Tuning in with Lisa Verge Higgins, plus a book giveaway

Introduction and interview by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

"My Wicked Past"....It sounds like a song title, doesn't it? Well, it's not. (At least according to my Google search, it's not.) It’s the first link on Lisa Verge Higgins' website that caught my eye when I ventured over there to do research for this introduction.

So where does this mysterious link lead to? Well, it reveals that before writing about women's fiction, this RITA-nominated author wrote "really passionate stuff" for ten years. (Cue Gerardo's song, "Rico Suave," please!) Though the books are out of print, some are available for Kindle.

What I also found intriguing about Lisa Verge Higgins was that prior to writing, she was a Ph.D candidate in chemistry - I'm sure there is quite a story behind the journey that took her from one world to another.

Though her steamy writing of the past surely intrigues us, it is her writing of the present that we are celebrating with song here at CLC. On June 5th, her second mainstream novel, "One Good Friend Deserves Another" was released. The story examines how much women are willing to risk for love, happiness and friendship.

Today, Lisa is at CLC to tell us about the tunes that have shaped her life. Additionally, Lisa has been generous enough to give away a copy of her latest novel to one lucky CLC reader located anywhere in the world!

Intrigued yet? If so, visit her at her website and on Facebook!

Song I associate with Chick Lit and Why: 
Beyonce’s "Irreplaceable."  Because it’s about a strong woman choosing to sweep all that’s unworthy out of her life, knowing she can find a better man and build a better situation. [Amen, sister!]

First Song You Ever Lip Synced To:
"Jagged Little Pill" (also known as "You Learn") by Alanis Morissette. I just loved the smarm in her voice.

Song you can’t help but dance to each time you hear it: 
Nelly’s "Just A Dream."  I work my moves whenever I hear it, thus embarrassing my children.

What song describes your personality and why? 
"With Arms Wide Open" by Creed. Life can be such an incredible adventure if you make it so. It’s one of the underlying themes of all my books—both romance and women’s fiction. My characters always take incredible emotional (and sometimes physical!) risks. When I’m ninety, I hope I’m hiking the Appalachian Trail.

If you were to turn a song into a book, which song would you choose and why? 
"Timshel" by Mumford & Sons. It’s is this wonderfully moving folk rock song about how--no matter how difficult life gets--we’re never alone.

The first song you ever danced to with your husband (either at your wedding or when you were dating): 
We met over a drinking game at a very loud bar and (ahem) my memory of the songs we danced to is fading. But, knowing the bar, I suspect it was something like the B-52s "Rock Lobster."

My all-time favorite genre of music is: 
 I call it the “wailing women” genre but I suppose a better catchphrase would be Bluesy Female Soul: It includes Nina Simone, some Patsy Cline, Joss Stone’s first album, Duffy and just about anything by the late Amy Winehouse. [Gee, why do I write chick-lit?]

Tell us about a song that has a special memory associated with it: 
 Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believing."  Yeah, it’s corny. But at a college reunion mumble-mumble years ago, the pub played all these retro songs. Me and a group of my buddies took over the dance floor to sing (scream) this particular one together. It was a fresh bonding experience for all of us, and the moment that marked the start of a renewed friendship.

Thanks to Lisa for entertaining us with her song choices and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win "One Good Friend Deserves Another":
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: Which song has a special memory associated with it?
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 July 22nd at midnight EST.