Q&A With Catherine McKenzie and Giveaway!

Yesterday I reviewed Catherine McKenzie's debut novel, Spin (here's my review if you missed it) and today I welcome Catherine to The Book Chick to answer a few of my questions!

The Book Chick: You're a litigation lawyer and you also teach law at McGill University. What inspired you to write a book, and when did you actually find time to do it?

Catherine McKenzie: I've always written (poetry mostly) but never was able to sustain my attention for long enough to write a book. Then one day I got an idea for a book (not Spin) and I sort of felt compelled to write it. Once I had finished it, I had an idea for another book and I decided to write that. Spin came two books later. I guess it kind of became my hobby, and it was fun to create my own little world. My job is very cerebral so it's nice to have something completely different and creative. Everyone always wants to know when I have time to write. I really believe that you make time for the things you care about. I try to write a little everyday. It doesn't always work, but most days I make it.

TBC: Considering that you wear many different job "hats" these days, I just have to know: when you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

CM: I wanted to be a lawyer. One out of three ain't bad.

TBC: Spin has a definite celebrity aspect to it. Did you base the celeb characters in your book on any specific real-life celebrities?

CM: I tried not to base the celebrities in the book on real life celebrities, but of course the whole idea for the book came to me when certain celebrities were going in and out of rehab (every week it seemed) a couple of years ago. I'm remember asking myself one day: I wonder why no paparazzi has ever followed a celebrity into rehab. My next thought was: what a great idea for a book!

TBC: When you actually manage to get some time to yourself, are there any specific genres or authors that you love to read?

CM: I read a lot of different genres, actually. These are the last books I read, all which I enjoyed: Juliet, Naked; The White Tiger; Open (I loved, loved, loved this book); Continuity Girl; Wolf Hall; Inside Out Girl; and right now I'm reading Jon Krakauer's new book. Some of my favourite authors are: Jane Austen, Nick Hornby, Bill Bryson, James Frey.

TBC: Finally, I loved your book and was actually sad when it ended. I loved Kate, your main character, and I think that she has more adventures in her. Is there any chance that you would consider writing a sequel to Spin?

CM: Thanks! Several people have mentioned to me recently that they would love to see a sequel of Spin, but I certainly didn't think of it like that when I wrote it. To date, I haven't been able to come up with a concept for a sequel that I like, but never say never. Suggestions welcome.

Thanks to Catherine McKenzie and HarperCollins Canada I am giving away a copy of Spin to one lucky reader!

How to Enter:

1. You get one entry simply by leaving me a comment telling me who your favourite celebrity is. Please include your e-mail address so that I am able to contact you if you win. No e-mail= no entry!

2. *Bonus Entry* Earn a bonus entry by becoming a follower. Current followers are eligible as well, simply leave me a seperate comment letting me know that you follow!

3. *Bonus Entry* Tweet, blog about this contest, add it to your sidebar, whatever! Spread the word and you'll gain an additional entry- just be sure to leave me a seperate comment letting me know how you did it!

This contest runs until February 5, 2010. I will randomly draw the winner and notify them by e-mail after this date. Winners will have 72 hours to respond. This contest is open Canadian address only, no PO Boxes please! Good luck!