21 Questions starring... Sarah MacLean

Today we have with us author, Sarah MacLean. Her debut novel, The Season, actually just came out yesterday, [although some were lucky enough to get it back in February] BUT if you already haven't you need to run into the nearest bookstore and grab a copy. You won't regret it! Also, if you stay tuned, Sarah has been gracious enough to offer up a copy to one lucky commenter.

Are you working on anything after The Season? If so can we get a sneak peak if not can we get a peak at The Season?

Right before the holidays I signed with Avon for a three-book adult Regency romance series. So, that’s what’s been consuming my nights and weekends for the last few months. The first book is due April 1^st, so I won’t get much time to celebrate the release of The Season on March 1^st!

As for sneak peeks . . . sure. You can read the first chapter of The Season at my blog, MacLeanSpace, and you can get little tastes of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE (the adult project) over there as well!

I like to start out my days with a laugh. Soo… What makes you literally LOL?

The West Wing . . . although that also makes me teary at times . . . 30 Rock . . . my dog when he’s crazy for treats, toys and going for a walk . . . Eddie Izzard . . . and life in general. Because if you can’t laugh about the crazy stuff that happens day-to-day, you’re in for a long, sad time of it.

Has anything AMAZING happened to you as a writer? (Other than getting published?)

Every day of writing is amazing. I try to remember that . . . that when I get to the end of a long night of writing, no matter how many words I’ve written, 10 or 10,000, it’s a pretty incredible thing that this story is coming out of me. I’m a heavy outliner, but my characters and stories always do things that surprise and amaze me . . . and I count myself lucky that I get to do this for a living.

How about something EMBARRASSING?

I’m a romance novelist. It’s embarrassing when people who know me outside of that world read my books and look at me and say “Who knew you were such a romantic?” “Who knew you were so into kissing?” Of course, it’s more embarrassing for my husband. :)

What/Who inspired you to become a writer?

That’s a tough one. My family has always encouraged my writing . . . although I think my mom secretly wished I’d be a modern-day Gertrude Stein and write the Great American Novel. My sister has been a force for me . . . she introduced me to the genre, and she’s always one of the first readers of my work. My best friend, who also happens to be a YA author, Lisa Ann Sandell, inspires me every day—someday I want to write something as beautiful as her work. And, of course, my husband. Who is famous for walking into the living room, picking up the remote, turning off The West Wing and saying “Don’t you have a book to write?” He’s a slave driver . . . but the reason why most of my writing actually gets done.

What would you do/be if you were not an author?

Well, I actually still have a day job . . . in PR . . . so I guess the true answer is, I’d be a publicist . . . but the real answer, as in, if I could do it all over again, what would I be, is a doctor. I think they’re magic. And I’d love to be able to cure people.

How do you associate with your fans? Are there any who’ve made a strong impression on you that you can’t forget?

This is a tough question, as it’s hard for me to believe that I actually have fans. That’s a crazy thought . . . that some stranger is actually interested in me enough to be a fan. So, I’m still in that place where I get emails from people who’ve read advanced copies of The Season and I squeal. Then read the email aloud to my husband. Then squeal again. The ones I am most touched by are the teenagers, though . . . the ones who are 14 or 15 and who are moved enough by the book to seek me out. That’s a pretty awesome feeling.

Who’s your best friend? How long have you guys (gals) been friends?

I’m very lucky, because I have several best friends. There’s Lisa, who I mentioned earlier, who is one of the first people I met when I moved to New York City. She’s been with me for my entire adult life . . . which is pretty amazing . . . and she’s actually the reason I wrote The Season.

Then there’s Meghan, who I met on my first day at Smith College, as I was moving into the room down the hall from hers. I actually met her dad first. We had a conversation about James Joyce. And I think he made her be friends with me. Suffice to say, it stuck.

And then there’s Eric. My husband. Who is my rock. And suffers my crazy better than anyone else.

What’s a typical day like, when you’re not writing?

When you’re on a schedule like mine, with one book due every six months, there are very few days when I’m not writing. But a regular weekday goes something like this: up, feed the dog, shower, dress, subway to day job trying to write standing up squished between my fellow New Yorkers, day job day job day job, subway home trying to write standing up squished between my fellow New Yorkers, walk crazy energy-filled dog, dinner with Eric, one episode of West Wing, then write write write until bed. I’m trying to figure out where I can fit in a work out in that schedule!

You could always add jumping jacks in between commercials when watching West Wing. =)

What's a weakness of yours?

Cupcakes. Lip balm. And I’m a sucker for a good shoot-em-up movie.

I cannot live without lip blam. Winter or not.

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet right now?

I have a pair of green converse low-tops that I just want to wear all the time. Even to work. Which I’m sure irritates my boss.

What could you eat all day long and never grow tired of?

Oh, sushi. Nothing so good for you has ever tasted so good to me.

What’s your favorite fairytale? Have you ever thought of re-doing it?

That’s tough. I’m going to liberally interpret fairytale and use a Greek legend . . . Cupid and Psyche. Yes. I think about re-doing it all the time . . . maybe someday I will have the time to!

When you get stuck writing, how do you unglue yourself?

In the immortal words of Yogi Berra, “When you get to the fork in the road, take it.”

The only cure for writer’s block is writing. It’s hard, and hateful, and you want to cry. But you have to write your way out of your hole.

Which character from The Season do you relate to the most?

Ella. She envisions herself to be way more suave than she actually is; she’s much more interested in books than in boys; and she is sort of a klutz. I get that.

If The Season were to become a movie, who’d you like to play the main characters?

Answering this question clearly articulates the reason why most authors have no say in casting of the film versions of their books. Jeez. Assuming appropriate ages and accents . . . Alex: Blake Lively if she’d dye her hair; Gavin: Robert Pattinson; Vivi: Anne Hathaway; Ella: Kristen Chenoweth; Freddie: Owen Wilson.

I can definitely see Anne Hathaway in this movie

Can you relate your book title, The Season to your life in someway?

In Regency London, The Season marked the beginning of the next chapter of a young woman’s life. The Season also marks the beginning of the next chapter of my life—the one in which I’m a writer.

What’s your favorite book?

I wish I could shock you and say something crazy like Stephen King’s The Dead Zone or something by Kafka. While I enjoy both Kafka and King . . . the truth is, Pride and Prejudice.

Where’s your favorite pace to travel?

That’s tough. I love Greece, and Italy, and France . . . Eric and I had the most amazing time in Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico . . . and Edinburgh is the best city in the world, hands down . . . but there’s nothing like London.

I will go to London one of these days!

Which character from The Season do you like the most?

Well, I like Alex a whole lot. But I like Freddie Stanhope. So . . . take that as you will. :)

Freddi was a character of sorts.

Anything else you would like to share with us?

Just that this was super fun . . . thanks for having me!

Thank you Sarah. We were glad to have you too.

For all things Sarah visit her at her Blog, and Friend her at Myspace.

CONTEST TIME!!!

Deadline: Sunday March 15, 11:59pm California Time.

Who: Everyone. It's open WORLDWIDE

+1 Leave a comment answering one of the interview questions

+1 Spread the word about the contest

+1 Tell me where/who you heard about this contest from

+1 If someone heard about this contest from you

You can find my review of The Season here.

If any authors would like to Starr in 21 Questions, feel free to email me at stellargurl93[at]aim[dot]com and I'll tell you all you need to know.