25 Things Liz & Lisa want to know about Christa Ann Banister

It's that time again!  We've been thrilled to host some amazing authors on Chick Lit is Not Dead this year, and we've loved learning 25 new things about each and every one of them. We hope you have too!  This time around we're featuring fabuloso author Christa Ann Banister, whose titles  AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DATES and BLESSED ARE THE MEDDLERS follow travel writer Sydney Alexander on her quest to find love and happiness. Sassy and fun, Banister's books will make you laugh out loud!  She's currently working on her third novel, TUESDAY NIGHTS IN ITALIA.  We can't wait! And as always, we were thrilled to discover that Christa shares our love for fried calamari and the ultimate Chick Lit novel, BRIDGET JONES DIARY.  And Liz was pleasantly surprised that she's not the only one who turns to pasta when she's feeling down!

Without further adieu....

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents.... The 25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about author Christa Ann Banister

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: Several shades of Mac lipgloss, whatever book I'm reading at the moment, Orbit soft mint gum, vanilla hand sanitizer, my ancient Motorola cell phone and my fraying-even-more-by-the-day wallet

2.  My secret talent is: Making a mean marinara sauce

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: My hubby, sunscreen, Bert's Beeswax, Diet Coke and a good book.

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: A few books I'm reading, Juicy Couture body lotion and my watch

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: A sportswriter. Or Judy Blume.

6.  My worst job: I've had some doozies, but the real low point was telemarketing for a carpet cleaning company. Not only was everyone in the room smoking while they worked (not fun when you're majorly allergic to ciggy smoke), but my script was so badly written I couldn't get through it without laughing. I lasted only 30 minutes before making my great escape during the first break.

7.  My comfort food: Pasta or ice cream

8.  The location where I write: My home office or the local Starbucks

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Ray LaMontagne's "Trouble," Josh Rouse's "Winter in the Hamptons" and Ryan Adam's "Nuclear"

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Yep, It's a Slow, Slow News Week: Relatively Unknown Author Auditions for Third "Twilight" Flick and is Laughed Off the Set. But Rob Pattinson Thought She Showed Promise

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss, Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

12. My favorite Chick Flick: Anything with Hugh Grant in it

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: Terribly unoriginal I know, but Bridget Jones' Diary still makes me laugh

14. My "must see" TV: "LOST," "The Office," "Castle" and my cooking shows on Food Network—"Everyday Italian" and "Barefoot Contessa."

15. My Starbucks order: A grande, non-fat caramel macchiato (hot in the fall and winter and iced in the spring and summer)

16. My favorite curse word: Arse

17. My celebrity man crush: Jude Law in The Holiday

18. My celebrity girl crush: Lauren Graham or Rachael Ray

19. My writer crush: F. Scott Fitzgerald

20. My last meal before execution: Fried calamari to start...then penne alla vodka with some really great ciabatta bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and tiramisu and cappuccino for dessert

21. Three words to summarize my book: Authentic, romantic, sassy

22. It took me 6 months  to write my book.

23. My book's original title: Confessions of a Serial Dater

24. Right now, I'm working on: My usual rotation of music,  movie reviews and magazine features. And I'm also working on a new novel that's a bit of a departure for me—women's ensemble fiction.

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: Every girl wants her own happy-ever-after ending. And until that happens, well, we all need some great clothes, even better friends and lots of  laughs, right?

For more on the wonderful Christa Banister, head on over to www.christabanister.com, check out her blog Hey There, It's Christa or follow her on Twitter.

xoxo, Liz & Lisa

25 Things Liz & Lisa want to know about Carole Matthews

You heard it here first - Chick Lit is Not Dead is going global. We are like a character in a Chick Lit novel, going overseas in search of fabulous fun and high fashion! And what could be more fun - and fabulous - than international bestselling author Carole Matthews!  We all know that the Brits practically invented Chick Lit, and Carole's talent for writing relatable characters and engaging stories has made her books hugely popular. And let's face it, a cute British accent is always a plus!

And as always with our favorite Chick Lit authors, we discovered a lot of interesting similarities. Liz was ecstatic to learn that like her, Carole is a cashless wonder, never having so much as a five-dollar bill in her wallet-always awkward at the valet!  And Carole and Lisa both share majuh love for the ultimate Chick Flick-Bridget Jone's Diary.

Carole's impressive list of titles includes: THAT LOVING FEELING (2009 UK Release), THE CHOCOLATE LOVER'S CLUB (2009), WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD (2008), MORE TO LIFE THAN THIS (2006), WITH OR WITHOUT YOU (2005) (BTW--One of Lisa's all-time favorite books!), A MINOR INDISCRETION (2003), LET'S MEET ON PLATFORM 8 (2004), THE SWEETEST TABOO (2004), THE SCENT OF SCANDAL (2004), BARE NECESSITY (2003), FOR BETTER OR WORSE(2002), GIRLS NIGHT IN (2004) AND GIRLS NIGHT OUT (2006).

