An interview with the fabulous Canadian author Jennifer Ammoscato

Do dreams inspire your writing? What did you last dream about?
No. My dreams tend to terrify me. Especially the frightening dream I have once in a while that it’s my wedding day and I don’t have a dress yet. It’s similar to the ever-popular naked-at-school or I-have-a-final-exam-and-didn’t-study dreams.

When did you first start writing? And when were you first published?
I began writing as a child, pounding away on a typewriter producing such classics as “The Big Woods” (about werewolves) and a play that featured my puppets, including “Jake, Jake, the Man with the Rake.” My family just knew I was destined for greatness.
Despite the fact that I get paid to write in my day job in a public relations office, I never had the courage to attempt to write a novel. That’s so F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. I didn’t know if I had the alcohol capacity for it. However, after being goaded encouraged by a friend of mine, I decided to take the leap.
I am in the final draft stage and plan to publish in late spring. It’s the kind of book to be read by the pool or at the beach, but most importantly, with chocolate—and possibly wine—nearby.

What is it about this genre that appeals to you the most? Do you read other genres?
Life is hard. Classic chick lit, along the lines of Bridget Jones’ Diary and The Shopaholic is funny. It’s as simple as that.
If I’m not reading about the foibles of clever women overcoming life’s hurdles with humour and grace, you can find me cowering under the covers, turning the pages of a ghost story. Hate the gore. Love the fright.

What's the title of your latest book? Can you tell us about it?

Two years ago, I realized that a charming (but sometimes maddening) character named Avery Fowler lived inside of me.
I felt it was best for both of our sakes to let her out before one of us got hurt. That marked the beginning of Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery, the first in The Avery Fowler 2.0 Trilogy.
It’s based on the idea in today’s society that you can find all the answer to life’s question online. I mean, you can’t tell me that you’ve never checked that weird mole on your thigh on WebMD. Or how to fold meringue on Epicurious. And, there’s no way that I’m the only one who clears her search history after looking up how to give a great bl— (Um, that last one’s not important.)
So when newspaper reporter Avery Fowler figures out that her husband is having an affair, she naturally clicks for help. The e-help site HowTo.com is where she turns to navigate this challenging stage of her life. If the Internet is Avery’s information god, then HowTo.com is her Holy Grail. Its live chat option is like having a virtual life coach (named Clementine) for the low, low price of $14.95 a month.
Add a new boss into the mix whose managerial style calls to mind the Wicked Bitch (sorry, meant “Witch”) of the West…or the Anti-Christ, and Avery needs all the help she can get. Of course, there are men ☺
With Clementine (virtually) in tow, our heroine tackles such tricky questions as dating after divorce, sex once nothing points north anymore, and becoming the new and improved Avery Fowler 2.0.

What inspired you to write it?
In a short period of time, many women I knew faced the same challenge as I was, namely, going through a divorce and forging a new life. I wanted to give them something to laugh about again.

Is it part of a series?
Trouble comes in threes (I made that up, but it’s probably true). Therefore, I am hard at work on the second book in the Avery Fowler 2.0 Trilogy. I chose the name because it’s emblematic of how she employs the Internet to help her evolve as an individual and embrace this second part of her life.

Have you ever spotted anyone reading your books anywhere?
Not unless they’ve stolen a beta copy ☺

Who designs your covers?
Glen Hawkes, a graphic designer at Dynamic Design and Promotions.

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you cast?
Jennifer Lawrence would play Avery. Although she’s a decade younger than Avery, her immense talent allows her to inhabit a character despite such differences. She can switch from laughter to tragedy in a blink. Bradley Cooper would play Avery’s fellow journalist, Ryan. Because he’s Bradley Cooper ☺

What's your favourite Chick Lit book that made it to the big screen?
Bridget Jones – classic chick lit: British (which I LOVE), witty, daffy, charming. A heroine you can get on board with and cheer for, while cringing inside.

What were the last two books you read?
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson (The Bloggess) and Walls by Edward Jones.

Name one female author who you think deserves to be better known.
Canadian romance author Amanda S. Jones.

Where do you write?
I write on a glass-topped worktable that I insist on spritzing with Windex before I sit down to write because I am OCD and great at procrastinating. It’s in our family room, which has five massive windows overlooking our backyard. The yard has lots of extremely tall trees that freak me out when it’s very windy. I expect to die under a lot of debris when one of the trees crashes through the room. Not really. Well, hopefully not ☺

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer, a lawyer or an actress. Anything where you could make things up.

In the movie of your life, who would play you?
Julia Roberts, back when she had red hair.

Speed Round...
Top drink to make you tipsy? Merlot
Shopaholic or shopadon't? Sadly, shopadon’t
Sky high heels or closer to the ground? Ground level unless I don’t have to walk far.
E.L. James or Jilly Cooper? Neither.
Cry baby or tough cookie? Cry baby (if my husband is around); tough cookie if I have to rely on myself
Exotic beach or enchanted forest? Exotic beach, hands down. Lime with the vodka, please ☺

Jennifer Ammoscato is a paid, productive member of society. Frankly, it’s not enough. Therefore, 2014 will see the debut of her novel, Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery, Book I of the Avery Fowler 2.0 Trilogy.
During the day, she is an intrepid writer/editor for the public relations department of a Canadian university. By night, she fights crime and the urge to organize closets and stuff herself with salted chocolate caramels. She also writes funny stories about imaginary people.
She is married to her husband, Ezio. As opposed to someone else’s husband (insert name here). She is the proud mom of two very tall sons and owner of a super dog, the mighty Riley.
Blog: www.jenniferammoscato.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.jenniferammoscatoauthor.facebook.com
Twitter: @jennammoscato