a great character in Arkady Renko, and his books are wonderful social commentaries on Russian society. I recently did a book event with Jane Smiley, Joshilyn Jackson, Tatjana Soli and Eileen Goudge, and have all their books, which share riveting plots and great characters with sublime turn-of-phrase. I've read everything Edith Wharton wrote. One of my favorite comedic novelists in Allison Pearson, who just came out with a new book, I THINK I LOVE YOU.

5. What are your favorite books to give – and get- as gifts?

HAHA! Ironically, I usually give non-fiction books as gifts. This year's holiday gift will be Lissa Rankin MD's, WHAT'S UP DOWN THERE, a great non-fiction book for women about...well you guessed it: everything you'd ever want to know about "down there!" It's not only informative, but funny, too! One year we gave Jon Stewart's AMERICA - THE BOOK. Another year it was LETTERS FROM A NUT. As you can see our taste runs to humor.

6. What book are you reading now?

I have SO MANY books on my bed stand! This month I've read ENEMY LOVER (Karin Harlow) and BACKSEAT SAINTS (Joshilyn Jackson) and would recommend both highly. The first is a balls-to-the-wall Special Ops paranormal romance, the second a humorous, heartfelt story about love, murder, and redemption.As soon as I finish THREE STATIONS (Martin Cruz Smith) I'll be starting I THINK I LOVE YOU (Allison Pearson) and then ONE IN A BLUE MOON (Eileen Goudge)

7. How do you like to spend time when you’re not writing?

I love hiking. If I don't do at least five miles a day, I don't feel whole.

8. Are you working on anything new right now? Do we have a new book to look forward to?

I just turned in THE BABY PLANNER. I'm working on EXTRA CURRICULAR, which is about a cheating scandal at a posh private school that has its roots in an infidelity that took place in the previous generation. Lots of sex and scandal!

9. Do you have any closing comments for your fans?

I appreciate each and every one of them! What drives me, daily, is the thought that I'm creating a riveting story with lots of compelling characters that will make you wish the book had never ended. I appreciate it when you know I've accomplished this goal. Just email me at mail@josiebrown.com

Jen, I invite your readers to go to my site -- http://www.josiebrown.com -- and read the excerpt of SECRET LIVES OF HUSBANDS AND WIVES. There they will also find some of my reviews. Everyone who posts a comment below regarding the review they liked the best will be entered in a contest in which I'm giving away a free copy of the book.
-- Josie Brown

Well, you got the challenge. Head to Josie's website and check out the excerpt. Leave a comment on this blog about your favorite review and be entered to win a copy of The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives. The contest ends on November 8th. Make sure to enter with a valid email address so I can contact the winner!