A woman like Maria Geraci...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

**Giveaway is now closed**

Join us as we offer a warm welcome back to Maria Geraci, who is celebrating the release of her latest novel “A Girl Like You” (reviewed here). It’s been a year and a half since Maria last visited us here at CLC, and she has been busy writing what is sure to be another success. The Florida resident, originally from Havana, Cuba, is known for her funny, sexy, character driven story-telling. “A Girl Like You” is Maria’s fourth novel and follows one everyday woman as she attempts to prove herself to her handsome boss and recover her battered self-esteem by securing an interview with a NASCAR legend.

Catch up with Maria on her personal webpage, Facebook or Twitter.

Thanks to BookSparks PR, we have one copy of "A Girl Like You" for a lucky US reader.

Characters really make the story for us. What 3 words would best describe your heroine and what about her called out to you to write her story?
I would say Emma is smart, quirky, and relentless.
I was fascinated by the idea of a woman overhearing that she was the “ugly friend” in her group of acquaintances and I wondered how that would alter her self image and ultimately, the way she viewed life. What I loved about Emma, is that after finding out she was the ugly friend she didn’t try to make herself over, or change anything about herself. Yet, hearing this, of course, leads to the events that change up her life.

What is your usual writing routine?
Unfortunately, there is nothing usual about my writing routine. It’s all over the place! I try very hard to set up a routine, but it almost always goes awry. When I’m writing my first draft, I write in bits and pieces (sometimes in 15 minute spurts) and at all times of the day and night. But once I have a draft and know where my story is headed, then I buckle down to smooth it out. I find it hard to sit at the computer for more than an hour at a time, so I do take frequent breaks.

What are your biggest motivations to write? What keeps you going?
I write the type of book that I want to read. So I usually keep writing so that I can find out what happens at the end!

If "A Girl Like You" were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
This is a hard one. Although I do describe my main character, Emma, I made a conscious decision to omit most physical descriptions on my other characters. I tried to let their dialogue, their personalities, and the way they are perceived by other characters in the novel paint a picture in my reader’s head. But, having said that, I would say my almost perfect cast would include Eddie Cibrian as Nick, Matt Bomer as Ben, and John Krasinski as Richard. As for Emma, I’ve always pictured her as a younger version of Nia Vardolos.

What is your favorite month, and why?
My favorite month is November (partly because it’s my birthday month, and who doesn’t love their birthday?) but mostly because it’s such a fun filled month- football games, changing weather, and Thanksgiving (which is my favorite family holiday).

What is your favorite thing to do at a carnival or amusement park?
Does eating count?

What is your favorite summer food?
Ice cream! It’s my favorite all around food, as well.

What is the funniest or strangest fortune you ever received from a fortune cookie?
I’ll be honest, off the top of my head I can’t remember any of them. But if I could make one up it would have something to do with flamingos. Go figure.

Special thanks to Maria for chatting with us and to BookSparks PR for sharing "A Girl Like You" with our readers!

How to win "A Girl Like You":
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: What is the funniest or strangest fortune you ever received from a fortune cookie?
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 August 12th at midnight EST.