Author Emily Giffin Chats About “Where We Belong”

July 23, 2012 at 4:20 pm
by familycircle

 

Emily Giffin’s latest novel will hit stores this week, and the New York Times best-selling author joined us on Facebook last Thursday to discuss her new book, Where We Belong with Family Circle readers. Giffin’s fans, who hailed from places as far away as Portugal, Argentina and the Philippines, were excited to chat with their favorite author and ask questions about writing, her personal life and which of her acclaimed novels will follow suit to Something Borrowed and be made into a feature film. If you missed the Facebook chat, here is the recap:

Family Circle: Welcome to our chat with Emily Giffin, New York Times best-selling author of Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Heart of the Matter and more. Her latest novel, Where We Belong, hits stores on July 24. She’s here to answer questions and offer her opinion on her books, her writing style, other great summer reads, relationships, celebrity gossip and more! Please feel free to post your questions below for Emily.
Jill: Love her books :) .
Emily Giffin: Hi all! Thanks Jill!
Melissa: Hey Emily!

Family Circle: Emily, how do you get the ideas for your books?
Emily Giffin: My inspiration comes from so many different places—friends, the tabloids, even discussions on Facebook!
Christie: Emily, I just wanted to tell you I am a BIG fan! I hope to see more movies and books soon! Thanks!

Meg: Emily, are any of your books based on personal experiences? I feel like I can always relate to your novels! Thanks for interacting with us!
Emily Giffin: Meg, yes, I fell in love with my best friend’s fiancé… KIDDING! No, my books aren’t autobiographical, although occasionally I borrow an emotion (jealousy, anger, etc.) from my own life.

Patrice: Hi Emily! Love all of your books, read them over and over (Also, thank you for the Kindle edition of The Diary of Darcy J. Rhone. It was so much fun to read while waiting for Where We Belong!!). Eagerly waiting for my copy to arrive next Tuesday!! Wishing you best of luck on your book tour and with the book.
Emily Giffin: Patrice, glad you liked the Diary. Really wanted to give my readers a free bonus to thank you—you’re the best! And thank you for pre-ordering the book. First-week sales are so important to an author. Plus, I can’t wait to discuss the story with everyone! So hurry and get it!
Heather: Ahh, I can’t wait! I pre-ordered hoping to get it for the flight to Vegas!
Dawn: How can I get Where We Belong before July 24th so I can take it on my trip to Montauk this weekend??? ;) .

Holly: Emily love your books! A bit nervous to read your new one. I was adopted by my family at 3 months old and have always wondered about where I came from but never pursued finding out. Hoping there’s a “happy” ending (and hoping to see you the next time you’re in Denver for a signing).
Kristin Harmel: Emily! Just wanted to say how very, very, very much I loved Where We Belong! (As a fellow novelist, I was able to snag an advance copy.) I thought the issues you explored were so fascinating. What inspired you to write it? It seemed to me to be a really deep and layered exploration of motherhood.
Jodi: Spoiler Alert!
Emily Giffin: Kristin Harmel! Love your writing too!! Y’all read her books. She is great—and super sweet too.

Jen: I don’t have much time for reading but I read all of your books and I LOVE them!!!
Paula: What is your personal favorite of your novels?
Emily Giffin: Thanks, Jen! Paula, my favorite book for a long time was Something Blue. But I can honestly say that Where We Belong is my new favorite. I just love Kirby.
Paula: LOVE Something Blue, cannot wait for Where We Belong. :)

Katelyn: Do you have a favorite character out of all of your books?
Katie: Of all the characters in your books, which one is your favorite and why?
Emily Giffin: Katelyn, my 3 fave characters are Darcy, Ethan and Kirby (in Where We Belong). I also love Conrad in the new book. He makes Dex look downright ordinary!
Carla: Emily, I totally LOVED Conrad!!!! And as I told you before, Where We Belong for me is your masterpiece. Absolutely my fave out all your books.
Katelyn: Ahh! That is so exciting. I loved Dex and if Conrad beats him I can only imagine.

Cameron: Have you ever named a character after a person you know in real life in past books? Or maybe in this new book?
Emily Giffin: Cameron! Love your profile pic too! :) Yes, I do occasionally name characters after people from real life. Never major onesbut minor ones. I even named one character after a FB friend with this book! Jeanelle! :)
Cameron: Woot! Thank you for answering my question! Really cool that you name characters after people you know and a friend in your new book. She must have been excited about that!! I would die!! Lol.
Jeanelle: Lol! I just got the FB notification about me from your comment above! Thanks, EG! Everyone, go buy Where We Belong on the 24th!! It is soooo good! You will love it!

