Mundie Moms

Saturday, July 16, 2011

SASS & Sernedpity Blog Tour: Giveaway & Interview with Jennifer Ziegler

I am so excited to have Jennifer Ziegler on Mundie Moms today. Not only is she a local author, but she's modernized a beloved classic, Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility.

Here's a little bit about SASS & Serendipity, which was released on Tuesday by Delacorte Books for Young Readers:

For Daphne, the glass is always half full, a situation is better managed with a dab of lip gloss, and the boy of her dreams—the one she's read about in all of her novels—is waiting for her just around the corner.
For Gabby, nothing ever works out positively; wearing any form of makeup is a waste of study time, and boys will only leave you heartbroken. Her best friend, Mule, is the only one who has been there for her every step of the way.

But when the richest boy in school befriends Gabby, and Daphne starts to hang out more and more with her best friend, Mule, Gabby is forced to confront the emotional barriers she has put up to stop the hurting. And for once, her sassiness may fall prey to her definition of stupidity.

Recently we were able to ask Jennifer a few questions about what inspired her to write SASS & Serendipity.

We love Jane Austen's writing, especially Pride and Prejudice. What do you admire most about Jane Austen's writing?
There are two aspects of Jane Austen’s writing that I especially admire: her characters and her “voice.”

The people in her books are so vivid, so … recognizable – even though they’re fictional and of a long ago era in a different country. Everyone, protagonists and antagonists alike, are deliciously real, full of flaws and fears and charming quirks.

I also love Austen’s wry narrative style – the gently ironic way she approaches her characters and their problems. Simultaneously amusing and enlightening, it points out societal truths without being preachy or obvious. I like to think that it is Jane’s true inner voice I hear in my head as I read. Also (and this probably sounds silly and somewhat self aggrandizing) I like to think that, if it were possible to know her, she and I would be friends – for I have a similar inner voice: observant, slightly mocking at times, and able to find the humor in most everything. It doesn’t always emerge in my narration, but it is there.

How would you describe Sass & Serendipity?
Sass & Serendipity is a tribute to two women who had a significant impact on my life – Jane Austen and my sister Amanda. The story centers on two sisters, Gabby and Daphne Rivera, who are growing up in a small South Texas town. Gabby is sensible to the point of severity, whereas Daphne is a born romantic. Both girls are still reeling from their parents’ divorce and struggling with such issues as identity, friendship, and the definition of true love. When dire financial circumstances place them in a unique situation, the sisters must rely on, and come to a greater understanding of, each other.


Which of your characters do you feel you relate to the most and why?
Is it cheating if I say both of my sister protagonists? I would describe myself as a Daphne with a Gabby exoskeleton. I try to be very responsible and no-nonsense, but inside I’m all about romance, daydreams, and happy endings.

Were you a reader in your teen years and if so, who was your favorite author?
I read all the time as a teen. Books were a comfort, an escape, a mirror, and a window to the world. I thought all the other kids around me had their act together and that I was the only one who felt lost on the inside. So it was quite comforting to read books about young people who also felt mixed up. Judy Blume was my hero, but other favorite authors were Paula Danziger, Beverly Cleary, Madeleine L’Engle, and Paul Zindel.

Being Austen fans I have to ask, what's your favorite version of Pride and Prejudice, the one with Colin Firth or Keira Knightley?
Sorry Matthew and Keira, but I prefer the miniseries with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I thought it perfectly captured the tone of the book – the wit and unspoken passion. The cast was flawless and the pacing was just right.

I also feel it’s somewhat unfair to compare the two. For one thing, a miniseries is usually a better adaptation because it is longer and can stay closer to the original novel. Secondly, the series aired earlier and was so pitch-perfect, it left a huge impression on the collective mind of viewers. (I’m sure I’m not the only person who now visualizes Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy when rereading the book.) Any version that followed would have a hard time trumping it. I really enjoyed the Keira Knightly movie, and I think if it had come out first I would have liked it even more. But it didn’t dislodge the Ehle/Firth version in my head and heart.

What one 2011 release are you most looking forward to reading this year?
I can’t wait to read Water Balloon by Audrey Vernick! I adore her picture books and it sounds like this novel is infused with the same sweetness, humor, and keen insight I’ve come to expect from her.
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Thank you Jennifer for being with us today and answering our questions! To learn more about Jennifer and her books, please visit her website, blog, follow her on Twitter and facebook.

Want to enter the A Sassy Giveaway? Three lucky winners will all win 1 copy of Jennifer's SASS & Serendipity, along with Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility.

To Enter: send an e-mail to SassandSerendipity@gmail.com. In the body of the e-mail, include your name, mailing address, and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person; prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 8/5/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 8/6/11 and notified via email.

Be sure to visit the next stop in Jennifer's tour @ Lauren's Crammed Bookshelf.

6 comments:

  1. Great interview - is it bad that I haven't read anything by Austen. Yes, yes it is.

    Jen

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  2. Thank you & what!?! Are you serious? How have you gotten away with out reading anything by Jane Austen? lol

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  3. This looks cute! No Jane Austen with zombies for me, tyvm. I LOVE Jane Austen, so this will be a fun read.

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  4. I ordered the book yesterday and I can't wait to read it! Jane Austen is freaking awesome, and I think Sense and Sensibility is my favourite. This is a great interview!

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  5. I LOVE the idea of this book! Sounds like a definite must read! Thanks for spotlighting it ladies!

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  6. I loved Prom & Prejudice, so I'm excited to read a different adaptation of an Austen classic. Sounds interesting!

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