Brooke Moss brings "Autumn" to us in winter...plus a book giveaway

By Amy Bromberg

**Giveaway is now closed**

Today we welcome the fabulous and funny Brooke Moss, and her debut novel "The 'What If' Guy."

Brooke writes complex, character-driven stories about kismet, reunited lovers, first love, and the kind of romance that we should all have the chance at finding. She prefers her stories laced with some humor just for fun, and enough drama to keep her readers flipping the pages, and begging for more!

When Brooke isn't spinning tales, she spends her time drawing/cartooning, reading two books a week (ask her who her faves are), watching movies then comparing them to books, and, of course, wrangling four kids, one hubby she lovingly refers to as her "nerd", and attempting to conquer the Mount Everest of laundry that is the bane of her existence.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing, we have one e-book of "The 'What If' Guy" to giveaway to a lucky reader anywhere in the world.

You can visit Brooke on Facebook, Twitter, her website, blog and Goodreads.

Hello, and thanks for hosting me here on Chick Lit Central!

I’m so excited to tell you all about my debut novel, "The 'What If' Guy." It tells the story of single mother Autumn Cole, who is reluctantly returning to her hometown to assume the role of the daughter of the town drunk. Things become even more complicated when she realizes that her son’s history teacher is none other than Henry Tobler, who is the college sweetheart she left behind but never stopped loving. Check out this excerpt!

What was your inspiration behind writing "The 'What If' Guy?"

I wanted to write a story about my hometown of Fairfield, Washington, and also to tackle the subject of a “what if guy”. Every woman has one, but often times he is a secret we keep to ourselves. I wanted to see what would happen if Autumn’s “what if guy” showed up while she was available…but at her lowest point.

What were some challenges you faced with this being your first book?

I had no idea how much personal publicity and marketing is required for an author. This is hard work, and you can’t slack or relax at all! You have to keep your name and book out there, so that it remains fresh and interesting in the reader’s mind.

What essentials do you need for writing? (snacks, music, etc.)

I always have a playlist for every book I am working on, as well as a cup of cocoa to sip. Oh, and I’ve got this ugly green sweater that used to belong to my mom. I wear it because I’ve convinced myself that it provides good luck!

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

It would be a three way tie between Liza Palmer, because she’s freaking hilarious; Jane Porter because she writes amazing chick-lit; and then Kristan Higgins, because she is amazingly talented in every way.

What are two books you have read recently that have made you laugh?

Oh, wow….I recently read Kristan Higgins, Until There Was You, and it was incredible. Funny, sexy, cute, silly, poignant. I loved it. And probably one of my CP’s books, Jessie’s War, because her voice is hilarious. It’s not published yet, but will be. I’d put my money down on that.

What are three things readers may not know about you.

I collect anything that has an ugly, retro owl on it; I don’t drink or smoke; and I was once a florist who focused primarily on wedding work.

If "The 'What If' Guy" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?

Oh, what a question! How I love thee. Um, let’s see…either Gerard Butler or Eric Bana as Henry Tobler; and Isla Fischer for Autumn Cole. (I’m dreaming big….why? Because that’s how I roll).

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

That I need to write what is in my heart and on my mind, and not what is selling right now. Granted, an author needs to write what is sellable, but not at the cost of her voice and the heart in the story. If you’re just putting words on paper, you’re doing your fans a disservice. I would rather put my heart into whatever I put out, instead of cranking out books at the speed of a breeding rabbit. I owe my fans that much. :)

From looking at a few pictures on your website it's safe to assume you like cupcakes. What is your favorite kind and where is your favorite cupcake bakery?

There is a bakery near my house in eastern Washington called Love@First Bite Desserts, and it is phenomenal. My favorite is the Elvis Presley. PB&J and bacon? Um…wow. But my all time favorite is lemon cupcakes. Yum!

Any current or future projects you can share with us?

I am currently working on edits on a trilogy that is coming out next summer. Think “My Best Friend’s Wedding” with a dark twist. And I have a manuscript on submission right now that is all about a romance between a rich girl and a local carny. I also have a novella coming out in April, which involves a hot pastry chef, a’la Johnny Iuzzini, who was my inspiration. And I am starting to plot out a YA that has been nagging me for months. We’ll see what happens with that…

Thank you so much for having me. I am excited to be sharing an eBook with your blog readers! I hope they enjoy it.

XXOO,

Brooke Moss.

We are thankful to Brooke for sharing her thoughts with us and her e-book with our readers.

How to win "The 'What If' Guy":

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: If you could create the perfect "guy" or "girl" what would you three top ingredients be?
2. Follow this blog and post a comment saying you are a follower (if you already follow, that's fine too).

3. Follow Brooke Moss on Facebook and Twitter. Tell us your name/handle for each follow.
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. Please read our posting guidelines, as well. (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.

Giveaway ends December 5th at midnight EST.