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Guest Post & Giveaway with Catherine McKenzie, author of Spin
January 12th, 2010
I’m really excited to welcome author Catherine McKenzie to Peeking Between the Pages today. Her debut novel Spin is fantastic! (check out my review). I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from Catherine in the future. In the meantime Catherine is here with us today to share her thoughts on How her Ideas for her novel Spin came About…
The initial idea for Spin came to me in the fall of 2007. Certain young, female celebrities were going in and out of rehab and the paparazzi were going crazy. I read a story about one actress hooking up with someone while she was in rehab. Either a fellow patient or a staff member had leaked the story. I remember watching footage of a hoard of paparazzi sitting outside a rehabilitation center, hoping for a glimpse of her. I had a thought. “I wonder why no one’s ever followed a celebrity into rehab. Imagine the stuff they’d hear!” This was soon followed by another thought. “What a great idea for a book!”
That night I had trouble sleeping. Ideas were coming fast and furious. Why would any journalist accept this assignment? How would they get picked for it in the first place? OK, wait. What if the journalist kind of needed to be in rehab herself? But how would the magazine know that? What if she showed up drunk to a job interview, not for this job, but for a related job … etc. The next morning, I do what I always do when I get an idea for a book – write the ideas down in a computer file, and let them germinate. Some premises seem great but don’t lead anywhere. Others don’t seem big enough to fill a whole book. I can only tell after I spend a couple of months thinking about it, collecting pieces, stringing them together.
This one stuck. The ideas kept coming. All of my books contain a lot of music and cultural references, but I’d been wanting to take it to another level for a while. Really, I wanted to write a book that was a musical, if that makes any sense. I wanted to use music in a book the way it’s used in the movies. So the main character, Katie, became a music-writer, obsessed with music. I also wanted to explore our fascination with celebrities and how it seems OK to us, as a society, to know the personal details of strangers’ lives simply because they’re famous. Sounds serious, right? But I didn’t want to write a super-serious book. I wanted it to be funny, fun, but not so light that I skipped the whole point of the book.
And so. One day in early January, 2008, I sat down to write. Katie was speaking to me, loud and clear. Other characters appeared – some planned, some organic. I laughed, I struggled, I listened to a lot of music. Six months later I had a first draft. Four drafts later I had a book deal. And now it’s in your hands, gentle reader. Enjoy.
__________
Thank you Catherine for sharing with us today! Best of luck to you in the future! Be sure to take a peek at Catherine’s website and check out the Browse Inside feature for Spin at HarperCollins Canada to learn more about the novel.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I have two copies of Spin to share with one of my lucky readers. One copy is courtesy of Diane and HarperCollins Canada (thank you!) and open to Canadian residents only! and the other is my very gently read copy and that’s open to everyone! What do you need to do to enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you please. Please le me know if you are a Canadian entrant as you will be going on a separate list.
- For 2 entries follow my blog. Let me know in your comment if you already do.
- For 3 entries blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.
I will draw for the winners of this giveaway on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Good luck to all!
AGAIN PLEASE NOTE THAT WHILE 1 COPY IS CANADA ONLY, THE OTHER IS OPEN WORLDWIDE!
Be sure to check both of my sidebars for other great giveaways!
I love the way Catherine's idea came to her whilst watching tv.
I would love to be entered for this one Dar. I love the whole idea of this story, especially as it covers something that we are witnessing more and more of.
Already a follower.
I'd love this.
+2 follower
mj.coward[at]gmail.com
I love reading celeb style books – what a great premise
msboatgal at aol.com
already a follower
msboatgal at aol.com
After reading the review on this site I had to enter. Sounds so interesting. Count me in.
cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com
Msh1195(at)aol(dot)com
+2 Am a google friend connect follower
Oh, this sounds good. Love that Catherine has merged music into the story. Please include me.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
I'd love a copy! Sounds like a great book.
I'm a follower.
baileythebookworm at gmail dot com
Sounds as a great book
magabygc AT gmail DOT com
I am a new follower
tweet: http://twitter.com/magabygc/status/7668297520
sidebar: http://historias-imaginarias.blogspot.com
I am a follower and would love to win a copy of this book!
cherylbaryl@hotmail.com
Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
I am a follower
sleepingbette[at]yahoo[dot]com
Oh lovely…!!!
Please enter me, icejew at gmail dot com (International)
I have posted the contest on my sidebar
http://icejewel.blogspot.com/
I'm a follower.
Would love to read the book in simply any condition !!
I would like to read that book
+1 rem_pdg(at)yahoo(dot)es
+2 old follower (rem)
+3 tweeted: http://twitter.com/rem_pdg/status/7671326125
Thanks
I'm a follower, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
What a great idea for a book – can't wait to read it!
rae_sunshine4(at)yahoo.com
I'm already a follower.
I'm a Canadian!!!
I am a follower.
Tweet; http://twitter.com/fredalicious/status/7673821642
freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca
I would like to win a copy of SPIN.
teakettle58atyahoodotcom
I already follow your blog.