Whew!  How she has time to write so many awesome books and also trek through the Himalayas, we'll never know!

So without further delay...

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents... The 25 things readers want to know about  Carole Matthews

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: My I-Touch – a marvellous device that I’d be loathe to be without; an ancient Nokia mobile phone which is on its last legs but that has become something of a challenge to me to see how long I can keep it going; a battered paperback – currently Harlan Coben’s Hold Tight; a fabulous Lulu Guinness make-up bag with little essentials like lipstick, breath freshener, emergency anti-histamine tablets (I’m allergic to any shape or form of domestic animal); a pink notebook for random jottings and a glittery pink pen with which to do them!  And money – not much of it – my partner, Lovely Kev, says that I’m like The Queen who, reputedly, never carries money.

2.  My secret talent is: I’m pretty nifty on the dance floor.  I have medals in both Latin American and Ballroom.

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: A large library of books and a torch.  A kettle, milk ,tea bags and a cup – as I’m British, I’m counting that as one thing.  Nail polish, haven’t seen the real colour of my toenails since I was fifteen and a cookbook titled ‘How to Make Nutritious Meals from Sand, Palm Leaves and Sea Water’.

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: A very pretty silver lamp with beads and tassels.  Lavender and honey handcream from the beautiful Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall.  Books – Kate Morton’s - The Forgotten Garden, Tami Hoag – Night Sins, and Khaled Hosseini - A Thousand Splendid Suns.  And a glass of water.

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: A ballerina, an air-traffic controller, a travel guide, a teacher, a physiotherapist.  It changed with the wind.  Writer never featured once though.

6.  My worst job: I haven’t had a terrible job, I’ve always enjoyed everything I’ve done.  Odd jobs including being an ice-cream saleswoman in a van that goes round the streets – do they do that in the USA?  I’ve also been a secretary, a beauty therapist, a journalist, a television and radio presenter.

7.  My comfort food: chocolate – without doubt.  Since writing my novels The Chocolate Lovers’ Club and The Chocolate Lovers’ Diet, I have become even more of a chocoholic.  I love Lindt 70% dark chocolate and eat it every day.  Actually, maybe I need to reassess my dessert island list as I don’t think I could live without it.

8.  The location where I write: I have a lovely house that overlooks a park in a new city, Milton Keynes, which is about 45 minutes away from London.  The house is three stories high and my office is on the top floor and I can see all the trees and a little stream that flows through the park.  I can see the most amazing sunsets from here too.  To be at my most productive, I need a brickwall rather than a view.

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Paloma Faith – New York, Alesha Dixon – Breathe Slow, Beggin’ – Madcon.

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Impossibly Slim and Beautiful British Chick-Lit Author Breaks All Previous Publishing Records on Day of Wedding to George Clooney!

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: As an only child, I was always an avid reader – my favourites include Black Beauty, Little Women, Great Expectations.

12. My favorite Chick Flick: Without doubt – Bridget Jones’ Diary.  This is how all chick-lit films should be done.  A close second is The Holiday.

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: Marian Keyes – Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married.  I’m always so pleased when anyone compares my writing to Marian’s as I think she is truly the queen of chick lit.

14. My "must see" TV: Oh, dear.  Long list here.  I see it as keeping up with contemporary culture, not being a couch potato.  24, The Wire, Desperate Housewives, Dexter, The Tudors, X-Factor, Strictly Come Dancing (which I think is Dancing with The Stars in the USA).

15. My Starbucks order: Is it strange to go into a shop that specializes in coffee and order tea?  Not a big coffee fan, though I can occasionally be persuaded to a good cappuccino.  I do, however, like their Rocky Road and their Fruit, Nut and Honey bars.  Their tea is surprisingly good too.

16. My favorite curse word: Oh flipping heck!

17. My celebrity man crush: Another long list – George Clooney, Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Keifer Sutherland, Johnny Depp – all the usual suspects.

18. My celebrity girl crush: I want to be Cheryl Cole from Girls Aloud.  She’s tiny, talented and tenacious.

19. My writer crush: Harlan Coben – the man is an excellent writer, a charming speaker and an all-round good guy.

20. My last meal before execution: Fresh French bread, a selection of wonderful cheeses and a home-made soup – no particular preference of flavour – with some good red wine or a nice champagne.  Then I’d have to follow it with a plate of home made chocolates and a cup of tea.

21. Three words to summarize my book: Warm, funny, bittersweet.

22. It took me 6 months and a lot of pain to write my book – due to tendonitis in my shoulder.

23. My book's original title: Oh, we went through horrors trying to get the title right for this book – it started out as Love, Lies and Everything and then there were about 15 incarnations, I think.  We ended up with That Loving Feeling after much soul-searching.

