Q&A with Author Jackie Pilossoph

Q.  What is your favorite thing about being an author?

A.  The actual writing, which is so ironic because so much of the profession is marketing and selling yourself and your books, and trying to come up with ways to get the word out about your books. But when it comes down to it, I love to write so much, and I guess that’s what keeps me going.

Q.  What is the toughest part of being an author?

A.  Getting the word out about your books! J I feel like I spend hours online, signing up for things, and trying to figure out ways for exposure. The toughest thing is being patient. To become well-known, I think it takes years. (plus that much needed lucky break.)

Q.  If you could not be author, what would you do/be?

A. I’ve had so many different careers in my life: retail salesperson, yellow page advertising salesperson, stockbroker, sales manager, radio advertising salesperson, tv reporter, pharmaceutical rep., college professor, stay at home mom (which is my favorite of all), and of course, author and freelance writer. Not sure there’s anything else I’d like to try, but if I was younger, I’d become a doctor-a good doctor.  I see the way some of them help people incredibly, and then I see the way some are burned out and just going through the motions. I’d be the good kind. J

Q.  What would the story of your life be entitled?

A.  Jackie Pilossoph: Clueless in her 20’s, Stupid in her 30’s, Got it Together in her 40’s!

Q.  What is your favorite book of all time?

A.  This might be the toughest question in this Q and A. There are so many wonderful authors with amazing books in all different genres. I’m a huge fan of Historical Holocaust Fiction, so I’ll say Sarah’s Key might be. As a teenager I loved Sidney Sheldon books. And I love Chevy Stevens thrillers. When I was in college I read the Diary of Anne Frank, that I still think about to this day. This is really tough! I’m all over the board!

Q.  Which part of your book(s) was the easiest to write?

A. The end, because I knew the entire time how it was going to end. It’s my favorite part to write because I always get all emotional and cry while I’m writing it, as if I’m watching the last scene in a movie. But then I get really sad that it’s over, and I start to miss my characters.

Q.  Which part of your book(s) was the hardest to write?

A. The beginning is extremely difficult for me. Is this going to bore people? Am I setting this up effectively? Is this intriguing people? It takes a few chapters to get into it, but once I do, then it’s like a faucet, and the book starts to write itself.

Q.  Which character from any book are you most like?

A.  Can’t you tell? I’m Carrie Bradshaw!! (minus the skinny figure and the obsession with fashion) But seriously, I love to write, I love to talk about relationships, and I love my girlfriends! If I ever met Sara Jessica Parker, I think we’d become friends. I’m sure of it, actually.

Q.  Which character from YOUR book(s) are you most like?

A.  In Jackpot!, I’m a lot like Jamie, the main character. Crushed by past relationships that didn’t work out, and trying to figure out how to get the guts to take a chance again.

Q.  What is your favorite season?

A.  SUMMER!! I don’t look that great in a bikini anymore, but I don’t care! I love the pool and the beach and the humidity and warmth of the sun. I love it when it’s 100 degrees outside. I love working out outside and sweating. And I love romantic dinners on outside restaurant patios.

Q.  Tell me something funny that happened while on a book tour or while promoting your book(s).

A. This is a hilarious story. One of my best friends, Sandy, came with me to L.A. for the launch of HOOK, LINE AND SINK HIM. I stood at my booth at the L.A Times Festival of Books for 10 hours, promoting and talking and signing books. Sandy and I went out for a late dinner, and decided to treat ourselves to a really nice, elegant restaurant. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep at the table! Must have been exhaustion combined with wine.

Q.  Are you working on something new?

A.  YES!! My new book, FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE ! It’s sooooooo good! Very juicy, funny, heartwarming, and lots of drama! Two sisters, one is a widow and one is getting divorced, move in together and start dating different guys. Hilarious!!

Q.  Anything you want to say to followers of this blog or those that are just stopping by?

A.  I think it’s pretty obvious that I truly love to write. And I feel so so fortunate that I have something in my life (other than my children) FOR MYSELF that I really get enjoyment out of. What I wish for you is that you find something that makes you really happy. Whether it’s volunteering, it might be your job, writing, art, whatever, make sure you find something outside of your profession or your kids and do it. It will make your life so much richer.

Oh…and please spread the word about Jackpot!  www.jackiepilossoph.net