Ellie Palmer wanted to tell a story that explored love without the body parts society frequently links with a woman’s sexuality, so she wrote, "Four Weekends and a Funeral."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
I'm a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation, and, in 2021, I had a preventative double mastectomy to decrease my likelihood of developing breast cancer, which also meant a life without physical sensation or nipples. I was reading a lot of romance at the time and was hungry for a story that explored love and sexuality without the body parts society frequently links with a woman’s sexuality, beauty, and pleasure. My body was still feeling alien to me, and I was searching for stories that might help me feel less alone. I wanted to read a novel in which a mastectomy served as the beginning of a story of love and optimism, not an ending. So, I decided to write it myself!
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
For me, Reading Rainbow is not only being thoughtful and intentional about what I consume year round, but also sharing those stories with my community. My life is so much richer when my reading includes LGBTQ stories, and I'm always seeking out new-to-me queer voices. Right now, it's more important than ever that allies are reading and amplifying stories that center queer joy.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Readers with a myriad of experiences and identities should be able to see themselves reflected in books and know they are worthy of love, adventure, and joy just as they are. Books can provide empathy, belonging, and a safe place to explore one's own identity without fear or shame. Romance in particular challenges the ideas so many of us grew up with that sexual desire is inherently shameful. Celebrating sexuality — including a diverse representation of what that sexuality can look like — is critical. Romance truly is a community where readers and authors are in conversation and challenging each other to read more diversely and to write with more attention to inclusivity. It’s a space that’s always pushing itself further.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"Four Weekends and a Funeral" is my love letter to 90s rom-com films. It follows Alison, who arrives at her ex-boyfriend's funeral, only to discover that no one knows he dumped her. She then agrees to play the part of the grieving girlfriend for the sake of the family and packs up her ex’s apartment with his very off limits best friend, Adam, with whom she happens to have incredible chemistry!
This book is the one I would have wanted to read while I was preparing for my prophylactic mastectomy and hungry for honest and optimistic representation. Alison is a BRCA carrier and her story starts one-year post mastectomy. I knew from the beginning that much of Alison’s journey would be grieving her body and redefining her sense of self, so I put great care into striking a balance between humor and heartache. Even though the circumstances of Alison and Adam’s meet-cute are comically atrocious, their story is ultimately one of joy and self-acceptance. It’s a book that celebrates friendship, family, and believing in your own worthiness — even without nipples!
What can fans expect from your book?
They can hopefully expect to laugh a lot, cry a little, and swoon throughout. Readers can also expect to see the romantic experiences of a postmastectomy woman depicted on the page in a world that reflects their own.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Another rom-com! I can't get enough! This one will be set in northern Minnesota during the summertime.
