Ella Slayne has some questions for *you* and a fun novel to share!

Introduction by Gail Allison

**Giveaway is now closed**

Ella Slayne is originally from the UK and now lives in the US with her family, which is comprised of one husband, three children, three guinea pigs, and a number of fish. She has a drama degree from Manchester University, as well as an acting diploma from the Webber Douglas Academy in London. Her first novel, "High-Heels And Slippers!," is available as an e-book at Smashwords and Barnes and Noble and in paperback (as well as e-book) at Amazon. She’s currently in the middle of revisions to her second novel, "Holding Me Up."

You can find her at both her website, and at her blog. You can follow her on Twitter or check out her Facebook page. Stop by and say hi, she would love to hear from you!

Ella is giving away FIVE e-copies of "High Heels & Slippers" to some lucky readers anywhere in the world!

First off, tell us about your awesome book, "High Heels & Slippers," and what inspired you to write it…

The inspiration for Josie's story came from the fact that four years ago my Uncle Alan passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. It was a clear reminder that life can be short and is precious and that we have the make of the most it of while we can. At the beginning of High-Heels, Josie is self-centered and preoccupied with the small stuff and the book is about her emotional growth as she realizes that she needs to look at the bigger picture. I knew wanted to create a Chick Lit book with a poignant twist and a heroine who was lovable, even though she can be a bit frustrating at times. The setting and plot sort of unraveled as I wrote.

Is there anything you’d like to ask our readers?

Ooh yes so many things... do you ever watch those book trailers that keep popping up everywhere? Where's your favourite place to read, in the bath, by the fire, on the bus? Do you buy ebooks or paperbacks? Does anyone still buy hardbacks? The publishers say Chick Lit is dead - do you agree? If you could take one book to keep you company on a desert island, what would it be? I feel we could chat for ages...

Which authors have inspired you?

I am in awe of writers who can create a completely different world, like Suzanne Collins with the Hungers Games but then I also love writers who take normal, slice of life-type setting and turn it into a compelling character study, like Roddy Doyle or Anita Shreve. I also love comedy with a poignant edge and growing up I was hugely influence by playwright Alan Bennett, comedy writer Victoria Wood and screenplay writer Mike Leigh. Actually movies are a bit of an influence for me; I love indie films, which are slow paced and let the plot unravel slowly.

Did you base your main character on yourself?

Not intentionally! There are some similarities though, for example, I did work in a shirt company for a time but it was nothing like Harpers & Green! And I do also share Josie's fear of over-sized toilet cubicles!

If "High Heels & Slippers" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
This is a FAB question because this is what I think about when I daydream! I'm having trouble finding Josie because they're all too thin. Gemma Aterton or Emily Blunt would be great ...maybe they'd plump up a bit for the role? I think Mila Kunis would be perfect for Becky. The first time I saw Matthew Goode in the film Leap Year, I thought he'd be a wonderful Callum (if he can pull off an American accent). James Marsden is also a Callum-candidate and I can't help thinking James MacAvoy in a sharp suit would work too! Bradley Cooper for Bob - or is that too predictable? Tatum Channing insead? And as for Tom...what about Christian Bale? It would be interesting to see him play a vulnerable character like that! Or Jude Law perhaps?


What is your most unique trait?
Oh crikey that's a tough one to answer. I dunno... I'm left-handed? Or maybe the fact that I can raise one eyebrow? Not that unique right?

What is one item you can't live without?

Tweezers and a good pair of woolly socks.

Now that it's a new year, what month are you looking forward to most?

I love the Autumn so I'm looking forward to September (it's also my birthday month) but I'll enjoy the months in between as well!

Which singer or music group gives off the most chick lit feel to you?

Taylor Swift, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Owl City, Matt Nathanson, Cold Play, Kate Bush...I could go on and on; it depends on my mood at the time.

Funniest thing that happened to you recently?

You mean aside from being given some paper panties to wear at a spa recently and realizing, after my Invigorating Seaweed Body Mask, that I'd been wearing them back to front? Erm...nothing much really!


Thanks to Ella for chatting with us and for sharing her e-book with our readers!

How to win "High-Heels & Slippers!":
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: Now that it's a new year, which month are you looking forward to most?
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.


Giveaway ends January 10th at midnight EST.