Today I’m excited to share a fabulous interview with Lisa Becker, author of the recently published novel Clutch. Once you’ve read a bit about Lisa, get yourself a copy of her novel and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
Clutch by Lisa Becker
Published: October 2015
Book Blurb: clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Interview with the Author – Lisa Becker
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest | Web
Author Bio: In addition to clutch: a novel, Lisa Becker is the author of the Click Trilogy, a contemporary romance series comprised ofClick: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. She’s written bylined articles about dating and relationships for “Cupid’s Pulse,” “The Perfect Soulmate,” “GalTime,” “Single Edition,” “Healthy B Daily” and “Chick Lit Central” among others. She lives in Manhattan Beach, California with her husband and two daughters. To learn more, visit www.lisawbecker.com.
- Would you like to start by introducing yourself?
I’m fortunate to have had a series of wonderful careers outside of writing including being a wife, mom, PR professional, college professor and community volunteer. Clutch: a novel is my 4th book.
- Can you give us a brief overview of your latest novel and the inspiration behind it?
When I was writing the Click Trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, Right Click) I was obsessed with NCIS reruns and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode when one of the characters mentioned that men were like purses – something useless to hang on a woman’s arm. I started thinking about how men are like handbags and the idea grew from there. Clutch is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit story that chronicles the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer, who goes through a series of unsuccessful romantic relationships she compares to various styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to stand up for the handbag style that embodies what she ultimately wants – the “Clutch” or someone to hold onto.
- How long did it take you to write Clutch? What is your writing process like?
The book actually started out as a screenplay that was optioned by a production company housed at one of the major movie studios summer 2014. Unfortunately, it fell out of development. I was eager to have this fun story with some of my favorite characters told, so I turned it into a short novel earlier this year. Because the story was already fleshed out and the bulk of the dialogue was written, it took about six months to complete.
As far as my writing process, I sit in my home office at a HP desktop computer with a really big screen. My eyes grow tired pretty easily in my old age;) And, I like to write with the television on in the background. When I first started writing, I was obsessed with Law & Order reruns. As mentioned, now, I can’t seem to get enough of NCIS. I guess there’s a part of me that likes to see justice served.
- Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on at the moment?
In addition to promoting the new book, I’m looking into making connections within the motion picture industry to try and get a movie version made. As mentioned, the book started out as a screenplay that was under option at a major studio, but fell out of development. I’m eager to see if there’s interest from someone else on bringing this fun and quirky story to the big screen. So if you happen to be a well-to-do movie producer looking to make a new romantic comedy, please get in touch!
- If you were given an offer to turn [novel] into a movie, who would you want to see playing the roles of Eloise and Mike?
I could see Eloise Mumford, who played Kate in Fifty Shades of Grey would make an outstanding Caroline. She has the right mixture of warmth, gumption, vulnerability and beauty to bring this character to life. I still can’t decide on who would play Mike, although I know I’d love to sit in on those casting sessions. 😉
- What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Years ago, 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.” Having spent nearly 20 years working in the public relations industry where I spent the bulk of my time writing, and now being a fiction writer, I’m finding that to be absolutely true.
- What are the things you can’t live without in your kitchen?
Two of the BEST devices I have in my kitchen are a simple food chopper from Pampered Chef and a NutriBullet. I use the food chopper almost every day for everything from onions to jalapenos. The NutriBullet gets a workout making sauces, smoothies and juices.
- What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
I’m fortunate to live in a small beach community. While I love a good pair of heels, I don’t think I could live without my flip flops.
- What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
Aside from the standard wallet, keys, sunglasses and hand sanitizer, you’ll always find snacks for the kids. Never (ever!) leave home without snacks for the kids.
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Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Beaded Clutch from Mei Vintage
Check out the other stops on Lisa’s tour!
November 2- Chick Lit Plus – Review
November 3 – Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt
November 4 – Love Chick Lit – Q&A
November 4 – Little Miss Drama Queen – Excerpt
November 5 – SSLY Blog – Excerpt
November 5 – Change the Word – Q&A
November 6 – The Phantom Paragrapher – Review
November 11 – Granny Loves to Read – Review & Excerpt
November 12 – Living Life With Joy – Q&A
November 13 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Q&A & Excerpt
Thanks for sharing!
I never heard of these before but am going to go looking for them now! Thank you for sharing this.
You’re very welcome! Thank you for checking out my blog 🙂