Kara: What do you do to prep for your novels? Do you find that you often have to research a lot for your characters? Or are you able to write more from experience?
Emily Giffin: Kara, I don’t usually have to do much research since my stories are about emotions. But every once in a while I’ll have to research, like with Heart of the Matter, I had to do a lot of medical research.
Courtney: Hi Emily, as others have mentioned, you are just such a talented author (!!), and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of your newest book! (I’m a country girl, so a trip to the city is soon in order! haha). Anyways, I’m wondering how hard it is for you to come up with so many relatable, yet distinct characters? Especially if you only use people you know as minor characters. Does it ever get difficult to switch perspectives, and how do you keep them separate?

Tori: Emily, I saw SoBo in theaters before I even knew it was a book. Once I found out there was a book, I just HAD to read it! Last summer, I spent all of my free time reading all of your books, and I absolutely LOVE them! Your characters are such strong women, but you always leave me guessing as to what will happen next! Are there any more Darcy/Rachel books in the works?
Melissa: If you could tell one of your more recent stories from a different character’s POV, what would you choose and why? (Love all of your books!!).
Bethany: Hi Emily! You are such an inspiration. I love your books! Would you ever consider writing another story with the SOBO/SoBlue characters? Looking forward to your Where We Belong and hope to meet you someday. (I’m in Colorado, would love it if one of your book tours came here!) :) .

Dawn: Emily, are you coming to Long Island at all to promote Where We Belong?
Carla: Emily, will there be additional dates/cities for your book tour?
Emily Giffin: Carla, we might be adding a few events in late August, yes! And I know I plan on going to NC in the fall among other cities.
Carla: Emily, I changed my profile pic AND the cover one. Is there any chance SoFla might be included? Should I call bookstores and harass them to bring you?
Dawn: Just noticed you will be on Long Island at Book Revue on 7/26! Yay! Will your fans be able to snap a photo with you? (PLEASE SAY YES!).
Cameron: Favorite thing about your book tour?
Lauren: Can you please add New Orleans to your tour?
Emily Giffin: Lauren, can you please take a road trip? :) .

Teresa: Hi, Emily! I am relatively new to your books. I’ve read Something Borrowed and Something Blue, and currently reading Love the One You’re With, and LOVE that Ellen is from my hometown of Pittsburgh—yay! Just curious, do you have a favorite author who inspired you to write these amazing books?
Emily Giffin: Teresa, go Pirates!!! Finally seem to be having a winning season. My husband is from Pittsburgh so we all follow all ‘burgh teams!
Teresa: That is awesome, Emily! We now live in the Raleigh area but are die-hard Steelers fans. Pirates are doing awesome this year, too! I loved how you mention uniquely Pittsburgh favorites like Pitt and Eat’N’ Park in LTOYW. Reading it brings me back in the “Burgh.” Thanks for writing such wonderful books!
Laurie: I’ve always wondered what your connection to Pittsburgh was. You should come here on your tour!
Jessica: Since your husband is from Pittsburgh, you should add the city to your tour list. You can visit family and make an appearance! I’ll round up the girls and we’ll come out to support you!

Liz: Hi Emily! Atlanta is proud to have you as a resident. Thanks for your amazing work!
Felicia: Hi Emily. Any news on SOBLUE movie??!! We are on pins and needles awaiting news here in ATL! LOVE you and your amazing stories so very much!
Rachael: Hi Emily! What are some of your favorite restaurants in Atlanta?

Melissa: Hi Emily :) Huge fan of all your books, can’t wait to read Where We Belong (I turn 40 next Friday so thanks for the birthday gift!!)My questions are: Are the restaurants, etc. you cite in your books real (would love to walk around and visit them, loved SoBo) and what is your best advice in terms of what to do in New York to get an authentic NY experience by a visitor? Thanks again, you rock!
Emily Giffin: Melissa, happy birthday! Turning 40 isn’t as bad as the build-up! I dreaded it forever but now wonder why. Yes, restaurants are all real! As a tourist, I’d spend my time walking the different neighborhoods versus in museums, but that’s just my preference. Also, I’m a big fan of double decker bus tours in most cities (just did one in Paris!) to get an overview. They are cheesy but really give you great flavor of an entire city at good price.
Kaitlin: Hi Emily! I love your books and I love how they’re all set in NYC! Do you have a favorite place in the city?

