Author Confessions With Rochelle Weinstein
The ups and downs of writing EIGHT books + her fab new romance novel.
This is a tough week to publish a novel. Not only did a war in Israel begin last week, but many of my author friends have been distracted as they attempt to locate family members or collect food and medical supplies for those who need it. Author Rochelle Weinstein is trying to focus on her seventh novel’s launch today; last week, she was scrambling to collect 1,600 tourniquets to send to units in Israel. “We’ll likely resume collecting again in a few days,” she says.
Somehow she made a little time in her schedule to tell us about her new book, What You Do To Me, which sounds so utterly sweet. Described by writer Annabel Monaghan as “the ultimate love story and a heart-pumping mystery,” What You Do To Me follows a Rolling Stone reporter on her quest to discover the story behind one of her favorite songs. Love that!
I enjoy asking authors where the idea for the book came from. Can you tell us how you came up with the idea for What You Do To Me?
I've always loved the song "Hey There Delilah," and when I learned the story behind the lyrics, I was left a tad disappointed. Lead singer of the Plain White T's Tom Higgenson had written the words for a woman he met at a bar, who had a boyfriend, and needless to say, they did not end up together. That's when I decided to reimagine the story with wholly different characters and what I think is a better ending.
What part of the novel did you find the most fun to write?
This novel flew out of me. Told in a dual timeline (70s Miami Beach and 90s Los Angeles), I combined my experience in the music industry with my love of the written word. The 70s timeline follows the forbidden love of Sara and Eddie, while the 90s timeline highlights the world of Cecila James, a Rolling Stone reporter on the hunt for the muse behind the title song. Weaving music and the magic of lyrics through the plot was a thrill to write. Music, and words, have incredible power.
How did you become a writer? What made you believe you could do it?
My writing career began at the age of 10 when I received my first journal and found a place to express myself. I enjoyed thoughtful, creative expression but never believed I could make a career out of it. Besides, fiction is far different from internal musings. When my Miami-based company moved to New York, ending years in the workforce, I had twin infants at home and reached a career crossroads. Who was I? One day, while the boys napped, I sat down without an outline, only an idea, and wrote. One hundred and ten thousand words later, it became my first novel.
As I finish the first draft of my eighth novel, I STILL don't know how I do it. I have no idea where the confidence and grit comes from. Like many authors, imposter syndrome plagues me. I guess writing chose me, and I'm just heeding her call.
What is the best piece of writing advice you ever received?
There are so many gems. Thick skin. Never give up. But the one that's proven the most effective is moving away from a manuscript and returning with fresh eyes. If you're stuck, walk away. If something's not gelling, walk away. Thinking days are working days. Fresh eyes are the best contribution to any manuscript.
What is the worst piece of writing advice you ever received?
Write every day. Maybe it works for others, but I try not to pressure myself. Sometimes we just don't have the time or the right words. That's okay too.
Now that you’ve written several books, how have you evolved as a writer? Is there something specific you can point to in your writing style, plotting or promotion that has grown?
Seven published and the eighth (horrible first draft) written. I think I'll always write heartfelt stories with depth, but I've been trying to balance those tales with edgier concepts and plot points. We're in a saturated business, and your book needs to stand out. High-concept has been coming up a lot in our world.
Did you ever consider giving up on a novel or have you ever moved on from one?
I had one synopsis rejected by my publishing house. It was a concept I was super excited about, but when my editor explained all the ways it wouldn't work in today's marketplace, I agreed. It's invaluable to have an editor who understands the publishing climate and what's selling. I haven't looked back on that manuscript.
Is there a scene in What You Do To Me that you’re particularly proud of?
I'm hoping readers will find a piece of themselves or a song that brings them back to their youth, when life was simpler and we could relish in the power of a good song.
Lastly, can you tell us a little bit about what you’re working on next?
Book eight, working title, The Inn, is the story of a bed-and-breakfast set in the picturesque North Carolina mountains. Eight guests stay for a week at a time, and the heart of the property is the chef's table where meals are prepared and conversation and connection flows. Think Big Chill meets Nine Perfect Strangers.
Ooh. Love that idea. Can’t wait to read that one, too. Thank you for stopping by, Rochelle! I’m dying to know the concept of the novel that your editors rejected — I bet it was a gem. Don’t forget to order a copy of her latest, friends.
xo
Fabulous interview. I cannot wait for my book to arrive. Thanks for interviewing my favorite author.