Around the world with Kitty Pilgrim...plus a book giveaway

Introduction by Kathryn Hamilton

Happy summer everyone! Summer is often a time for traveling and, in this spirit, author Kitty Pilgrim joins us today at CLC to celebrate her sophomore novel and play a little travel themed "This or That." (Which is also helping to lead us into July's theme...) Kitty is a true woman of the world. In her 24 years as a correspondent for CNN, she traveled to numerous countries. Her outstanding work covering issues of politics and economics in these varied regions garnered her well-deserved recognition and accolades in the form of an Overseas Press Club Award, a Peabody Award, and an Emmy. Kitty has also anchored two of her own shows on CNN. With a background like that, it is no wonder that her first novel (The Explorer's Code) was widely praised for its intelligent writing and intriguing story line. Kitty has a style that is fresh for the Chick Lit genre, as she incorporates her knowledge of world issues into her writing and creates strong female characters who defy stereotypes. Her latest novel The Stolen Chalice is unlikely to disappoint and we look forward to reading more from this fascinating author.

Kitty has FIVE copies of The Stolen Chalice for some lucky readers anywhere in the world.

You can learn more about Kitty through her website, Facebook and Twitter.

Plane or Train?
Train. I like to watch the landscape go by. It is so timeless, and the pace is from another era. Think of all the great train mysteries: Murder on the Orient Express, 4:50 From Paddington. (both Agatha Christie) Also every Bond movie has a wonderful train fight scene. Thrilling.

Hotel or Bed and Breakfast?
Hotel. I love the sweep of a marble lobby, a handsome bellboy and the romance of meeting someone in the bar for a champagne cocktail, dressed in a chiffon gown.

Cruise or All inclusive resort?
Cruise. Preferably trans Atlantic. I go on the Queen Mary 2 at least twice a year from New York to England. Last year I spent 6 months on one kind of ship or another through the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy.

Country or City?
City. I live in New York and could never give it up. Paris, London, Rome. Istanbul. Shanghai. What can compare? However I find myself on expedition quite often – is an archaeological dig considered the “country”?

Eat, Pray, Love or Under the Tuscan Sun?
Eat Pray Love – although I adored both. But I am highly unlikely to spend that much time fixing up a house. I’m more the type to go to roaming from place to place absorbing new cultures.

In a group or by yourself?
By Myself. Some of my greatest moments of peace are contemplating new places solo. Also I live in New York, sometimes a little solitude is needed.

Island or Mainland?
Island.  Some of my favorite places : Malta, England, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos. I spend my summers in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and much of the winter in the Bahamas Exhuma chain.

US or International?
International The US is home. When I travel I want to experience new cultures, talk to new people and explore. Most of my work as a journalist was on international topics.

Thanks to Kitty for chatting with us and sharing her book with our readers.

How to win The Stolen Chalice:
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:
1.Please tell us: What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done?
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.

Worldwide. Giveaway ends July 2nd at midnight EST.

Chick Lit is Not Dead is also doing a giveaway of The Stolen Chalice. (US/Canada. Ends 6/30.)