Why we want to hug Lauren Clark, plus a book giveaway!

Introduction by Gail Allison

**Giveaway is now closed**

Lauren Clark is no stranger to the English language. She has a BA in English Literature and a MA in journalism, and has won a number of awards as a news anchor for CBS in upstate New York. Lauren has been an insatiable reader since she was young, but "Stay Tuned" is her first voyage into the world of writing. Both Melissas here will want to hug her, as her main character's name is...wait for it...Melissa! She’s currently (when not busy with her husband, two sons, or any number of hobbies including cooking and yoga) working on a follow-up novel to "Stay Tuned," entitled "Dancing Naked in Dixie." You can follow Lauren at her blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Stay tuned for a chance to win her novel, as she has TWO paperbacks (US only) and TWO e-books (worldwide) to share with some lucky readers! (If you just can't wait to get your hands on it, it's only 99 cents for Kindle!)

Check out the trailer for "Stay Tuned":



Which authors have inspired you?
Sophie Kinsella is hands-down my favorite Chick Lit author. She is brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny! I’ve really liked most of Emily Giffin’s novels, though her first two were the best. Jennifer Weiner is also great—her stories are fresh and honest.

In one sentence, what was road to publishing like?
More difficult than I ever dreamed.

What essentials do you need for writing? (snacks, music, etc.)
I write best in the morning and need absolute quiet. I often go to the library at the local university near our house – if I stay home, the doorbell rings, the phone rings, and the Internet is too much of a distraction! The other essentials are lots of flavored coffee (yes, I am on a first-name basis with everyone at two coffee shops in town) and I have to have my MacBook!

What did you learn from writing "Stay Tuned?"
A freelance editor friend of mine gave me some great advice—to have fun with the novel! I also learned that revising and cutting entire scenes and characters is not the end of the world. It’s difficult, but eventually, the novel is better for it!

If "Stay Tuned" were made into a movie, whom would you cast in the lead roles?
Melissa – Amy Adams
Candace – Michelle Monaghan
Chris – Chris Pine
Alyssa – AnnaLynne McCord
Sharice – Jennifer Hudson

If you were deserted on an island, who are three famous people you would want with you?
John Besh –My husband and I love going to his restaurants in New Orleans. (Hey, a girl’s gotta eat on a desert island!)
Oprah – We’d never run out of things to talk about. (Plus, she got her start in TV news.)
Superman – So he could fly us all off the island

If you could name your next book character after a city/state/province/country, what would you choose?
I love the name Virginia. Also, Siena is lovely and exotic—after the city in Italy.

Favorite room in your residence?
My little office—it’s bright and airy with lots of photos of family and friends above a bookcase packed with my favorite novels.

In your opinion, what movie should never be remade for the 21st century?
Gone with the Wind

What is your favorite winter themed food?
Since I moved to the South, I’ve become a little bit addicted to Red Beans and Rice. Delicious and easy!

Special thanks to Lauren for visiting with us today and for sharing "Stay Tuned" with our readers!

How to win "Stay Tuned":

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 say where you are located (US/Canada/Overseas).
 Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What movie should never be remade for the 21st century?
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.


Paperback is US only.
E-book is worldwide.
Giveaway ends January 17th at midnight EST.