Check out our interview with Kara McDowell, who wrote "The Write Off."
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
So many things! My years in the publishing industry, my involvement in fandom spaces, and my experience attending the Tucson Festival of Books as an author all acted as inspiration for "The Write Off." I knew I wanted to write a dual timeline story about two writers who drew creative inspiration from their relationship, and the fact that my college campus just so happens to host one of the biggest book festivals in the country made it the perfect setting for this story.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
It means reading, supporting, and celebrating books by LGBTQ+ authors and/or with LGBTQ+ characters. It means purposely seeking out and engaging with a wide variety of stories all year long, not just during Pride month.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
Everyone deserves to see themselves in a book, and as a romance writer, I strongly believe that everyone deserves to see themselves in a love story! I always want my stories to feel real and inclusive, and we live in a world filled with a variety of people all with their own backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints. I’ve seen firsthand how diverse books with LGBTQ+ characters can be a lifeline for young, queer, readers, and I want my books to feel safe for any reader who might pick it up.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
Mars is a bestselling fantasy author who based her famous character on West, the college ex who broke her heart and betrayed her in the worst way. Years have passed since they’ve seen each other, and when they meet again at a book festival on their old college campus, they’re haunted by a complicated history, and now feel more like rivals than lovers or even friends. Sparks fly as they’re forced to work together, and they only have a few days to decide if they can rewrite the ending to their story.
I’m fascinated by the creative process, and I loved the idea of writing characters who are inspired by each other, exploring how that inspiration would manifest through all the stages of their relationship. How do you write a romantic hero based on the ex who broke your heart? I’m also a lifelong fangirl, and love thinking about fandom spaces and how they can end up affecting the art they love.
What can fans expect from your book?
"The Write Off" is romantic, funny, and fast-paced, and readers should expect a lot of yearning, banter, and chemistry between my main characters. I’ve been told many times that it’s impossible to put down, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself staying up too late to read “one more chapter.”
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
My next adult rom com comes out with Berkley in 2027. I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to share, but readers can expect a castle, a wedding, and a man in a kilt! It’s a really fun story, and I can’t wait to tell people more about it.
