Interview with Jillian Conley and book giveaway

**Giveaway is now closed**

Today we are joined by Jillian Conley, author of "Maid of Honor" , which is her debut novel. Whether or not you have already seen "Bridesmaids" or "27 Dresses," you won't want to miss this book! (We know we want to get our hands on it soon...) We are excited to welcome Jillian to Chick Lit Central, especially since she is a fellow Chicagoan! We would like to thank Jillian for taking the time to visit us and we hope you will all enjoy!

Jillian has one copy of "Maid of Honor" to share with a lucky reader in the US or Canada.

If you like what you read today, visit her on Facebook and Twitter.

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
JC: I’m old school and I still use a paper journal and pen to scribble down what’s on my mind. It’s full of words, thoughts, and ideas that I scribble down at different times. When I am feeling creative I will sit down on my bed or couch with my laptop and write away.

MP: What do you if you get writer's block?
JC: The main character in Maid of Honor, Josephine, is a painter. I can relate to her well when it comes to the creative process coming and going. If I do get writer’s block, I don’t force it. I’ll go on a walk, doodle in my journal, or call a friend to talk about an idea in my head.

MP: What inspired you to write "Maid of Honor?"
JC: I wanted to write a story about how strong a bond between two women can be. After being in more weddings than I can remember, I realized there is no bigger test on a friendship than being the maid of honor in a friend’s wedding. A maid of honor doesn’t just stand next to the bride at the altar on the wedding day, but she embarks on a journey with the bride for several months. She must be patient and compassionate while being the bride’s right hand man.

MP: If you were not a writer, what job would you like to have?
JC: I’ve always wanted to open a used book store, but my father told me I’m nuts because paper books will be extinct sooner than later.

(CLC: *shuddering at the thought*)


MA: If "Maid of Honor" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
JC: Mila Kunis or Rachel Bilson.

MA: What is your favorite thing about living in Chicago?
JC: The culture. Chicago is such a huge melting pot.

MP: What is your favorite Chicago food or restaurant?
JC: It is very hard to pick just one. Chicago is full of so many amazing places to eat, but I did mention a few of my favorites in Maid of Honor. I am very partial to the best pizza in Chicago though. There is no pizza like Lou Malnati’s pizza.


(CLC: Yay for Lou's! Just so you know, you can have it shipped almost anywhere in the US.)

MA: What is your favorite movie about a wedding?
JC: "The Wedding Singer" or "Father of the Bride."

MA: What is the craziest thing you've ever had to do as a bridesmaid or maid of honor?
JC: Surprisingly, I’ve never had to do something that is too crazy. However, I have been forced to wipe more than a few bride’s after they go to the bathroom. It’s utterly disgusting and wish it wasn’t necessary.

MA: Describe your dream wedding.
MP: Eloping.


Thanks again to Jillian for hanging out with us and offering a copy of her book for our giveaway.

How to win "Maid of Honor":
Please comment below with your e-mail address.
(Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam. Or provide a link to your facebook page or blog if you can receive messages there.)

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: For how many weddings have you been a part of the bridal party and what was the worst dress you had to wear? (Or, if you've never stood up in a wedding, what color or style dress would you completely veto once you had the opportunity?)
2. Please tell us: What is your favorite movie about a wedding?
3. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
4. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
5. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends June 12th at midnight EST.