Author Interview + Contest: Lauren Strasnick

Today, I'm thrilled to be featuring Lauren Strasnick as she shares with readers about her writing. Lauren Strasnick grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, now lives in Los Angeles, and is a graduate of Emerson College and the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) MFA Writing Program. NOTHING LIKE YOU is her first book.

What inspires you to sit down and write?
So much. Great books, great movies, stellar friends, killer heartbreak, fear, recklessness, cute pets, good music, starry nights.

Are there any parts in Nothing Like You that were hard to write?
Oh, absolutely. All writing is hard! :D But, to be specific: there was one scene toward the end of the book that came out quite easy but left me feeling really sad and depleted. Other scenes didn’t necessarily trigger emotional responses but took quite some time to get right.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
If I could, I’d fiddle with a book forever. Thankfully, this book’s been printed and now I’m unable to tweak sentence structure and move commas around needlessly. :D

You’re allowed a collection of books from one author only for the rest of your life and no access to any others. Which author would you choose?
Oh god, impossible question! I’m more of a favorite book kind of girl – I don’t think I could be faithful to just one author! Some very special books: The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys (both by Michael Chabon), My Life in Heavy Metal (Steve Almond), Looking for Alaska (John Green), How I Live Now (Meg Rosoff), The Hanged Man (Francesca Lia Block), Franny and Zooey (Salinger), Teach Me (R.A. Nelson), Ghost World (Daniel Clowes), The Virgin Suicides (Jeffrey Eugenides).
I’ve answered this question all wrong, haven’t I?


What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing?
Oh wow, another tough one. Well, I’m publishing a book. That alone is pretty dreamy.

Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
Somewhere fearless and deep and moving and funny. Also, I’d love to write a mystery. :D

Can you tell us your latest news/what plans you have for your upcoming novels?
I’m in the midst of writing my second book for Simon Pulse: Thwarted love! Twins! Rural Connecticut!

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Feel free to visit me at laurenstrasnick.com! Also, download a free excerpt of Nothing Like You here: http://tiny.cc/vJQv5

Thanks Lauren!

For more information about Lauren Strasnick and her books, please visit her website here.

**Contest Closed**

Lauren has graciously offered a signed copy of Nothing Like You for a giveaway.

Rules: 1 Winner

Comment on Interview +1
Link to blog: +1
Follow me on Twitter +1
Follower : +2
Total = 5 entries

Contest ends @ midnight (CST) November 2, 2009. U.S. and Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)