Emily Giffin makes the grade, plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Tracey Meyers

**Giveaway is now closed**

When I was given the opportunity to conduct an interview with Emily Giffin for Chick Lit Central, I became a bit worried...

I wondered, how do you interview, and write about, such a well-known and admired author without being repetitive and telling readers things they already know? Well, it's a good thing she's here to visit during "Back to School" month!

At my home, all of Emily's six New York Times bestsellers are stacked-up in one of the compartments of my entertainment center.  They are always visible to me, and periodically I scan the titles recalling their stories and the connections I've made to each storyline. Her most recent novel, "Where We Belong," (reviewed here) is no exception to this trend.

I believe this is one of the main reasons Emily Giffin is one of the most celebrated authors of our time.  She has an unquestionable ability to write stories that explore complex relationships and topics that not all her readers have experience, but still have readers make a connection to them regardless.  Additionally, her books transcend genres and generations. Becoming this successful as a novelist is something she only dreamed of during her early school days.

To learn more about Emily, visit her at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her website! 

Thanks to Emily, we have a copy of "Where We Belong" for one lucky reader located in the US. (Even if you have it already, it makes a great gift!)

Additionally, Melissa A. has a signed copy of "Heart of the Matter" (from when she met Emily in Bethesda, MD) for one lucky reader located anywhere in the world. 

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Of all the teachers and professors you’ve had throughout the course of your academic career, which one made the greatest impression on you and why?

My preschool teacher, Miss. Jane.  I am actually still in touch with her!  Also, my ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Billone.  She was my first teacher who really encouraged my love for writing. 

What was your favorite part about going back to school each fall when you were growing up?

 There was something so exciting about fresh, new back-to-school supplies.  

This past June, you released,“The Diary Darcy J. Rhone” which is set during the high school years of your “Something Borrowed” characters Darcy Rhone and Rachel White.  Why did you choose for this story to take place during those years and not grade school or college?

I think high school is such an interesting time and such formative years for most of us.

Emily's College Graduation, 1994

What were some of your favorite books growing up?

I loved the Ramona books (children who got in trouble was a favorite theme --- maybe because I never did) and now I am reading them aloud to my five year-old daughter. The Betsy Tacy and Tib books by Maud Hart Lovelace were other favorites.  I also loved Judy Blume and E.L. Konigsburg. 

Jocks, Nerds, Popular Kids, etc.:  What social clique(s) were you part of when you were in school?

I was not in the most popular crowd, but had many friends that spanned all cliques. I played soccer, was editor of the newspaper, and was generally a joiner. But I was also drawn to quirky loners. 

If you were to be something other than an author, what would you be?

I would love to be a therapist! 

Can you tell us a little bit about your new book, Where We Belong?

At its heart the book is about secrets and what happens to us and those closest to us when we keep them. I've always been intrigued by the power of secrets. When is it justifiable to keep them from the ones we love? And does keeping them irrevocably change who we are? Adoption (under the secretive circumstances in "Where We Belong")

-->seemed to be a great way to explore some of these broader themes.

Special thanks to Emily for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win a copy of "Where We Belong" or "Heart of the Matter":
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 indicate the country in which you are located.  Non-US entries will only be entered to win a copy of "Heart of the Matter".

Bonus entries (can be listed all in one post):
1. Please tell us: What Emily Giffin book do you relate 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. Follow us on Twitter and/or Pinterest.
6. Add a friend to our Facebook group. (Tell us who you added.) Be sure to remind them to edit their settings.

"Where We Belong"-US only
"Heart of the Matter"-Worldwide
Giveaway ends September 18th at midnight EST.