I'm SO stoked to be a part of the Give Me Something tour and to have the fabulous Elizabeth lee on the blog today answering my questions! I loved Give Me Something (I'll have a review up next week) so you should definitely check it out. If you stick around through the interview, you can find out more about Elizabeth's second novel (her first novel, Shattered, is also worth checking out) and enter into a great giveaway. *Please note that Give Me Something is a new adult novel and does contain mature situations.*
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Interview with Elizabeth Lee
In the Best Worlds: How would you describe yourself in a sentence?
Elizabeth Lee: This question is my worst nightmare. :-) Haha! I'm so bad at describing myself. I'll say...I'm just a girl from the country with a big imagination!
ItBW: Your books fall into the new adult category What drew you to the genre? What is your favorite thing about new adult books?
EL: What's not to love about NA?! The NA category features characters who are just starting out in their adult lives. It's such a fun age to write because you get to create characters who are trying to figure out how to be "grown ups" -- new relationships, college, living on their own for the first time, new jobs, etc... I love the way New Adult books appeal to such a wide audience. Some readers are experiencing the same things as the characters, while others are reading to relive a time in their lives before work, marriage and babies took over.
ItBW: You're from the Midwest, which is also the setting for your first book. Will you talk about how your background influences you and your writing?
EL: I've always heard, "write what you know," and believe me...I know the Midwest. I know about cournfields, cow tipping, small town gossip and country boys.
ItBW: Congrats on your second novel! What did you learn from publishing your first book? What has changed in releasing your second?
EL: Releasing my first book was a pretty overwhelming experience. I had this story that I loved and I really wanted people to read it. So, I put in the time, did the research and figured out what worked for me. I was fortunate enough to chat with some great indie writers that offered up some wise words. One thing that I did differently this time around was reaching out to the wonderful world of book bloggers prior to the release of Give Me Something. It's such a wonderful community and I can't thank them enough for all of their support and kind words -- you included, Hannah!
ItBW: What can we expect from your newest book?
EL: Love, lies, manipulation, two super cute guys and one sassy leading lady! This book was so much fun to write and I hope everyone has fun reading it!
ItBW: What are you working on now?
EL: I don't want to give anything away, but I've got a word document open on my computer right now that features one of the characters from Give Me Something. :-)
ItBW: Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
EL: Nothing too exciting. It's just me, my computer and whatever playlist I've devised to inspire. Oh! And, Vanilla Mt. Dews!
ItBW: If you could pick one song to represent Give Me Something what would it be?
EL: This may be a big surprise, but it's actually "You Give Me Something" by James Morrison. This song has been out for awhile, but every time I heard it I knew there was a great story in my head to go with it.
ItBW: If Give Me Something was turned into a movie, what actors do you think would best represent Lila, Nick and Tucker?
EL: Let's see...
ItBW: Finish these sentences:
1. We could be best friends if... you speak sarcasm.
2. The best thing a guy could do to win my heart is... make me laugh.
3. You should read my book if.... you are looking for a book that's a little different from the rest, but still has the romance that you love!
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About Give Me Something: Here's the deal...I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at the bar? That's what I thought.
Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker - one had my heart and the other wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that.
If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.
About Give Me Something: Here's the deal...I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at the bar? That's what I thought. Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker - one had my heart and the other wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that.
If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.
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About Elizabeth:
Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I've spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories were the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.
Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany...I should write a book. And I did it! My first YA/New Adult novel is out now!
If I'm not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny one-year old, I'm probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I'm too old to watch them.
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Giveaway
Giveaway
Up for grabs is a signed paperback copy of both Give Me Something and Shattered. The winner will be chosen and notified on Monday, March 25. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter.
