Interview and Excerpt: Sugarfiend by Caroline Burau
Thanks to Caroline Burau for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Sugarfiend. Please visit her tour page on CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I've always been a writer. My first attempt was an eleven-page "novella" called "The Little Pumpkin" in second grade. Mrs. Lyons thought it was really awesome. As an adult, I've never had any big epiphanies about whether I should be a writer. It's just something I have to do to keep myself from becoming one of those crazy old ladies mumbling stories under her breath on the bus.
How would you describe your books?
My books are very different from each other, but written in the same voice, mine. Answering 911 is a memoir about what it's like to be a dispatcher in the crazy field of emergency services, and how it changed me. Everything in Answering 911 is the gol-darn truth, but some names were changed to protect the innocent, and otherwise. Sugarfiend is fiction, but of course the voice of Estelle is mainly me, just a little crazier, a little bolder, and often plastered. I started Sugarfiend during the book tour for Answering 911 because it felt really great to switch from something so serious to something fun, silly, and fictional. Sugarfiend was a total blast to write. I was almost sorry when I completed it. Almost.
Why was Sugarfiend a book you wanted to write?
I wanted to write Sugarfiend because I had a lot to say about body image, how women punish themselves for their perceived imperfections, and how the diet industry pours gasoline on it all, then makes billions of dollars every year telling us how to put the big fire out. I am a serial dieter, or at least I used to be. I figured the story of a self-loathing, sugar-addicted twenty-something who goes off the deep end would resonate with a lot of women, and it has. Plus a few men, which is awesome.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Writing consistently is the hardest part of the process for me. Second to that is finishing a project. Then, the frosting on top of all that is a nagging fear that my writing is actually HORRIFIC and all the compliments and good wishes have been series of selective hallucinations. Between those three things, it's a wonder I ever get a dang thing done.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read a lot of memoir and a lot of true crime, old and new. When it comes to fiction, I tend to follow specific authors such as Alice Walker, Tim O'Brien, and George R. R. Martin, and just read everything I can by them, then find someone new. I don't actually read a lot of "chick lit" but when my daughter was in high school, I read the entire Twilight Series with her and LIKED IT. I might lose a friend or two once that gets out.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
When people read Sugarfiend, I want them to get a good laugh and remember that any celebrity, brand, pill, shake or exercise guru who tries to tell you happiness is a firm ass and tiny belly is LYING. Happiness is just happiness, and it's yours if you choose it.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is a terrific tool for writers now, and the best part is that it's free. Take advantage of its free-ness at every opportunity. Use it to meet other writers. Use it to promote your books and your blog. Don't, however, spend three hours dorking around on Facebook when you should be writing. I have personally NEVER done this (this morning).
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
My advice to aspiring writers is that writing for a living doesn't make you a writer. Being a writer makes you a writer. Write every day. It doesn't matter if you have to work some other silly job to pay rent; most of us do. Be willing to accept criticism, learn from your mistakes, and don't think it's all going to be sunshine and Pushcart Prizes. The good writers make it look effortless, but it's not, which is why everybody and his sister thinks they can write.
**Excerpt**
I slept through Roatan. Just as well. Somebody told me there’s a sand flea issue on the beaches. That’s all I need to add to my resume: Alcoholic, sugar addict, sand flea carrier. Maybe there’s a meeting for that out here on the swinging seas.I got up around 2 p.m., took a long shower in our tiny stall, and rummaged around for something to wear. The TV was still on of course, and some little spa-tart with purple fingernails was giving a demonstration on how to perform your own, at-home Caviar Facial. She smeared a blob of black mess onto an eager old woman’s face while others looked on, nodding feverishly about the healing benefits of fish eggs.Fish eggs. Fingernails. Paris Hilton sunglasses. Who was that girl with Bill? Who cares? I sure as hell don’t. Still. What to wear? After some looking, I found a rather comely sundress I’d forgotten I had: kind of a tie-dyed number with pleats and gatherings all in just the right places to promote maximum sin concealment. I slipped on a pair of strappy leather sandals and checked myself in the mirror. Today, I figured, would be a good day to act human for once. I’d had my little melt-down. I’d said some really fascinatingthings to some basically innocent people, and I’d more than made up for lost drinking time. I’d spent so much time at the sundae bar that the lady behind the counter already knew my name, my cat’s name, and my preferred ratio of hot fudge to scoops of ice cream.Purple fingernails rinsed all the sludge off the old lady’s face, who suddenly beamed like a new bride. “Don’t forget ladies,” spa-tart hissed. “Join Lauren tomorrow at 9:30 for a Detox Seminar in the fitness center! Learn the secret to lasting weight loss once and for all!”I found my brush and turned on Roxanne’s curling iron. I rummaged in her makeup kit for some foundation, some lip gloss. Just for today, I vowed, vaguely remembering the old post-it note affirmations that used to frame my mirror, just for today I will be different. Just for today . . . I’ll act normal.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Caroline's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Sugarfiend before October 15 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.************************************************************************************ Author Bio:
Caroline Burau is a blogger, two-time author, and a 911 dispatcher. Her first book, Answering 911: Life in the Hot Seat was a Reader's Digest Editor's Choice and a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award.When she's not writing or obsessing about writing, she's spending her royalties on yoga classes, strappy sport tops, and used books. She lives with her husband, two geriatric cats, and an excitable yellow lab in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Connect with Caroline!
http://www.carolineburau.com/
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615595200/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwcarolinebu-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615595200
**Interview**
When did you know writing was for you?
