JACK WITH A TWIST By Brenda Janowitz

This is kind of neat. I've been in touch with Brenda Janowitz by email for a couple of years now, and next week we're finally getting to meet in person when we have lunch with Long Island Woman book columnist Debbi Honorof, and authors Carol Hoenig, Saralee Rosenberg and Vivian Swift. I like to think of us as Long Island's first female literati club. (Susan Isaacs, play your cards right and we might invite you next time.)

Anyway, I was thrilled when Brenda recently joined the Girlfriends Cyber Circuit, as I knew it meant I would get to interview her about her funny and engaging new book, JACK WITH A TWIST, the follow-up to her very popular SCOT ON THE ROCKS.

Brenda is as charming as she is talented. Check it out ....

How would you describe the genre of JACK WITH A TWIST, and what pulled you toward it?

My latest is a romantic comedy.

I’ve always been a writer. In fact, that’s the reason why I became a lawyer in the first place—trying to find a career where I could write full time. But I’ve always had a real love for fiction, and I’d find myself practicing law and thinking about these fictional stories that I wanted to write. When I was invited to my ex-boyfriend’s wedding, my life slowly but surely began to resemble some of my favorite chick lit novels, and I said to myself, ‘I’ve just gotta start writing this stuff down…’

An you tell my readers about the genesis of the idea for JACK WITH A TWIST?

When I finished SCOT ON THE ROCKS, I just knew that Brooke’s story had to continue! Since both she and Jack are lawyers, I thought it would be so much fun to pit them against each other in the courtroom… all while planning their fairy-tale wedding. Thus the idea for JACK WITH A TWIST was born!

Do you have a favorite character in this book? If so, why?

I had a lot of fun writing Brooke’s mom. She drives Brooke completely crazy, but ultimately, always wants what’s best for our protagonist. I had so much fun having Brooke’s mom drink too much champagne and embarrass Brooke at every phase of the wedding planning.

And before my mother gets up in arms, no, Brooke’s mom is not based on my mom! (Although she does like a nice glass of champagne just as much as the next gal….)

Do you pay attention to book reviews? If so, has there been any particular review that made your heart do a little dance?

Marian Keyes offered to give me a blurb for JACK WITH A TWIST. When Marian Keyes emailed me to tell me that she loved it, I pretty much fell over in my chair. As far as I’m concerned, Marian Keyes is a goddess—she inspired me to follow my dream to write a book—and to hear that she actually enjoyed something that I wrote was such a major thrill!

What are you reading now?

I read whenever I can! I recently finished TIME OF MY LIFE by Allison Winn Scotch, which I loved, as well as THE DIVORCE PARTY by Laura Dave, which was heartbreakingly beautiful. Right now, I’m reading PRACTICAL MAGIC by Alice Hoffman. Every time I pick up an Alice Hoffman novel, I know I’m in for a huge treat and this book is no exception!

Thanks so much, Brenda! Look forward to seeing you next week.

You can buy JACK WITH A TWIST at your local chain or independent bookstore. To buy online, visit amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com or any cyber retailer. For more information, visit Brenda's website at brendajanowitz.com.