I’m thrilled to share an interview with Jessica Goodwin, author of Clarissa Jean, Homecoming Queen. Read the interview below to find out more about Jessica and what inspired her to write this novel. Then go get yourself a copy from Amazon!
Clarissa Jean, Homecoming Queen by Jessica Goodwin
Published: May 1, 2016
Book Blurb: When Claire Bradshaw decides to end her dead-end relationship of several years, she only has one place to go – back home to the tiny town of Palmetto Park. Claire keeps bumping into people from her past as she struggles to shake her “better than everybody” reputation, make peace with her enemies, and even attempts to rekindle an old flame. Claire gets to know her old friends all over again and gets to know more about herself as she starts over – right back where it all started.
Book Links: Amazon
Kindle book currently $2.99 on Amazon
About the Author – Jessica Goodwin
Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Instagram
Author Bio:
Jessica Goodwin lives in northern Virginia near Washington, DC with her husband, son, and their two cats. She likes cookies, coffee, and anything that sparkles. If she could have any animal for a pet, it would be a T-Rex. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, going wine tasting, singing in the shower, and taking pictures of the baby.
Two of Goodwin’s books, ‘Here We Go’ and ‘The One Who Got Away’ have been on the Amazon bestseller list. In March 2012, her third book, ‘One of the Guys,’ received an Honorable Mention in Sapphire Star Publishing’s Month of Romance contest. These titles were originally published on Amazon under her former name, Jessica Strassner, but have been rereleased under the name Jessica Goodwin.
Goodwin is also a mom blogger with work appearing on Scary Mommy, Baby Gaga, and Mommy Effect. She hopes to someday write a humorous parenting memoir.
Q & A with the Author – Jessica Goodwin
1. What inspired you to write Clarissa Jean, Homecoming Queen?
Social media. I know Facebook has been around for years now but it still amazes me how you can find someone and reconnect with someone that you completely lost touch with. What really got me thinking is how a lot of the people that I talk to the most on Facebook these days are people that I didn’t really hang out with or have a lot in common with in high school. So I started thinking about how I now have these relationships with people I never would have expected. I kind of wanted to write about how sometimes, the people you were mean to, overlooked, or ignored in high school can end up being some of the nicest people you come to know as an adult. You might not have had a lot in common as kids, but all that changes when you grow up. Clarissa Jean returns to her hometown and has a lot of the same friends (and enemies) but some people remember how she acted in high school and aren’t too quick to give her a friendly welcome home. She kind of learns the same thing I did along the way: you never know who will be there for you years down the road.
2. What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
I recently quit my job teaching to stay home with my son and write full time, so the best part is that I get to make my own schedule! I love having the time to be able to concentrate on a topic or project without worrying about whatever other stuff I should be doing. I love that I don’t have to stress about when to squeeze in some writing time. It was a little frustrating at first, trying to find a balance between doing writing stuff, mom stuff, house stuff, and still having a little me time, but I think I’ve gotten into a routine now. The big thing is taking advantage of #BabyGoodwin’s nap times and trying to be as productive as possible while he’s asleep!
3. What are the things you can’t live without in your wardrobe?
Tieks shoes. I used to love wearing heels and dressing up if I had the occasion to, but running a lot messed up my feet, so when I wore heels to a charity event last month, my feet were killing me for days afterwards. I asked friends for cute, comfy flat shoe recommendations and everybody seemed to rave about Tieks. I decided to spend the money and give them a try. Holy cow. Worth every penny, and just as good as everyone claims they are!
I love sundresses. In the summer, I’d much rather just throw on a dress than try to put together an outfit.
I’m also a walking, talking, wine drinking stay at home mom cliché: yoga pants.
4. What are the things you can’t live without in your makeup bag?
Under eye concealer or under eye brightener, some moisturizer, and mascara. That’s about all I do these days, but if I’m going somewhere I love doing my eyes with the Urban Decay Naked 2 or Naked 3 palettes.
5. What would we find if we looked in your handbag right now?
Keys, wallet, business cards, sunglasses. A bunch of receipts and junk. A bib, a travel baby spoon in a case, some baby puffs, and baby teething toys. Boring mom stoff. And a couple of wine bottle corks. I try to save them and write down where, when, and who I drank the bottle with.
6. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to relax in the tub and watch Netflix on my iPad. Two birds with one stone – I get to relax and catch up on some of my shows at the same time!
7. What would you be doing if you weren’t an author?
I used to be a teacher, so if I hadn’t decided to give writing a go full time, I’d still be doing that! Not sure how happy I’d be about it, though, because I’m really enjoying being able to stay at home with my son.
8. What is your favorite inspirational phrase or quote?
“Words have weight.” – It’s from Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing.’ I actually have it tattooed on my rib cage. It’s a reminder that your words, whether spoken or written, will always leave their mark on someone… so what kind of impression do you want your words to make?
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This post was organized by Aimee at Hello Chick Lit. Check out the other stops on the virtual tour!
May 16th
ShelbyReads – http://shelbyreads.blogspot.co.uk/?m=0 – Book Review
Living Life With Joy – http://www.livinglifewithjoy.com – Author Q&A
Ali – The Dragon Slayer – http://cancersuckscouk.ipage.com/ – Promo Post
May 17th
Judging More Than Just the Cover – www.ambergreggbooks.com – Author Q&A
The Belgian Reviewer – http://thebelgianreviewer.wordpress.com – Book Review
Around the World in Books – http://www.aroundtheworldinbooks.ca/ – Book Excerpt 1
May 18th
The Bookworm Lodge – thebookwormlodge.com – Promo Post
Steamy Book Momma – http://steamybookmomma0.blogspot.com – Promo Post
Love Sex and Other Dirty Words – http://lovesexandotherdirtywords.com – Author Q&A
These Words: A Blog – www.thesewordsablog.weebly.com – Author Guest Post
Red’s Midnight Readers – http://redsmidnightreaders.blogspot.com/ – Book Promo
Writing Pearls – http://www.writingpearls.com – Book Review
May 19th
Chick Lit Central – http://chicklitcentral.com – Author Guest Post
Grass monster – Amazon Reviewer – Book Review
Book Lover in Florida – https://bookloverfl12.wordpress.com/ – Book Excerpt 2
May 20th
ItaPixie’s Book Corner – http://itapixie.blogspot.it/ – Book Review
Splashes Into Books – Http://splashesintobooks.wordpress.com – Book Review
Hello…Chick Lit – http://hellochicklit.com – Book Excerpt 3
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