BY MARIA SEMPLE
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Violet Parry is living the quintessential life of luxury in the Hollywood Hills with David, her rock-and-roll manager husband, and her darling toddler, Dot. She has the perfect life--except that she's deeply unhappy. David expects the world of Violet but gives little of himself in return. When she meets Teddy, a roguish small-time bass player, Violet comes alive, and soon she's risking everything for the chance to find herself again. Also in the picture are David's hilariously high-strung sister, Sally, on the prowl for a successful husband, and Jeremy, the ESPN sportscaster savant who falls into her trap.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1V0rT3J3ni2VAZh0BsYIdntL5vCKB3uQmo7nvP_p9nJUdztmylmgDQ57thRXnTqq_jFDzGP129TRelHny9qqacxPm4ASTsvgc8vrDUM7kIrFbnvI9w0DLcO2CFZox3xyxFcyonCIpK-9/s200/mariacurtain_h.jpg)
Maria Semple has written for television shows including Arrested Development, Mad About You, and Ellen. She has escaped from Los Angeles and lives with her family on an island off Seattle. This is her first novel.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
Thank you to Maria Semple for agreeing to answer some interview questions. THIS ONE IS MINE is a very enjoyable and fun read and her interview is presented so you can get to know her better. I am sure we will be hearing more from Maria in the years to come!
Maria does have a website and I hope you all will visit when you have time as there is more information on it about the book and Maria. Here is the link: www.mariasemple.com
3. What have you just finished reading?
I just finished rereading one of my favorite books of all time, LES LIASIONS DANGEREUSES by Laclos. It's an epistolary novel; so is the one I'm working on now. I loved this book back in college and I am happy to say I love it still. Anyone who hasn't read it yet, go read it now! It's romantic, hilarious, gripping, French-- everything you want in a novel.
Starting out, I'd have to say THE GREAT GATSBY. I think I read it for the first time in tenth grade. It was the book that made me understand there was more to a story than simply what happened in it. I had a great English teacher, one who changed my life, (Meg Ryan's mother, how cool is that?!) and it was she who taught me about symbolism, language, structure, point-of-view, and various other techniques a writer could use. What better introduction to that than THE GREAT GATSBY, right? It got me really excited about the idea of writing fiction.
5. What gets you started on a new book? A character or story idea or….?
A powerful feeling inside of me that is causing me to suffer. I zero in on it, then slowly build on it, first with a character, then a desire, then the opposition, etc. and eventually I have a story. I do this because the suffering will serve as much-needed fuel during the long slog it takes to write a novel. One of the trickiest things about the form is how long it takes-- one year, two years, three-- and you have to make sure the there's something about it deep down that can carry you through.
6. What is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?
It's a rare sunny day in February in Seattle and I am hunkered down inside. I don't like the sun!
7. What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Read. And write the book you'd want to read. Don't think about what agents want, the marketplace or any nonsense like that. Write what you love. If you love it, they'll love it.
8. What is something you would like to share with us about writing your favorite genre in general?
Every day I am so humbled and amazed that I wrote a book that got published. I've always been a voracious reader, and a devoted fan of many writers. To be in the same company with them is truly an honor.
Thank you, Maria, for a great interview!
GIVEAWAYViolet Parry is living the quintessential life of luxury in the Hollywood Hills with David, her rock-and-roll manager husband, and her darling toddler, Dot. She has the perfect life--except that she's deeply unhappy. David expects the world of Violet but gives little of himself in return. When she meets Teddy, a roguish small-time bass player, Violet comes alive, and soon she's risking everything for the chance to find herself again. Also in the picture are David's hilariously high-strung sister, Sally, on the prowl for a successful husband, and Jeremy, the ESPN sportscaster savant who falls into her trap.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1V0rT3J3ni2VAZh0BsYIdntL5vCKB3uQmo7nvP_p9nJUdztmylmgDQ57thRXnTqq_jFDzGP129TRelHny9qqacxPm4ASTsvgc8vrDUM7kIrFbnvI9w0DLcO2CFZox3xyxFcyonCIpK-9/s200/mariacurtain_h.jpg)
Maria Semple has written for television shows including Arrested Development, Mad About You, and Ellen. She has escaped from Los Angeles and lives with her family on an island off Seattle. This is her first novel.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
Thank you to Maria Semple for agreeing to answer some interview questions. THIS ONE IS MINE is a very enjoyable and fun read and her interview is presented so you can get to know her better. I am sure we will be hearing more from Maria in the years to come!
