Q&A & Giveaway With Janet Skeslien Charles, author of "Moonlight in Odessa"

Please join me in welcoming Janet Skeslien Charles, author of Moonlight in Odessa (my review) to The Book Chick today! Janet has kindly agreed to answer a few of my burning questions.

The Book Chick: I enjoyed Moonlight in Odessa so much, and the ending leaves room for a potential sequel. Do you have any plans to write one?

Janet Skeslien Charles: So glad to hear that you enjoyed the novel! I am working on a parallel story about Jane, one of the characters in Moonlight in Odessa.

TBC: Are you working on anything new at the moment?

JSC: I have been working on a few personal essays and just started a new job as the Programs Manager at the American Library in Paris, which has been great.

TBC: When you're working on a book, what is a typical day like for you?

JSC: I write in the morning because that is the time I can concentrate the best. Then in the afternoon, I edit and respond to correspondence. I am always trying to resolve the mysteries of plot and character, so even when I am in the shower or on my way to work, I am still working on my writing...
 
TBC: What was your journey to publication like?

JSC: It started out bumpy. When the leader of my writing group read the first chapter of my novel and said, 'I don't see this going anywhere,' I knew it was time for a change and found another group. It is important to surround yourself with supportive people.

Every other week, we writers each submitted a chapter and gave feedback. While I was working on the book, I also polished the query letter and researched agents. I met my agent at the Geneva Writers' Conference, an inexpensive weekend conference that was only three hours away. She gave me comments and I worked on improving the manuscript. She sent the book out and had two offers very quickly. I felt very lucky.
 
TBC: What books are on your nightstand right now?

JSC: Julian Corkle is a Filthy Liar by D.J. Connell and The Whispers by Orlando Figes.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

And thank-you for taking the time to stop by! Moonlight in Odessa is available for purchase in all major bookstores and online now.

But wait! Don't leave yet! Janet Skeslien Charles has kindly offered a copy of Moonlight in Odessa to one of my lucky readers! To enter:

1. *Mandatory Entry* Tell me- are you a bit of an armchair traveller? Do you like to escape to other places through books, or do your prefer to read books set at home? Please leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact you if you win. No e-mail= no entry!

2. *Bonus Entry* Become a follower of this blog through Google Friend Connect and let me know in a separate comment that you now follow. Current followers are eligible for this bonus entry as well, just let me know that you already follow.

3. *Bonus Entry* Spread the word about this contest in any way that you choose. Blog about it, add it to your sidebar, Facebook it or Tweet it. Just let me know in a separate comment what you did.

It's that simple- 3 easy ways to win! This contest is open to Canadian and US addresses only Janet Skeslien Charles has generously opened this giveaway to international participants. Anyone with a reliable mailing address can enter! It ends on November 26, 2010. Winners will be notified by e-mail after this date. Good luck!