Interview with Isabelle Laflèche and book giveaway!

Isabelle Laflèche is the author of "J'Adore New York." It's her first novel and I've already read some great reviews. Recently, Melissa Patafio and I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about the book, the writing process and some of her interests. She also gave me a signed copy of "J'Adore New York" to send to one lucky winner.

MP: How much of J’adore New York is based on your personal experiences working in the New York corporate world?

IL: The novel is based partly on my own experiences. I was also inspired by several friends who worked in big law firms, television shows such as Ally McBeal and movies.


MP: When did you decide that there would be a follow-up to J’adore or did
you know from the beginning that there would be a second book?

IL: I decided there would be a sequel once I had completed the last scene. I decided to leave the ending somewhat open so that Catherine could live on. I’m really happy that I did, as several readers have been writing me asking for more!


MA: What kept you motivated during the process of writing this book?
IL: The feeling that I had a compelling story to tell. I wanted to share some of my own experiences dealing with a major career change and I felt that this would make a good novel.

Although J'Adore New York is a call for introspection and the need to reevaluate one's values, I also wanted to entertain people and make them laugh.


MA: How did you feel when you finished writing “J’Adore…?”

IL: Ecstatic! I must admit that I also felt a tinge of sadness the day my editor told me the manuscript was completed. Writing and editing this novel had become such an integral part of my every day life; it felt as thought a gaping hole had been left behind when it was over.


MA: Casting couch time: If “J’Adore New York” were optioned for film, who would play the main characters?

IL: My dream cast (and I dream big!) would be:

Catherine: Marion Cotillard

Antoine: Ryan Reynolds

Jeffrey: Hugh Jackman

Rikash: My dear friend Yanic Truesdale, who played the role of Michel in The Gilmore Girls.



MP: Who is your style icon?
IL: I have a few but I would say Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel for her audacity, Diane Kruger for her impeccable style and Jenna Lyons, the president of J. Crew, for her great eye.

MP: What designer would you absolutely love to wear for a red carpet event?
IL: A Dior haute couture gown with a Chanel bag.

MA: What is your favorite thing about New York?
IL: Its energy. No other city can compare, you immediately feel the buzz as soon as you set foot there. I would say the amazing shopping comes in close second!

MP: On a similar note, what is your favorite city in the world to visit?
IL: Other than New York, Paris is my favorite. Everywhere you look, there is beauty and it’s quite intoxicating. Whether it’s the magnificent architecture, the lovely shops, or the succulent food, presentation is always flawless.

I’ve just come back from spending a week in France doing research for my next book. While I was there, I dropped into Ladurée’s tea salon for a snack and, to me, this represents quintessential French style; nibbling on rose flavored macaroons while sipping tea in a gorgeous baroque style setting. It just doesn’t get better than that.

MA: What is something about you that most people would find surprising?
IL: I create entire scenes for my novels while lounging in my bath!

I want to thank Melissa Patafio for the questions she contributed to this interview. We'll be working on more interviews together in the near future and she may even be flying solo on a few.

Special thanks to Isabelle Laflèche for answering our questions. We really enjoyed doing this interview with her. I also want to thank her for the book to give away.

How to win this book.
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted.)

For additional entries (each as a separate comment including your e-mail address, as well):
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite city in the world to visit?
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3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.

Giveaway ends Thursday, July 29th at midnight EST.