24. Right now, I'm working on: The Only Way is Up – my next book is about a couple who find themselves caught up in the credit crunch and lose everything.  The story is their quest to rebuild their lives.

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: It deals with the issues that contemporary women have to handle.  Women love to read that combined with a little escapism and a happy ending.  It makes me mad when I hear people saying that chick-lit is dead – our readers still love it – it’s the publishers who get bored with certain genres and then want to move onto the next ‘big thing’.

To learn about the talented and lovely Carole Matthews, head on over to www.carolematthews.com or check her out on Facebook!

xoxo, Liz & Lisa

25 Things Liz & Lisa want to know about Beth Harbison

We make no secret of the fact we have MAJUH crushes on a few, select, Chick Lit writers! So imagine how starstruck we've been when so many of our absolute fav's have candidly answered our hard-hitting questions in our 25 Things Liz And Lisa Want To Know series! So far, we've learned that Megan Crane once worked as a customer service rep, that Allison Winn Scotch's secret talent is singing and Jennifer Weiner crushes on Sarah Silverman. Emily Giffin revealed that she can't live without Starbucks and Sarah Pekkanen admitted she's done some of her writing at a table at Chuck E  Cheese!

And now we're proud to add another incredibly talented and funny Chick Lit author into the 25 Qs mix! (Anyone who calls Chick Lit the "beaujolais Nouveau of literature" is our kind of gal!)  Most recently, BETH HARBISON absolutely rocked our socks with HOPE IN A JAR. (Lisa devoured it in one day and immediately told Liz to stop everything she was doing and read it too!)  People Magazine called it Chick Lit with heart and soul and we couldn't agree more. Beth's previous books, SHOE ADDICTS ANONYMOUS, SECRETS OF A SHOE ADDICT and her contribution to the collection of short stories, AFTERBIRTH (stories you won't read in PARENTS magazine), are all must-reads too!

We're excited to announce that we have FIVE copies of Beth's latest book, HOPE IN A JAR, to give away! To become the proud owner of this fabulous novel, all you have to do is become a fan of Chicklitisnotdead.com on Facebook and leave a comment about the beauty product you absolutely cannot live without. (Lisa can't leave the house without putting Laura Mercier Secret Concealer on the set of "luggage under her eyes" and Liz isn't human until she slathers Dermalogica Super Rich Repair on her "lizard-like skin!")

So, without further adieu...*Cue drum roll*

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents.... 25 Things Liz and Lisa want to know about Beth Harbison!

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: credit cards, Nars Dolce Vita lipstick, one of those little magnifying glasses with a light that I can never find when I need it, gum, a broken MAC compact, a stun gun.

2.  My secret talent is: roller skating

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: soap, sunscreen, my Kindle, wireless internet, and, I don't know, some sort of boat?

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: water from last night, Lego, a book I haven't read, a People Magazine I'm halfway through, and ear plugs so I don't have to kill my husband for snoring and keeping me up.

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: famous!  Like, a famous actress, revered by all.  What happened?!

6.  My worst job: at an office where they didn't appear to need me so there was never anything to do except TRY to look busy, which was nearly impossible -- it was a banner day when someone wanted filing done.

7.  My comfort food: macaroni and cheese with a crispy Ritz top.

8.  The location where I write: my office at home.

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Careful (Guster), Viva la Vida (Coldplay), Party in the USA (Miley Cyrus) (don't judge me!)

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly , my headline would read: Writer Discovers Stun Gun Cure for Husband's Snoring and Restless Legs.

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: The Little Broomstick by Mary Stewart; Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne; any Trixie Belden book.

12. My favorite Chick Flick: French Kiss or Only You (Robert Downey Jr. one)

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: Twenties Girl, Sophie Kinsella

14. My "must see" TV: Real Housewives of absolutely anywhere; True Blood; The Office

15. My Starbucks order: this time of year it's the Caramel Apple Cider

16. My favorite curse word: Fuck

17. My celebrity man crush: Jon Bon Jovi.  Man, I need a new one.

18. My celebrity girl crush: Paula Deen

19. My writer crush: Quinn Cummings

20. My last meal before execution: Icebox Cake (Nabisco famous chocolate wafers and whipped cream)

21. Three words to summarize my book: Friends, 80's, men

22. It took me ______to write my book: 6-7 months

23. My book's original title: it was always HOPE IN A JAR

24. Right now, I'm working on: ONE TEQUILA SHOT AWAY (from Making a Mix Tape and Driving Past His House)

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: it is the beaujolais Nouveau of literature - fresh, new, always current, meant to intoxicate not to make you think or cry, though sometimes it does all three.

To read even more about the awesome Beth Harbison, head on over to www.bethharbison.com!

xoxo

25 Things Liz & Lisa want to know about Megan Crane

We've been keeping some fan-freakin-tastic company lately here on the blog-with the likes of Jen Weiner, Allison Winn Scotch, Emily Giffin, just to name-drop a few.  And this month is no different!  Except that we're turning up the It factor. We are so ecstatic that the ultra-hip and hilarious Megan Crane is here answering our 25 Qs! Is she IT or what?

