Interview with author Julie Ann Shapiro
When did you first get the idea for the book: 50 Frogs, 5 Babes and A Bulldog?
My friends always told me to write about my internet dating experiences.
How long did it take?
It took nine months to write the book.
What was the process like? Any fascinating details on writing this humorous novel?
The first draft kind of came to me as I went along, but I did many edits, adding chapters and changing things around. Most of it was rewriting.
How you’ve always considered yourself funny?
Others seem to think so. I can be quite silly.
Do you devote certain days for humor and others for writing?
No, I usually spend my whole attention to whatever I’m writing. Right now I have two novels in the making.
Do you write everyday or certain times a week?
When I was writing “50 Frogs,” I spent many hours daily on it. I never kept track of the time. My husband told me I was in my office forever.
Why did you choose a humorous novel over other styles?
Humor seemed to come naturally. I am currently writing a suspense/love story, and it’s more of a struggle.
Have you always known you’d be a writer?
Other people told me that when I was a child. I wasn’t sure for many years. Now I know that’s what I want to do.
How did you decide on the title for your book?
Actually it was first called “50 Frogs,” and it was my husband who came up with the idea of “50 Frogs, 5 Babes and a Bulldog.”
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I guess it would be: never give up, and look at yourself first before you judge others, and it isn’t the outside appearance that counts, which uses a particular couple in my book as an example.
How much of the novel is realistic?
Several of the episodes are based on my actual dating experiences, but I’ve embellished a bit. A lot of it is pure fiction. The bulldog is real, though.
What are working on now?
A romantic/suspense novel: “Autumn Leaves.” I have also started a sequel to “50 Frogs.”
How do you stay funny?
I find a comedic style to write and just stay with it.
Are there favorite comedians?
Lucy, Carol Burnette, some of the older comedians.
Where can readers view an excerpt"?
Right here on this site.
