A day at the cinema with Emma and Nicola, plus a book giveaway

From left to right:
Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus.

Intro and interview by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

Lights! Camera! Action!

In 2007, the bright lights of Hollywood shined upon Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus when their debut novel, "The Nanny Diaries," was released as a major motion picture starring Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney and Alicia Keys. Drawing from their experiences as nannies in Manhattan, this dynamic-duo busted out on the literary scene in 2002 with a tale about a young woman, Annie Braddock, a.k.a. "Nanny," who takes a job on the Upper East Side looking after Grayer, the young son of Mr. and Mrs. X. As time goes on, Nanny has to learn to manage the reality of the world she has been thrust into, and comes to the realization that life on the Upper East Side isn't all it's cracked-up to be.

Prior to teaming up, both Emma and Nicola attended New York's University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study and worked in both the public and private business sector. Since their debut, they have written six additional novels and have also contributed to various publications such as The New York Times and The London Times. Additionally, both Emma and Nicola write their own individual blog for The Huffington Post (Click the links for Emma's blog and Nicola's blog.)

Their sixth, and most recent novel, "Between You and Me," (reviewed here) was inspired by Britney Spears and takes a behind the scenes look at the music industry, the true price of fame and what really happens once the lights go down and the cameras stop rolling. They also have a new young adult novel, "Over You," coming out later this summer.

You can visit them at their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter. They also have a store available on OpenSky for a limited time, if you want to purchase the fashions and other items featured in "Between You and Me."

They're here today to talk about movies. If you have a book-themed question for them, stop by Goodreads before Friday to ask them whatever you'd like (as long as it's appropriate for the Internet)! Thanks to Engelman and Co., we have TWO copies of "Between You and Me" for some lucky US readers!

Since it's movie month, it's only fair that we share a trailer!


Who is your favorite Chick Flick character, and what qualities do they possess that makes them so unforgettable?
N: Gigi. Because she's trying to grow up and figure out how to have emotional integrity in a muddy situation. She's been raised to expect less, but she won't settle.

E: With the caveat that her politics are WRONGWRONGWRONG, my first love was Scarlett O’Hara because she wouldn’t take no for an answer on any front of her life right up through the last line.


When they were casting actors for the movie adaptation of “The Nanny Diaries”, what involvement did you have in process? What involvement did you have in the production of the film?
N: We cheered excitedly from the sidelines.

E: We had first seen Lost in Translation together and when he heard Scarlett was going to play Nanny we totally broke down crying because we were so happy.

Fill in the blanks: My favorite movie of all time is ___________ because _____________.
N: My favorite movie of all time is The English Patient, because it's a sweeping, heartbreaking epic about love, war, and loyalty. And incredibly sexy to boot.

E: And on the other end of the spectrum—I can watch Jerry Maguire a thousand times and probably have. I love the writing and think the calibration of warmth and humor is rocket science. Tom Cruise performs a symphony of anxiety. I can’t imagine making a wildly entertaining story about integrity but Cameron Crowe nailed it.

For you, what makes a movie memorable?
N: Now that I have a two year-old--coffee.

E: Ditto!

Favorite Movie Quote:
N: "I brought you flours," from an amazing movie called Stranger Than Fiction starring Will Ferrell in a straight acting role. If you love books see it!!!!

E: There was this moment in the film Courage Under Fire where Meg Ryan is playing a soldier who’s squadron is trapped by the enemy and while in the heat of forming a battle plan she takes a second to cry. One of her men gives her attitude about it and she says something to the affect of “It’s just estrogen, asshole. It doesn’t mean anything.” And then she saves all their lives. Totally badass.

If you could star in a movie that was based upon any Chick Lit book, what book would you choose and what role would you play?
N: Does watching The Notebook a hundred times count? Not that they would ever need to, but if they re-made it, count me in!!!

E: Could we both do it? Could Ryan Gosling take turns with us? He’s young, I think he’s up to it.

If you could meet any movie star, who would it be?
N: Kate Winslet. Because she's awesome. And she fights against photoshopping.

E: And Ryan Gosling. So we could “talk”.

What is movie night at your home like? Are there any special traditions or snacks involved?
N: Every couple has this thing they decide they will not let go of after having children and for us it's opening weekend for a blockbuster. Hunger Games, The Avengers, Snow White & the Huntsmen--we like to buy our tickets and participate in the record-breaking box office. On the rare occasions we watch something at home I have to have a cupcake. And the aforementioned coffee.

E: I am so impressed with Nicki on this front—that is no small task. At our house we're slaves to movies On Demand. It’s all about the cozy pajama and chocolate and praying the baby monitor doesn’t light up just as the music swells

Special thanks to Emma and Nicola for talking about movies with us and to Engelman and Co for facilitating the interview and sharing "Between You and Me" with our readers.

How to win "Between You and Me":
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: Who is your favorite Chick FLICK character, and what qualities do they possess that makes them so unforgettable?
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 only. Giveaway ends June 25th at midnight EST.