We've had a MAJUH writer's crush on her ever since meeting her in person last year.  She's just as witty and sassy in person as she is in her writing!   We were also so excited to discover that not only is she one incredibly talented writer, she goes out of her way to support other new and aspiring authors!

Even more importantly, we found out that she shares our unrequited love for Jennifer Garner and Gerard Butler!  Can she be any more fabulous?

Megan's books are some of our favorites, and they include, ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE , EVERYONE ELSE'S GIRL, FRENEMIES (Liz's fave, she read it in two days flat!)  and NAMES MY SISTERS CALL ME. And for our Romance readers out there, her next book will be out in February 2010, a Harlequin Presents called PURE PRINCESS, BARTERED BRIDE by her alter ego Caitlin Crews!

She literally had us rollin' on the floor laughing at her answers-and we have a feeling you will too! So without further adieu...

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents...

The 25 things readers want to know about Megan Crane

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: A deep, dark hole that I personally think is the gateway to alternate dimensions.  Also: a whole lot of mess.

2.  My secret talent is: I can judge a situation with surprising accuracy from across the room.  It's like a party trick--one that is especially fun in LA.

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: A ticket on the next plane home, so as not to feel stranded.  My iPod which currently holds 322.9 days of music.  A Kindle or something filled with books and the option to buy more.  A place to charge both those things and, say, a laptop.  An adorable little island home.  You know, this seems a lot like moving to Hawaii, which I would love to do.

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: Stacks of books.  Currently: The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Pride and Prey by Rachel Vincent (because I want to re-read Pride before I read Prey), the first Fever book by Karen Marie Moning because I'm re-reading that series in anticipation of the newest one that just came out, an Elin Hildebrand novel, the latest JD Robb, the latest Nicci French, Storm Queen and Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead (because I want to re-read... you get the jist), an old Jane Feather novel.  An alarm clock, a lamp, and one of the first pictures ever taken of me and my then-boyfriend, now-husband.

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: A rock star.  Or a Broadway star.  Or a movie star.  The "star" part was non-negotiable.

6.  My worst job: I was a customer service representative at a medical laser company.  It still makes me wince.

7.  My comfort food: I love chocolate.  Particularly dark chocolate with sea salt from World Market.  I also love Coconut Bliss--ice cream made with coconut milk.  Yum.

8.  The location where I write: My desk in my office at home.  I have written every single one of my 12 published  or soon-to-be published books on this desk, as well as my doctoral dissertation.  I have Feelings about this desk.

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Virgin State of Mind by K's Choice, Eldorado by Sam Shaber, Humpty Dumpty by Aimee Mann

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Oh, something scandalous, I hope!  Possibly involving Gerard Butler?

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: Wow.  I can't answer this.  I discovered my love of reading as a child, and I read and read and read.  Maybe the Anne McCaffrey Pern series?  I was unheathily attached to those books.

12. My favorite Chick Flick: My most recent favorite: The Proposal

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: My most recent favorites: a toss up between my friend Jane Porter's Easy on the Eyes and my friend Kristin Harmel's Italian for Beginners

14. My "must see" TV: Gossip Girl, True Blood, Burn Notice, 10 Things I Hate About You, Warehouse 13, Supernatural, and British imports on Netflix.

15. My Starbucks order: I am in between Starbucks orders.  I had my coffee order down, of course, but then gave up coffee for tea.  I had my tea order down, but have since given up splenda, which means I have yet to find a new tea order that doesn't make my mouth taste like cardboard.  So.  It's an ongoing battle.  Thanks for asking.

16. My favorite curse word: Bloody hell.  I lived in England for a while, what can I say?

17. My celebrity man crush: Gerard Butler and/or Jensen Ackles.

18. My celebrity girl crush: I love Jennifer Garner.  Always have, always will.

19. My writer crush: I am in awe of so many writers, it's hard to pick a crush.  It's more like a pantheon of greatness that makes me weep.  But currently?  Probably Nalini Singh, because, wow.

20. My last meal before execution: Something containing all the wheat, gluten, and dairy I don't eat now.  Yum.  Actually, at this point I would kill someone for a pizza.

21. Three words to summarize my book: A.  Must.  Read.

22. It took me _____  to write my book. Six weeks on the first draft (the draft reflected the speed) and then a long and painful revision process.  I think in total it usually takes me about 3 months.

23. My book's original title: Untitled Book # 4

24. Right now, I'm working on: I am waiting for my next work-for-hire outline, so I am playing with ideas for my third Harlequin Presents novel (written by my alter-ego, Caitlin Crews) and for my next Megan Crane novel.  Fun.

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: It rocks!

To read even more about the lovely Megan Crane, head on over to www.megancrane.com or www.caitlincrews.com.