Kathryn: Hi Emily! Can’t wait for the new book and for when you come to Dallas!! My question is: Do you read a lot when you are not writing, or more when you are writing? (Stephen King says a good writer reads a lot, haha).
Tammi: My mom and I are so excited to see you in Dallas. I got her hooked on your books! :) .

Michelle: When you are in town (Chicago), what places are “must stops” during your visits?
Emily Giffin: Michelle, I love returning to my hometown Chicago! Love the Peninsula Hotel and the bar there. There will be a surprise at my signing at Saks so hope you can come! xx.

Emily Giffin: As an aside, please tell me to stop eating this chocolate! I’m on the Today show in 5 days and I can’t stop eating!!
Megan: Your books are amazing!!! I love them all :) .
Andrea: Hi Emily! Can’t wait to meet you, again, on the 31st! Can we please go out for drinks afterwards? ;) I’m trying to come up with a good question, but nothing brilliant is coming to me!

Katie: I can’t wait to see you in Kansas City!! I missed you the last time you were here.
Emily Giffin: Katie, looking forward to KC, too. Can’t wait to eat more barbecue!
Katie: I love that you are taking the time out of your day to chat with your fans. Not only are you a great author but a great person too!

Emily Giffin: For those of you chatting right now, “Share” this thread to your friends so we can include them! (And before I forget to say it, thank you, Family Circle for hosting this chat. You guys are awesome).
Eden: When I first read Something Borrowed years ago, I passed it around at work and got women who hadn’t read for fun (since school!) to read. It’s been fun to share my love of reading with others through books that make the experience amazing!

Julianne: I can’t wait to start reading WWB tonight! Thanks for what I am sure will be another amazing story, Emily! I can’t wait to see you in L.A. with my girlfriends again! X.
Lauren: When do you come to L.A.? I reread SOBO and SOBLUE every spring and winter breaks since i first read them! What’s the Where We Belong-SOBO connection?!

Casie: Any word on making Something Blue?
Lauren: Will we be seeing any of your other novels on the big screen?
Emily Giffin: Lauren, yes! Love the One You’re With is very close to being green lit… (script written, director hired, actress attached (but still a secret)) … HOTM underway. And of course, plans to do the sequel to SOBO at some point.
Emily Giffin: Also, just teamed up with an amazing producer for Where We Belong. We thought about television but went with film.
Lauren: I had no idea so many were in the works. That’s very exciting!
Emily Giffin: Lauren, thanks for changing your profile pic! Xx.
Daniela: Emily, I love you. Kisses from Argentina. I’m happy to read that SoBlue will get done eventually.
Lauren: Hopefully it’ll remind all my FB friends that love you too to go out and pick up the book. You are the best!
Amanda: I seriously cannot wait to read Where We Belong! I am also THRILLED to see that there is a movie in the works for Love the One You’re With and of course I can’t wait for a movie for Something Blue. Have you ever thought about writing another novel by continuing those characters? (Dex, Ethan, Rachel and Darcy) I loved Darcy’s diary and I just can’t get enough. I keep hoping you’ll continue their story, of course I do understand that you like to create new characters as well. I have a feeling that I will love Where We Belong‘s characters just as much (seeing as this is your new favorite book). Thanks Family Circle for this chat! I love finding out all this new info and chatting with my favorite author!!!!

Doug: Hi Emily! Who would you most like to see play Marian in a film of Where We Belong? I’m loving the book!!
Carla: I see Charlize Theron as Marian. Actually I already have the whole cast in my mind.
Emily Giffin: Thank you, Doug! Means a lot coming from my guy readers (from anyone! But I do love when guys read my books). Who do YOU see as Marian???
Doug: Well my go-to actresses would be Sarah Michelle Gellar or Jennifer Love Hewitt, with Lea Michele as Kirby haha! You write such real male characters, guys should read your books! They’d learn something :) x.

Daniela: Any plans on having your books selling in Argentina? Because I’m dying to give them to my non-English reading friends.
Emily Giffin: Daniela,  I see your name on my FB page now and then! Thanks for being one of my loyal followers! Xx.
Daniela: You are welcome!!! You totally deserve it Emily. You are an amazing /talented writer. Every word of praise is too little. (I MEAN EVERY WORD). Well Emily, I have to go. Pedi is in order. Have fun with this little chat. Love you!!!

