& Book Giveaway Comments Contest!
Margo Candela's husband owes her six months...preferably on a tropical island sipping margaritas. The deal was: she had three years to write her first novel Underneath It All and find a publisher. She signed the book contract at 2 1/2 years so she still has six months coming to her. She's been musing over a few brochures of Fiji.
Of course, Underneath It All wasn't her first novel. Her first was a romance novel spoof she wrote at age 15 on an antique typewriter she paid $20 for--actually, her mom paid $20. Sadly, Wenchhead and the Isle of Evil Men was never published. Do you think it was the title?
In between Wenchhead and the Isle of Evil Men and Good-bye To All That, Margo enjoyed a trip to magazine land where she wrote articles on everything from extreme sports to computer hardware to plushies (people who are really into stuffed animals...um...sexually). Shh, don't tell Margo's mom about the last one. She might want the $20 or the antique typewriter back!
When she's not writing, Margo vacuums. It's her secret solution to writer's block; and when she hits the NY Times bestseller list, Margo dreams of buying a Dyson DC 25 Animal. And shoes. Ask her about the black heels on the cover of Good-bye To All That.
Margo Candela was born and raised in Northeast Los Angeles. She moved to San Francisco to attend college and ended up staying for a decade before moving back home in 2005. Her first three novels, More Than This (Touchstone, Aug. 2008), Life Over Easy (Kensington, Oct. 2007), and Underneath It All (Kensington, Jan. 2007) are set in San Francisco. More Than This was a Target stores Breakout Book and an American Association of Publishers national book club selection at Borders Books with Las Comadres. Good-bye To All That (Touchstone, July 2010) is her first novel set in Los Angeles and is the only novel picked by Los Angeles Magazine for its 2010 Best of L.A. list.
Margo's websites:
Website: http://www.margocandela.com
Blog: http://margocandela.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/margo_candela
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/margocandela
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By: Wow!,
on 8/23/2010
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Margo Candela, book giveaway contest, author blog tour, Good-bye To All That, chick lit, Add a tag
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By: Wow!,
on 8/23/2010
Blog: WOW! Women on Writing Blog (The Muffin) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Margo Candela, book giveaway contest, author blog tour, Good-bye To All That, chick lit, Add a tag
33 Comments on Margo Candela, author of Good-bye To All That, launches her blog tour!, last added: 8/26/2010
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I love hearing that even succesful writers suffer the same indecision and doubts. Just goes to show how there's no "right way" to approach writing.
And if this book is anything like Margo, sounds like it will be a very fun read!
Hi Margo:
I hope you have a great 6-month vacation with your hubby. :) Congratulations on your success. I love chick lit, so I would love to win this book!
Margo (yep, I'm a Margo, too--you don't see that too often, do you?)
http://margodill.com/blog/
I read Margo's debut novel, Underneath It All, which I loved but then I sort of lost track of her and what books she had coming out. Glad to see she's still writing chick lit, a genre I love.
Thanks for the very interesting interview. I wasn't previously familiar with Margo's work but will now look for it. I'm a writer but also an avid reader, and I do enjoy chick lit. This sounds like a fun book!
Jacqueline Seewald
TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS, Five Star/Gale, August 2010 publication
Lisa,
It's true, there is no right way, only the way that works for you. Trust me, I read tons of 'how-to' books and it just took lots of time developing my own method. Hopefully, it'll work for me with the next book.
Hi Margo,
I used to wonder where the 'T' went. If I could take a six month vacation, I'd travel and read and travel so more. My husband coming along would be optional...it's a vacation!
Patricia and Jacqueline,
You both illustrate why reaching out to readers is so important. In the end an author can write a great book, but if no one knows about it, it'll just fade away. I hope you both get a chance to get (re)acquainted with my novels!
Sounds like a fantastic read! I LOVE the idea of a writing group that's more of a chat/help/vent group than actual critiquing. As one who has been toying with writing a book but hasn't actually gotten up the gall to do so, this was such an inspiring interview. Can't wait to get my hands on your books, Margo! Best of luck!
AC:
I'm all for venting groups, but you have to have a good mix of people. Too much venting leads to too little writing. I've gotten really lucky with my groups, I hope you do too.
Margo,
Fascinating interview! Your book sounds like a great read--perfect for relaxing at the end of a busy day. Thanks for the inspiration--I,too, have dreams of writing one day. Best wishes!
Oh my! I am so going to make that deal with my husband! Congrats!
Cady,
Get your deal in writing and notarized. Not sure about your husband, but mine has a selective memory.
DRL,
Even though Good-bye To All That is about work, it's a lot of fun. That's my main goal in writing, to make it fun for the reader even if things get a little complicated during the story for the characters.
I LOVE Chick-Lit and am thrilled to have found a new author for myself to read! I look forward to getting all of your books, you are a real inspiration and I think it's great to have your family review your stuff! They will always be honest because they are the only people that really care about you! I read everything I write to my husband and he's very honest and always tells me the truth. I only trust him. (and my mother!)
Good luck on all your books!
Linda Hopkins
My above comment didn't get my name!
Hi Linda,
I have to make clear that it's gotten to the point where I have to bribe certain family members to read my stuff. But I never make anyone read first or even third drafts. That's too much to ask of anyone.
Thanks for the luck!
Christina - [email protected] - Sounds like a wonderful book - and what an interesting story, with a husband who supports her writing and challenges her!
I love a great chicklit book. Congratulations on your success.
Christina and Kristi:
Good-bye To All That is my most chick lit yet and my Mom says its a great read...not just because she has to say that but because she's my Mom.
Good interview, thanks. I like to hear about the revision process.
Best wishes on your tour!
Congrats on beating your timeline - that's awesome. The book sounds like a fun read!
Tarah
tarah716[at]ymail.com
Hi Karen,
For me revising is like peeling off layers until I get to the best part of the manuscript. Usually the core of the idea stays the same and what changes is just about everything around it.
It's a lot of writing, planning, taking a step back and doing this until it feels right.
Thanks, Tarah! I've always had the habit of being just a bit early. I blame my parents.
This sounds like a great,fun,summertime read.Oh,why does summer go by so fast? cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for a great interview and a chance to win this book!
mbamster0720 at gmail dot com
What a fascinating interview. I love hearing about Margo's process and the work it takes to get a novel to the publishing stage. This sounds like a great read.
[email protected]
http://rachelspillowbook.blogspot.com/
Everyone writes in his or her own way and faces blocks, obstacles and times of easy word flow. Thanks for sharing this wonderful interview.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would like to read how the book resolves all the issues of the characters
rhondastruthers atyahoo.ca
Hmm, dealing with family turmoil(aren't we all!) yet a chance encounter leading to her Hollywood ending. Sounds like a great read!!!
Great interview! Sounds like a great book, would love to read it!
beckyspoolstra at gmail.com
sounds like a great read, i really like the cover
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
I appreciate the interview and would love to win the book. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com
Looks like a good book to read. Enjoyed your interview and the insight of the author!!!
[email protected]