Elisa Lorello's novel Faking It - in which a female writing professor becomes close friends with a male escort - has just been released by Amazon Encore. We were excited to question her about this great new book. (Stay tuned for a review!)Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
A female professor proposes an unusual arrangement to a male escort, and they become friends.
What inspired you to write Faking It?
The year was 1999--I had been watching this brand new TV show called Sex and the City and having mixed feelings about it, partly because I considered the content to be quite bold, even shocking at the time. A what if came to me: what if an extremely inhibited, thirty-something woman meets an extremely uninhibited man? And because When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite movies, I added: and what if they became friends?
That was the seed of the idea. I didn't actually write the first draft of the novel until 2004.
Where do you do most of your writing?
Most of my composing gets done mentally, usually in the shower or the car or when I take long walks. Sometimes I need to talk it out with someone. The physical writing gets done either in my apartment or at my favorite coffeeshop. I don't really have an office or writing space in my apartment (although I'd like to), so it's wherever I feel like dragging my laptop--my bed, the couch, at the table, etc. I like to be near a window so I can stare out and let my mind wander.
I have an office at the university where I teach, but I reserve that for my teaching responsibilities. Besides, it doesn't have windows.
What is your favourite book?
Oh, that's a toughie! Probably Straight Man, by Richard Russo. I also love Steve Hely's How I Became a Famous Novelist--totally hilarious. And I love Stephen King's On Writing. Any time I read a book multiple times without getting sick of it is an indicator of how much I love it.
Which part of Faking It was the most fun to write?
There's a scene between Devin and Andi attending a Monet exhibit, and Andi comments that she "adores" Monet. Devin finds this statement preposterous, and lets her know in no uncertain terms. I still laugh when I read that scene. And yet, there's something really touching about that scene as well, and very revealing about Devin.
What are you currently reading?
I just bought and started to read Skipping a Beat by Sarah Pekkanen.
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Who is your favourite heroine?
Oooh, good question, and again, tough choice! The first that comes to mind is Bridget Jones, believe it or not. She's equal parts funny, vulnerable, self-deprecating, misfit, and empowering. There's also a character named Jojo Harvey in Marian Keyes' The Other Side of the Story who I thought was just fabulous.
Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published authors?
Read read read (which they're probably already doing!). Write the best book you can, the book you would want to read. At some point, get feedback, and not just from people who will tell you you're wonderful no matter what. Hone your craft. Get an editor if mechanics is not your strong suit.
Know what you want and why you want it. Do you want an agent? Do you want to self-publish? Are you expecting to become a mega-bestseller with movies and merchandise, or just sell copies to your friends and family? All of these things are important to know before you go in and learn the ropes of any of these options before you jump in head first.
Finally, don't let anyone tell you that you don't have a chance because the competition is so strong or the market is oversaturated. Learn how to take rejection, and persevere!
Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
I am, but I'm superstitious about discussing my works in progress. I will say that so far I'm liking my characters a lot.
Thanks, Elisa!
