Today's guest: Laura Dave
Why we love her: She was one of our first ever author crushes
Her latest: The First Husband (Out in paperback tomorrow- April 24!)
The scoop: Annie Adams thinks she has it all. Her longtime boyfriend, Nick, is on the verge of becoming a successful film director, her travel column is nationally syndicated, and they've got a great dog. Her life finally feels like it is falling into place. Until, out of nowhere, Nick announces that he's reconnected with a woman from his past and he's moving out. Reeling from Nick's exit, Annie stumbles into her neighborhood bar and finds Griffin, a down to earth chef who seems to be everything she didn't know she wanted. Three months later, they're married. And Annie finds herself in a small Massachusetts town -- completely unmoored and wondering if she's picked a life on the rebound. When Nick returns, wanting a second chance, Annie's stuck: truly torn between her husband and the man she may have been meant to marry.
Our thoughts: The First Husband not only has one of the best titles and book covers out there, but it's a fresh and satisfying story about something we can all relate to--finding "the one."
Fun fact: Lisa first met Laura at Laura's book signing for The Divorce Party (another of our faves!) and sheepishly handed her a copy of our novel, I'll Have Who She's Having. Laura not only accepted it graciously, but actually read it-- proving herself to be an author who never forgets how hard it is to break into this biz.
Giveaway: 5 copies of The First Husband. Just leave a comment and be entered to win. We'll randomly select the winners on Monday, April 30 after 6pm PST.
CHICK LIT IS NOT DEAD PRESENTS...LAURA DAVE'S 5 THINGS I'D TELL THE TEEN ME
1. Remember that you barely passed your driving test. No need to celebrate by speeding down Fox Meadow Road and getting pulled over a mere seven hours later. Cry like they do in the movies. It is the only thing that will save you.
2. Also remember: This is not an episode of My So Called Life. Seriously, we know you’d like it to be. But please stop dating the guys who remind you of Jordan Catalano. Even Angela Chase realized that Krakow was where it was at! Believe me: One day, in your not too distant future, you’ll realize this too. And you’ll meet the kind of guy that puts Jordan Catalano to shame.
3. You know more than you think you do. Give yourself a break. You may feel like you’re missing something when your ideas of fun and happiness don’t mesh with everyone else’s, but that’s what makes you interesting. Welcome the quirky, crazy way your mind works—and welcome it in other people. What makes us feel left out is often the reason we stand out. Say it to yourself five times fast.
4. Dance more. Yes, you can be shy, but you love to dance! So get onto the dance floor, close your eyes, and enjoy yourself. It’s not just about the dancing. If you teach yourself to step out of your comfort zone now, you’ll be less inclined to feel embarrassed later on by the other things you really want to do. So boogie-down, sister. (Side note: Just don’t do it in your polka dot taffeta dress. That is still embarrassing.)
5. Learn to cook. One day, cooking will bring tons of joy to your life. Why not start now? You may think it’s uncool, or that you have better things to do, but you already love hanging in the kitchen. Your mother is a great cook. Spend time with her while she cooks. There are things you’ll pick up this way that will take twice as long to figure out on your own. Plus, there’s a TV in the kitchen. Put Gilmore Girls on in the background while you sauté. Luke is a TV boyfriend everyone can aspire to.
Thanks, Laura!
xoxo,
Liz & Lisa
To find out more about the fabulous Laura Dave, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.