September 18, 2012

Interview with author Jessica Brody and giveaway!

WINNER: Lindy Gomez


Hi Jessica! Welcome to Good Choice Reading.

Thanks! Excited to be here!

1. For those who aren't familiar with you and your books, tell us a little bit about yourself.

People often assume because I was a writer I must have studied English in college. But actually, that’s not the case. I studied Economics! I thought I wanted to be an important business woman. But it turned out it wasn’t for me. I quit my job as a financial analyst for MGM Studios in Los Angeles about 7 years ago pursue my childhood dream of becoming an author. I’ve written three contemporary YA books. 52 Reasons to Hate My Father is the most recent. I love humorous novels so I try to put as much comedy into mine as I can. But I also love stories with heart, so I try to get some of that in there too.

2. What inspired you to write 52 Reasons to Hate My Father?

Actually it’s kind of a funny story. I was sitting in my car, watching a meter maid write someone a parking ticket and I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to be a meter maid? But only for like a week. Just to see what it was like.” Then I started to brainstorm all these other jobs I’d like to do for one week. And I decided, “Well, I’m too busy writing novels to actually do all these jobs, so I guess I’ll just have to write a book about someone else who does them.” And then I tried to think of the funniest character to put in that kind of situation and the answer was instant: a spoiled heiress who has never had to work a day in her life. And alas, Lexington Larrabee was born. But really the joke’s on me, because in researching the story, I actually did take on some of the jobs that are in the book! My favorite was working the drive-thru at a fast food restaurant. Those head-sets you have to wear are like something out of Star Trek!

3. What was the most challenging part for you writing 52 Reasons to Hate My Father?

I think the biggest challenge was making sure that Lexi was a real and relatable character. Which was hard because she’s an heiress who’s about to inherit 25 million dollars (not exactly something we can all relate to, at least I can’t!) and she’s pretty much a spoiled brat from the moment you meet her! But I wanted to explore what it would be like to grow up with that much wealth and never know anything different. I imagine it’s oftentimes not as glamorous as it sounds and that’s what I wanted to portray. Although the idea of placing a spoiled heiress in all of these low-wage jobs is humorous, it’s only natural that Lexi would learn something from the experience and when I set out to write the book, I wanted to make sure that she grew in the process.

4. Which character would you say is a lot like you?

The character that’s most like me is definitely Maddy from The Karma Club. She and I are SO similar! We’re both very organized, studious, and like to be in control at all times. The fact that she concocts a plan to take Karma into her own hands because she doesn’t think it’s doing a good enough job on its own is something I totally would do! I’m a bit of a control freak. I never trust anyone to do anything for me. I always insist on doing it myself. So I suppose that would also apply to mystical forces of the universe!

5. If you could pick one song to match your main characters life, what song would that be, and why?

“She Works Hard for the Money” by Donna Summers because, well, Lexi does work VERY hard for a LOT of money!

6. What can we expect next from you?

Last year I signed a four book deal with my publisher, Macmillan Children’s, and I just turned in the first of those books! It’s the first installment in a new YA sci-fi/thriller trilogy called UNREMEMBERED. It’s about a sixteen-year-old girl who wakes up among the wreckage of a devastating plane crash. She’s the only survivor but she has no memories and identity. The only clue to her past is a mysterious boy who claims they were in love and that she was part of a top secret science experiment. It’s kind of like a Bourne Identity for teens. I’m really excited about it because the genre is totally new to me and writing the first book was so much fun! Plus, it’s my first crack at writing a series so that presents a whole new set of fun challenges. The first book is set to release in early 2013.

Find Jessica Brody


52 Days of 52 Reasons to Love Jessica Brody and Her Books

1 of the 52 Reasons to Love Jessica Brody and Her Books…



"Jessica wrote half of Unremembered in airports and hotel lobbies."




For 51 other reasons, visit I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (September 16th), Fiction Freak (September 17th), and The Story Siren (September 19th). 



About 52 Reasons to Hate My Father...



Being America’s favorite heiress is a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.

