When did you first start reading Chick Lit?
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella was my introduction to Chick Lit. I was studying English Literature at the time and, even though I enjoyed reading the classics, I fell in love with the genre and knew I wanted to read more.
When did you first start writing Chick Lit?
I've been writing stories since I was a kid and, when I was sixteen years old, I decided to write a novel. I gave up on it after a while because it wasn't 'serious' enough. (I was reading a lot of Mary Higgins Clark at the time.) After reading my first Sophie Kinsella book a few years later, I decided to trust my voice (which was definitely Chick Lit) and started working on an outline of what would eventually become Breaking the Rules.
What is it about this genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
I enjoy Chick Lit because it's so relatable. I love reading about women dealing with family, career and relationship issues. And while Chick Lit stories can be hilarious and silly, they can also be serious and meaningful. I also enjoy YA and historical fiction... and I'd like to think I'm open to reading any genre.
Name one of your favourite Chick Lit books?
The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes.
What's the title of your latest book? Can you tell us about it?
My latest book is called Zoey & the Moment of Zen. It's the story of a woman who is shipped off to a tropical resort by her friends and family to get over an ex-boyfriend. Hilarity (hopefully) ensues when she meets—and has a whirlwind relationship with—a man who looks exactly like her ex and she must convince everyone that she has finally moved on.
What inspired you to write it?
Like Zoey, I went on holiday for a little fun in the sun after a bad breakup—but that's where the similarities end. Zoey & the Moment of Zen was born while I was in a Mexican hospital being treated for food poisoning. I was daydreaming about all the fun things I could be doing instead of being hydrated through an IV—and that's when I got the idea for this book.
When did you first start writing Chick Lit?
I've been writing stories since I was a kid and, when I was sixteen years old, I decided to write a novel. I gave up on it after a while because it wasn't 'serious' enough. (I was reading a lot of Mary Higgins Clark at the time.) After reading my first Sophie Kinsella book a few years later, I decided to trust my voice (which was definitely Chick Lit) and started working on an outline of what would eventually become Breaking the Rules.
What is it about this genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
I enjoy Chick Lit because it's so relatable. I love reading about women dealing with family, career and relationship issues. And while Chick Lit stories can be hilarious and silly, they can also be serious and meaningful. I also enjoy YA and historical fiction... and I'd like to think I'm open to reading any genre.
Name one of your favourite Chick Lit books?
The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes.
What's the title of your latest book? Can you tell us about it?
My latest book is called Zoey & the Moment of Zen. It's the story of a woman who is shipped off to a tropical resort by her friends and family to get over an ex-boyfriend. Hilarity (hopefully) ensues when she meets—and has a whirlwind relationship with—a man who looks exactly like her ex and she must convince everyone that she has finally moved on.
What inspired you to write it?
Like Zoey, I went on holiday for a little fun in the sun after a bad breakup—but that's where the similarities end. Zoey & the Moment of Zen was born while I was in a Mexican hospital being treated for food poisoning. I was daydreaming about all the fun things I could be doing instead of being hydrated through an IV—and that's when I got the idea for this book.
Is it part of a series?
No, it's stand-alone. But I love these characters so much that I wouldn't be opposed to writing a sequel someday.
Who designs your covers?
The cover of Breaking the Rules was designed by Derek Murphy while Scarlett Rugers designed Zoey & the Moment of Zen.
If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
For the role of Zoey, I'd cast Rachelle Lefevre because she has the perfect shade of red hair for the part.
Shane would be Jason Ritter because he's got an irresistible boyish grin.
Since Shane and Braden need to look alike, I'd cast Mark Foster from the band Foster the People as Zoey's ex-boyfriend. (He's not an actor, but I'm sure he could handle it.)
Nate would be Jake Johnson because he's got the right amount of charm and grumpiness for the character.
What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
Bridget Jones's Diary. I never get tired of watching that movie.
Who is your all time favourite Chick Lit character?
Becky Bloomwood.
Name one Chick Lit author who you think deserves to be better known.
That's a tough question because there are so many and I cannot possibly name just one. A lot of self-published authors (and authors signed to indie presses) are releasing awesome books and they definitely deserve to be better known.
In the movie of your life, who would play you?
No, it's stand-alone. But I love these characters so much that I wouldn't be opposed to writing a sequel someday.
Who designs your covers?
The cover of Breaking the Rules was designed by Derek Murphy while Scarlett Rugers designed Zoey & the Moment of Zen.
If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
For the role of Zoey, I'd cast Rachelle Lefevre because she has the perfect shade of red hair for the part.
Shane would be Jason Ritter because he's got an irresistible boyish grin.
Since Shane and Braden need to look alike, I'd cast Mark Foster from the band Foster the People as Zoey's ex-boyfriend. (He's not an actor, but I'm sure he could handle it.)
Nate would be Jake Johnson because he's got the right amount of charm and grumpiness for the character.
What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
Bridget Jones's Diary. I never get tired of watching that movie.
Who is your all time favourite Chick Lit character?
Becky Bloomwood.
Name one Chick Lit author who you think deserves to be better known.
That's a tough question because there are so many and I cannot possibly name just one. A lot of self-published authors (and authors signed to indie presses) are releasing awesome books and they definitely deserve to be better known.
In the movie of your life, who would play you?
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| Photo credit: Audi USA via photopin cc |
I love Melissa McCarthy because she's hilarious, fearless, and a great actress. We're both brunette, plus-sized, and have green eyes… so I think she'd be a perfect 'movie version' of me.
Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Vodka and cranberry juice.
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Shopaholic! I cannot be trusted with a credit card and a computer.
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Definitely ground. I'm clumsy even in flats.
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? None of the above. I haven't read any of their books.
Cry baby or tough cookie? Cry baby. I tear up over everything and anything!
Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Vodka and cranberry juice.
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Shopaholic! I cannot be trusted with a credit card and a computer.
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Definitely ground. I'm clumsy even in flats.
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? None of the above. I haven't read any of their books.
Cry baby or tough cookie? Cry baby. I tear up over everything and anything!
Cat Lavoie lives in Montreal, Canada with her tempestuous cat, Abbie. Her debut novel, Breaking the Rules, was published in August 2012 by Marching Ink. If Cat isn't reading or writing, she's most likely watching too much TV or daydreaming about her next trip to London. Her second novel, Zoey & the Moment of Zen, will be released in October 2013.
Connect with Cat!
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Amazon Author Page
Connect with Cat!
Website
Amazon Author Page
Thank you so much for having me, Suzy!! :)
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