Xoxo, Liz & Lisa

25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about Allison Winn Scotch

Liz & Lisa are SO excited to feature NYT bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch at Chick Lit is not Dead.

We love learning more about all our favorite authors. And now that we've discovered that, like us, Allison loves trashy magazines and hearts a good ol' fashioned F bomb, we just can't get enough.  And btw, Allison, you're going to have to girlfight us for Michael Vartan's love-he's such a fox!

Allison burst onto the literary scene in 2007 with her first novel, The Department of Lost and Found(Harper Collins) and followed it up with Time of My Life(Random House) in 2008. She's currently at work on her third novel, The One That I Want, which is slated for a Summer 2010 release. We can't wait!

We've been in love with her writing since the minute we picked up Time Of My Life, which is being released in paperback on August 4th.  It's an incredible story about being able to go back, and, perhaps, do things differently.  The story follows Jillian- a married woman who has it all (a banker husband, a comfortable home a beautiful daughter) until she wakes up one morning and finds herself seven years in her past.  Before baby. Before marriage. Click here to order your copy!

Also, we have THREE copies of Time of My Life to give away!  Just leave a comment on this blog and we'll pick the winners at random.

We have a feeling that you will be girl crushin' on AWS too after checking out her sassy answers to our 25 Q's.  Enjoy!

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents... The 25 things Liz & Lisa  want to know about  Allison Winn Scotch

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: My iPhone, a Sephora lip gloss, my mp3 player, Orbitz bubblemint gum, some random pieces of candy and coins.

2.  My secret talent is: Hmmm, true talent? I'm actually a really good singer. Not so true talent? I can read people really well within seconds of meeting them. (Beware!) :)

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: My computer (is that cheating?), Napster (but that's on my computer, so I don't know if that counts), my kids, an all-you-can-eat buffet, a well-stocked shower. You know, as I think about it, I guess I don't have too many material items that matter to me so much.

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: Earplugs, a sleep shade, loads of trashy gossip magazines, and a few galleys for to-be-blurbed-if-I-like-them books.

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: An actress. Writing, actually, is very similar to acting, only with words, not cameras.

6.  My worst job: PR assistant. When I first graduated from college, I got a "real job" working in PR. And it was just sooooooo not for me. I stuffed goodie bags and made follow-up calls and did a bunch of mindless errands, and yes, I know you have to start somewhere, but pitching products that I thought were pretty crappy in the first place was NOT where I wanted to start. It was sheer misery. I quit 8 months later to try my hand at acting.

7.  My comfort food: Bread. Carbs. More bread. If you opened up my body for an autopsy, you'd probably find giant loaves of bread. With some chocolate on the side.

8.  The location where I write: Home office in NYC. Nice big windows overlooking the trees on our street.

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Well, this changes all the time because I'm a music nut, but for now: Read My Mind by The Killers, Needs by Collective Soul, Time by Chantal Kreviazuk, Gone by Matt Nathanson, Home by Vanessa Carlton, and Lifeline by Mat Kearney. (I couldn't just choose 3.)

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Allison's Incredible Makeover - How She Goes From Bedraggled Working Mom to Best-Selling Author (Clue: lots of make-up)

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: Blubber by Judy Blume, The Encyclopedia Brown series, and Cujo by Stephen King. Yes, really. I started reading him pretty early - I think around 4th grade and fell in love. (No, I don't know what that says about me either. Or maybe I do and don't want to ask.)

12. My favorite Chick Flick: Never Been Kissed. (FTR, I asked my husband this question, and he called it. I was going to say "Notting Hill," but he's right.)

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: I'm not sure if this is Chick Lit or not, but I'll go with Lolly Winston's Good Grief. A perfect blend of humor, realism, honest emotion, and fabulous writing. It's the book that inspired me to write my debut novel, The Department of Lost and Found.

14. My "must see" TV: Friday Night Lights, Chuck, Lost, Mad Men and 30 Rock

15. My Starbucks order: Grande skim latte. (I know, boring. But I do add in the vanilla powder on top.)

16. My favorite curse word: Um, the one that starts with an F and ends with a K?

17. My celebrity man crush: Oh, so many men, so little time. You know, it's gotten a little trickier these days, as I do celebrity interviews and actually get to meet these guys in real life...and thus, I'm more hesitant to admit my undying love on the internet, lest they know who I am, but, that said, it's gotta be Michael Vartan. He was always at the top of my list, but once I interviewed him and he turned out to be as cool as I expected, he'll likely retain that #1 spot for a lifetime.

18. My celebrity girl crush: Keri Russell. No contest. I'd probably marry her if I could.

19. My writer crush: Jonathan Tropper. Or should I name a woman since we're doing Chick Lit? Well, regardless, I love Tropper's books - every single one of them - and he is one of the few writers (outside my circle of friends, of course!) for whom I will RUSH to the bookstore to pick up a hot copy. He might be a guy, but don't be dissuaded - women will (and do) love his stuff.

