We'll be reviewing Sarah Nilsen's memoir - Does This Book Make My Butt Look Big? (and who cares anyway, its my butt) - in the near future, but since I thought I'd introduce you to her first. So here's Sarah!
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
Cheerfully neurotic essays celebrating what it means to be a woman trying to find her inner zen in today’s crazy world.
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
I usually find myself writing at the computer in my home office. Interestingly, I write most of my best work late at night (early in the morning). When I have an idea swirling around in my head, I can’t sleep until I get up and get it out on virtual paper. So most of my book was written at 3am!
Your favourite chick-lit book?
The Devil Wears Prada. I loved that book!! I love books that I can relate to, or that I wish I could relate to!
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
This is a great question. Since publishing the book I am surprised by how many people have the inclination to write a book…but for whatever reason haven’t done so. I think that it isn’t so much that the passion exists to put pen to paper, as much as the fact that people want to “be heard” or otherwise get their story out there. So, my advice is to make the commitment to start the project.
Don’t allow the daunting task of the finishing the book, securing publishing and strategizing marketing deter you from the act of ever starting. If you have a story that you want to share, you should do it. As with anything in life, the very first step is equally as important as the last step. Once you have something on paper, you might be surprised what opportunities present themselves!
What are you reading at the moment?
I am reading Hollywood Car Wash by Lori Culwell and The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans.
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)
I am excited to report that I am working on my second book right now! It is shaping up to be a series of hilarious rants sandwiched between some rather thought provoking pieces that tackle more sentimental subjects. Laced with my signature sarcasm and written in the stream of consciousness, it will again resonate with a broad audience looking for a good laugh!
Do you have a theme song?
“Glamorous Life” by Sheila E
I am a closet 80’s hair-band fan. What can I say? But this song still makes me toe-tap like I was 16. And…I love the message of the song!
What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)
Q. What has been the best part of having my memoirs published for the world to read?
A. I love the feedback I get from readers. I love the voicemails, emails and notes from women who have read the book and feel normal! They laugh, cry and email me to let me know that they now realize that they aren’t alone in their feelings about themselves…and as a result they can let some of those feelings of confusion, inadequacy and discontent go.
I love knowing that by throwing myself under the proverbial bus, other women can lift their veils of shame and love themselves the way they are. “If Sarah’s okay the way she is, embracing her imperfections, then I must be okay as well!” I truly believe that’s a gift that the book has given to many, many women and I’ve, in turn, been blessed by that as well.
Thanks, Sarah!
