Interview with Jennifer Rainville and book giveaway

Interview by Melissa Amster (with introduction by Amy Bromberg)

**Giveaway is now closed**

Growing up, Jennifer Rainville had a huge passion for words and books. She was an editor and reporter for her high school newspaper, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and English language. Jennifer’s internship, in the press office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, began her thriving career in media and politics. Her two political jobs, which stood out the most, were working as an aide in the Clinton White House, and being part of Al Gore’s presidential campaign team. Transitioning to television as a reporter at 25, Jennifer covered a broad scope of stories across New York City, including education, breaking news, and politics.

Jennifer is here today to share with us her debut novel, "Trance of Insignificance," where a woman must choose to either remain content in her picture perfect world, or take a chance on true love.

For one lucky reader anywhere in the world, Jennifer has a Kindle copy of "Trance of Insignificance," as well as a paperback for one lucky reader in the US or Canada.

You can learn more about Jennifer at her website and Facebook page.

What part of writing your novel was most challenging for you?
Writing the news scenes was particularly challenging. Having worked as a local TV reporter, I was fortunate to have firsthand experience to draw from. However, it was still difficult to describe the pace, pressure and dynamics of covering news in New York City. I wanted to give an accurate portrayal of what really happens behind the camera and not glamorize it.

Which authors have been inspirational for you when it came to writing?
I find inspiration in various authors depending on which writing muscle I am looking to train. Simon Van Booy...to remind me that prose is just poetry with more words. Zora Neale Hurston...to remind me to play with technique and vernacular. Hemingway...to remind me to be an observer and let curiosity and understanding eclipse judgement.

In one sentence: What has your journey to publishing been like?
Frustration, transformed into enlightenment guiding the path to freedom.

What one piece of advice would you like to share with aspiring authors?
Write what comes to you, write what feels natural. You have stories inside you that are yours alone and deserve to be told. Quiet your world enough to allow those stories to come through.

If "Trance of Insignificance" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
First rule of Hollywood, if you want to actually get your movie made, talk about casting AFTER the book has been optioned.

What is your favorite memory from this summer?
My family was visiting from Massachusetts, and after a long day of fun my mother got the urge to venture out of the hotel and into the hot summer night for snacks and treats. We walked to the Duane Reade a few blocks away and left with a huge bag of munchies. It reminded me of when I was little, when she would let my sister and I stay up late, make popcorn and dance around the house. Here we were, three decades later in NYC, but still feeling the same air of spontaneity and sense of adventure...and that night we created a great memory for my nephew, which was the best part.

What is a favorite memory from your broadcast journalism career?
Working as a TV reporter in NYC, you get to cover amazing people and stories every single day, so it would be tough to pick just one as the favorite. When I think back over my journalism career my fondest memories are less about the stories I was covering and more about the people I was covering them with - NYC photographers are the hardest working and most generous people in the news business and you never even see them.

Since you live in Manhattan and we're currently at the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, what do you feel has changed most about the city?
New York is always changing, evolving, racing to be first; But since 9/11, New Yorkers have slowed down a bit. You see more people lunching in parks, strangers chatting on the subway, couples taking long evening walks...people are more open and have a deeper appreciation for the moment in front of them.

If you could take someone to a non-touristy place in Manhattan, where would you take them?
NoLita...it is right next door to the Little Italy/SoHo tourist stomping grounds, but you feel worlds away.

What is your favorite piece of recent celebrity gossip?
I only like the happy stories...and usually that's not what the gossip is about.

How to win "Trance of Insignificance":Please comment below with your e-mail address. Also, let us know where you are located. (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: What’s your favorite tourist spot in New York City? For those who have never been to New York City, what would be your number one tourist spot if you were to visit?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).
3. Post this contest on Facebook or Twitter or in your blog, and leave a comment saying where you've posted it.
4. Join Chick Lit Central on Facebook. Edit settings if you don't want to receive a lot of messages at your e-mail account. Please read our posting guidelines, as well. (If you're already a member, let us know that too.)
5. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

US/Canada only for paperback. Worldwide for Kindle. Giveaway ends September 18th at midnight EST.