author snapshot
liza palmer
1. What inspired you to write chick lit?
I just wanted to write – what came out was kind of beyond my control. I don’t think any of us have control over the types of books we write – it’s totally organic. (And yes, I’m from L.A. – where we have to use words like ‘organic’ and ‘totally’ in every other sentence.)
2. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Writing is a funny thing – when I’m not writing, I’m usually feeling guilty about not writing. It’s this never-ending, over-filling hamper of dirty clothes. Always in the back of my mind. Always have homework. So, when feeling guilty about not writing - I love walking around my neighborhood with friends, walking my dog, spending time with my family and just basically ‘not writing’ in general. Project Runway, too.
3. Out of all of the books you have written, which was the most fun to write and why?
Conversations with the Fat Girl (my first novel) hands down. It was before I knew better, you know? I was blissfully unaware of deadlines and just typed away in this little cottage I was renting at the time – my desk was right by this open window – gosh, it was even before I had an iPod (gasp!) – so Sarah McLachlan’s CD, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy was wafting through the little house and I was dreaming about writing – for the first time in a long time. Perfect.
4. Are there any naughty episodes in your novels that mirror real life?
Ugh – I wish. And Seeing Me Naked has got some really hot scenes…Elisabeth Page is a lucky girl, indeed.
5. What is your favorite time of the day: morning, afternoon, or night?
I love morning, but I think that’s just because I love that first cup of Earl Grey tea in the morning. The city waking up, the crispness in the air, the impatient, ready-to-be-walked puppy – and everyone knows breakfast food is the king of all foods.
6. If you could cast yourself as a character in one of your novels, who would it be?
You know, oddly – these days I think I’m actually a blend of Will, one side of the love triangle in Seeing Me Naked, a little splash of Elisabeth (I wish I had a smidgen of her cooking skill!) and maybe a dash of Rascal (Elisabeth’s brother). Maggie, the hero of Conversations with the Fat Girl, is like a little sister to me now.
7. What did you do to celebrate the publishing of your first novel?
Raised a glass of champagne with family and friends…it was surreal and lovely.
8. Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?
I think the relationship between author and reader is so indefinably beautiful. It’s those little moments spent reading a book and you’re connecting with these characters and that world – to be in on those moments is a luxury and I just pinch myself every day that I get to be a part of it.