Jo Barrett is the author of three novels, The Men’s Guide to the Women’s Bathroom, This is How it Happened and tomorrow’s release, Don’t Let it Be True. She’s done a good job of entertaining me with two books. You can read my review of the first book I read by her here. As you can tell, I really enjoyed this book and was looking forward to her new book. I finished her new release and was delighted that I enjoyed that book as well.
I am now eagerly awaiting her next release….hint, hint, Jo! =)
After reading Don’t Let it Be True, I wanted to meet a Texas boy but then realized that duh, I have a Texas boy. Jo Barrett’s writing made me wonder what kind of woman she was because her books are so likable and I knew that she would be likable as well. I wasn’t disappointed. She is such a sweet woman and I’m glad that she’s here with us today. So please lend a welcoming hand to Jo Barrett.
She was kind enough to answer each and every question put to her and I asked quite a few questions so here it is for your viewing pleasure….a look into the life of Jo Barrett, enjoy!
On Her Writing:Book Binge: Are you a plotter or a fly by the seat of your pants kind of writer?
Jo Barrett: Fly by the seat of my skirt!
Book Binge: What is your favorite thing about being a writer?
Jo Barrett: Watching the printer churn out a few hundred pages when I’m finished!
Book Binge: What is your least favorite thing about being a writer?
Jo Barrett: Sitting for hours a day in front of a computer screen eating cookies and more cookies.
Book Binge: Tell us how your reaction was when you got the call that your first book was going to be published.
Jo Barrett: I was in St. Petersburg, Russia at the time and I celebrated at a Russian nightclub that evening.
Book Binge: What are you working on now?
Jo Barrett: A book about all of the ex’s in my life – (P.S. I’m not sure whether it’s a comedy or a tragedy)
On Don’t Let It Be True:Book Binge: What can readers look forward to with DLIBT?
Jo Barrett: I do something different by blending Texas High Society with a bit of the Wildcatter oil culture which pervades Texas.
Book Binge: What is your favorite part of DLIBT?
Jo Barrett: The marriage proposal where Dylan asks Kathleen to marry him on a rock in the middle of a river. It’s funny and poignant at the same time.
Book Binge: What do you hope the readers will get by reading DLIBT?
Jo Barrett: A glimpse into the life of a Texas oil heiress and her longtime boyfriend who—like many men these days– refuses to commit. I also wanted to explore issues of women who have trouble getting pregnant, and my main character, Kathleen Connor King has this issue in her life.
Book Binge: What kind of research did you do for DLIBT?
Jo Barrett: I’m a Google Fiend, but I also happen to know several true Texas wildcatters, and many of my characters are inspired specifically by these colorful men.
Book Binge: What made you want to write about the high society of Texas?
Jo Barrett: Texas Society is never what it seems. It’s fun to peel back the layers to see what they reveal.
Random Questions:Book Binge: What are you watching on TV these days?
Jo Barrett: I love Top Chef on Bravo. It’s my favorite show because I always want to challenge myself to see whether I could cook like this.
Book Binge: What’s your favorite song right now?
Jo Barrett: The “My Dick” song from the movie: Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay. This song is utterly trashy and you can’t help but sing along.
Book Binge: What are you reading right now?
Jo Barrett: I just finished One Fifth by Candace Bushnell, and it was excellent.
Book Binge: Who is your all time favorite author?
Jo Barrett: John Irving
Book Binge: What is your all time favorite book?
Jo Barrett: A Widow For One Year, by John Irving.
I’m so gonna have to check out this My Dick song. I luh-oved the first Harold and Kumar movie but have yet to see the second one, this has definitely boosted it up on my to be watched list. Thanks so much for stopping by Jo and we here at Book Binge wish you nothing but the best in your writing career. I’ve had a blast reading two of your books and I know you’ll be around for a long time.
To keep the party going, we’re going to be giving away some books by Jo Barrett and if you want to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this here post and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win some free books.
Thanks again Jo and read her books!
Don’t Let It Be True is available from Avon. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
I just added a big bunch of these books to my “to read” list. Now I need a vacation so I can soak up all the goodness!
I love Top Chef too. I admit to rooting for Carla in the finale.
The interview was fun to read!
I love Top Chef! It’s so much fun. And I’m currently listening to My Dick. So funny!! Great interview by the way. 🙂
I’ve gotta listen to My Dick…sounds like I may need to send the kids outside first tho!
It is such a relief to hear I’m not the only one who eats non-healthy things while staring at the computer screen. I tried carrots and celery for a while but my muse didn’t like them….
(here for fun only, please don’t enter my name *g*)
Thank you for the fabulous review! Also, I was also hoping Carla would win on Top Chef.
*laughs* My Dick! Funny song and it’s really catchy for some odd reason ;P Harold and Kumar is the best~
I like watching the old Iron Chef myself, the dubbing always makes me laugh.
A vacation does sound heavenly, doesn’t it? And reading Jo Barrett books are a fun way to spend that vacation too! =)
Thanks for stopping by!
Top Chef is fun to watch!
What a great bunch of questions and answers. 🙂
St. Petersburg Russia – that’s on my too see list. Would love to win a book!
Hi Jo!
Thanks so much for visiting with us. I LOVE the My Dick song. It’s hilarious! I haven’t told anyone I love it b/c I figured I was the only one. Glad to know I’m not.
Jamie was my favorite on Top Chef, but I was rooting for Carla after she got kicked off.
🙂 I loved your interview! I don’t know why but it surprised me your favorite author was John Irving. I’ve never read him, but I’ll check him out at the library next chance I get!
The book sounds fun and it’s kind of around a subject I’ve not read about (contemporary Texas books that aren’t specifically westerns).
Thanks for the contest and thanks for the visit!! 🙂
Do you ever watch Project Runway on Bravo? LOVE IT!!
Seneca,
I’ve watched Top Chef a few times but I always forget to DVR and watch it. By the sounds of it, I’m missing out. Dangit.
Everyone,
Thanks for stopping by, good luck in the drawing!
And I don’t even eat healthy when I’m away from the computer, LOL. I should…but I don’t.
I hope I am not too late…would love to win.
Ruth
Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by, we really appreciate it and be on the look out for the announcements of the winners!