A Love Literary Style Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Karin Gillespie to the blog today. Karin's newest novel, LOVE LITERARY STYLE, was released last week.

Kathy: In life as in LOVE LITERARY STYLE there seems to be a battle with those who write "literary novels" and those who write genre fiction. Why do you think that is?

KG: I think each side has something the other side wants. Literary writers very often don’t sell many books and make a living teaching and speaking at universities Genre writers may sell a lot of books but they don’t get much critical reception or respect. Very often they are labeled as hacks.


Kathy: Are you more s straight laced writer or one who would wear pink flamingo-patterned attire? Or somewhere in between?

KG: I’m a Southern gal and thus I’m no stranger to hot pink. However, unlike my character Laurie, I draw the line at flamingos on clothing.


Kathy: Aaron meets Laurie at a writers' colony. What exactly is a writers' colony and have you ever participated in one?

KG: A writers’ colony is a place where writers go to write with very little distractions. Very often they have to apply to these colonies and there’s little or no cost to the writer. I’ve not yet gone to a writers colony.


Kathy: What first drew you to romances?

KG: I think of LOVE LITERARY STYLE as a romantic comedy so it’s the comedic aspect that attracted me. Also I’m a huge fan of rom-com films so I wanted to write something snappy and fun, but also with some emotional heft.


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

KG: I’d say that my primary genre is women’s fiction, but there’s usually some element of romance.


Kathy: Tell us about your book.

KG: LOVE LITERARY STYLE is about a stuffy literary writer who falls in love with a vivacious, self-published romance writer. Their union becomes rocky when she becomes more successful than he.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

KG: I like both of my protagonists naturally I’m probably more attracted Aaron because he lives so much in his head and has so much more to learn about the vagaries of love than Laurie.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for this story?

KG: Yes. It was partially based on an article I wrote for the New York Times called “Masters in Chicklit.” It was about my experiences as a genre writer in an MFA program and how I encountered some literary snobbery from a professor.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

KG: This is my seventh novel so I fear it’s become a habit I can’t shake.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

KG: Nora Ephron, Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Strout and Anne Lamott. All are funny wise female writers.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

KG: I just finished reading THE NIX, a novel from a talented debut author.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

KG: I enjoy wines, running, meditation, fine dining and of course, reading!


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

KG: Blackberries, whipped cream, Cheez Nips and chocolate. Notice how I put the sole healthy food first.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books?

KG: Yes. I’m working on a novel called the DEBUTANTE"S BIBLE. 


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

KG: Hearing from happy readers.

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