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February 8, 2010 10:27 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Carol Snow

Carol Snow is the author of upcoming novel Just Like Me, Only Better (and I cant wait to read this!) Here, Carol talks about Just Like Me, her inspiration, and of course, a whole load of lookalikes... (Click here for the book synopsis!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
Struggling single mother gets hired as celebrity double for imploding young Hollywood starlet. That was thirteen words. Do I get extra credit?

What inspired you to write Just Like Me, Only Better?
Inspiration came in pieces. First: Ten years ago, during the heyday of Friends, I was at a housewife-populated Pokeeno party (don't ask) in Scottsdale, Arizona, when Lisa Kudrow walked in the door: there was her face, her hair, her height, her mannerisms. Only it wasn't Lisa Kudrow -obviously -- but if I had seen the same woman walking down the street in L.A., I would have sworn it was. When I asked her if anyone had ever commented on the resemblance, she said oh, sure: all the time. Plus, a kid had just asked for her autograph at an amusement park and didn't believe her when she said she wasn't Kudrow.

Second: A few Halloweens ago, in the midst of her meltdown, I dressed up as Britney Spears. To come up with costume specifics, I Googled her and could not believe just how bizarre her life was. Obviously, she had some, shall we say, "mental health issues." But the poor girl couldn't go anywhere without being mobbed by paparazzi just waiting for her to do something crazy. I thought: what is it like to live with that kind of scrutiny?

And, third: My husband works with a man who's a dead ringer for Jack Nicholson - and whose daughter works as an Angelina Jolie celebrity double at parties and corporate events. I don't know how that happens from a genetic standpoint, but it sparked some ideas!

Do you look like anyone famous?
When I was eleven, people said I looked like Nadia Comenici. Unfortunately, I couldn't do gymnastics like her. Also when was eleven (it was a big year, apparently), my eyebrows were frequently compared to Brooke Shields's. Since then, we have both embraced facial waxing.

Where do you write your books?
I usually write on a couch in my office, with a cat on my lap and a computer on my knees. It's terrible for my posture but quite cozy.

What is your favourite chick-lit book?
Most of my favorite chick-lit books were published before the term was coined. Compromising Positions by Susan Isaacs had a huge impact on me. Not only was it compulsively readable, it gave me the first inkling of the kind of books I hoped to write someday.

Who is your favourite heroine, and why?
Kinsey Millhone, Sue Grafton's private eye, is self-sufficient, tough, crafty, and wry: in other words, not like me at all.

Do you have any tips for readers who would like to become published authors?
Ask yourself: Do I like spending long stretches of time alone? Do have large reserves of self discipline? Can I take criticism? Do I love writing more than anything else? If you answer "yes" to all of those things, great! Now spend the next 10-15 years honing your craft before worrying about publication. If you've already put in that kind of work and have a finished manuscript, you can fast forward to "Find a good agent." I've recommended Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents so many times, the guy should be giving me a cut of his royalties.

What are you currently reading?
I just finish Richard Price's Lush Life. It was dark, violent, and made me question humanity's capacity for altruism and redemption. I really liked it!

Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?
Yes. And no.

Thanks, Carol!

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Posted by Elle Symonds on February 8, 2010 in Book News, Book related, Irish Authors | Permalink

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