Hook Link and Sink Him, by Jackie Pilossoph

Three cheers for Jackie Pilossoph on her first published book!

                            

Jackie Pilossoph is the author of HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM, published in April, 2010. She holds a master’s degree in Journalism from Boston University. She worked as a television news reporter and has also held positions in the advertising and pharmaceutical industries. Jackie has been writing novels and screenplays for feature films for eight years. She has optioned four screenplays to Hollywood producers.
                                    

"My name is Jackie Pilossoph, and I’m a writer.  I’m also a romantic, a mother, a Girl Scout leader, a work out fanatic, a reader, a movie lover, a Chicago Bulls fan, a coffee lover, a wine drinker, an ice-cream binger, and the biggest one, a STORY TELLER."
"I hope you enjoy my books, and I hope they bring tears to your eyes, make you chuckle , have you laughing heartily at times and cause you to think about your own life in a happy, hopeful light."

From Amazon (about the book) -
 Anna wants to get married. Her boyfriend Chris wants to wait. But now, help may be on the way. Meet Jeff and Dave, two commitment phobic guys who overhear the couple arguing at a popular Chicago bar, and guarantee Anna they can con Chris into springing for a ring and walking down the aisle. When she takes them up on their offer, and the plan actually works, the three decide they're going into business to help other bride wannabes.

My Review -
Let me start by saying that I love Chick-Lit, what can I say, I like being able to laugh at other people's screwed up lives. This is a great book. I found myself giggling in parts but also really felt for the main characters. AND... I actually cried at the end (but they were happy tears)!
This is a different kind of Chick-Lit book. While it is written by Jackie (very much a woman) it is written in first person by a man! The whole time I was reading I had to keep reminding myself this was really written by a woman. It is so believable that it is from a man's point of view.
Jeff, the main Character, is a womanizer, a player, a lier, has multiple one-night-stands, and tricks others into getting married! And yet - I liked him! The word "jerk" never entered  my mind. You actually feel sorry for the guy.  Although if I met someone like that in real life I would probably smack him. Anna, the main female character in the book is very likable, she is a sweetie who just wants to get married. The problem is that you want her to marry the right guy, not just any guy.
This was a very enjoyable, quick, fun read. I read it in a day and a half because I didn't want to put it down.
You know, Jackie - this would make a great movie!

Interview with Jackie -

1. Using men as a main character in a Chick-Lit book is not new, but a female Author writing as a man in the first person in a Chick-Lit book is new.
How did you get inside of a man's head to do this effectively, do you have a lot of brothers?

I know it is strange. I am a 44 yr. old divorced woman, and my main character, Jeff, is a 30 yr. old singel, commitment-phobic guy. But, I was able to let Jeff tell the story because I dated him! So many times! Jeff is a combination of several guys I went out with years ago, all really nice guys, just so afraid of serious relationships. I let Jeff tell HIS side of the story, because i thought it would be interesting to women, plus I thought it would be really funny. Guys like Jeff are hilarious to me, and i knew women would get a kick out of him. And lastly, it's something different, new and fresh. It really was so much fun to do it this way!

2. What are some of your favorite Authors, and who inspired you?

I love Jennifer Weiner, Jonathan Tropper, Terry McMillan, Emily Giffin, and Candace Bushnell.
All writers inspire me, but so do songwriters like Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morrisette, and Michael Jackson.
So many other people inspire me, there are almost too many to name. My fitness instructors, the women i work out with, my kid's teachers, my kids, and pretty much anyone who has ever worked really hard and has succeeded, like self made millionaires, inventors, actors, and writers, of course.

3. Did you always want to be a writer?

No, but I've always loved watching romantic comedy movies, and reading Romance and Chick-lit novels. And I've always loved telling funny stories. So when I had some to tell, I decided to write a novel. That was about 8 yrs. ago.

4. Do you already have plans for another book, and will it be another Chick-lit book?

Yes! I have another novel being published next spring. Wait till you read it! You're going to love it! It's so jucy.

5. Do you have a favorite spot to write, a favorite chair, the porch, a special room?

I write either at my kitchen table or on my couch. I do have a favorite time of day to write, which is 5am! I love to drink coffee, write, and watch the sun come up out of the corner of my eye. It's the time of day when I am bursting with energy, and when I feel most fresh, creative, and motivated.

6. How was your trip getting your book published? And what was your reaction upon finding out it was?

I'm not lying when I say I have HUNDREDS of regection e-mails saved from agents and publishers. Getting a book published is brutal, and it takes a lot of effort, determination, persistence, creativity in marketing, and patience. I was never going to give up, though. I wanted this so badly, and I felt it in my heart, that if I kept trying, something would happen. As far as my reaction upon finding out it was going to be published. I didn't quite believe it was happening until my publisher placed the book in my hands. That was a magical moment. I'll never forget it. My hands were shaking and my heart was actually pounding.

7. Are you a funny person in real life?

I'm told all the time that I am really funny. And I always say, "You should meet the rest of my family. I'm the least funny out of all of them!"

8. If you were not a writer, what would you be?

Well since I've had about 20 different careers, I can't think of anything else I want to do. I've been a sales representative, a sales manager, a financial advisor, a news reporter, a college professor, a pharmaceutical sales rep., a waitress, and a camp counselor. I also started my own business once.
I think those are all the jobs I've had in my life. At this point in my life, I just want to write more. Although, I wouldn't mind working at Starbucks.

9. And lastly - The world famous question - If you were going to a deserted island, what 3 books would you take with you?

1. The Diary of Anne Frank
2. Any Sidney Sheldon novel
3. A dictionary

Oh... and can I bring DVDs of the first few seasons of Sex and the City?



Visit Jackie's web site - HERE
And her Blog - HERE

*** Jackie will be monitoring my blog today and will answer your questions and read all your comments. Please send her some love!


*** I am giving away my copy of this book! If you would like a chance to win, either say so in your comments or email me (please only US and Canada only). I will choose a winner using random.org on Aug. 5th.




The winner of "Backseat Saints" is - #15 Darcy O, Congratulations!