Interview and Giveaway with Kelly Simmons

by Lisa Dale on 21. Feb, 2011 in Book Lovers Contest

the bird houseGood morning, all! I’ve got author Kelly Simmons on the blog today. She’s here to give away one copy of her latest release to a reader anywhere. Leave a comment to enter to win!

Welcome to the blog, Kelly!

Tell us about your latest release!

Well, I spent months trying to craft a sentence to describe The Bird House, and Kirkus blew me out of the water with their description: “An inter-generational school project unlocks a Pandora’s box of hidden secrets.” It’s about a grandmother with a past who has early Alzheimer’s, a curious granddaughter, and a daughter-in-law with secrets too . . . all set on Phladelphia’s Main Line.

What do you hope readers will take away from one of your books?

I hope they are touched by the characters’ plights, surprised by their actions . . . and that they find something that makes them laugh. When I visit book clubs, I’m also extremely gratified that people fall in love with the language — they come up to me certain paragraphs or sentences underlined to tell me how much my words meant to them. That’s so touching. And when people tell me I made them cry — that actually makes my day!

Where can readers learn more about you?

My website is www.bykellysimmons.com and I also blog at The Liars Club: www.liarsclubphilly.com.

Very short answer questions:

Favorite TV show: Mad Men

Color socks you’re wearing: always barefoot

Pets: two cats, two dogs

Hobby: salsa dancing

Book you’re reading right now: Ann Beattie’s The New Yorker Stories

One personal item on your writing desk: A photo of myself, age 1, devouring birthday cake

Favorite calorie-splurge indulgence: eggs benedict with home fries

One thing you would change about yourself: I really really really wish I could sing

Your greatest wish for the world (one word): empathy

Thanks for coming on the blog!

Thanks Lisa!!

Okay all, to win Kelly’s new book, just leave a comment below!

Love To Readers: Leave Comments, Get Stuff

19 Responses to “Interview and Giveaway with Kelly Simmons”

  1. Nancy Alexander 21. Feb, 2011 at 2:29 pm #

    Thanks for having Kelly on your Blog-loved her answer for the greatest wish for the world. Never thought of it that way. What I wouldn’t give for an eggs benedict & home fries. Have wonderful week.

  2. Melissa Hartley 21. Feb, 2011 at 2:39 pm #

    This really sounds like a heartfelt story that I would enjoy! Thanks for this interview that gives readers a little peek inside Kelly Simmons life. Have a great day! :D

  3. Rebecca Booth 21. Feb, 2011 at 3:37 pm #

    The Cover intrigues me. So peaceful looking! I love a book with a heartfelt story that will make me cry and laugh and always a secret to unfold. The Bird House sounds like such a book!

  4. Heidi Shafer-Wilson 21. Feb, 2011 at 6:18 pm #

    Thank you Kelly for sharing your book with us. I can’t wait to read it..
    Don’t you just love those kind of socks….bare foot, I never lose them and they never get holes in them…
    Love the cover, very peaceful..I really wish my yard looked like that right now instead of mud and tree limbs everywhere..

    Thanks

    Heidi

  5. Taffy 21. Feb, 2011 at 6:53 pm #

    Love the interview questions. I like the book cover too except now I want spring!

  6. Kelly Simmons 21. Feb, 2011 at 7:21 pm #

    Thanks for all your comments! The cover of the book is definitely making me wish for Spring — and new landscaping! Good luck in the contest —

    Kelly

  7. Pat Cochran 21. Feb, 2011 at 7:31 pm #

    It’s nice to “meet” Kelly, thanks, Lisa. I especially loved the short answer
    segment. It made me look to see what personal item was on my desk. It was
    my Jane Seymour-designed necklace that Honey gave me for Christmas
    several years back!

    Pat Cochran

  8. Mary Preston 21. Feb, 2011 at 11:30 pm #

    Another barefoot soul in the world. Got to love that. ‘The Bird House’ looks like a wonderful read.

  9. Estella 21. Feb, 2011 at 11:59 pm #

    I love books that make me cry. It lets me know the writer got her point across.

  10. librarypat 22. Feb, 2011 at 12:14 am #

    Alsheimer’s has touched so many families and will touch so many more. I wish we had discussed family history and stories before it became too late. Altered memories or sense of where they are often result in lost information that families would like to have. Secrets should not be kept in some instances.

  11. Pat L. 22. Feb, 2011 at 3:45 am #

    I would love to read this book. The cover looks so homey. I love it.

  12. Emma 22. Feb, 2011 at 6:51 am #

    Her book sounds interesting. would love to read it!

  13. Mariska 22. Feb, 2011 at 7:22 am #

    If A book can make the readers cry. It should be A GREAT book to read and to keep !
    I’d love to read this book, please :)

  14. Wendy Burd Kinsey 23. Feb, 2011 at 2:03 am #

    I cant wait to read the Bird House.

  15. Ramona 23. Feb, 2011 at 2:52 pm #

    It sounds like a wonderful book and right up my ally! I love character stories!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  16. karenk 23. Feb, 2011 at 6:25 pm #

    would love to read this novel…thanks for the chance :)

  17. pearl 24. Feb, 2011 at 7:47 pm #

    This book sounds captivating and special. It is wonderful to capture this story since it resounds with me. Best of success.

  18. mary k 25. Feb, 2011 at 2:35 pm #

    I’ve read a few reviews for this book online and it sounds like a great read. Congratulations on the new release.

    Because it’s about a subject that has touched th elives of so many people I think it will really hit home with quite a few of us.

  19. Lisa Dale 25. Feb, 2011 at 7:49 pm #

    This contest is now closed. See my new blog post for the winner!

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