Why we want to "marry" Bonnie Trachtenberg's debut novel and how you can win it!

**Giveaway is now closed**

We are thrilled to have Bonnie Trachtenberg here, as Melissa A loved her debut novel, "Wedlocked" (see the review if you don't believe us). It is even an Award-Winning Finalist in the USA “BEST BOOKS OF 2011″ (Women’s Lit/Chick Lit category) hosted by USA Book News!! And best of all, Bonnie has TWO e-books (worldwide) and one paperback (US) to give away to some lucky readers!

Bonnie graduated from New York University with a major in Film and Television Production. Shortly after graduation, she found a job working on a B movie (not one you've ever heard of) and then retired a few days later after injuring her back while trying to lift a man-sized coffee urn. Soon, she realized she was meant to be a writer and after working over 4,700 lousy jobs (give or take), she was published in a national magazine. She started writing about health and fitness and then transitioned to entertainment, followed by journalism and public relations. Finally, she landed her dream job at Book-of-the-Month Club as a Senior Staff Writer/Copy Chief. While writing hundreds of book reviews, she also started working on her novel, "Wedlocked" which was published this June. She now has a second novel in the works. Bonnie lives on Long Island with her husband, a high school friend with whom she reunited in 2003. She has three stepchildren, four cats, and a dog who wishes he was a cat.

You can find her on Facebook at both her author and book pages, as well as Twitter and her website. She has a blog too!

MP: What is your usual writing routine?
BT: It’s probably not as rigid as it should be, as I too often let life get in the way. I’ve also been marketing my book Wedlocked for an ungodly amount of hours each day, so that’s been cutting into my creative time too. However, I’m now forcing myself to set a few hours aside early in the day, before I get too weary, as writing time. The rest of the day is pretty much a free-for-all!

MP: What do you do when you’re not writing?
BT: Not much time to do anything besides marketing lately, but when I absolutely have to get away, I meditate, take walks, read, hang with my husband, cats and dog, and unfortunately do chores.

MP: Which authors have inspired you?
BT: There are a few authors in my genre or related genres that really inspired me to write my own book. Some of their names are Susan Isaacs, Jennifer Weiner, Marian Keyes, Carrie Fisher, Helen Fielding, Lisa Lutz, Emily Giffin, and Janet Evanovich. I am also inspired by the humor of David Sedaris, Dave Barry, and Carl Hiaasen, and probably many more I just can’t think of right now!

MA: What is one piece of advice you could share with future chick lit writers?
BT: I think it’s important to maintain a certain amount of depth and poignancy in the midst of the humor. I, for one, don’t really enjoy novels that keep things too light, fluffy and sometimes silly. Many of the compliments I receive about Wedlocked have to do with how the characters evoked so many emotions. I think that’s crucial in a really good book.

MP: How are you similar to or different from Rebecca Ross?
BT: Hah! Let’s just say my husband and close friends call me "Becca" all the time. Let’s face it, this story is based on events from my life so Rebecca is really me with a few tweaks. Aside from being an actress instead of a writer (though I performed in shows early on in life), she takes some of my quirks, like perfectionism and control freak-ism over the top. I like to think I have a little more self control than she does, but I admire her audacity!

MA: If "Wedlocked" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles? BT: I’d love to see Reese Witherspoon as Rebecca; Shirley McClaine as Madeleine (her mother); David Conrad (The Ghost Whisperer) as Michael, and someone recently suggested Charlie Sheen as Craig! That one had me laughing.

MP: What are you most thankful for this year?
BT: Like every year, I’m most thankful for the health and happiness of my wonderfully close and loving family, friends and pets. But this year I have something else to be thankful for—the success of "Wedlocked!"

MA: Which TV shows give off a chick lit feel for you?
BT: I don’t watch much television these days, but the first show that comes to mind is "Sex and the City."

MA: What is your favorite month, and why?
My favorite month is May. It’s my birthday, my wedding anniversary (second husband!) and usually has good weather. It also trumpets the coming of summertime.

MA: Since Rebecca was so into theater, what is your favorite musical?
That’s a tough one. I’ll give you the top five: West Side Story, Guys and Dolls, Godspell, Evita, and Bye, Bye Birdie.

We are thankful to Bonnie for sharing her thoughts with us and her book with our readers.

How to win "Wedlocked":
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.)
Please also let us know which country you are located in.

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us:What is your favorite musical?
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.

Worldwide for e-book, but paperback is US only. Giveaway ends November 15th at midnight EST.