Diary of a Mad Fat Girl

Q: Diary Of A Mad Fat Girl is your debut novel. How long have you been writing? What was your inspiration for this novel?

A: I've had the idea to write a book for some time, but didn't get serious about it until March of 2010 when I started writing Diary of a Mad Fat Girl. As for inspiration, I just wanted to write a hysterically funny story to which normal people could relate.

Q: You originally self-published your novel as an e-book in 2010 and it became a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. What was your reaction to the success of your novel?

A: I'll be honest. Making the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists never crossed my mind. Not even as a remote possibility. I found out when a nice guy named Rick Wales posted a comment on the Diary Facebook page congratulating me on making the New York Times list. I read his comment and thought, "He must have me confused with someone." Just to be sure, I clicked on the link he posted and there it was. Trust me, no one on the planet could have possibly been more surprised by that than I was.

Q: Why did you choose to publish in an e-book format?

That's an easy answer: It was the only option I had at the time. I'd sent out some twenty-five query letters, all of which were politely rejected, so when I discovered how easy it was to self-publish I thought "Hey, why not give this a try?"

Q: What differences will readers experience with the new trade paperback edition versus the original e-book?

A: The new trade paperback is almost twice the size of the original e-book so there's a lot more in terms of plot, character, and craziness. I've added details about when Ace met Lilly as a child and how they didn't get along the first year they knew each other. There's more background on Ace's parents and her relationship with Mason in high school and college. There are more scenes featuring Ace's faithful canine companion, chiweenie Buster Loo. A big event and one of my favorite additions is when, after a major fallout with Mason, Ace goes on a few dates with "Biker Man" Tommy Compton. I also introduce three of Gloria Peacock's personal friends who will make appearances in the sequel.

I think fans of the original e-book will very much enjoy the revisions and I know they will appreciate the extensive professional editing. The basic storyline hasn't changed. Some areas have been toned down, others livened up. The new trade paperback offers a much deeper, more complete story.

Q: Describe protagonist Graciela "Ace" Jones. How did you come to create such a character? Where do you think her feistiness comes from?

A: Ace Jones is a chubby high school teacher who strongly dislikes her boss and is fed up with the warped politics that infest the small town of Bugtussle, Mississippi. She's fiercely loyal to her friends, but doesn't trust herself or her ex-boyfriend (who she refuses to speak to even though she's still madly in love with him and secretly longs for reconciliation). Her feistiness comes from her unwillingness to have things crammed down her throat and a seething frustration with the state of affairs in her life. She's always running her mouth when she'd be better off keeping it shut, but she is earnest in her pursuit of justice and reprisal.

Q: The power of friendship is a central theme in DIARY OF A MAD FAT GIRL as Ace and Lilly struggle to help their friend Chloe escape an abusive relationship. Why was this an important theme to write about?

A: It's all about who shows up when your choo-choo jumps the track. Simple as that.

Q: Buster Loo is Ace's trusty chiweenie canine companion throughout the novel. What exactly is a chiweenie? Is there a Buster Loo in your own life?

A: Absolutely! Señor Buster Loo Bluefeather is a tribute to my sweet little chiweenie, Baxter Mac. A chiweenie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Baxter Mac is a great little dog and he has been a comfort and joy to me through a lot of ups and downs.

Q: Are you excited to start meeting your fans? Is it possible for readers to meet you?

A: Yes! I'm heading out on a book tour starting February 7th and I can't wait to meet fans of Ace Jones! Readers can meet me at the Barnes & Noble in Pensacola, FL on February 18th at 1pm or they can check out my website (http://stephanie-mcafee.com/) for a list of other cities I will visit while on the road. And don't forget to find me on Facebook! (http://www.facebook.com/MadFatGirl)

Q: What's next for you? What's next for Ace Jones?

A: What's next for me is writing what's next for Ace Jones! In the next book, HAPPILY EVER MADDER (available Fall 2012) Ace and Buster Loo will be living with Mason in Pelican Cove, Florida, where she'll be working to get her art gallery off the ground while trying to plan a wedding. There will be adventures with friends old and new plus a devilish bunch of snobby old ladies that try to drive her crazy.