Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Lauren Clark to the blog today. Lauren, can you please share with us a little about yourself.
I’m a library nerd who’s always loved books. I spent my summers reading because my parents turned off the television every summer, all summer (no exceptions, and I am not kidding!). I loved school, loved college, and graduate school. I have two brothers, two sons, and two pet turtles. My favorite things include the color pink, Pure Barre, the ocean, my two children, good friends, and paying it forward.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
It’s not what I set out to do as a career, but I’ve always wanted to write a book. After ‘retiring’ from TV news to stay home with my kids, I got serious about writing. It took finishing 2-3 terrible manuscripts before I began Stay Tuned (my first novel), and that took several revisions to whip into shape!
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing? Sophie Kinsella is my all time favorite, but I do adore Emily Giffin, Ellen Hilderbrand, and Jennifer Weiner, and Jodi Picoult.
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
I love the fun and humor in chick lit. I also like that the stories tend to be more about a journey in the protagonist’s life, and that the main thread in the story about a personal journey or growth. While finding a boyfriend or husband can be part of the novel, it’s usually not the overwhelming theme.
What are some of your writing rituals?
I’m super-outgoing and chatty, so it’s best for me to write in a place that’s secluded and quiet!! I prefer to write in the library of a local university. The staff knows me now, and have actually had to come and find me a few times when the library was closing!!
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.
With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she’s offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.
Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia’s story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?
How did you come with the idea for this story?
I lived near Eufaula for several years and loved to drive up for the day and wander around the historic district. I found the mansions, churches, and landmarks fascinating. During the annual Pilgrimage, they have tours of many homes, gardens, and buildings. In the evening, they even hold tours of the cemetery and tell ghost stories!! It’s a great family weekend, with music, costumes, and great Southern food.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I am researching for my next novel, The Pie Lab, which is a real restaurant in Greensboro, Alabama. This story will follow a girl who’s gone off to a big city (like Atlanta or New York) and vows NEVER to come home. She’s forced to return to Greensboro, though, when her romantic relationship falls apart. Since she’s burned a lot of bridges, it will be interesting to see how she makes amends. The Pie Lab, as a business, is a great concept, as it offers on-the-job training and the owners are very active in the community. Added bonus…the pies are delicious! The Pie Lab has been featured in Southern Living and The New York Times.
What would you be if you were not an author?
Gosh, I have so many story ideas that it would be awful if I couldn’t write!!! If I absolutely couldn’t write, I would probably go back to working in TV in some capacity.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for? Emily Giffin and Jennifer Wiener’s latest novels. I am also waiting for Juliette Sobanet, Tracie Bannister, and Kimberly Kincaid’s new books!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A HUGE thank you and a BIG hug to everyone who has read and enjoyed Dixie or Stay Tuned. If you’ve left a review on Amazon, BN.com, or GoodReads…. you rock!!!! It means the world to me!! Please feel free to email me with comments, ideas, or questions (laurenclarkbooks@gmail.com) or send me a note on Facebook or Twitter. I answer every single message!
Smart, Sassy Fiction with a Southern Twist
Dancing Naked in Dixie for Kindle
Dancing Naked for iTunes, iPad, iPhone
Find Lauren here:
Kelly ~ Thank you so very much for featuring Dixie on Books-N-Kisses today 🙂
Love your blog and what a fun interview!!
xx, Lauren
Great interview! I so enjoyed DND, I totally recommend it! Her characters really come to life. And I want to try that desert that’s just like heaven! She gives the recipe in the end of the book. Yummm!
This book gets lots of kisses!!