Janis Thomas grants our wish...plus a book giveaway

Janis Thomas was here in November to talk about dinner parties and feature her recent novel at the time, What Remains True. So we were thrilled to find out that she already has another book coming out next week, All That's Left of Me. She's giving away a signed copy right here!

Aside from her three critically-acclaimed humorous women's fiction novels and Murder in A-Minor, the first in her musical murder mystery series, Janis Thomas has written over fifty songs, and two children’s books which she wrote with her dad. When she isn’t writing or fulfilling her PTA duties, Janis likes to play tennis, sing with her sister, and throw lavish dinner parties with wild menus for friends and loved ones (hence the topic of her "night out" post). Janis lives in Southern California with her husband, their two beautiful children and two crazy dogs.

Visit Janis online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Synopsis:
I wish…

It starts with a simple wish, and Emma Davies hardly notices when it comes true. She’s too preoccupied with a life she isn’t happy in—the spark in her marriage has fizzled, her career is headed nowhere and her boss is a misogynist. Her teenage daughter has grown distant, and her heart breaks daily for her teenage son with cerebral palsy. But soon Emma discovers her wishes are coming true, and she realizes that she has been given the power to change her life. Either that, or she’s going insane.

Emma begins testing her newfound gift, making calculated wishes and learning one important rule—once granted, they cannot be undone. Over time, she grows bolder as she builds up to the one wish she both fears and desperately longs to make. But when Emma finally gets everything she’s asked for, will it be worth the price? (Courtesy of Amazon.)


What is a memorable compliment you've received about your writing?
Recently, I was told my writing was reminiscent of Anna Quindlen. That was very flattering because I think she’s amazing and I can only hope to have the career she’s had. For WHAT REMAINS TUE, I received many reviews and emails from readers that said my book helped them through their own grief. As an author, that’s probably the best compliment I could ever receive.

Which piece of reader feedback from your previous novels have you applied to ALL THAT'S LEFT OF ME?
That’s an interesting question….Every story is unique, just like every reader is unique. I’ve learned that it’s impossible to please every reader, so my goal is always to tell the best story I can, and write it in the manner in which I feel it should be written. Having said that, there are probably fewer F-bombs in ALL THAT’S LEFT OF ME than there were in my previous books. 😊 (Spoiler alert—there are still a few!)

What is something interesting you learned while writing ALL THAT'S LEFT OF ME?
One of the main characters in ALL THAT’S LEFT OF ME has cerebral palsy. I did a lot of research about this condition, and I was overcome by emotion when reading stories about individuals who are challenged by this. Their strength and resilience, courage and optimism are inspirational. I take so many things for granted in terms of my own health and the health of my children. People with cerebral palsy, their families and loved ones, they don’t have that luxury. But, for the most part, they face their challenges with grace, and in many cases, humor. Reading/watching their stories gave me renewed perspective.

If you could cast ALL THAT'S LEFT OF ME as a movie, who would play the lead roles?
I was just talking to some friends about this!
-Emma: I think Carrie Coon would be amazing, but she’s a few years too young. Mireille Enos would also be an interesting choice. Kate Winslet could probably knock it out of the park.
-Colin: Michael Sheen
-Josh: Finn Wolfhard
-Katie: Raffey Cassidy
-Owen: Bradley Cooper
-Dolores: Judi Dench
-Dante: Idris Elba

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
My favorite thing to do in the summer is spend uninterrupted time with my kids. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. I love those days when we don’t have anywhere to be or anything to do and we can just hang out, swim, watch movies, play games. College and adulthood loom in the not-so-distant future, so I will soak in every single moment I have with my children before they go out into the world!

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Hhhhmm. Funny things happen to me all the time! But, you know, maybe only funny to me….I’ll share a funny-strange thing that happened. My mom’s name was Sharon Lambe. (You’ll understand why I’m telling you this in a minute.) A little while back, I was missing my mom desperately. I spent a whole day in a funk, thinking about her, talking to her picture, wishing I could call her, angry that she wasn’t here. The next day I was at my monthly Southern California Writers Association meeting. I arrived late and sat at a table next to an older couple I’d never met before. They seemed lovely, but because I was late, I didn’t get to speak with them before the meeting began. At lunch, I turned to greet them. The woman introduced herself and her husband. She said, and I’m quoting word for word, “I’m Sharon, and this is Lamb.” I burst into laughter and tears simultaneously. Coincidence? Probably. But I took it as a sign that my mom is still with me.

What is your theme song?
Do I have to pick just one? I think it depends on the day. Some days it would be "Walking on Sunshine." Other days it might be "You Can’t Always Get What You Want." For the most part, though, as I get older, the one that resonates the most with me is "Both Sides Now." I’ve loved that song since I was a young girl, but I didn’t really connect with it until I reached middle age. And I love it even more now that I do.

Thanks to Janis for chatting with us and sharing her book with our readers!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends June 13th at midnight EST.