Lexington Larrabee has never to work a day in her life. After all, she’s the heiress to the multi-billion-dollar Larrabee Media empire. And heiresses are not supposed to work. But then again, they’re not supposed to crash brand new Mercedes convertibles into convenience stores on Sunset Blvd either.

Which is why, on Lexi’s eighteen birthday, her ever-absent, tycoon father decides to take a more proactive approach to her wayward life. Every week for the next year, she will have to take on a different low-wage job if she ever wants to receive her beloved trust fund. But if there’s anything worse than working as a maid, a dishwasher, and a fast-food restaurant employee, it’s dealing with Luke, the arrogant, albeit moderately attractive, college intern her father has assigned to keep tabs on her.

In a hilarious “comedy of heiress” about family, forgiveness, good intentions, and best of all, second chances, Lexi learns that love can be unconditional, money can be immaterial, and, regardless of age, everyone needs a little saving. And although she might have 52 reasons to hate her father, she only needs one reason to love him.






GIVEAWAY DETAILS! 

One lucky visitor will win a copy of Jessica Brody's upcoming title UNREMEMBERED and a copy of 52 Reasons to Hate My Father. 

* US ONLY
* Must be 13 or older to enter
* Giveaway will end one week from today
* Must leave a meaningful comment below. Make sure to leave a way for us to contact you. 




36 comments:

  1. I was really not sure about this book at first but the book trailer just sucked me in and I had to read it. Well it lived up to the trailer and I loved it. The writing style was great and I was able to connect with this charcter that I have nothing in common with. Great work Jessica!

    Lisa
    lisasworldofbooks@charter.net

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  2. Sounds a little like a reverse Cinderella except if she completes the year she'll come out on top again. I'm putting "52 Reasons to Hate My Father" on my TBR list.

    valleyreader at gmail dot com

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  3. I love hearing how authors come up with their book concepts. It all started with a meter maid. The song choice was perfect! LOL This sounds like a great fun read and I am also really excited for Unremembered! Thanks for sharing!

    sarabara081(at)aol(dot)com

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  4. I love that the song running through Jessica's head about this book is "She works hard for her money"! Talk about motivation! I need this book in my life right now!
    cordfitz(at)gmail(dot)com

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  5. I have read sveral of Jessica Brody's books, and I must say they are amazing! I have actually already read 52 Reason to Hate My Father, and I must say, Mrs. Brody did a VERY good job of making Lexi relatable!
    shelbynordholt@gmail.com

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  6. Wow, it's interesting that the author's major in college was economics. I would have never guessed! I like how by staring at a meter maid she came up with the idea for her story. I also like the idea that her research included trying the various jobs that her main character did in the story! I loved the author interview and how it helped me relate the author and I felt like I knew her. She sounds like a down to earth person!

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  7. Sorry, my email is Lindytgomez@gmail.com
    Thanks for the giveaway!!!!

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  8. It's so interesting how she decided to become a writer! I guess it really is never too late to do what you want to do. I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm feeling stressed about my future. :)

    mcrs_venin(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  9. I have seen this book several places, but never really took the time to get to know more about it. It sounds like such a fun read and a nice break from the dystopian kick I've been on lately. So Jessica got to explore the jobs writing, I think I'll be fine just reading about them!

    steph(dot)osborn5802(at)gmail(dot)com

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  10. Thanks for a great post and congrats to Jessica on the new release :)

    efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

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  11. Sounds really good!! I can't wait to read this one! Thanks for the chance to win!
    natasha_donohoo_8 at hotmail dot com

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  12. This sounds like a great read! I've been itching to get my hands on a great YA contemporary. I thought the trailer was kind of funny. :)

    laughs4life14(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

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  13. I love to read about how authors get ideas for their books. It's so funny that a meter maid at a traffic light inspired this one! I"m really looking forward to reading it!