20. My last meal before execution: A triple-decker dessert buffet.

21. Three words to summarize my book: Twinkling, fantastical, thought-provoking.

22. It took me _____  to write my book. Two months.

23. My book's original title: Time of My Life! I scrolled through Napster to see what might work, saw this, and bam, we all agreed it was perfect.

24. Right now, I'm working on: My follow-up, The One That I Want, which plays on similar themes as Time of My Life, only by turning everything on its head: a small-town woman who thinks her life is perfect is granted the (unwelcome) ability to see into the future and discovers that nothing is as it seems and nothing is perfect after all.

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: There are smart women everywhere who still love nothing better than to sink into bed and reacquaint themselves with their imagination and their love of reading.

If you just can't get enough of the fantastic Allison Winn Scotch, head on over to www.allisonwinn.com and click here to follow her on Twitter.  And for our fellow Facebook whores, click here to become a fan!

Xoxo,

Liz & Lisa

Now it's your turn to ask Jennifer Weiner!

She's already answered our 25 questions, but... Have you ever wondered what inspired Jennifer Weiner to write GOOD IN BED?

Want to know what her favorite color is or who she's rooting for on Big Brother?

Well, here's your chance!

Starting Monday July 20th, the faboosh Jennifer Weiner will be available all week to answer your hard-hitting questions at Barnes & Noble's online book club, CenterStage. Each week on CenterStage they feature one bestselling author with a new release -- but the conversation will include all of that author's books, not just the new one. It's a great opportunity for you to ask your favorite authors any question, but it's even more perfect if you have a "big picture" question about how they write, what ties their books together, who inspires them, and much, much more. 

Click here to check it out and register!

And Lisa and Liz will be there too, bantering with our girl Jen and asking all the questions that we were too scared to ask the first time! Hmm...do you think she will tell us who her favorite cougar bait is?  Or what she would like to do to people who pronounce her last name as "Weener"?

So join us July 20-24th at B&N's CenterStage to chat up the fabulous Jennifer Weiner.  Be there or be square!

xoxo

Liz & Lisa

25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about Jennifer Weiner

We are ecstatic that Jennifer Weiner has agreed to share her innermost secrets here at Chick Lit Is Not Dead.  Well, maybe not her innermost secrets, but we were thrilled to discover little nuggets about her. And it turns out, we share a love for the same television shows and all appreciate the word "douchebag"!  We love this woman! In fact, GOOD IN BED is one of Liz's all-time favorite books, and Lisa has read THE GUY NOT TAKEN more times than she can count.

Jennifer is the author of many fabulous Chick Lit novels including her much-anticipated new book, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, available in just a couple weeks! We can tell from the title alone that we are going to LOVE it! Gee, we wonder why?

After her debut novel GOOD IN BED (2001); came IN HER SHOES (2002) which was turned into a major motion picture starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette and Shirley MacLaine; then LITTLE EARTHQUAKES (2004); GOODNIGHT NOBODY (2005); the short story collection THE GUY NOT TAKEN (2006); and CERTAIN GIRLS (2008), the sequel to GOOD IN BED. And because of all her awesomeness, there are more than 11 million copies of her books in print in 36 countries. Kind of makes us want to learn another language...

So give us a drum roll please...CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS: 25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about Jennifer Weiner!

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: My glasses, cinnamon gum, a stray pacifier for the baby.

2.  My secret talent is: nothing I’d want to see in print!

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: Prescription sunglasses, Blackberry, Carmex lip balm, my Kindle (yes, I know it’s going to kill publishing, but can’t live without it), my Kindle power cord and…wait, is there power on this island?

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: About a dozen books I’m either reading or re-reading; my Kindle, a framed picture of my older daughter (she’s six) from her first birthday.

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: A writer! How ‘bout that?

6.  My worst job: When I was sixteen, I worked at a really fancy (well, for suburban Connecticut it was really fancy) restaurant. My job was to walk through the tables with a wicker basket over my arm, offering diners fresh-baked biscuits and raspberry jam. I was the biscuit girl.

7.  My comfort food: Shortbread cookies, chocolate-chip cookies, linzer tarts, garlic-lemon roast chicken with mashed potatoes…and biscuits. Yes, I still love biscuits!

8.  The location where I write: Neighborhood coffee shops and cafes, my closet when I’m home

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: “You Found Me” by The Fray, “Wore Me Down” by Rachael Yamagata, the “Glee” version of “Don’t Stop Believin’”

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: “Jen’s Secret Heartache?” (If I were on the cover of Us Weekly, I can only assume it would be because someone confused me with Jennifer Aniston. In which case the headline could very well be “Jen Lets Herself Go.”)

