Social Climbers interview and giveaway

Today I have such a special treat for you! Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Beth Dunn, author of Social Climbers. You can read more about this fascinating and elegant lady on her webpage.


Why did you decide to write a novel?
This could be entire blog post! LOL. I was working in my dream job as a publicist in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia. BUT, I was pregnant with baby #2, making the same salary as I made when I was 24. So, I asked my Father, "What should I do to make more money? It's embarrassing that Husband makes so much more money than I." To that, my Father replied, "Why don't you write a book, you have some of the most interesting friends and stories I've ever heard." From there it gets more technical but, let's just say....I took my Father's advice. I've always been a Daddy's little girl. When Wyn turned 1, I quit my job, went to Alaska and wrote Social Climbers full time.

In a crazy world of back-stabbing and social climbing, hilarious things are bound to happen. Tell us about what you think is the funniest anecdote in your novel.
When Elizabeth, my heroine, digs through Kitty's gym bag at The Philadelphia Raquet club-because she wants to know what label her dress is.

What is the best book that you have recently read that we should go out and buy right now?
Besides mine? The Overnight Socialite-it is adorable!

What tips can you give to people who are going on a job interview? Write Thank you notes, hand written! Right away. I would not even call someone back for a 2nd interview that did not write me a note. Get excellent references, look your absolute best and be punctual.

Describe your most rewarding philanthropic experience.
I have SO many. Everything from seeing an event packed to the gills and all the decor come together, to seeing the smiles on my sons faces when they raced on the boardwalk in Ocean City to raise money for CHOP. I live for charity work. And I donate books all the time! I just donated to The Junior League of Philadelphia.

How can anyone become a socialite?
This is very simple...read my book. But I also offer 12 tips on my website for free, as well as a free chapter download. You can also look inside on Amazon.com to read more chapters etc.
1.Chose a charity and volunteer your time (even if it is 1 hour a year)
2.Try (I know its hard sometimes) to be gracious, glamorous and give, give, give
3.Call me! I'm the socialite expert on NBC40, I've been on hundreds of radio shows and have been interviewed for several news papers. I also teach etiquette at the Ocean City Yacht Club.

Beth has generously made a copy of her book available to one lucky reader! Get a chance to enter this giveaway by leaving a comment under this entry. Be or become a follower of my blog for a 2nd entry.

Promote this wonderful giveaway on twitter with a reply to @ilovelillymd or facebook for additional entries. It's as easy as using the "Share It" button on the blog. Be sure to let me know what you have done so that I can give you the correct number of giveaways. The giveaway will end on Friday, January 22, 2010. I'll announce the preppy winner on Saturday, January, 23.

If you'd like to buy a copy of Beth's book for a friend, click here. It would make a great gift! Her blog is also among my daily reads. Her posts are always so interesting.

A million thanks to Beth for being such a sweet friend!

xoxo