Picking up the pace with Alison Pace, plus a book giveaway!

By Amy Bromberg

**Giveaway is now closed**

We are very excited to have Alison Pace with us today, to celebrate the mass market publication of "Pug Hill." In addition to "Pug Hill," Alison has written the following novels: "If Andy Warhol Had a Girlfriend," "Through Thick and Thin," "City Dog" and "A Pug's Tale." She has written essays that have been in several anthologies, including "Howl: A Collection of the Best Contemporary Dog Wit," "Everything I Needed to Know About being a Girl I Learned from Judy Blume" and "It's a Wonderful Lie: 26 Truths About Life in Your Twenties."
Some of Alison's favorite movies include Best in Show, Manhattan and When Harry Met Sally. She also loves "Wuthering Heights," Willie Nelson and the show Will and Grace. She lives in the New York City and teaches creative writing.

Alison is here to share with us what inspired "Pug Hill," as well as some fun information about herself. She also has ONE copy of "Pug Hill" to give away to a lucky reader anywhere in the US and/or Canada.

To learn more about Alison Pace, visit her on Facebook, Twitter and her website.

Where did your love for Pugs come from? Have you always been a dog lover?
I've always been a dog lover, yes. I grew up in a home where we had at least four dogs at any given time, but never a pug. When I first moved to New York City (many years ago) I started seeing pugs everywhere. Someone told me about Pug Hill, a place in Central Park where pugs used to meet up every weekend. I used to go visit Pug Hill every now and then, and quickly fell in love with the breed.

In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Elinor Lipman. She's been a true mentor to me and is a great friend. I'd love to co-author something with her. Love.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
I do. Sometimes I just let myself go with it and accept the fact that in any creative endeavor there must be a fallow period, in which ideas can percolate. Other times, like those times when I'm on a deadline, I force myself. I won’t let myself get up from my desk until I've written at least 500 words...often that snaps me out of it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Oh, yes, lots. Mostly, read all the time. The more you read, the more you'll write and the better that writing will be. Also, always keep your eyes open and always look around for inspiration. You never know when it will hit.

What are your pet peeves? (no pun intended)
Lying. The fact that I say like too often. People who are braggy. Lateness.

If you were deserted on an island, who are three famous people you would want with you?
One of those people who won Survivor to help with the desert island survival aspects. Someone from "Happy Endings," my new favorite TV show. And then...um, someone who's done a lot of good in the world so it wasn't just a TV desert island.

How did you come up with the title for "Pug Hill?"
Titles tend to come to me right away, as soon as I think of an idea for a book. And then, about 50% of the time, my publisher thinks we should change it and then I usually brainstorm with my editor, agent, friends and sometimes facebook in order to find a new fit.


If "Pug Hill" were to be made into a movie,who would you cast in the lead roles?
Oh, wow, this always changes. Right this moment, for Hope, I'd love Bryce Dallas Howard, with her red hair. Elliot would be Topher Grace, I think. But I'm really flexible on casting. :)

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
In the afternoons, after I've gotten all my errands done and have created the illusion for myself that all my ducks are in row. In this chair in my living room with my feet up on an ottoman. Hands down, where I get my best work done. Sometimes I migrate to the couch, but I rarely sit at my desk for writing.

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?Oh, I don't know! Yours were all outstanding. But how about what's next? I have a new book out in December 2012, an essay collection about my life with dogs. I'm really excited about it.

We are thankful to Alison for visiting with us and sharing her book with our readers.

How to win "Pug Hill":
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. Tell us your two biggest pet peeves. (You can also share why, if you wish to.)
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. Giveaway ends November 22nd at midnight EST.