So around winter of 2021, while we were all in the grip of Covid and life felt small and cheerless, I was faced with the reality of having to begin a new novel. I'd found over the years that my books had become a little heavier, drawing on themes that felt meaningful to me, but took a lot out of me to delve into. I was faced with a dilemma. Do I write what I've written before - a new story, new characters ,but essentially give my lovely readers more of what they were expecting? Or do I try something new?
I'd had a run of rewatching some old favourite romantic comedies and romances. An Affair to Remember. Love Story. My Best Friend's Wedding. Muriel's Wedding. It's Complicated. Something's Gotta Give. As Good As It Gets. When Harry Met Sally. I'd loved the honesty and the timelessness as well as the laughs. Some of these movies were old, but they felt current because the fundamental truths at their heart were relevant to us all - always.
So then I thought.... I want to write a book like those movies! I want it to be old-fashioned but modern, sexy but sweet, gritty, real, touching - and hilarious. I put fingers to keyboard and was so pleasantly surprised how easily the humour came to me. I have no idea how that book still went on to take me almost three years to complete. Whenever I felt I was done, I also had a sense that it just wasn't quite there yet.
I found an amazing home for the novel - Bookouture. They're a powerhouse primarily digital publisher and a division of Hachette. My editor read the novel and got it. She also pushed me in all the ways I needed pushing, to take the book where it needed to go.
No writer ever wants to say they have a favourite novel - it's a bit like saying you have a favourite kid. All my novels have mattered to me, but for some odd reason, this one is the one I'm most proud of.
It's March 1 as I type this. Next month I will be revealing the title and the cover - and then I will be telling you a lot more about my idea, and my writing process leading up to publication in July.
Stay tuned!
Carol.
Comments