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood:A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Little Women, Blubber

12. My favorite Chick Flick: “Working Girl.” Has Harrison Ford ever been hotter? I could watch it every day.

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: An oldie but a goodie: SHEILA LEVINE IS DEAD AND LIVING IN NEW YORK

14. My "must see" TV: How much time have you got? Lost, Grey’s, So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Top Chef, Project Runway, How I Met Your Mother and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria

15. My Starbucks order: Calm tea in the winter, venti iced decaf with room for milk in the summer (and isn’t “Room for Milk” a great potential book title?)

16. My favorite curse word: Douchebag

17. My celebrity man crush: Alan Rickman. Shutup

18. My celebrity girl crush: Sarah Silverman

19. My writer crush: Tom Perrotta

20. My last meal before execution: Clearly, I would demand to be taken to an all-you-can-eat buffet…and then I’d just say, “Sorry, not done yet.” They’d never be able to kill me!

21. Three words to summarize my book: Great big heart

22. It took me _____  to write my book. Unspeakable quantities of dark chocolate and baked goods

23. My book's original title: It was always BFF!

24. Right now, I'm working on: Packing up the girls for our jaunt to Cape Cod

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: women never get tired of reading about funny, familiar, relatable characters trying to make sense of their lives.

We can't wait to read BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, available on July 14th! Click here to pre-order your copy.  And to find out even more about the divine Jennifer Weiner, head on over to www.jenniferweiner.com.

xoxo,

Liz & Lisa

25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about...Emily Giffin

We're thrilled that Emily Giffin is answering our 25 "hard hitting" questions because we heart her. In fact, we more than heart her. We have total writer crushes on her.  Something Borrowed and Something Blue are two of our favorite Chick Lit books...and the novels that finally inspired us to get off our lazy asses and write that book we'd been talking about writing for, um, like, 10 years! (Thanks, Emily!)  All four of her books - Something Borrowed (2004), Something Blue (2005), Baby Proof (2006), and Love the One You're With (2008) - have been New York Times bestsellers and translated into a bazillion languages! And her fifth book, Heart of the Matter, is due out in Summer 2010. (We can't wait!) Love the One You're With (LTOYW) is out in paperback now and is the perfect book to throw in your beach bag and devour while you soak up the summer rays. (PS: It's really juicy--about a girl who gets a chance at a "do-over" on her love life!)

One more thing...we have 5 autographed copies of LTOYW to give away. Because we're twores (twitter whores) now, we've decided that if you're one of the first five people to follow us on Twitter Lizandlisa, RT our link to this blog post and send us a DM, you'll get a book! *Tweet* *Tweet*, tweeps!

Now, without further adieu---CHICKLITISNOTDEAD.COM PRESENTS: 25 Things Liz & Lisa want to know about Emily Giffin:

1. Inside my purse, you'll discover: a complete mess. A mass of receipts, random lip gloss, sharpie pens, Blackberry, iPod

2. My secret talent: identifying fonts

3. If stranded on an island, the five things I couldn't live without: I'm assuming you mean other than items to survive. And my children. So here goes: My iPod, my Blackberry, my computer, US Weekly and a Starbucks latte every morning.

4. On my nightstand you'll find: piles of books, photos of my children, peppermint foot lotion

5. When I grew up, I wanted to be: a novelist

6. My worst job: a waitress at Colonial Ice Cream. I got paid $4.50 an hour and my boyfriend got $5/hr.

7. My comfort food: not sure how comforting it is, but guacamole.

8. The location where I write: my attic office or coffee shops.

9. Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: Ani DiFranco's As Is, Joshua Radin's Lovely Tonight and Dispatch's Out Loud

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Best-selling Author Wrecks Mini-Van .... AGAIN!

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood:

Ramona the Brave

Anne of Green Gables

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

12. My favorite Chick Flick: Notting Hill and When Harry Met Sally

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: Melissa Banks' Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing. Is that chick lit? I think so.

14. My "must see" TV: American Idol, Lost, and The Office

15. My Starbucks order: grande skinny double latte

16. My favorite curse word: not really a curse word, but I enjoy an occasional "douchebag"

17. My celebrity man crush: Ryan Reynolds, Matthew McConaughey and Taye Diggs but Jake Ryan (Sixteen Candles) will always have a special place in my heart

18. My celebrity girl crush: Jennifer Aniston

19. My writer media crush: Rachel Maddow

20. My last meal before execution: I refuse to answer that question! (as in, I'm not going to think about my execution!)

21. Three words to summarize my book: universal, resonant, wrenching

22. It took me _____  to write my book. One year

23. My book's original title: Was always Love the One You're With

24. Right now, I'm working on: a new novel, Heart of the Matter

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: quality writing, no matter what genre, will always be in demand

Check out  www.emilygiffin.com to find out where to buy Love the One You're With, read a sneak peek of Heart of the Matter or to get more info on Emily and her other books!

A big xoxo to you Emily!

