Greetings, fellow bookish lovers! Today I am thrilled to welcome the author of The Curvy Girls Club and all around sweetheart, Michele Gorman, on my blog!
1. Could you describe The Curvy Girls Club in less than 10 words?
A funny feel-good story about learning to love yourself.
2. One of the major themes of the book is on self-image and our perception (and others’) on our body, what made you decide to write such an issue?
The idea came from a conversation I had with my mum when I was visiting her in the US. I don't even remember what we were talking about, but she said “It’s easy for you, you’re skinny.”
“Mom,” I said. “I'm not skinny. I'm normal.”
She said, “Honey, look around you. You’re not normal. We are.”
And she was right. “Normal”, as in The Norm, is what the majority of the population is. That got me thinking about our perception of what’s normal, because we pile loads of criticism on ourselves for not looking like the actresses and supermodels we see in the media. And we use words like fat and skinny as judgements, when really they’re just adjectives! I’d love for us to take the judgement out of those words, because it’s often hurtful. I wrote this book for everyone who’s ever felt insecure about their bodies.
3. Could you tell us about the writing process of The Curvy Girls Club?
The idea formed really quickly, so first I wrote the one sentence pitch. I always need a way to describe the book quickly, both because my agent and editor want to know what it’s about before I start writing and because it keeps me focused while I'm writing. Then I outlined each chapter. I do this in excel (I'm a geek), with chapters as rows and characters/storylines as columns. This makes sure that the pace is right and the characters’ stories are all well-developed. And then I write, usually 2,000 words a day, with lots of coffee and nap breaks!
4. What's your favourite scene to write? (Psst. Without giving away anything, of course!)
I loved Ellie's stalking scene. She's a bit obsessive about her boyfriend (as you’ll see from the first time you meet her!)
5. Could you tell us what you’re working on at the moment?
It’s called Boyfriends Recycled, about three friends who upcycle their exes through their local boyfriend recycling centre, but haven't bargained on the consequences of the exchanges they make. I think Avon is planning a January 2016 release.
6. What are your writing essentials?
Coffee, quiet and a nice place to nap.
7. Quickfire round!
- Coffee or tea?
Coffee
- Ice-cream or waffles? Or both?
Ice cream, although I do love American waffles!
- Favourite telly show?
Anything with a house makeover element. I’m a sucker for a good transformation.
- Happiest moment in your life?
I’m generally a very happy person, so I’d say pretty much all the time after my teens!
- Perfect day?
Reading a great book on the sofa with someone to make me coffee on demand
- Paperback or eBook?
Paperback. Confession: I love to sniff them.
I'd like to thank Avon for asking me to participate on this blog tour and of course, Michele for agreeing to answer my questions! The Curvy Girls Club is out now!
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