Bianca: Hi Emily! I’ve read all your books and they’ve all managed to move me to tears (My favorite one is Heart of The Matter)! I was also able to get an advanced copy of Where We Belong and I really enjoyed it! I’m from the Philippines and my friends and I would love for you to visit and do a book signing session here in Manila. Anyway, I wanted to ask who amongst all your characters would you say you can relate to the most and why? :) .

Andreia: Hi Emily. Any visit to Portugal soon? :D .
Rebecca: You have a lot of Canadian fans. Any chance of crossing the Border?
Emily Giffin: Rebecca, I’ll be coming to Toronto at the end of August. Check www.emilygiffin.com for details!
Rebecca: This is the highlight of my year (aside from the birth of my son in May). A conversation with my favorite author Emily Giffin is on my bucket list. And even if it’s not in person this is amazing!!!!
Rebecca: BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!
Wissal: Love your books, love your spirit. Waiting to meet you in Toronto at the end of August.
Emily Giffin: Rebecca, you are soo sweet. You—all of you—have made MY day. I so appreciate the support and love! Really means a lot to me and helps me stay inspired to keep writing books I hope you love.

T.C.: Hiya Emily :) .
T.C.: How did I know Michele would be here ♥
T.C.: Emily, have you ever wanted to write a different genre—like John Grisham writing about baseball?
Quyen: When/how did you figure out that being a lawyer wasn’t for you? Was it difficult to leave a career like that to write and do what you love?
Jeyme: Hi Emily, can’t wait to read your new book! My hubbie got it for me as an early birthday present. My question is: Are you working on your next book or are you taking a well deserved break? ;) .
Emily Giffin: Jeyme, NO break! I’m such a slow writer that I have to get started right away. I have my idea, though, so I’m getting excited!

Dawn: Emily, what is the best part of being a successful writer???
Emily Giffin: Dawn, the best part is doing what I love for a living. But that’s not to say that it’s always fun. All jobs have their stresses.

Erika: Do you ever panic about not having another story to share eventually? That would be my fear if I was a writer, but maybe that’s why I’m not one.
Emily Giffin: Erika, did you read my journal!? That is ALWAYS my fear!!

Steph: Hi Emily! I’m thinking of getting into writing a novel (lifelong dream). In your experience, when is the best time to write? During the day or at night?
Emily Giffin: Steph, whenever you have time! I have to do it all the time (as a full-time writer) but I like mornings the best. :) .

Jeyme: Also, what’s been your favorite summer read so far?
Mary: Thanks for being so “real” Emily. In addition to loving your books, it makes me just think you’re so awesome that you interact so much with fans on FB and through your tours. Wishing you great success in your new book! My question: Do you enjoy any nonfiction and if so, what’s been your favorite book?
Erin: Emily, have you read the book Maine?

Erin: Last question from me. I live close to Naperville and I teach 4th grade gifted students. Do you ever go to classrooms to discuss what it’s like to be an author?
Megan: Hi Emily! I’m starting my teaching career this fall, teaching reading and writing to 6th graders. Any advice you have to students about writing?? Huge, huge fan! Love all of your novels! P.S., Come to Houston!!
Erin: Well, this was interesting. But now I must get on with tutoring 4th graders in reading. Godspeed, Emily. I’ve endorsed your books for the last 6 years. I’ll be in Naperville for your signing. Deuces until then.
Lauren: Are you going to tell us what gender Kate’s twins are?
Emily Giffin: Sorry for the short delay—just had a little drama with my five-year-old daughter, Harriet!

Jodi: HI EMILY.
Emily Giffin: Hi Jodi!! Xo
Jodi: That was the coolest :) Can only imagine what Harriet was up to. I used to teach kindergarten lol.

Cristina: Emily, how does your husband handle your work? I could imagine that being a writer means lots of cooped up hours, locked in a room in front of a computer screen. Or better, endless social events/ book signings. Does he ever give you ideas??
Emily Giffin: My husband is very patient! I can be quite moody when I’m trying to meet a deadline. To say the least! And book tours aren’t easy either. He’s a wonderful father, though.
Stefanie: Hey Emily! Love your books, I’ve read all of them and plan on coming to a book signing in New York! You are married, have beautiful children and an amazing author! What’s your key to balancing your home life with your work life? What’s your number one guilty pleasure to keep you balanced?

