You've Been Volunteered - Laurie Gelman - Q and A and Giveaway!!

I'm today's stop on the blog tour for Laurie Gelman's new Class Mom novel - You've Been Volunteered! (If you're looking for a fun - and funny read, this one's for you!) Laurie was kind enough to answer a few questions.....and I have a fabulous giveaway as well!

Tell us about your background and when you decided to become a writer.
I had been a broadcast journalist before and partially during my time as a mother, so I had always written in some form - mostly “just the facts ma'am” pieces for the news. I decided to try my hand at writing when I realized I was going to need something to do now that my daughters were growing up.

 What was the inspiration for the Class Mom novels?
The inspiration for the books comes from my own horrifying, pride-swallowing, butt-chapping experience as the mom who volunteers in the classroom.

 Any favorite authors influence your writing?
Tina Fey is most definitely one of my favorite comedic writers, but I think I took my fiction cues from Lianne Moriarty.

Do you have a connection to Kansas City? Why are both novels set there?
I've never been but I plan to go this summer! I set the book there because it is close to the geographic center of the US. I wanted everyone to be able to relate to Jen's trials and tribulations.

What do you hope readers take away from your novels?
All I hope is that they get a good laugh. Moms always need one.

What’s next – for Laurie Gelman and for Jen Dixon?
Well, Laurie Gelman is going to be dealing with her daughter leaving for college and writing the third Class Mom novel. As for Jen Dixon...we'll just have to see.


"Laurie Gelman was born and raised in the Great White North. She spent twenty-five years as a broadcaster in both Canada and the United States before trying her hand at writing novels. The author of Class Mom, Laurie has appeared on Live With Ryan and Kelly, Watch What Happens Live, and The Talk, among others. She lives in New York City with her husband, Michael Gelman, and two teenage daughters." You can connect with Laurie on her website and follow her on Twitter and on Instagram.

And the giveaway? I have a copy of You've Been Volunteered, a fabulous “Ron’s Gym and Tan” T shirt, and the chance for Laurie Gelman to Skype with the winner’s book club! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, ends August 24/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

See what other bloggers had to say - here's the full schedule. Follow the conversation at #You’veBeenVolunteered, #ClassMom, @lauriemgelman (Twitter), @lauriegelman (Instagram), @HenryHolt (Twitter), @HenryHoltandCompany (FB), and @HenryHoltBooks (Instagram).