    madame_cordeiro at yahoo dot com

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  14. After the interview, I feel more informed about the ideas for these books. The title alone is what I first notice. I have heard good things about the books. I am thankful for the chance to
    win a copy!The trailer was cute too..made me chuckle.
    Cyndee Thomas
    cyndee(dot)thomas0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I keep hearing great things about this book~ The more I see it around the more I want to read it myself! I always find it inspiring to see not all authors major in English or have all this creative writing background. I can really tell by the interview that Jessica really put a lot of thought into the characters and I love that because it always shines through in writing! Thank you for the giveaway~

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  17. I LOVE this interview! I can't wait to read the book, 52 reasons, it sounds like a light and funny read :)

    -JennyC

    jennybelieves@gmail.com

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  18. Jessica Brody is one of my favorite authors. I like when I can read information about her or any other author I like on different blogs. It helps me get to know the person that writes my favorite books. I have not read this book YET, but it is on my tbr pile. I have read some great reviews on it. Thanks for the chance to win such a great book.

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  19. I would love to read these books. They sound very good. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

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  20. I knew I should have gotten my degree in Economics in college! LOL I really think that most people who did get their degree in Econ didn't become writers, though. You would have to be extra special and have an amazing imagination to go from one to the other, which you appear to have! I can't wait to read your book and want to thank you for the chance to win a copy:)

    jwitt33 at live dot com

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  21. LOVE THIS INTERVIEW! It's the first I've heard about Unremembered and it sounds like a fantastic story - Kudos to Jessica for her (well-deserved) literary success!! <3

    And, I LOVED that Jessica picked Donna Summer's She Works Hard to describe Lexi lol, sounds about right :D

    Thank you so much, Damaris & Jessica, for this super sweet giveaway, I've really & truly been wanting to read 52 Reasons To Hate My Father~~

    GFC: Mary DeBorde M.A.D.
    zenrei57 (at) hotmail dot com

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  22. I am so excited for this book. There is something about it that screams at me to hurry up and read it. I read a lot of darker, grittier books. For example, I am reading Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh right now, and just finished up Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers. Sometimes I need a book that just makes me smile and laugh and I have read reviews and been told that this is the book for those times. Thanks so very much for the giveaway.

    jeepgirl529(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  23. Great interview! It's funny who she came up with the idea for the book by seeing a Meter Maid.lol I'm really looking forward to reading this one. It sounds hilarious! Thanks for the chance to win!

    hollyjolly89(at)gmail(dot)com

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  24. I really liked this interview. Plus I like the concept of the book in general. People always wonder what it's like to have different types of jobs, so now they'll see what that's like by reading this book.

    mthayer85(at)gmail(dot)com

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  25. In all honesty, part of why I want to read this book is for employment ideas (I just got laid off). I can't wait to see how Brody handles all those! Plus, of course, the romance. :)

    bethwade1 at gmail dot com

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  26. The synopsis of this book sounded like it would be a really fun read, but the trailer sealed the deal for me. It was like watching a little mini movie and I had to remind myself that it wasn't a movie. Awesome trailer.
    molly dot frenzel at gmail dot com

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  27. Thank you for the awesome interview! It is always makes the book so much more to hear the author's words behind it.

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  28. Sorry! I should add that my email is cchakansson@gmail.com

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  29. i love jessicas writing and would love to read her upcoming work. thanks for the awesome giveaway and great interview

    starshadow.blog@gmail dot com

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  30. I will not be entering this giveaway, but I LOVE Jessica and 52 Reasons to Hate your Father was amazing!

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  31. The book sounds great and I would love the opportunity to read it!

    cassinz10 at gmail dot com

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  32. I like the idea of an heiress working hard for her money.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

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  33. AAAhh, hope I'm not too late! I would so love to win this! I have yet to read anything by Jessica Brody and am dying to read this. I absolutely loved the trailer and I think the book sounds amazing. Thanks for the chance to win

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  34. I think I forgot my e-mail

    june111(at)att(dot)net

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  35. This book sounds great the cover really put me off when I saw it in the bookstore a few weeks ago, it just seems gaudy to me. However when I checked out the synopsis on goodreads and your review and interview here it reminded me to not judge a book by it's cover. I definite want to give this book a chance and thanks for the chance at winning it!!

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