Q&A with Diane Chamberlain and GIVEAWAY of The Good Father!

I am delighted to welcome Diane Chamberlain to my blog today.

Diane Chamberlain is the American author of 22 published novels.

She started to write her first novel Private Relations in 1989, finished it in 1992 and it was published in 1993.

Since then she has continued to delight her fans with her stories of  suspense, romance and family drama.

Diane's latest book The Good Father will be published her in the UK on 24 April 2012.

Personally, I think it is one of her very best books and you can read my review here on my blog.

I am really happy to be able to offer an uncorrected proof copy of The Good Father as a giveaway here on Random Things Through my Letterbox.

To enter, please complete the form at the bottom of this post.  The giveaway is open until 4 April 2012 when I will make the draw.   Good Luck!

Diane has  been kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her reading and writing habits, another one in my series of 'Author Questions and Answers'.

Questions and Answers with Diane Chamberlain

What are you reading at the moment?  Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. It's a slightly fantastical tale of a man and woman who live in Alaska. Longing for a child, they create one out of snow and then. . . well, you'll have to read the book!

Do you read reviews of your novels?  Do you take them seriously?  Yes, I do read reviews. I want to know what readers think of my books, and I pay attention to constructive criticism. If a book receives mostly five- and four-star reviews and then a one-star review pops up, I try not to let that get to me: every story is not for every reader. But in general, I take reader reviews to heart.

Diane Chamberlain

How long does it take to write a novel?   I've written 400 page novels in as little as six months, but that tight a schedule really saps the joy out of the writing process. My new contract allows a year, which is far more do-able and allows me to have a life outside my writing cave. 

Do you have any writing rituals?  I aim to write 2500 words at least 20 days a month, in one hour increments. It sounds rigid, but it's the only way I can stay on task without being distracted by the Internet and email and life in general!

What was your favourite childhood book? Charlotte's Web is still one of my favorite books. I love the characterization and Charlotte is simply a perfect character: mysterious, generous, complex and noble.

Name one book that made you laugh?   The Help.

Name one book that made you cry?  The Help. You can't ask more from a book than to make you both laugh and cry!

Which fictional character would you like to meet?   I've thought about this and to be honest, I'd want to meet one of my own characters, particularly Travis Brown, the father in The Good Father. I need to apologize to him for all I put him through!

Are you inspired by any particular author or book?  A recent inspiration is Stephen King's 11/22/63. I love it for many reasons. It appeals to both men and women, which is unusual. It involves the impossible, yet King makes it feel possible. And the characters are so real and so easy to get to know. King is amazingly skillful that way. 

What is your guilty pleasure read?  Facebook. I can lose hours there every day. I love to see what everyone's up to!

Who are your favourite authors? So many! I love Barbara Kingsolver, Alice Hoffman, Elizabeth Berg, Anne Rivers Siddons, Kristin Hannah, Kathryn Stockett, Diane Setterfield, Kate Morton . . I could go on and on!

What book have you re-read?   I'm not a big re-reader, but I've read the classic, The Magus by John Fowles, at least three times simply because it fascinates me. I think I keep hoping it will end differently!

What book have you given up on?  I'm afraid there are many, but I won't name them because a book that bores me may be another reader's cup of tea. I will say that a book has to grab me right away. If I reach page 50 and am not enthralled, I go no further. 

For your chance to win the copy of The Good Father, please complete the form below:

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