Special Author Interview & Contest - Lisa Becker, Author of Click: An Online Love Story

I am so excited to have Lisa Becker, author of Click: An Online Love Story on my blog today. I hope you enjoy getting to know a little more about her and her new novel in the interview I got to do with her. Enjoy and check out a giveaway opportunity at the end of the interview for your very own e-copy of Click!

Q: I read that Click is loosely based on your actual adventures in online dating (of course exaggerated for entertainment purposes). How did you decide what and how much to fictionalize? Was it difficult to maintain the anonymity of your experiences or did you feel open to writing anything and everything?

LB: Well, a true lady never kisses and tells.  Click is loosely based on my real-life dating experiences, as well as stories friends have shared with me.  In some cases, things are written as they actually occurred.  Other scenarios are exaggerated, as you say, for entertainment value or comedic affect.  And some scenarios are completely fictionalized.  The ultimate goal was to create a fun read for anyone who has ever had a bad date, been in love, been dumped, or is searching for "the one."  But, the happy ending is real.  I met my husband online.  We've been happily married for about eight years and have two amazing daughters - ages 6 and 4. 

Q. Since being on the online dating scene at one point yourself, do you have any advice for those who have yet to try it? Would you recommend it to others?

LB: I’ve said many times before, if it happened for me, there’s hope for you.  I’m a big fan of online dating and find it to be a useful tool for young professionals who are busy working and finding it difficult to make the right connection at the gym, bar, coffee shop, or grocery aisle.  People today are “married” to their cell phones and laptops, so I say why not use that technology to really get married, right?

Q.  Can you share a bit of your own “online love story” about how you met your husband?

LB: After a week of emails, followed by a week of phone calls, my now-husband and I met for our first date - a traditional dinner and movie outing.  Even before I opened the door to greet him, I knew he was "the one."  Considering he lived 30 miles away, I'm not certain our paths would have typically crossed.  But after 11 years together - including eight years of marriage (which in Los Angeles is apparently no small feat!) and two beautiful daughters, I have no doubt he is my soul mate. 

Q. I feel like more and more authors are expanding on the creativity of the writing process and combining it with the wave of technology to create stories in alternative formats. What made you decide to write a novel entirely in email format?

LB: Many years ago, I read a book called e by Matthew Beaumont which tells the story of a fictitious ad agency vying for a big account, with the story all told in emails.  I thought that narrative style would work really well for the story I wanted to tell about the online dating world.  It was a modern way of storytelling that fit the topic and the times. 

Q. Do you have a certain routine to your writing? A daily schedule? A favorite room, place, writing tool or anything else?

LB: I started writing the book after my husband and I married but before we had kids.  Then I had to take a break from writing due to the rigors of motherhood.  But I had always told myself – even as a little girl – that I would write a book one day.  So, I made the commitment to finish the book.  I wrote in the mornings while the girls were at school or at night after they went to sleep.  I made it a goal to write – even if only for a half hour – every day. 

Q. Do you have any advice for wannabe writers out there?

LB: Much like the other author advice that I’ve read before, I would say to: (1) write what you know; and (2) make a commitment to write every day.  

Q. What do you do when you’re not writing?

LB: In addition to writing Click, I wear many different hats.  I’m a full time mom and wife to the best family ever; part time public relations professional for an international PR firm; part time professor of public relations courses at a state university in California; and I’m bringing to market a children’s education product that I’ve invented.  Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment around here. 

Q. What do you love most about being a novelist? Least?

LB: The best part of this process has been the enthusiastic response from readers and reviewers who are enjoying this light, fun story.  I would say the most challenging part has been finding the time to support the book in the way I would like to spread the word about it.  So, I’m really appreciative of opportunities like this one.  Thank you.

Q. I absolutely love the design of your cover with the entangled computer mice shaped like hearts! More and more authors are choosing to go the self-publishing route in the age of e-books and the vast array of self-publishing services available online.  What advice do you have for others who might be considering the self-publishing route?

LB: Thank you!  I think the designer really captured the essence of the book.  I explored the traditional publishing route and got feedback from multiple literary agents. One in particular explained the current economic state of the publishing industry to me. Due to the large investment to edit, produce, distribute and market a work by an unknown author, many large publishers won’t take the risk. Self-publishing is a way to get your work out there.

I'm also reminded of some advice I was once given. I had interviewed Charles Rosen, one of the producers of the original Beverly Hills 90210, for an alumni magazine article while I was in graduate school. And I'll never forget what he told me, "Don't fall in love with your words, because somebody above will probably change them." One of the great benefits of self-publishing is that you can really take control of the process.

Q. What is something that most people wouldn't necessarily know about you (that you would be willing to share here, of course!)?

LB: Here are five random facts about me:

1. I've never had a cup of coffee in my life...ever!
2. I make the most amazing jalapeno artichoke dip, but won't share the recipe with anyone; it's my secret.
3. I went on a 10-course zip line in Costa Rica (and screamed the entire time!)
4. I've always wanted to learn to professionally decorate cakes.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird is both my favorite book and movie.

 Want a sneak peek at the first 20 pages of Click? Check it out HERE! Click will be going on tour from July 4th through July 17th on Chick Lit Plus blog tours. "Click" here for specific blogs and dates. Also, please check back at Lip Gloss and Literature in July for my own review of Click: An Online Love Story. A Big thank yo8u to Lisa Becker for stopping by my blog, participating in an interview and offering readers a chance to win their own copy of Click. TO WIN YOUR VERY OWN E-BOOK COPY OF CLICK: AN ONLINE LOVE STORY, SIMPLY COMMENT ON THIS POST BY SUNDAY, JUNE 12th, 2011 AND A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN VIA RANDOM.ORG AND ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING DAY. GOOD LUCK!!