Great post! The book sounds awesome.
I'm Canadian and would love to read this book.
Your blog is in my Google Reader.
mparke[at]mts[dot]net
Great contest. I'm curious about this book… as it deals with contemporary issues. I'd love to win a copy.
I'm a Canadian (Go Canada!) and I've been a follower for awhile now.
carmenalexistsang[at]gmail[dot]com
What a great idea for a story!
aksimmo at brainerd dot net
+2 I'm a follower
aksimmo at brainerd dot net
Good luck everyone! I hope that those who don't win will pick up a copy and enjoy! Thanks again, Dar.
This is such a cool inspiration story! I'd like to be entered.
I'll post this in the sidebar as well.
I follow.
savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com
I'd love to read this.
I'm a follower.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
THank you.h
I am an international entry.
+2 I am a Follower via google.
Carol
I am a follower, USA.
My email is runningforamsterdam@hotmail.com
This book sounds really great, and this was interesting to read. :]
Sounds like a great read! I'm in the US, and am already a follower.
nnjmom at yahoo dot com
I follow you on my Google Reader. Thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelwallen@gmail.com
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
I am a follower.
Already a follower + 2
I'd love to be included in the draw. I am from Sri Lanka so am in the "other" group.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
I would love to read this book! Enter me please!
+2 I am already a follower.
emily DOT wittenberg @ gmail.com
I'd love to win this! haleymathiot@yahoo.com
+2 old follower, but I found your contest via win-a-book
+3 tweeted at twitter.com/haleymathiot (i don't know how to do those number things, sorry :/ )
Please count me in. Thanks for the giveaway.
+2 Already a follower.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
Sounds like a good read!!
Lacey914@sbcglobal.net
US resident
I am a follower
Lacey914@sbcglobal.net
Please enter me..
+2 Old follower.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
http://twitter.com/HtxAstrosFan/status/7696600199
tweet
Lacey914@sbcglobal.net
I'd love to win this and I'm Canadian….oh and I'm a follower
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds really good and what a unique book topic. Havent seen anything like this before.
I am already a follower
Linked on sidebar – http://donnasbloghome.blogspot.com/
Im in the US.
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Interesting story to read ! i'd really like to have my chance to win this book Darlene. Count me in
# 1 leave comment
# For 2 an old follower of your blog
uniquas at ymail dot com
Hi Dar! Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I would love to win a copy of this book after reading your review.
I'm also already a follower.
teh (dot) alice (at) gmail (dot) com
Hi, would love to win a copy, thanks.
Darlene
wrig9945@charter.net
I'm a follower:
Darlene
wrig9945@charter.net
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/lefty22/status/7705270772
@lefty22
wrig9945@charter.net
Great interview! I find it interesting that no one has ever thought of writing this kind of book before, and really like that it has a musical bent to it. Please do enter me into the list for your giveaway, and thanks for hosting it!
zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net
I am also a follower of your blog!
I'm Italian, not Canadian.
Please count me in. Thanks.
avalonne83 [at] yahoo [dot] it
This sounds really interesting! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
I'm a follower! Staciele(at)netins(dot)net
This sounds really intriguing!
*hersilentmusings@yahoo.com
*follower
*Tweeted giveaway – @hersilntmusings
I would absolutely love to be entered! I'm not a Canadian resident though.
_2 follower
thebookcellar@wi.rr.com
This looks great! I'd love to win!
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
I'm a subscriber.
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
Proud to be a Canadian. Love to win this book.
skfurlotte@gmail.com
I am in Canada, so please add me to the Canadian list!
Great premise – it's interesting how these ideas form. I love hearing about how authors spark ideas.
I follow your blog =]
alannakurt at gmail dot com
Thanks!
International here! Please count me in!
I follow your blog too =)
sheere.dry@gmail.com
Enter me to win please. Thanks!
kalynnick AT yahoo DOT com
I'd love to win
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Very interesting sounding book! I am Canadian! cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow through google friend. entry #1 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow through google friend. entry #2 cardshark42(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love the chance to read this book. Count me in, please! I'm American.
I subscribe with google reader.
Thanks!
librarygrinch at gmail dot com
Please include me. Thanks.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
You don't have to enter me.
Just wanted to say what an interesting idea for a book. What happens behind those doors? I'll be adding this to my tbr.
Sounds like quite the inspiriation!
I follow via google reader
This book really sounds intriguing…I would be so thrilled to win! (I am a U.S. resident)
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
#1…I am following your blog (username Nelsby).
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
#2…I am following your blog (username Nelsby).
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
#1…Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/7857950243
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
#2…Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/7857950243
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
#3…Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/7857950243
Thanks!
Aimee
sierranelsby (at) gmail (dot) com
I'd love to read this book. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Follower via google friend connect.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to read this book! What a unique premise!
I'm an old follower!
