if you happen to be a well-to-do movie producer looking to make a new romantic comedy, please get in touch!
Lisa Becker – 01 November 2015
The Back Flap
clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.
About the book
When did you start writing the book?
The book actually started out as a screenplay that was optioned by a production company housed at one of the major movie studios summer 2014. Unfortunately, it fell out of development. I was eager to have this fun story with some of my favorite characters told, so I turned it into a short novel earlier this year.
How long did it take you to write it?
I spent about 7 months writing the screenplay and it took an additional 5 months to turn it into a book.
Where did you get the idea from?
When I was writing the Click Trilogy, (Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click, Right Click) I was obsessed with NCIS reruns and would have the show on in the background as I wrote. There was an episode when one of the characters mentioned that men were like purses – something useless to hang on a woman’s arm. I started thinking about how men are like handbags and the idea grew from there.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
The biggest challenge was taking the dialogue-heavy screenplay and figuring out a way to bring the characters to life through a standard book-writing narrative.
What came easily?
Once I got into the format of relating men to handbags, it was pretty easy to find comparisons to make.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Unlike my previous series, which was loosely based on how I met my husband online and had characters based on friends of mine, this book is entirely fictitious. Although, I do feel like Caroline and Mike are now my friends and would love to hang out with them in real life.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I admire many chick lit writers who are well established and successful. But most recently, I’ve been influenced by writer friends who have independently and self-published their books and inspire me with their passion and drive such as Julie Brown, Chris Lynch and L.D. Cedergreen.
Do you have a target reader?
I think this book is best suited for women 18 and over who are looking for a light and breezy read filled with humor and heart.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I like to write with the television on in the background. When I first started writing, I was obsessed with Law & Order reruns. Now, I can’t seem to get enough of NCIS. I guess there’s a part of me that likes to see justice served.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
For this book, I mapped out the various relationships/handbag styles and ordered them with the character arc so I knew where Caroline started from and needed to go. From there, I just sat and wrote.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I try to just get my thoughts down on the page as quickly as possible and worry about edits and proofreading later.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I worked with BubbleCow for professional editing and PenOaks Publishing for proofreading and design.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
As mentioned, I like the TV on in the background. Right now, NCIS spin-off NCIS Los Angeles is floating my boat.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I did not submit this book to an agent. My hope is that the book will be well received and someone within the movie industry will consider it for a movie and I can pursue opportunities in that arena again.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
With my first series, I explored the traditional publishing route and got feedback from multiple literary agents. One in particular explained the current economic state of the publishing industry to me. Due to the large investment to edit, produce, distribute and market a work by an unknown author, many large publishers won’t take the risk. Self-publishing is a way to get your work out there and was very easy. The hardest part is marketing the book and spreading the word about it. So, I’m especially appreciative to blogs like yours for helping me with that process.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
The cover was professionally designed by PenOaks publishing based on my vision. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
My background is in public relations and marketing. In fact, before starting a career as a writer, I spent nearly 20 years working at public relations agencies, so I have a natural tendency to plan for this type of effort. Given the significant handbag theme in clutch: a novel, I reached out to handbag designers and am working with more than a dozen on 40+ giveaways of purses in every size and style to support the launch.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Don’t write off (HA! Like the pun?!?) self-publishing. It’s a great option. I’m also reminded of some advice I was once given. I had interviewed Charles Rosen, one of the producers of the original Beverly Hills 90210, for an alumni magazine article while I was in graduate school. And I’ll never forget what he told me, “Don’t fall in love with your words, because somebody above will probably change them.” One of the great benefits of self-publishing is that you can really take control of the process.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Los Angeles
Where do you live now?
Manhattan Beach, CA (a beach community just south of Los Angeles airport)
What would you like readers to know about you?
I love hearing from readers, so please reach out via my website with any feedback. And thank you for the support and enthusiasm over the years.
What are you working on now?
In addition to promoting the new book, I’m looking into making connections within the motion picture industry to try and get a movie version made. I’m eager to see if there’s interest from someone else on bringing this fun and quirky story to the big screen. So if you happen to be a well-to-do movie producer looking to make a new romantic comedy, please get in touch!
End of Interview:
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Get your copy of Clutch from Amazon US (paper or ebook) or Amazon UK (paper or ebook).