A "night" to remember with Sophie Kinsella...plus a book giveaway

Photo by Blake Little

Introduction and interview by Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

If you don't already know this by now, I am a huge Sophie Kinsella fan. I even wrote a tribute to her last year, during International Chick Lit Month. Her books are so clever, funny and endearing (as are the characters in each book). And from doing this interview with her, I like her even more as a person, as she seems so sweet, genuine and down-to-earth. I could totally see myself hanging out with her if she ever came to my town for a visit. (A girl can dream, right?!?)

Sophie has earned her notoriety in the chick lit universe, with her Shopaholic series AND her stand-alone novels. She also writes chick lit novels under her real name, Madeleine Wickham. They have a different feel to them, but still worth checking out.

I am thrilled and honored to be able to share this interview with Sophie Kinsella, as it is her first time visiting Chick Lit Central. (I hope it won't be her last!) I wouldn't mind an in-person visit one of these days, but again, that's just wishful thinking on my part. I'd probably end up all star struck anyway! You can find Sophie at her website and Facebook.

UK cover

I want to thank Transworld Publishers for coordinating this interview. Also, thanks to Random House, we have TWO copies of her latest novel, Wedding Night to share with lucky readers in the US and/or Canada. In addition, I'd like to personally share some of her previous stand alone novels with our readers anywhere in the world. (Even if you've read them before, you're still welcome to enter and share the prize with someone else who hasn't experienced the joy of a Sophie Kinsella novel before.) It's a surprise as to which books I've chosen to share!


In regards to the topic of your latest novel, Wedding Night, what is your favorite memory from your own wedding?
I will always remember walking up the aisle on my father's arm, while a choir made up of all our friends belted out Vivaldi. It was quite overwhelming.

Out of all your characters from any of your novels, who do you relate to most? Least?
I relate to all my heroines - they all have a piece of me in them. I'm a fantasist like Becky Bloomwood, and I'm a a bit of a klutz like Emma Corrigan and I'm a real romantic like Lottie. I suppose the girl I relate to least is Becky's sister Jess - she is so practical and unromantic. But that's not to say I don't understand and respect her.

Any plans for future Shopaholic novels or another way to keep us updated on the whereabouts of Becky?
Yes, I am planning another Shopaholic book. I am missing Becky myself!

Of your stand-alone books, which do you think would make a great movie and who would you cast in the lead roles?
I think The Undomestic Goddess would make a great movie but I've no idea who I would cast. I just know that Nathaniel would have to be someone gorgeous!

Since your name is an alias, how did you come up with it in the first place?
Sophie is my middle name and Kinsella is my mother's maiden name. Growing up, I always loved the name Kinsella so I was very happy to have a way to use it!

Special thanks to Sophie for visiting with us, Transworld for coordinating the interview and Random House for sharing Wedding Night with our readers!

US cover

How to win Wedding Night OR a previous Sophie Kinsella novel:
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.)

If you live in the US or Canada, please indicate that, as well. (Otherwise, your entry will NOT also count toward Wedding Night.)



Bonus entries:
1. Please tell us: What is your favorite Sophie Kinsella novel? (If you haven't read her novels yet, tell us which one you'd want to read first.)
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.

US/Canada only for Wedding Night.
Worldwide for previous novels.
Giveaway ends April 30th at midnight EST.