1. Is there any personal information or websites you would like share with us before I forget to ask you?
Maria does have a website and I hope you all will visit when you have time as there is more information on it about the book and Maria. Here is the link: www.mariasemple.com
2. What is the next or current book/project you are working on?
After TWO LONG YEARS of struggling with a novel that I finally abandoned a couple of months ago, I swore off writing forever. After a couple of days of yoga, museum-going and closet-cleaning, a new idea sprung into my head. It's only been about two months, but I've written more pages, and with more energy, than I did for those two years. So this is a good sign. (But I hope I didn't jinx it by writing about it here!)
3. What have you just finished reading?
I just finished rereading one of my favorite books of all time, LES LIASIONS DANGEREUSES by Laclos. It's an epistolary novel; so is the one I'm working on now. I loved this book back in college and I am happy to say I love it still. Anyone who hasn't read it yet, go read it now! It's romantic, hilarious, gripping, French-- everything you want in a novel.
4. What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out?
Starting out, I'd have to say THE GREAT GATSBY. I think I read it for the first time in tenth grade. It was the book that made me understand there was more to a story than simply what happened in it. I had a great English teacher, one who changed my life, (Meg Ryan's mother, how cool is that?!) and it was she who taught me about symbolism, language, structure, point-of-view, and various other techniques a writer could use. What better introduction to that than THE GREAT GATSBY, right? It got me really excited about the idea of writing fiction.
5. What gets you started on a new book? A character or story idea or….?
A powerful feeling inside of me that is causing me to suffer. I zero in on it, then slowly build on it, first with a character, then a desire, then the opposition, etc. and eventually I have a story. I do this because the suffering will serve as much-needed fuel during the long slog it takes to write a novel. One of the trickiest things about the form is how long it takes-- one year, two years, three-- and you have to make sure the there's something about it deep down that can carry you through.
6. What is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?
It's a rare sunny day in February in Seattle and I am hunkered down inside. I don't like the sun!
7. What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?
Read. And write the book you'd want to read. Don't think about what agents want, the marketplace or any nonsense like that. Write what you love. If you love it, they'll love it.
8. What is something you would like to share with us about writing your favorite genre in general?
Every day I am so humbled and amazed that I wrote a book that got published. I've always been a voracious reader, and a devoted fan of many writers. To be in the same company with them is truly an honor.
Thank you, Maria, for a great interview!
THANKS TO VALERIE AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP,
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
LOVELY BOOK TO GIVEAWAY!
THE RULES:
--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY
![](http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1837/1837655i3kyn07pwg.gif)
HOW TO ENTER:
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 30
![](http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1245/1245714lyrlgo9fnn.gif)
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP,
I HAVE THREE COPIES OF THIS
LOVELY BOOK TO GIVEAWAY!
THE RULES:
--U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
--INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT
--ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS MUST BE
SEPARATE IN ORDER TO COUNT
AS MORE THAN ONE ENTRY
![](http://dl5.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1837/1837655i3kyn07pwg.gif)
HOW TO ENTER:
+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOUR FOUND OUT ABOUT MARIA IN THE INTERVIEW ABOVE.
+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO MARIA SAMPLE'S WEBSITE HERE AND COME BACK AND SHARE SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FOUND THERE
+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO MARIA SAMPLE'S WEBSITE HERE AND COME BACK AND SHARE SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FOUND THERE
+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON HOW YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. DON'T FORGET YOU CAN TRY SUBSCRIBING AND MY POSTS WILL BE IN YOUR EMAIL DAILY SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO HUNT THEM UP! CHECK THE LEFT HAND CORNER TO SUBSCRIBE!
BONUS ENTRIES: WATCH FOR MY REVIEW AND THE READING GROUP GUIDE COMING LATER IN MARCH. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR BOOK CLUBS SO YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER IT AFTER YOU WIN A COPY, ESPECIALLY WITH SOME BONUS ENTRIES COMING UP!
+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON HOW YOU FOLLOW MY BLOG. DON'T FORGET YOU CAN TRY SUBSCRIBING AND MY POSTS WILL BE IN YOUR EMAIL DAILY SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO HUNT THEM UP! CHECK THE LEFT HAND CORNER TO SUBSCRIBE!
BONUS ENTRIES: WATCH FOR MY REVIEW AND THE READING GROUP GUIDE COMING LATER IN MARCH. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK FOR BOOK CLUBS SO YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER IT AFTER YOU WIN A COPY, ESPECIALLY WITH SOME BONUS ENTRIES COMING UP!
