Like most of the other writers I adore today, I first met Lisette Brodey on Twitter last year. Whoever says social media is a waste of time, obviously hasn’t been hanging in the right hashtags and groups…
Lisette is like a ray of sunshine. She always sends the sweetest notes and makes me smile. Not only do I enjoy chatting with her about her writing, but I also love hearing all about her recent adventures in Hollywood. That’s right—I said Hollywood.
Originally from Philadelphia, Lisette moved to New York City where she studied drama. Ten years later, she moved to Los Angeles where she held various positions at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and CBS Studio Center in Studio City. Back in Philadelphia for several years, Lisette worked as a freelance writer, with clients both in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and other cities. In 2010, she finally moved back to Los Angeles permanently. She has freelanced for the entertainment industry and published three books: Crooked Moon, a story about childhood best friends whose lives come crashing back together after twenty-three years apart; Squalor, New Mexico, a coming-of-age story shrouded in a family mystery; and Molly Hacker is Too Picky!, a romantic comedy.
Before we jump into the interview, check out Lisette’s blurb for her romantic comedy, Molly Hacker is Too Picky!.
Molly Hacker Is Too Picky!:
At thirty-two, newspaper reporter Molly Hacker vows to never attend another wedding until she has had her own. And that’s a problem because Molly’s younger sister, Hannah, is going to be married in one year. Armed with snark, wit, and fabulous good looks, “Picky 
Molly” embarks on a quest to find Mr. Right in her hometown.
Things get complicated fast. In no time at all, Molly has four “men of interest” and the memories of a lost love to send her overanalytic, befuddled mind into serious overdrive. Determined not to let her “helpful” girlfriends help her right out of another relationship, Molly tries to keep mum on the state of her love life. Her BFF male coworker, Randy, becomes her closest confidant as he stumbles over romantic issues with his new Mr. Right, Kyle. Meanwhile, Molly’s gal pals aren’t too happy about being left out of the loop.
Tweaking Molly’s last nerve is the town’s most visible socialite, Naomi Hall-Benchley, who, for self-serving reasons, is hell-bent on setting up “Picky Molly Hacker,” and she doesn’t care who she has to manipulate or hurt to do it. Just how far will she go?
“Molly Hacker Is Too Picky!” takes the reader on a yearlong romp through Molly’s mind and a joyride through her life. Her dating life, town secrets, a group of quirky, crazy characters, and Naomi’s machinations collide head-on at a holiday gala that will change the social landscape of her hometown, Swansea, forever. As the New Year rolls in, Molly gets earth-shattering news. Can she go on? Will life ever return to abnormal again?
*****
When you were a little girl, did you dream of one day writing a bestseller, or did you have something else in mind?
When I was a little girl, even a teenager, I dreamed of being an actress. But that didn’t take away from my love for writing.
Where do you find the inspiration for your stories?
I write character-driven, multilayered novels, so I’d have to say that people are my number one inspiration. I usually find a character and develop a story around him or her, but sometimes it is the other way around.
Knowing that I’m a writer, people often say to me, “I’ve got a great story for you.” It’s usually a great story for them, not for me. We all have to write about what we feel passionate about in our own lives, not someone else’s.
Who are a few of your favorite authors?
I love Charles Dickens, F. Scott Fitzgerald and many writers of the classics. These days, however, I mostly read novels by my fellow indie authors.
Charles Dickens… Great Expectations is one of my all-time favorites.
The cover art for Molly Hacker is Too Picky! is adorable. Did you design it yourself?
No. The cover was created by artist Megan Hansen. I gave her a great deal of information about the character of Molly, and she worked with me to develop her visually.
Many writers imagine a celebrity or familiar face when developing their characters. Did you have anyone particular in mind when writing Molly and why?
I didn’t have anybody in mind when I wrote the character, but I often do picture someone famous when I’m writing. Doing so helps to develop a character in the initial stages.
Speaking of celebrities, who are you thinking of at this very moment?
Actually, I’m thinking about you, Tiffany!
Hahaha, Lisette. Flattery will get you… everywhere with me! 🙂
I wouldn’t be myself without asking about television – what are your four favorite television programs airing today?
Scandal, Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, and American Idol.
Now, let’s go to the movies… what is your favorite film of all-time?
Gone with the Wind
My mom loves you already!!
What snacks do you order when at a movie theater?
Always a soda and popcorn. I LOVE my popcorn. I think I eat it differently than everyone else. Sometimes I take several bites out of one popped kernel. I make it last throughout the entire film. 🙂
Besides writing, I know you have landed a few “extra” roles in some Hollywood films. Where can we watch for you?
No big deal, really! I’m in the wedding dance scene in End of Watch. I’m a green-faced witch in Fun Size, but if you blink, I’m afraid you’ll miss me. I worked several days on a film called The Incredible Burt Wonderstone with Steve Carrell, Steve Buscemi, and Jim Carrey. It’s going to be a fabulous movie! I’m sitting in the fourth row of the audience. You might see me cheering for the two Steves, who portray a team of magicians during their 1980s Vegas heyday. I think I’ll keep the rest of the roles/films secret, especially the one in which I’m wearing a bathing suit! Ha ha.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
I’m currently close to publishing a book of poetry written by my mother about 60 years ago. She wrote beautiful poetry as a young woman (had a few poems published), then went on to get her master’s and doctorate and become a university professor. She’s now retired and looking forward to the publication of her book within the next couple of months.
As for me, I’m approximately 25% into my next novel, which will be in the YA Paranormal genre. I’m eager to pick up the pace on this novel and publish it in mid-2013.
I’m also eager to move on to novel #5. I will be novelizing a play that I wrote many years ago, which actually began as a short story when I was 17. So, these characters have been itching to make themselves known for a very long time.
*****
Isn’t Lisette adorable? I am totally going to watch for her in those movies… maybe if we beg enough, she’ll tell us the title of the film where she wears a bathing suit!
Need more Lisette? Catch up with her at her website, or follow her via her Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook accounts.
Do you have a question for Lisette? Have you read Molly Hacker is Too Picky!? If so, share your thoughts here! We’d love to hear from you!
Tiffany A White's Ooo Factor 