Blogged: http://goodgonegirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-new-giveaways.html
Anna ♥
goodgonegirl@gmail.com
Thanks for the opportunity! I'm already a follower.
evetimmu(at)gmail(dot)com
I'd love to be entered in your giveaway! Thanks for your review and thanks to the author for her post – it's always cool to find out where plot ideas come from!
I'm a follower.
shiloki(at)gmail(dot)com
Loved the author's comments… and this sounds like a book I won't be able to put down. I'm Canadian. Please accept this as my entry. Thank you!
Aliya D.
aliyadaya(at)shaw(dot)ca
Fun book! I follow you
kduff@oelwein.k12.ia.us
THANKS
Great idea for a story!
Thanks for the giveaway – I'm non-Canadian
I'm a follower
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/7977746826
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
Please enter me. I am a follower. I'm not Canadian.
squiggles87(at)Aol(dot)com
Thank you for the chance to win! (US)
denny(dot)gill(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read this book
count me in
I am also a follower
dlsmith44@msn.com
Please enter me – thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I follow
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I follow (2)
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Sounds super!
I'm a follower
alternate email other than blogger
magenta 2 red [at] gmail [dot] com
Me please! And I am a Canuk.
christinegordonmanley [at] yahoo [dot] ca
And I tweeted (@cgmanley)
I'd love to enter! Thanks!
+2 Follower
+3 Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/8274392932
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I liked reading about how Catherine was just inspired with an onslaught of ideas for the book, like the book was demanding to be written. I've had similar experiences with creating stories. Anyway, this novel has an unusual premise. Would like to read it.
wakeupangel at gmail dot com
Following your blog, name is Bani.
Blogged about your giveaways here- http://banicontests.blogspot.com/2010/01/peeking-between-pages-giveaways.html
This book has Peeked my curiosity! Sounds like a good book to read. Thank you for this giveaway and please count me in.
I am Canadian
chinook92 at gmail dot com
I follow Peeking Between The Pages via Google Friends.
chinook92 at gmail dot com
I Tweeted your giveaway:
http://twitter.com/chinook92/status/8307000064
chinook92 at gmail dot com
Please enter me. I'm Canadian.
walkerd@primus.ca
I'm a follower. Canadian.
walkerd@primus.ca
Count me in.
dsandyboy@gmail.com
I'm a follower.
dsandyboy@gmail.com
Canadian Follower.
dsandyboy@gmail.com
Canadian entry.
dsandyboy@gmail.com
I'd love to enter please!
I'm an international entry ?=
+2 follower
sheere.dry@gmail.com
please count me in…thanks
karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com
This sounds very intriguing. Please enter me.
lag110@mchsi.com
I am a follower.
lag110@mchsi.com
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/lag32583/status/8425080621
lag110@mchsi.com
Count me in. Her essay in the Globe and Mail piqued my interest.
(I'm Canadian.)
You can get in touch with me here: august[at]vestige.org
Thanks for the giveaway. I'd like to read this one.
-follower
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Sounds like a great book. Please enter me.
This sounds amazing! I'm so glad she had the idea!
LauraKeyes[at]pecschools[dot]com
And I'm a follower on Bloglines.
Laura
I've been wainting to read this book.
thegirlfromtheghetto at gmail dot com.
Oh man, Catherine is a genius. Why can't I think of stuff like that. Ah, I know, because I am not a talented writer. So, if I can't be a talented writer, I will assume the role of avid reader, of said talented writer. Please enter me, I really want to win this book.
dizzybloom@gmai.com
I am a follower.
dizzybloom@gmail.com
Tweet
http://twitter.com/HeartnSoulmom/status/8667130257
+1 Worldwide copy
+2 I'm already a follower
+3 Tweet: http://twitter.com/Sparima/status/8684123752
spav05(at)gmail(dot)com
I have often thought about this very topic myself. I am a follower.
copperpenny12(at)hotmail(dot)com
Please enter me.
allygotts567 at hotmail dot com
I'm a follower!
allygotts567 at hotmail dot com
Sounds like a great book!
hsemonick at gmail dot com
+2 Following your blog!
+3 Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/_HeatherAnne_/status/8739788732
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks! rubycakesgirl (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm following your blog.
I'm following your blog. #2
Blogged: http://pocketfullofsprinkles.blogspot.com/2010/02/spin-giveaway.html
Blogged: http://pocketfullofsprinkles.blogspot.com/2010/02/spin-giveaway.html #2
Blogged: http://pocketfullofsprinkles.blogspot.com/2010/02/spin-giveaway.html #3
This sounds like a great read, thanks for the contest!
teagirl1 at telus dot net
I follow via google reader! Bcteagirl
fyi, I am a Canadian follower!
Twitted!
http://twitter.com/bcteagirl/status/8750035425
I would LOVE to win this book!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Follower #1
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Follower #2
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet! #1
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/8752020311
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet! #2
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/8752020311
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet! #3
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/8752020311
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Hope I still have time to enter this one!
I'm Canadian, I follow and have posted!
wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com