Author Jordan Christy shares her thoughts with A Bundle of Contradictions!

Photo credit: Sarah Barlow

Hi friends! Today we have a very special guest on ABC (drumroll, please!): Jordan Christy, author of How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World. If you're anything like me, you've probably wondered why so many young women feel the need to act out in order to get attention (Miley's video bong hit, anyone?), while the fabulous girls who keep their clothes on, say "please" and "thank you", and work hard seem to have become the minority. How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World is a young woman's guide to living with grace and style in the 21st century and, judging by its success, it would seem that classy girls like Jordan are actually the majority.

And so, without further ado, ABC presents: Jordan Christy

1. How did it feel, after the success of Hepburn, to know that so many women identified with your work? Very humbling! While writing it, I truly thought, "Well, at least I know my family will buy four copies." So, it's been very exciting and gratifying to connect with so many others who feel the same way. 

2. Can you tell me anything about your new book? I will say this: it's a different genre :) I can't even tell you how much fun I've had writing this book, I'm going to be sad when it's finished!

3. What is your go-to Starbucks order? Oooo good question. Depending on the season, either a hot or iced decaf caramel macchiato. 

4. Describe your writing process. Do you write every day? I wish! I'm usually lucky if I get one good writing day a week. But that one day is a big one: usually 8-10 hours straight. I know a lot of writers require a very specific space or environment to write, but my requirements are very minimal; as long as I'm surrounded by a bit of clutter and have a hot beverage, I can write almost anywhere. 

5. What one piece of Hepburn advice would you like to pass on to your children? Among others, respect. It seems that respect for elders, authority figures, etc. is becoming a rarity, and I want my children to truly value and respect everyone from their teachers to their grandparents. 

6. Do you have a reality show guilty pleasure? We actually don't currently have TV at our house, just movies and DVD's. So, I'm extremely out of the loop with reality shows. But, my husband recently bought me The King of Queens on DVD so we've been having fun reliving the late 90's with Kevin James.

7. Who is your favorite author/what is your favorite book? Gah! That's like asking me to choose my favorite ice cream. Hands-down my favorite books are humorous, semi-autobiographical works about everyday life ala Jean Shepherd, Nora Ephron, etc. But I always love a good YA novel, too: Ann Brashares, Meg Cabot...Oooo but then there's children's books, too. I love Flat Stanley, Matilda, The Baby-Sitters Club...To sum up, I've tried really hard to be a super-serious scholastic aficionado, but it turns out I just have the literary inclinations of an 11-year old. 

8. What is one suggestion you would offer new authors trying to get published? Write about what you know. It's always much more impassioned and authentic.

9. We both live in the South, a region famous for its hospitality and manners. Do you find that women here make it a higher priority to act like a Hepburn, rather than a Hilton? I do believe there is a bigger emphasis on civility and propriety in the South. However, I've come to find countless classy girls in every region, from the West Coast to Australia!

 10. If you could spend the day with one celebrity, who would it be and why? I really want to be friends with Gwyneth Paltrow. I think we'd have a good time together. GP, if you're reading this, call me. 

A BIG thanks to Jordan for stopping by and sharing her thoughts with ABC! To find about more about Jordan, please visit her website or follow her on Twitter.

XOXO,

Wendi