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!

Comments

  1. I don't do chick lit but this was such a cute review!

    I love the cover and the author's photo :)

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  2. Great review.
    Congrats to Jackie on this book.
    I just don't know how or what has inspired people to be able to write such awesome books.
    I also am an early bird and like getting up early, 5 am, and watch the sun rise, listen to the birds wake up. The best time of day!
    This sounds like a great book to read and I would like the chance to win it. .
    Please enter me.
    RJB
    loki304[at]tds[dot]net

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  3. Well let me start of by saying I love chick-lit. Even after when I was past 'teenhood' I was reading YA books because I wanted the fun exciting twitterpated romance. But as I was getting older the high school romances just weren't doing it for me. One day my mom said "Duh, Girl... read chick-lit" and I've been hooked ever since.

    In the past I have had a problem reading books from a man's point of view, I just can't get into the character, being a woman myself. But your book, Jackie, sounds really good! I think it would be fascinating to get a man's point of view on the dating scene! I really hope I win this book because I can't wait to read it!

    Questions: You said you got your inspiration for Jeff's character from past boyfriends, but how did you capture the male thought process? Did you have to ask men for help while you were writing? "If you were in this situation what would you do/think/say?"

    When I was in school, I did my homework best when I had my favorite music playing in the background. You would think I would have been distracted, but something about the music inspired me to study harder. Do you need peace and quiet when you write? I know you said certain song writers inspire you, how do you use their songs for inspiration?

    Congratulations on your first published book! I really am excited to read it!

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  4. As you know I LOVE chick lit and amazingly, I had never heard of this one - so thank you for introducing me....

    I would love, love to win this one :) and your review just makes me want to read even more.

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  5. I'm not too into chic-lit. This one however, sounds interesting, so I think this is going on my list.

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  6. First, thank you guys for the nice comments! I really appreciate them, since so much work went it to this.

    To answer Ashley's questions:

    1. Regarding how I was able to write in the voice of Jeff. That came so easily to me it was almost scary! When I was younger, I dated so many Jeff's, that I feel like I know him really really well. I did absolutely no research, nor did I ask any guys for their help. After repeatedly dating guys like him and having the relationships end, and having discussions with the guys on why they were ending it, and knowing enough guys (who were just platonic friends) who were non-commital, I feel like an authority on the subject. Granted, some of what Jeff says probably isn't 100% realistic of what a guy would say, I think it still works, because it's meant to be funny and lighthearted. By the end of this book, I can guarantee two things. One, you will LOVE Jeff, and two, you will say to yourself, "I've dated a Jeff!"-or two or more!
    As far as listening to music, yes, it inspires me when I work out, and I get good ideas from it, but I have to write with complete silence.

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  7. Thank you so much!

    Don't expect anything deep or profound.

    Just count on giggling, laughing out loud, getting tears in your eyes, and feeling like the characters are your friends. If you just take it for what it is, fun, funny, sweet and heartwarming, you will really enjoy it!!

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  8. Hi Jackie and congratulations on your debut! Your book sounds wonderful. (Wendy, no need to enter me in the contest--I'll buy the book. Just wanted to stop by and say hi!)

    What is the title of the new book and will it be a stand alone or a continuation of the story you begin with this one?

    Best of luck to you!
    Erin

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  9. Hi Erin,

    Thanks so much! I have two manuscripts and right now I'm deciding which one to publish next. Actually, maybe you could help! I love them both so much but they are very different, and very different than HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM.

    One is called Jackpot! and it is about two siblings (a guy and a girl) whose mother wins the lottery and promises them millions to each of them if they have a baby in the next year. Meanwhile, neither one is seeing anyone.

    My other book is called Free Gift With Purchase, and is about two sisters in their early forties. One sister is widow with a young daughter. The other sister gets separated after 23 years of marriage and moves in with her. Both have these really great dating stories.

    Eventually i'll publish both (I hope) but deciding between the two is really hard! Any thoughts?

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  10. What a fun review...and great interview. I love Sidney Sheldon too. Haven't read in years but I was always captivated by those books!!!

    Sounds like a fun fun read. Thanks for posting.

    I have books coming out the wazzo right now... so I will let another lucky person have a shot...

    :)

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  11. This chick lit sounds really cute. Great review!

    I would love a chance to win this.

    jjameli(at)cableone.net

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  12. Thanks everyone, for all your nice comments and well wishes for the book. And thank you Wendy, for giving me this opportunity! It was so much fun!!

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  13. Jackie I think both new books sound great, but if I had to choose I'd pick the one about the sisters, Free Gift With Purchase!

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  14. Jackie, Thank you so much for being a guest on my Blog! I hope I at least turned a couple of people onto your book. I know I will certainly be looking for a new book from you next year. I am a fan!

    As for which idea I like best - I think the 2nd one I would relate to more. And the 1st one sounds more fun. I really like both ideas and would (or WILL) read either one!

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  15. Thanks Ashley and Wendy. I was actually leaning towards that one, so that's good.

    Wendy, again, thank you for this opportunity! It was really fun.

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