Q/A with Allison Winn Scotch on The One That I Want discussion

Hi guys,
Just wanted to say hello and thanks for swinging by to chat! I'll be checking in a few times a day to answer any and all of your questions about the book, about my writing process, about publishing in general. Whatever you'd like to ask, feel free to do so! Looking forward to it.
Allison

I heard about the book but who exactly are you?

Hi Jamie - I'm the author of the book, along with a few previous others. Goodreads announced that I'll be here to answer questions next week.

Hi Vera,

Thanks for the questions and nice to see you here!

1) Yes - I wrote a manuscript before I was ever published that got me an agent but never sold to a publisher. Thank goodness! In hindsight, it was TERRIBLE. :) My dad recently suggested that I revisit it, and I was like, "NO WAY, I'd never want anyone to read that again!" I also wrote 150 pages of a book in between The Dept of Lost and Found and Time of My Life that I abandoned because I wasn't feeling it enough.

2) Yes! I'm a big fan of trying on a few hats before you find the one that fits. So, I worked in PR after college, then quit after 8 months because I really wanted to pursue my dream of becoming an actress. I was doing pretty well at it - commercials, NYC plays, and had moved to LA - when a friend called with an interesting idea for an internet company. It intrigued me enough that I moved back to NYC to help launch it. I did a lot of the writing for the site/our partners, and that helped me segue into writing gigs when we sold the company. From there, it was magazines, and then finally, novels.

3) I'm wrapping up the second draft of my next book which will be out next summer. It's called The Memory of Us, and it's about a 32-year old woman who survives a plane crash, only to lose her memory in the process. She then has to piece her life back together by what other people tell her about herself, and has to figure out what is their truth and what is hers. I'm really enjoying it. I'd say that it falls somewhere, in terms of tone, in between TOML and TWTIW.

Hey guys! I just wanted to say that, of course, you're free to start new threads about anything you might want to ask. I think this q/a officially kicks off today, so just wanted to say hello and that I'll be checking back to answer your questions. Thanks!

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks so much for reading all of them! I do entertain the idea, definitely, especially because Time of My Life is being adapted by The Weinstein Company. When I was writing it, I always envisioned Keri Russell because I'm such a huge Felicity fan, but the producers and I have come up with about eight different names, all of whom I think would be GREAT - from Anne Hathaway to Reese Witherspoon - and really, I'd be thrilled with any of them.

With The One That I Want, I actually didn't write with anyone in mind, but recently, I've thought that Amy Adams might make a good Tilly. :)

Allison

SO do you have a definite book that would turn into a movie? If so what and when? Also you have plans on coming to Manila for a book tour? I so wanted to have all your 3 books signed coz am happy I have them, am reading The One that I Want and would like to do a review about this and would like to join the giveaway of your signed books.

You have a fave author, if so who and what is your fave book from that author?

I always draw a blank when it comes to questions to ask, but I just had to tell you that I love your books! As a stay-at-home mom, I really identified with Time of My Life -- so happy to hear it's being made into a movie! Of course, as a stay-at-home mom I also never get to go to the movies...but maybe there's hope for a girls' night out!

LOL, Jen B! You can wait for it to come to On Demand or DVD. :)

Carmela - I read a lot and thus, have a lot of favorite authors, so it's hard for me to choose just one. Laura Dave is a dear friend, and I think she's an amazing writer. I also love Elin Hilderbrand's newest and will read anything Amanda Eyre Ward puts out. I'm also Jonathan Tropper's biggest fan - I'm actually off to do an event with him right now, but that's not why I'm saying that! I have been a fan of his for YEARS, and really think that he just keeps getting better and better. Finally, I often recommend Good Grief by Lolly Winston - and I've only heard good things from the people I've suggested it to.

Hi Allison,

I read The One that I want, I must say that I truly love your writing style and the story is very interesting. Since I enjoyed reading that book, I also read Time of My Life which is similar to the movie 13 going on 30 with Jennifer Gardner but way better.

By the way, I emailed you a receipt when I bought The One that I Want, when the chiclit group in facebook announced that you will be giving a signed copy, I am so looking forward to getting it.

On another matter, I am an aspiring author and I am sure that you get this a lot but any writing advice? Anything would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Thanks for your response and I do follow you on twitter and facebook. Any plans on going to Manila for a booktour??

Carmela - not as of now. :) But thank you!

Hi, Allison. I'm a big fan of you and am pleased to be able to ask you questions about your take on your own work as well as that of others. I know that the Weinsteins are adapting Time of My Life and the rumor is that BenderSpink and Dreamworks are working on an adaptation of Jen Weiner's short story, The Guy Not Taken right now as well. I'm anxiously awaiting both movies. As the stories both explore "what if?" questions and past relationships, I can't help but wonder what you think. Do you read Jennifer Weiner's work? And do you think that your two stories can bring a little more attention to magical realism, perhaps ushering in a delightful trend in romantic film, and more importantly, chick lit?

I'm currently reading The One that I Want and it's a good thing you came up with this book about clarity and what do you really want. It reminds me of what Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat Pray Love author) said to Oprah on her show, "what do you really really really want?" Yup that's 3 reallys. I can somehow connect in a way that book with yours.Have you read "Eat Pray Love" and what's your take about it?

Hi Melissa-
Thank you so much for your kind words! I've read a lot of Jennifer's work - yes, though for some reason just realized I haven't read GNT. But I am all for any sort of movie - magical realism or not - that speaks to intelligent women. And even more so, I'm all for more attention on books that speak to intelligent women too. I just KNOW that there are a lot of women out there who enjoy movies and books that go beyond your typical romantic comedy fluff, and I certainly aspire to that in my books, and hope that the movie hits this tone too. Does that answer your question? Hope so!

Carmela -
I have EPL on my must-read list before the movie comes out! So I can't speak personally to it yet. But glad to hear that it worked so well for you!
Allison