Interview with Author Robin Brande & Fat Cat Giveaway!

Robin Brande is a former trial attorney who is also the author of the young adult novel Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature. Robin was herself an overweight teen, and knows that a smart girl can figure out a smart way to be fit. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

I am thrilled to welcome Robin Brande to my blog. Robin stopped by to discuss Fat Cat, a smart and funny story about healthy eating and the way young women feel about their bodies. Fat Cat was recently released in October and you can read my review of the novel HERE.

Fat Cat is about an overweight teenage girl who makes some simple dietary changes in her life and finds out that healthy eating and exercise really do have benefits. Is there any one message you would like teens to take away from your book and possibly apply to their lives?

Honestly, the message was as much for me as for anyone else! I was curious about how it would feel to really go back to basics—I mean, WAY basics (as in prehistoric times) and live a much simpler life. I wondered whether giving up all processed food and a lot of the technology and modern conveniences we depend on now would make any difference in my life. Oh, boy, did it. I went into that book innocently thinking it would turn out one way, and instead both the book and my own habits took a major shift that I didn’t expect at all! So now both my main character, Cat, and I have come out of the experiment changed women. You just never know what will happen when you sit down to write a novel.

In recent interviews, you’ve stated you did everything Cat did in the book such as giving up processed food, artificial sweeteners and cooking more. Can you discuss that experience with us- perhaps tell us what was the hardest thing to give up was and what positive changes you saw from the process?

THE hardest thing for me to give up was coffee. My love for Starbucks goes deeper than I knew. So I’ll admit that once I turned in the book, I returned to my coffee habit. But hey, it’s only one cup a day, so I don’t think I’m too desperate.

Other than that, I have to say there were times when I really, really missed chocolate and cookies and all the other fun comfort foods we all love to turn to as some sort of loving gesture to our taste buds and stomachs. But even those cravings went away eventually, and I came to truly love the simplest of foods: beans, greens, grains, and fruit. It’s possible I’ve even made up a little song about that. But let’s move on . .

In a world where women are bombarded by the media with images of manufactured beauty and perfection, what would you say to all the girls in Cat’s shoes who struggle with self image and confidence issues?

First of all, I’d say that I’ve been Cat, I am Cat, I know Cats—so, so many girls and women out there are in constant warfare against their bodies and their looks. It hurts me to know all the mean things I’ve thought and said about myself. I know a lot of other people can relate to that. It’s so easy to attack ourselves for not being as pretty as the actresses and models we see every day. We forget that a lot of the images we see are photoshopped and otherwise altered, and that a lot of actresses wish they could eat normally, the way the rest of us do!

On the other hand, I really appreciate the strong, fit, healthy-looking women out there who show us what’s possible. I love watching the Olympics for that reason: there are athletes who have devoted themselves to making the most of their physical form and talents. I might never be able to do as much as they do, but I love to know what’s possible for humans.

So I guess my answer is, choose your role models well. Personally, I love to pretend I’m Xena, Warrior Princess, or Meryl Streep in River Wild. Those are the kinds of strong, healthy women I want to emulate. The models I see on Project Runway? Mm, not so much.

One of my favorite characters in fact cat was Cat’s best friend Amanda. Amanda was loyal, supportive, stylish and so talented- everything a girl could want in a best friend! Do you draw from your own experiences and the people in your life when constructing the characters within your novels?

I’m so glad you loved Amanda—she’s one of my favorite characters ever! She’s based in part on my own best friend that I’ve had since high school. What I’ve always appreciated about her is how completely supportive she’s always been, how accepting of me no matter what I looked like or what I did, and how ready she is to always cheer me on. Like a lot of us, I’ve had friends in the past who were competitive and snarky and always willing to cut me down. I have no idea why I ever became friends with anyone like that, but I’m hoping I have the sense never to do it again!

What do you think Cat’s theme song would be if you had to choose one in particular for her?

I love that question! I think there’s a lot of truth for Cat in “Through the Fire” by Chaka Kahn. And I think she could also relate to “Realize” by Colbie Caillat.

Do you have a favorite quote/passage/scene from Fat Cat? If so, can you share it with us?

It’s totally a personal thing, but I crack up every time I read Amanda’s line, “Is carpeting allowed?” As for favorite scenes, my heart goes pitter-patter every time I reread the Valentine scene. Sigh . . . Oh, and I get a real guilty pleasure out of all the Nick scenes. So I guess you could say I like a lot of different parts!

What upcoming projects can we look forward to from you?

I’m deeply into the research for my next novel right now, trying to learn as much as I can about quantum physics, string theory, and nonlinear mathematics. Yes, this one will be a romantic comedy, too. Trust me, and stay tuned!

I loved these questions! Thank you so much!!!!!

FAT CAT
BY ROBIN BRANDE

You are what you eat. . . .

Cat smart, sassy, and funny—but thin, she’s not. Until her class science project. That’s when she winds up doing an experiment—on herself. Before she knows it, Cat is living—and eating—like the hominids, our earliest human ancestors. True, no chips or TV is a bummer and no car is a pain, but healthful eating and walking everywhere do have their benefits.

As the pounds drop off, the guys pile on. All this newfound male attention is enough to drive a girl crazy! If only she weren’t too busy hating Matt McKinney to notice. . . .

This funny and thoughtful novel explores how girls feel about their bodies, and the ways they can best take care of their most precious resource: themselves.

***CONTEST***

Robin has graciously offered to give one lucky winner their choice of either an AUDIOBOOK or HARDCOVER copy of the book!

To Enter:
Leave a comment for Robin about the interview or her novels

Bonus Entry:
Link/Post to any social network of your choice

This contest is open to all US entrants
End Date: 12/22/2009