Kristin Hannah is high flying, adored....plus a book giveaway

Introduction and interview by Melissa Amster

**Giveaway is now closed**

Photo by Charles Bush

It's a pleasure to have Kristin Hannah back at CLC for a third visit! This time, it's to reconnect with some beloved characters from one of her previous novels because her latest is a sequel to that novel. That's right....we're talking about Fly Away, the sequel to her standout hit, Firefly Lane!

In case the subject of this post is ringing a bell, I got the idea from an Evita song, even though Kristin's success comes from her own amazing writing talent. (Unlike what the song suggests in regards to Eva Peron.) And as you will find out soon, there's an Andrew Lloyd Webber reference in her interview.

If you're new to the world of Kristin Hannah...welcome! We hope you'll love her as much as we do. Just keep in mind that Fly Away has spoilers for Firefly Lane, so read them in order. (There's also a very minor spoiler in this interview, but it doesn't give too much away.) This California-born author moved to Washington (state...I could only be so lucky if she were to live in the country's capitol) when she was still a kid and has called it home ever since. She is now the author of 19 novels. If you haven't even read one of them yet, you're definitely missing out! Kristin is also available to speak with book clubs by phone and has ideas for ways to enhance discussions about some of her novels.

You can get to know more about Kristin by visiting her at her website and Facebook. Thanks to Sarah Hall Productions, we have FIVE copies of Fly Away (reviewed here...contains spoilers) for some lucky US readers!

Did you have a sequel to Firefly Lane in your head as soon as you finished writing it, or did it come to you later?
 I always knew that there was more to the story, and I always intended to someday write about these characters. I never thought of it as a sequel, per se. I just wanted to check in on the characters and see where they had gone in the years after Firefly Lane. Although, to be honest, I was surprised by how difficult it was to re-enter that world. 

Which character from Firefly Lane and/or Fly Away do you relate to most?
Kate was always that character that came most easily to me, and that I related to the most. Perhaps this is why the "sequel" proved so difficult. I always loved Tully, but she remains one of the most difficult characters I've ever written because while I adored her, I often had trouble relating to her.

Do you have sequels planned for any other books?
No! I hate to say never, but I know it will be a long time before I attempt a sequel again. I really love a blank canvas when I begin a book. 

If Firefly Lane and/or Fly Away were made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
Oh, what an interesting question! I know my Facebook friends have a lot of opinions on this. I think all of the women in these books are so vibrant and alive, I like to let readers imagine actresses on their own.

If we were to visit you in Washington, what would you take us to see or do first?
I would love that! I love to show off my hometown. I think it's that idea of sharing that has encouraged me to set so many of my novels here. A perfect day in the Northwest is a morning visit to one of our fabulous coffee shops, and then a leisurely walk along the Seattle waterfront, and then if we are really lucky and the weather is perfect, a boat ride.

You talked about music in both Firefly Lane and Fly Away. What is your all-time favorite song?
Another great question. I would have to say "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera. Every time I hear it, I am moved.

Who is the Tully to your Kate? How long have you been friends? 
 I don't really have a "Tully" to my Kate. Most of my best friends are Kates, like me. :)  Although we all have our "Tully" moments.

What is the best compliment you received about your writing? (Given that we love your books, we don't mind you bragging a bit!)
I have two favorites. With Firefly Lane, I hear from women who say, quite literally, that reading the book saved their lives--women who got breast exams because of the book. And with Home Front, I love hearing from people who say that reading the book gave them a better understanding of, and appreciation for, our military men and women and their families.

Thanks to Kristin for a lovely chat, St. Martin's Press for coordinating the interview and Sarah Hall Productions for sharing the book with our readers.

How to win Fly Away:
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.)

1. Please tell us: Which character do you relate to more, Kate or Tully? (If you haven't read Firefly Lane yet, then just tell us what type of role you take on in your closest friendship.)
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US only.  Giveaway ends April 28th at midnight EST.