Review, Interview & GIVEAWAY! 'Click: An Online Love Story' by Lisa Becker

Today's Author Spotlight is on Lisa Becker, whose novel Click: An Online Love Story takes the reader through the ups and downs of online dating.  As a special treat, Lisa has agreed to give THREE e-book copies away to our readers.  See below for details!!

Review: 

When I first picked up Click and saw that it was written entirely in email format, I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to get into it.  People generally don’t write very formally or creatively in email.  I was concerned that the email format would fail if the emails didn’t sound authentic.  This can also make characterization difficult.  Thankfully, author Lisa Becker pulled the novel off wonderfully!

As Renee Greene approaches her 30^th birthday, her friend Mark convinces her enter the world of online dating.  Click chronicles a year of bad dates, fabulous friendships and a new love.  Something I loved about this book is that I could relate to the characters.  (I think I actually might know some of these people.  J)  Becker is able to infuse plenty of personality in each of the friends, making them distinct and memorable.  I wish we would have gotten a little more of Mark though.  I thought since he was the one who convinced Renee to start online dating, that he would have played a more central role in the story.  It didn’t take long before her sex-obsessed friend Shelley swoops in to steal the show.  Shelley was cool and everything, but I kept wondering what Mark was up to. 

As far as the dating itself, Renee meets the usual cast of characters; the dude just out for sex, the partier, the name-dropping D-list celebrity.  The ending was a bit predictable, but overall, Click was a fun summer read. 

Overall, I give Click…

Plot – 3 ½ bookmarks

Character development – 4 bookmarks

Love story – 4 bookmarks

Dream cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) – Anne Hathaway (Renee), Lizzy Caplan (Shelley), Emily Blunt (Ashley), Andrew Garfield (Mark), Henry Cavil (Ethan)

Meet the Author:

JLR:  Thank you, Lisa, for joining me on my blog today!  As all aspiring authors know, writing the novel is the easy part—getting published is where the real work comes in.  Tell us about your road to publication.  Is there anything you would have done differently?

LB:  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.   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.

JLR:  So much of book promotion today is done through blog tours.  Tell us about your blog touring experience.

LB:  It’s been great so far.  I’ve been energized and motivated by the experience as bloggers are taking an interest in the book, enjoying it, recommending it, etc.  The feedback and enthusiasm has been so positive, I’ve started writing notes for a sequel, tentatively titled Double Click.  I would love to incorporate reader feedback.  So, if someone has an idea of what they would like to see happen next for Renee, Shelley, Ashley or Mark, please stop by the Facebook fan site and post suggestions. 

JLR:  There is so much advice given by authors about the writing process.  What type of writing routine do you have?  Are you a planner or a figure-it-out-as-you-go type writer?  Any tips you want to share?

LB:  I started writing the book after my husband and I married but before we had kids.  Then I had to take a break from writing due to the rigors of motherhood.  But I had always told myself – even as a little girl – that I would write a book one day.  So, I made the commitment to finish the book.  I wrote in the mornings while the girls were at school or at night after they went to sleep.  I made it a goal to write – even if only for a half hour – every day. 

JLR:  How have you been able to balance your writing with your day job and your family responsibilities?  What sacrifices have you had to make?

LB:  In addition to writing Click, I wear many different hats.  I’m a full time mom and wife to the best family ever; part time public relations professional for an international PR firm; part time professor of public relations courses at a state university in California; and I’m bringing to market a children’s education product that I’ve invented.  Needless to say, there’s never a dull moment around here.  But, as mentioned above, it was always on my “bucket list” to write a book, so I just committed to doing it.  I think the biggest sacrifice has been sleep.

JLR:  I’ve always felt that to be a good writer you must first be a good reader.  What types of books do you read and how have they influenced your writing?

LB:  I love to read.  Always have.  Always will.  My favorite genre is chick lit, which is probably why I felt compelled to write a novel the way that I did.  Sadly, I’ve been so busy writing my book, I haven’t had much time to read lately.  But, I’ve got a vacation planned this summer and top of my list is The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I’m hoping to finish it before seeing the movie.

JLR:  Do you feel it’s necessary to read a lot in order to be a good writer?  Why?

LB:  I do believe that reading a lot can help someone become a stronger writer.  Reading other works can help you to identify interesting narratives, teach character development techniques or inspire a storyline or plot.  For example, many years ago, I read a book called e by Matthew Beaumont which tells the story of a fictitious ad agency vying for a big account, with the story all told in emails.  I thought that narrative style would work really well for the story I wanted to tell about the online dating world.  It was a modern way of storytelling that fit the topic and the times. 

JLR:  They say good reading habits are developed at an early age.  Have you always been a reader?  Can you pin-point a particular book or author who solidified your love of reading?

LB:  I remember always reading and having books around in my house.  And, one of my favorite books as a child was Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie (Andrews) Edwards.  I bought a copy several years ago for my nephew and he recently gave it back to me so I could give it to my daughters when they get older.  It’s a wonderful, fanciful story and I still smile when I imagine the Whangdoodle who has a daisy on his sweet tooth. 

JLR:  I’m always a sucker for a good love story.  Who is your favorite fictional couple of all time?

LB:  I don’t think it gets any better than Rick and Elsa from Casablanca.  It’s such a beautiful story of love, regret, tragedy and sacrifice. 

JLR:  What are three things that your fans would be surprised to find out about you?

LB:  1. I've never had a cup of coffee in my life...ever!

2. I make the most amazing jalapeno artichoke dip, but won't share the recipe with anyone; it's my secret.
3. I've always wanted to learn to professionally decorate cakes and once I finish writing the Click sequel, I intend to do just that. 

JLR:  Where can readers go to purchase CLICK AN ONLINE LOVE STORY?

LB:  Click: An Online Love Story is available in print and Kindle versions on Amazon.  E-reader versions are also available on Barnes & Noble, iTunes, Kobo and other online bookseller sites.  

Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa has offered to giveaway copies of Click to three lucky readers.  All you have to do it leave a comment below.  Tell us about your experiences or thoughts on online dating.  If you have never tried it, would you under the right circumstances?  Don't forget to leave me your email address!  Winners will be drawn on this Friday.  :)