Promo! November Surprise by Laurel Osterkamp

Chick Lit / Womens Fiction
Title: November Surprise
Author: Laurel Osterkamp
Date Published: 8/2012

Synopsis:

For Lucy Jones, the distinction between love and politics is hazy at best. Both can be all-consuming, and either can lead to a heart-breaking loss or an exhilarating win. Whatever the case, if you’re seen as a loser, you probably are one. Lucy first learns this lesson in 1988, when she’s a shy girl, battling a high school bully and rooting for Dukakis. Through the years Lucy will experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as she makes the choices that define her. Meanwhile, she also struggles to define her relationship with Monty, who comes in and out of her life like the changes in public opinion. Is Monty simply a one-night stand, a kindred spirit, or the love of her life? And by 2008, can he offer her a change to believe in?

Over the course of twenty years and six presidential elections, Lucy grows and adjusts with the times. Filled with snarky political and pop-culture references, November Surprise is about the journey we take to believe in a candidate, in love, and in ourselves.

November Surprise is a companion piece to Campaign Promises, which is free on Amazon. They can be read in either order. Both have a liberal slant.

Giveaway!!!

This is for a $30 Amazon Gift Card at November Surprises!

You can comment on any of her Blog Tour Stops to to enter.

Anyone who buys November Surprise and forwards their receipt to laurel@pmibooks.com will receive 10 entries.

My Reading Addiction

Author Interview Questionnaire

Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?

Definitely! Lucy, the main character, even states the theme towards the end. “It’s our history that brought us to this point, and it’s made us who we are.” Since the whole book is about finding parallels between Lucy’s personal dramas and the country’s public dramas, I think that’s pretty fitting.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I have a writing group where we share our work and give each other feedback. They always tease me about the lack of setting in my books, and when I actually describe the setting, they tease me for that too! I forget to provide details, so that’s something I really need to work on.

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

I’ve written three full length novels: Following My Toes, Starring in the Movie of My Life, and November Surprise.

Also, two novellas: Looking for Ward and Campaign Promises

I think my favorite is a tie between Starring in the Movie of My Life and November Surprise. I really pushed myself and discovered new things about my writing while working on both of them, but in different ways.

If you had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?

That’s hard. Whoever plays Lucy has to come off as smart, pretty without realizing it, and believable from the ages of 17 to 37. Perhaps Gennifer Goodwin.

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing things for fun, like journals and short stories, for as long as I can remember. I started writing sketch comedy about 15 years ago, and my first book, Following My Toes, was written about eight years ago.

How long did it take to complete your first book?

The first draft took about six months, but all the revisions took well over a year. I guess all total, it was around two years.

Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?

Oh, sure. There are tons. Today I’ll mention Jennifer Weiner. She’s very prolific, and I love how she helped to redefine the romantic heroine. Good in Bed was one of the first “chick lit” novels with a flawed main character, who was beautiful and strong in her own way.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

Probably revisions. By that time I know the characters and the story arc really well, and I can work on refining the details and making it as perfect as possible. The challenge can be a lot of fun.

Describe your latest book in 4 words.

Awesome political love story!

Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?

I have a blog written in Lucy’s voice about the current election and her marriage to Monty. It’s fun to continue their story. You can read it at http://novembersurprises.blogspot.com

This spring I was on a federal jury, and of course the whole time I was thinking about how I could use the experience for my next novel. I have some ideas, so that’s what my next book will be about. Since it’s going to be fiction, I can make jury duty much more exciting than it actually was!