GCC Tours Eileen Cook

Again, I'm a little delayed on my Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit tour of the fabulous author, Eileen Cook. I'm already going against my 29 resolutions for 2009--always try to be on time. Although, I must confess, that that could be taken as get to places on time as opposed to meet deadlines on time. Perhaps I should add an addendum to #16 in my list that says (Always be on time AND always meet deadlines on time.) But for now, I'll let it remain.

In any case, here's some info on Eileen and her new book, WHAT WOULD EMMA DO?

About the book:

Thou shalt not kiss thy best friend’s boyfriend…again….

There is no greater sin than kissing you best friend’s boyfriend. So when Emma breaks that golden rule, she knows she’s messed up big-time. Especially since she lives in the smallest town ever, where everyone knows everything about everyone else….and especially because she maybe kinda wants to do it again. Now her best friend isn’t speaking to her, her best guy friend is making things totally weird, and Emma is running full speed toward certain social disaster. This is so not the way senior year was supposed to go.

Time to pray for a minor miracle. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s time for Emma to stop trying to please everyone around her, and figure out what she wants for herself.

What others are saying:

“Sassy and sly and sweet all at the same time, this book made me laugh out loud.” – Meg Cabot author of the Princess Diaries

“Not since Judy Blume’s Margaret introduced herself to God has there been such a funny, geuine, conflicted, wanna-be-sort-good-maybe-later girl as Emma. Eileen Cook’s tone as she takes on the big ones – life, love, faith and friendship is pitch perfect.” – Jacqueline Mitchard author of Deep End of the Ocean and Midnight Twins

“Smart and fun and full of heart.” – Sarah Mlynowski author of Bras and Broomsticks

About the Author:

Eileen Cook spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. When she was unable to find any job postings for world famous author, she went to Michigan State University and became a counselor so she could at least afford her book buying habit. But real people have real problems, so she returned to writing because she liked having the ability to control the ending. Which is much harder with humans.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

What Would Emma Do?

Simon Pulse/ December 30, 2008

Eileen Cook

Buy the Book here!!

Here is my interview with the incomparable, amazingly talented Eileen Cook! ENJOY!

Do you (or did you ever) have a writing group? Who are the first people to read your book once it's completed?

I am lucky enough to have a great group of people who are willing to read my books when they are in that early ugly stage. The group is split between other writers and those who don’t like to write- but love to read. They range in age from 14 to 65 so I can always count on getting a range of feedback.

What writers do you consider your "sisters"? Are there any published writers that you hang out or tour with a lot? Call? Email? IM?

One of the best things about writing is other writers. I’ve been so lucky to meet so many positive people. I keep in touch with both published and non published (at least yet!) writers. When my first book came out I was lucky enough to be a part of the Debutante Ball. (www.thedebutanteball.com) This is a group of six writers all who are debuting a book in that year. Be sure to go by and check out this year’s group! In doing “the ball” I had a chance to talk with great authors like Meg Cabot, John Grisham, Jodi Picoult, Meg Tilly and Jane Green. (MKH note: SO JEALOUS!!)

Who do you find yourself being compared to or are often put together with in reading lists or book clubs?

I haven’t heard myself compared to anyone yet- but I would LOVE to be connected to Meg Cabot, Judy Blume, or Sarah Dessen. Maybe if I compare myself the story will take on a life of its own and people will assume it is the truth. (MKH note: I'd second those connections!)

If someone was going to join your book club, what would be a "must read" in order to join?

I was an English major in college. I can remember every year there were always a few books that I HATED and had to slog my way through to the end. I vowed that when I was done with school there would never again be a “must read.” There are too many books in the world without enough time to read them all, so if I’m not enjoying it I put it down. For that reason, I wouldn’t have any must reads. I find that books are like food, sometimes what one person likes someone else will hate. Plus I have to be in “the mood” for certain books.

What was your "initiation" to writing?

I’ve loved books and reading as long as I can remember. As soon as I understood that there people who got to make those stories up I knew that I wanted to do that. My parents saved an English homework assignment I did in second grade where the teacher wrote at the bottom “Someday I’m sure you will be an author!” When my first book came out my dad hunted down this teacher. She was over 90 years old and lived in a nursing home. We went out to visit her and my parents were hoping for a big meaningful moment- but she spent the whole time talking about her bunions.

When did you first feel that you'd officially joined the "published writers' club"?

There is a club?! Do we have secret hand signals? Maybe coordinated t-shirts? (MKH: Yes, there is....ssshhhh! But like Fight Club, once you're in it, you don't talk about it. And yes, Brad Pitt is in the club, but don't tell anyone.) This is my second book and I’m still not sure that I feel like I’m officially in the club. Part of me wouldn’t be surprised to wake up and find the whole thing has been a dream. Every time I see my book on the shelf at a bookstore I get the thrill all over again.

In SISTERS OF MISERY, the last place new members want to go to is Misery Island. But if you had the choice, what island would you go to and what would you take with you?

Near my home there is Salt Spring Island.. The house we stay in when we visit is right on the ocean and the otters come out of the ocean to fool around on the deck. You can see the Orca whales in the harbor. We go kayaking- but the majority of the time is spent sitting in a lounge chair listening to the water, throwing random food on the BBQ when hungry and reading stacks of books. Oooh this makes me want to go right now.

Thanks for taking time to chat with me about your latest book. Now make sure to add reading Eileen's book, WHAT WOULD EMMA DO? to YOUR New Year's Resolution list. I know that I will.

xoxo