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, MARCH 30
![](http://dl4.glitter-graphics.net/pub/1245/1245714lyrlgo9fnn.gif)
66 comments:
Meg Ryan's mother was her English teacher in high school....
karin56381 (at) gmail.com
She is not a sun person.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
She worked in television for 15 years writing for some pretty great comedies..Ellen, SNL, Mad About You.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
She just finished reading Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Laclos.
fmd518(at)gmail(dot)com
follow your blog via google connect
fmd518(at)gmail(dot)com
Maria does not like the sun.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
I learned that college was at Barnard, where Maria had big plans of becoming a novelist or an English teacher.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
I follow through Google Reader and email.
Thank you,
Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
I follow you via email, facebook and google friend...love your blog.
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
She doesn't like the sun...good thing she lives in Seattle!
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
Found out from her website that she spend the first two years of her life in Spain.
Colleen
candc320@gmail.com
I learned that she doesn't like the sun! I can't relate at all...
melacan at hotmail dot com
I follow you in my google reader.
melacan at hotmail dot com
Her dad wrote the pilot for the tv series Batman
melacan at hotmail dot com
I am a follower via google and subscribe via e-mail
pk4290@comcast.net
Love & Hugs,
Pam
Wow She is humbled and amazed that her book was published.
Pk4290@comcast.net
Love & Hugs,
Pam
Her father, while living in Spain, wrote the pilot for Batman. She wrote for Ellen, Bev Hills 90210 & my fave show Mad About You among others.
pk4290@comcast.net
Love & Hugs,
Pam
I subscribe by e-mail. vvperesk@gmail.com
Very interesting that she doesn't like the sun! Never heard of that before! vvperesk@gmail.com
She just read Les Liasions Dangereuses.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I follow your blog and also subscribe by email.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
She was sent to Boarding School at Choate Rosemary Hall and loved it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
She does not care for the sun. I love the sun. saubleb(at)gmail(Dot)com
She lived in Spain in her early years. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
I found out Maria doesn't like the sun
msboatgal at aol.com
she went to college at Barnard
msboatgal at aol.com
I follow you on google
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
Please enter me into this contest, I found out that she does not like the sun and neither do I like outside.
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
I tweeted on mrsred49
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
I also follower you on networks blogs
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
She went to college at Barnard.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
She loved The Great Gatsby and so do I
anjamie4 AT gmail dot com
I subscribe and follow with email
anjamie4 AT gmail dot com
I follow with google friend
anjamie4 AT gmail dot com
She wrote for Arrested Development
anjamie4 AT gmail dot com
She found inspiration to write by taking yoga
wickdogg at gmaildot com
I follow with email
wickdogg at gmaildot com
She lives now in Seattle
wickdogg at gmaildot com
she said Don't think about what agents want, Write what you love. If you love it, they'll love it.
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
I follow on google reader and google friend
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I guess the thing that shocked me the most was that she doens't like the sun. wow
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
It's a good thing she lives in Seattle if she doesn't like the sun LOL...
GFC follower. bekki1820cb at gmail
I find it funny that she doesn't like the sun! Who doesn't??!! bekki1820cb at gmail
I am a follower via GFC
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com
I learned that the Great Gatsby is the book that left a big impression on her
mstlee2000 @ hotmail.com
I learned that she really liked The Great Gatsby (I really didn't. :D)
ashleymaymott(at)aol(dot)com
Her dad wrote the BAtman pilot (awesome!)
ashleymaymott(at)aol(dot)com
....that she just finished reading Dangerous Liaisons..... joleehamlin@comcast.net
I check your site periodically and am a google friend.
From her webpage, that she has an elite and finite list of friends.... ;-)
Maria wrote for tv shows including Ellen and Mad About You. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I already follow through google friend. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
Maria spent her first two years growing up in Spain. cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I found out that Maria doesn't like the sun.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Email subscriber/Follower via GFC.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Here's something of interest-Meg Ryan's mom was her high school English teacher. Now that's a hoot.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I found it interesting how she found the motivation to start on her current book - such as cleaning a closet!
Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com
I love the author's website. I found it interesting that her dad wrote the pilot for the TV series Batman when his original intention was to write a play.
Interesting author! I can't wait to read her book.
Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com
I follow your blog on Google.
Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com
I follow you on Twitter.
Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com
I also subscribe by email.
Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com
liked her advice for people who want to be writers
tweeted
http://twitter.com/suzquiz/status/11284319586
follow with GFC
Suzquiz
follow iwth GFC
Suzquiz
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