Photo credit: www.vogue.com
How does the release of this book feel compared to your previous projects?
The experience has been fantastic. I’ve published several books prior to the pandemic and quite a few during it, but now being back on the road and engaging in actual dialogues about my work has brought me immense joy. I had really missed that connection with readers. Every interaction feels invigorating, and perhaps that sense of excitement will persist. Writing often involves solitude, which I find fulfilling, yet there’s a unique pleasure in discussing books with others—whether we share a love for the same titles or if we’re talking about my own work. I particularly enjoy events at bookstores, especially romance-themed gatherings. They have a wonderfully enthusiastic atmosphere, largely filled with women who bring so much happiness and excitement to the experience. It truly is a delightful occasion.
What’s the most exciting romance plot you’ve stumbled across recently, whether in a book, on TV, in a film, or somewhere else?
There are several beloved stories that I frequently revisit. One that stands out to me is from Anne of Green Gables. While I adore the romance aspects, I find myself drawn even more to the friendships portrayed in that narrative. Books like that remain etched in my memory, and another series I cherish is the Betsy-Tacy and Tib collection. They beautifully capture romance, but at their core, they focus on the value of friendship.
Fashion-wise, I need to know where you think Taylor would get her heartbreak-inducing outfits.
I imagine that Taylor’s fashion choices are a mix of spontaneous finds and outfits that showcase her strong sense of style [laughs]. In contrast, Avery tends to favor accessible mid-tier brands; I’d say she leans heavily toward Banana Republic. Interestingly, as the book progresses, Avery’s wardrobe evolves, which made writing her character’s style quite enjoyable for me.
Is there anything you wish we saw more of within the romance-novel world?
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in diversity within the genre, which is encouraging, but I would love to see even more representation—specifically stories centered around women of color, particularly Black women, as well as narratives featuring plus-size characters. These voices and experiences have always existed, yet often lacked support from publishers eager to promote them. The rise in these stories over the past few years has been heartening, and I truly hope to see an even broader array of them in the future.
Source
www.vogue.com