Millie: Emily, do you see a future writer in either of your sons or your daughter?
Emily Giffin: Millie, great question! My kids all have a very creative side. One of my sons seems quite theatrical, too. He is always dressing up as different characters and is great at accents.
Emily Giffin: A P.S. to Millie: Once my son was writing something for school, he got frustrated and said, “I”m not a great writer like you.” I felt terrible. Had to get out old journals to show him how rough my writing used to be. Writing is so much about practicing, staying after it, etc. All about hard work. Like most things.

Eden: Emily, I have had such a fun time following celebrity news with you on Twitter! (Thanks for introducing me to Suri’s Burn Book, btw—too funny!) Who has been your favorite celebrity to meet?
Emily Giffin: Eden—isn’t Suri’s burn book hilarious!? I haven’t met many celebrities (my life really isn’t that glamorous!) But I loved getting to know Kate Hudson and Hilary Swank through the last movie. Funny that after you get to know them, they really don’t seem like celebs anymore—just normal people. Still dying to meet Jennifer Aniston, though. Recently had a dream where we were best friends, then got in a fight, then made up. Haha. What a dork I am!
Eden: Thanks, Emily! I love how real you are. And I think I’d be best friends with her, too.
Emily Giffin: Eden, you can only be her SECOND best friend! BECAUSE I’M HER BEST FRIEND! I AM! I AM!
Eden: Ok, then. I’ll be best friends with both of you, then. Sounds like a win-win plan!
Daniela: Emily, I love Jen Anniston just as you. You know who I also love? Anna Torv. She is an amazing actress and I would love to see her in one of your movies!!

Emily Giffin: Hi Rox!! My good friend from Wake Forest just joined the chat. :) xoxo.
Deirdre: My favorite parts of your books are all the 80′s trivia you wrangle into the story. I was hooked, line and sinker from the beginning of Something Borrowed when you mentioned Forenza sweaters!!!!
Alice: Hey Emily, I love your books so much. Wish you do a book tour in the UK. Anyway my question is, would you ever write a novel which was based in the 1960s?

Tricia: Me and my three closest girlfriends do a “girls’ night” every month. We plan them a month in advance. This time one of us got a free hotel suite stay so we planned to stay overnight together. Three of the four of us are married, and the one that isn’t is refusing to stay with us because she wants to go “home” (to her boyfriend’s apt) to sleep with him. I don’t get it. I am leaving my 11-month-old daughter for the second time ever. Why can’t she leave her boyfriend for ONE night?
Tricia: Friendship question posted up above Emily! I could use some advice from someone not as close to the situation.

Meg: Hi Emily! :) I just wanted to add my own “adore your books” sentiments. I have devoured each one and am always left feeling sad when they’re over, like saying goodbye to a good friend. For some reason, Love the One You’re With was my favorite, though seems to get overshadowed by the others in book club circles, etc. The character of Leo reminded me of a past love, similar story. I was so refreshed by the way you characterized that relationship and the “realness” of even the happiest of marriages. Anyway, thanks. You are a wonderful and gifted writer. But I think what enhances your appeal to me is just how real and honest YOU are, which makes your stories that much more meaningful to me :) .

Manal: Hi Emily :) Can’t wait to read Where We Belong! Please keep writing for us!! x.

Mike: Emily, I’ll always be your fan. And friend. One day, I’ll hope you’ll come to my book signing.
Katie: Hi Emily!! Can’t wait to see you in Seattle in August. I love how your books are so true to life! Bummer I missed the live chat! Take care!
Stephanie: Seriously, I missed this. Am so bummed! If anyone else signs on though, I wrote about my love for Emily and my early review of WHERE WE BELONG—my fave so far—on my book review blog www.manicmommy.blogspot.com—LOVE YOU EM! You need to come to AZ! xo.

Emily Giffin: Okay, guys! Time for me to sign off and work on my speech for the book tour! Really hope to see you all. www.emilygifin.com for tour dates/details. And again, thanks for your amazing support. And thank you, Family Circle for being such a quality magazine for all these decades! My mom was a reader (still is); I’m a reader; and I’m sure my daughter will be too someday! xxooo to all!

Family Circle: Thanks everyone—and especially Emily Giffin—for such an amazing chat! See the below post for information on winning a signed copy of Where We Belong!

We are giving away 10 signed copies of Emily Giffin’s new novel! To enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Where We Belong, click here.

Check out these links for more on Emily Giffin:
Audio Clip from Emily Giffin’s New Novel Where We Belong
Win A Signed Copy of Emily Giffin’s Where We Belong

Kris Anne Bonifacio is a web intern at FamilyCircle.com.

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