Chick Lit is not Dead presents: 25 Things Liz and Lisa want to know about Sarah Pekkanen

If you love chick lit as much as we do, you're going to love author Sarah Pekkanen. Her debut novel, titled The Opposite of Me, will be published  early next year by Atria, a division of Simon and Schuster (we can't wait!). If you're a fan of writers like Jennifer Weiner and Emily Giffin (who will be featured on our site next month- woo hoo!), we think you'll adore Sarah's novel about the tangled relationship between two very different twin 29-year-old sisters (and you know how we love sisters!)

We adore Sarah and are so excited to feature her in the inaugural edition of the 25 things Liz and Lisa want to know series.  Regularly, we'll be asking our favorite Chick Lit authors 25 "hard-hitting" questions that inquiring minds want to know!

So big props to our girl, Sarah.  And I think after you check out her answers you'll see why we heart her so much!

Chick Lit is Not Dead presents....

The 25 things Liz & Lisa want to know about Sarah Pekkanen

1.  Inside my purse, you'll discover: My all purpose tool from Sephora -- a rosy-colored smudge pot that can be used to give color and glow to lips, cheeks, eyelids...; a wallet with Starbucks cards and expired coupons I swear I had every intention of using; a crumpled juice box; a cell phone I'd die if I lost because it has a bajillion numbers programmed into it; a hairbrush, breath mints, hand cream and other emergency grooming items; a random sock, and a pacifier (not mine, I swear).

2.  My secret talent is: Solving puzzles on Wheel of Fortune before any of the letters are turned. Why couldn't I have a useful talent?

3.  If stranded on an island, the five things I could not live without are: Assuming I can't name people, I'll say 1) a big friendly mutt; 2) sunscreen (I'm whiter than a sheet of paper and I'd burn to a crisp); 3) a fishing pole; 4) a grape vine with grapes suitable for eating AND turning into wine; 5) matches (I was a terrible girl scout -- only in it for the Thin Mints -- and I just don't get the whole rubbing two sticks together thing).

4.  On my nightstand you'll find: Haphazard piles of books; a glass of water, and a jar of overpriced face cream that lied when it said it would make me look just like Angelina Jolie. Damn you, overpriced lying face cream!

5.  When I grew up, I wanted to be: A writer... some dreams do come true!

6.  My worst job: During the summer between junior and senior year of college, I waitressed at a pizza joint where the owner made his employees pay if people ran out on the check (which happened more often than you'd think). Plus the owner's son snorted coke and picked fights with customers, which didn't inspire big tips. And possibly led to lots of people running out on the check.

7.  My comfort food: Chocolate and a glass of crisp cold white wine

8.  The location where I write: My bedroom, my car, and, more than once, a table at Chuck E. Cheese! (Hey, I've got three little kids. I swear I didn't go there for myself...)

9.  Three songs on my IPOD's most played list: It changes, but now it's Alicia Keys' No One, Coldplay's Vida la Vida, and Andrea Bocelli's Romanza

10. If I was on the cover of US Weekly, my headline would read: Ordinary, Minivan-Driving Woman Turns Down Proposal from Brad Pitt; Her Grateful Husband Vows to Take Over All Laundry, Cooking and Cleaning

11. The three books that make me think of my childhood: Go Dog Go, anything Nancy Drew, and Little Women

12. My favorite Chick Flick: Sleepless in Seattle

13. My favorite Chick Lit book: Bridget Jones' Diary

14. My "must see" TV: The Office and American Idol

15. My Starbucks order: Grande Chai if it's cold out. A coffee frap if it's hot and I need a little extra tickle of caffeine.

16. My favorite curse word: Freaking, if that counts. If not, the other f-word will do in a pinch.

17. My celebrity man crush: Ooh, so many to choose from... John Cusack. No, Taylor Kitsch from Friday Night Lights. Wait, wait -- Johnny Depp. No, actually, I suspect Johnny doesn't shower enough for my liking. Definitely John Cusack.

18. My celebrity girl crush: Jennifer Garner. So fresh and wholesome! And those adorable dimples!

19. My writer crush: David Sedaris. He is brilliant and original.

20. My last meal before execution: Tranquilizer-laced chocolates. First I'd generously offer to share with the guards...

21. Three words to summarize my book: Perfect beach read!

22. It took me _____  to write my book. Nine months -- and a lot of chocolate, one God-awful early draft, a few revisions, more chocolate, a little whining and procrastinating, a firm talk to myself about meeting my goals, a promise to myself that I'd meet my goals after I checked out PerezHilton.com ...

23. My book's original title: Way Beyond Compare

24. Right now, I'm working on: Book number two, which doesn't have a title yet. But I promise it'll be juicy and fun and satisfying. Er, the book. Not just the title.

25. Chick Lit is alive & kicking because: It never really died -- it just faked being dead so George Clooney would give it mouth-to-mouth!

If you want to read more about Sarah, Click here to check out her awesome website!