I've always been a writer. My first attempt was an eleven-page "novella" called "The Little Pumpkin" in second grade. Mrs. Lyons thought it was really awesome. As an adult, I've never had any big epiphanies about whether I should be a writer. It's just something I have to do to keep myself from becoming one of those crazy old ladies mumbling stories under her breath on the bus.
How would you describe your books?
My books are very different from each other, but written in the same voice, mine. Answering 911 is a memoir about what it's like to be a dispatcher in the crazy field of emergency services, and how it changed me. Everything in Answering 911 is the gol-darn truth, but some names were changed to protect the innocent, and otherwise. Sugarfiend is fiction, but of course the voice of Estelle is mainly me, just a little crazier, a little bolder, and often plastered. I started Sugarfiend during the book tour for Answering 911 because it felt really great to switch from something so serious to something fun, silly, and fictional. Sugarfiend was a total blast to write. I was almost sorry when I completed it. Almost.
Why was Sugarfiend a book you wanted to write?
I wanted to write Sugarfiend because I had a lot to say about body image, how women punish themselves for their perceived imperfections, and how the diet industry pours gasoline on it all, then makes billions of dollars every year telling us how to put the big fire out. I am a serial dieter, or at least I used to be. I figured the story of a self-loathing, sugar-addicted twenty-something who goes off the deep end would resonate with a lot of women, and it has. Plus a few men, which is awesome.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Writing consistently is the hardest part of the process for me. Second to that is finishing a project. Then, the frosting on top of all that is a nagging fear that my writing is actually HORRIFIC and all the compliments and good wishes have been series of selective hallucinations. Between those three things, it's a wonder I ever get a dang thing done.
What are your favorite genres to read?
I read a lot of memoir and a lot of true crime, old and new. When it comes to fiction, I tend to follow specific authors such as Alice Walker, Tim O'Brien, and George R. R. Martin, and just read everything I can by them, then find someone new. I don't actually read a lot of "chick lit" but when my daughter was in high school, I read the entire Twilight Series with her and LIKED IT. I might lose a friend or two once that gets out.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?
When people read Sugarfiend, I want them to get a good laugh and remember that any celebrity, brand, pill, shake or exercise guru who tries to tell you happiness is a firm ass and tiny belly is LYING. Happiness is just happiness, and it's yours if you choose it.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social media is a terrific tool for writers now, and the best part is that it's free. Take advantage of its free-ness at every opportunity. Use it to meet other writers. Use it to promote your books and your blog. Don't, however, spend three hours dorking around on Facebook when you should be writing. I have personally NEVER done this (this morning).
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
My advice to aspiring writers is that writing for a living doesn't make you a writer. Being a writer makes you a writer. Write every day. It doesn't matter if you have to work some other silly job to pay rent; most of us do. Be willing to accept criticism, learn from your mistakes, and don't think it's all going to be sunshine and Pushcart Prizes. The good writers make it look effortless, but it's not, which is why everybody and his sister thinks they can write.
**Excerpt**
I slept through Roatan. Just as well. Somebody told me there’s a sand flea issue on the beaches. That’s all I need to add to my resume: Alcoholic, sugar addict, sand flea carrier. Maybe there’s a meeting for that out here on the swinging seas.I got up around 2 p.m., took a long shower in our tiny stall, and rummaged around for something to wear. The TV was still on of course, and some little spa-tart with purple fingernails was giving a demonstration on how to perform your own, at-home Caviar Facial. She smeared a blob of black mess onto an eager old woman’s face while others looked on, nodding feverishly about the healing benefits of fish eggs.Fish eggs. Fingernails. Paris Hilton sunglasses. Who was that girl with Bill? Who cares? I sure as hell don’t. Still. What to wear? After some looking, I found a rather comely sundress I’d forgotten I had: kind of a tie-dyed number with pleats and gatherings all in just the right places to promote maximum sin concealment. I slipped on a pair of strappy leather sandals and checked myself in the mirror. Today, I figured, would be a good day to act human for once. I’d had my little melt-down. I’d said some really fascinatingthings to some basically innocent people, and I’d more than made up for lost drinking time. I’d spent so much time at the sundae bar that the lady behind the counter already knew my name, my cat’s name, and my preferred ratio of hot fudge to scoops of ice cream.Purple fingernails rinsed all the sludge off the old lady’s face, who suddenly beamed like a new bride. “Don’t forget ladies,” spa-tart hissed. “Join Lauren tomorrow at 9:30 for a Detox Seminar in the fitness center! Learn the secret to lasting weight loss once and for all!”I found my brush and turned on Roxanne’s curling iron. I rummaged in her makeup kit for some foundation, some lip gloss. Just for today, I vowed, vaguely remembering the old post-it note affirmations that used to frame my mirror, just for today I will be different. Just for today . . . I’ll act normal.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Caroline's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Sugarfiend before October 15 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.************************************************************************************ Author Bio:
Caroline Burau is a blogger, two-time author, and a 911 dispatcher. Her first book, Answering 911: Life in the Hot Seat was a Reader's Digest Editor's Choice and a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award.When she's not writing or obsessing about writing, she's spending her royalties on yoga classes, strappy sport tops, and used books. She lives with her husband, two geriatric cats, and an excitable yellow lab in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Connect with Caroline!
http://www.carolineburau.com/
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615595200/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwcarolinebu-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0615595200
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