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The State
Q&A with Emily Giffin
October 26, 2005

Fans fell in love with dysfunctional – yet endearing – Darcy and Rachel from “Something Borrowed” and “Something Blue.” Those characters never would have been had Emily Giffin not left behind a promising legal creer in New York City to follow a dream.

Four years later, this best selling author and rising “chick lit” star is enjoying life and motherhood and finishing her third novel, “Baby Proof.”

The 33-year-old Illinois native will be at the Happy Bookseller from 6-7p.m. Thursday for a book reading and signing.

1. You had a interesting job in college.
I love sports, especially college basketball. I got the job managing the Wake Forest University men's basketball team before I was even accepted to the college. I managed the team from 1990 to 1994 under current USC basketball coach Dave Odom.

2. Why did you decide to change your career?
I wasn't being fulfilled as a lawyer and wanted to try something new. I had no formal training, but I had a passion for writing. I gave myself a one-year goal to see if I could achieve commercial success. I started writing in October 2001 and landed an agent the following November. I feel I've been rather lucky.

3. Describe your writing technique/style.
I write four to five hours, five days a week. I try and set my books in places I've lived, so I can draw from my experiences. (“Something Blue” was set in New York City and London, where Giffin has lived.) I write from beginning to end with now outline. I develop the characters who create relationships, which drives the plot. I write about characters I can relate to and have a little piece of me in them.

4. What advice would you give to your writers?
Have faith and believe in yourself. It is important to write every day and not get consumed with what's commercial and what will sell.

5. Will we see Rachel and Darcy again?
I've sold the movie rights to Something Borrowed, so hopefully we'll see them on the big screen soon.
– Katie Hahn