When did you start writing?

I think I was a writer from the time I could form letters. As far back as kindergarten, I remember the highlight of my day was when we’d get one of those big sheets of newsprint paper with the wide dotted lines. I couldn’t wait to grab a fat pencil in my little fingers and fill the paper with words! To me, writing stories has always been magical.

Tell us about your debut novel, 'Til St. Patrick's Day.

‘Til St. Patrick’s Day is a story about friendship and finding love. Based in my hometown, St. Louis, it follows the lives and loves of three best friends over the course of one winter. There are plenty of laughs and heart in their intertwined stories.

What inspired you to write this novel?

I’m a sucker for a good love story, and I can’t get enough of romantic comedies. There is a John Mayer song called St. Patrick’s Day with the premise that if you start dating someone in the fall, chances are you’ll stick together through the holidays (because who wants to be alone at that time of year?) and your relationship will be safe...at least ‘til St. Patrick’s Day. I always thought it was clever and while listening to the song in my car one day, I decided it would make a great concept for a romantic comedy.

I recently signed a contract for 2 sequels (due out in 2015), so we’ll have the chance to follow Jayne, Karen, and Claudia’s lives for more than just one winter!

Which of your characters do you identify with the most and why?

That’s hard to say because there are pieces of me in all three women. If I had to pick one, I would say Jayne, the main protagonist. She is a hopeless romantic and utterly optimistic. I think I share those traits with her, although she is more exaggerated in her optimism than me.

What surprised you the most about the publishing process?

All the work that is required after the book is written and the edits are done. These days, there is so much more an author has to do to find readers. Social networking, self-promo, etc. It could be a full time job, and not one I really enjoy. I love writing, but all the work after the fact just takes time away from more writing!

What was the last book you read that you loved?

I recently re-read Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook. I hadn’t read it in years and had forgotten how deliciously funny it was. I’m currently reading Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris (when I can find time!) and it is laugh-out-loud hilarious.

What is your favorite activity when you’re not writing?

I love enjoying the outdoors with my kids...festivals, camping, picnics, the zoo, etc. Also date nights with my husband or a girls night out with my BFFs.

Tell us about your upcoming novel, Love In Sight.

This is the story of a great guy that’s good looking, funny, smart--a dream guy, really. But he’s having trouble finding someone to share his life with, since there’s one detail about him that most women don’t usually look for in a man...he’s blind. So it’s a love story with a lot of humor about Jason finding a woman who will love him enough to see past his white cane.

Thank you, Holly!

When she’s not busy daydreaming of someday spending her life writing from a cozy house in the woods, Holly Gilliatt has a hectic life in the suburbs as a wife and mom to three glorious—and crazy—kids. Working full-time selling packaging supplies and equipment in St. Louis, Missouri, pays the bills (most months). A hopeless romantic and music addict, she finds time to pursue her passion for writing by avoiding housework. Her biggest ambition is to someday be caught up with the laundry.

Holly will be signing copies of 'Til St. Patrick's Day at Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, on Saturday, September 28, 2013, from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. If you're in the area, stop by and say hello!

Tell us about your debut novel, Lessons In Being A Flapper.

Lessons In Being A Flapper is about a girl, an elderly medium, and a twenties-era transformation like no other. It's a light, fun read that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good romcom.

Why did you write this novel? What was your inspiration?

I've always wanted to write a novel, but I never thought it was something I could do. I just assumed I'd get stuck once I got a few thousand words down. But, luckily, that didn't happen, and I was able to finish. While I'd obviously love for the book to do well and for people to love it, I'm more than happy just to be able to say that I actually wrote a story I'm proud of and finished it -- that's been a problem for me in the past. I often started something, whether it be a story or a craft project, and then never went back to it. So I'm happy with myself for seeing this one all the way through.

The story was actually inspired by a good friend of mine named Kora who died this past June (one day after publication, sadly) at the age of 91. She was quite the woman, and I spent many days with her laughing as she said something completely crazy or smiling for the camera as we dressed up as a Flapper (me) and a whoopie cushion (her) for Halloween. Kora was like a local celebrity, and everyone loved her. So, one day, the idea came to me to make her into a character. I took a lot of her attributes to create Marisol, the 99-year-old Medium in the book, and every time I read it, I'm reminded of how funny and unique she was. Some people may think that some of the scenes are a bit unrealistic, but if you knew Kora, you'd know that she actually did and said many of the things in the book. She was very nimble for her age and full of life. I do wish she had gotten to see the book in print, but she was so excited when I told her about it and absolutely loved the cover.

Which of your characters do you identify with the most and why?

Well, obviously, I associate with Marisol because she is based on someone I knew. However, I can associate with Autumn as well in some instances. She's running from her past and looking for somewhere that she can fit in, be herself, and just be happy. Sometimes it's so hard to find that place, especially in today's world. She's also very kindhearted and a bit naive in some ways, but she's trying to put everything behind her and make a new life for herself. Sometimes, I wish I could do the same -- as I'm sure many people do.

Describe the experience of self-publishing your novel. Easy? Difficult? Fun?

Self-publishing was a new experience for me and though I found it fairly easy to publish with Amazon KDP, I think I'd do things a lot differently if I were to publish again. First of all, I wouldn't rush the process so much. I think that I subconsciously wanted Kora to read my story so badly that I pushed it along before it was fully edited and ready for publishing. When you self-publish, you only have yourself to blame if there are mistakes or things that don't work. That being said, I'm still proud of myself for putting myself out there and not knowing what to expect.

What do you enjoy the most about being a contributing editor for ChicklitClub.com?

I absolutely love every single thing about being involved with the Chicklitclub site! I've been with Steph since 2008, and since then I've met so many great people, both authors and readers, and have been able to help promote some really great books. I like the fact that we all act like one big book loving family. I also love to pick the brains of authors and try to ask questions that no one else would. It's been a really fun experience and one that I'm grateful for every day.

What was the last book you read that you loved?

I just finished Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell and I can't stop gushing about it! People are probably so sick of me telling them how great it is, but I can't help it. It's such a beautifully written novel. Rainbow captures the very essence of being a teenage girl in college and experiencing all the new things that you'd experience when you move away from home. She also hit the nail on the head with the whole fanfiction thing. Sometimes, when you write about characters you love, it's hard to come out and face the real world. Sometimes it's easier to hide in your story than to go out and have real-life experiences. This story just has so much going for it. If you read one book this year, make sure it's this one (and Lessons In Being A Flapper of course!).

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?

I love to sleep (not very fun, I know!) more than anything when I have free time. I also enjoy going to concerts and reviewing them for a local newspaper. I scrapbook, collect postcards, and walk my dogs. I kind of just like to find quiet time to read or write, most of all, but that's one thing that's hard to do!

What are you working on now?

At the moment, I'm just working on my everyday things. I write about celebrities for a website during the day, but I do need to get started on the sequel to Lessons In Being A Flapper soon. I'm very big into procrastinating!

Thank you, Angela!

Angela Smith is a freelance writer-turned-author who specializes in music and book reviews, as well as celebrity scandals. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and on various websites. She is currently the contributing editor of www.chicklitclub.com. She loves the Roaring Twenties, music, food, and books. Especially books. Follow her on Twitter @itsangdarling.