The Nerd Daily recently had the chance to chat with Tessa Bailey, bestselling author of unputdownable romances such as It Happened One Summer, Fix Her Up, Window Shopping and now Unfortunately Yours, a modern marriage of convenience romance. We got to ask Tessa all our burning questions about her writing, favourite romance tropes and so much more!
Hi, Tessa! Thank you for chatting with us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a die-hard romantic living on Long Island who can barely hold a conversation because I daydream from the moment I wake up until the moment my head hits the pillow. I love peanut butter, the color green, falling asleep to television shows about aliens and I overshare too early on in a friendship. Every time. I have a 12-year-old daughter and a husband who I would carry across the desert on my back, if needed.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about
he first book I remember reading is Hatchet—and only because Jonathan Taylor Thomas said it was his favorite book. The book that made me want to write romantic comedies was The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. I can’t stop thinking about Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan.
What can readers expect from Unfortunately Yours? They can expect a cat in a bow tie. They can expect to laugh and really, truly relate to these two characters and want them to have a happily ever after. They can expect themes like grief and family drama, but they’re handled with humor and resolved with care. I must also warn readers in advance about the spice, because there is quite a bit from these two. August is a level ten dirty talker.
When did you first discover your love for writing and romance in particular?
When I was twenty-seven, I had a child and decided if I didn’t pursue my dream then, I would never get another chance. And I really wanted her to be proud of me. I don’t think I loved it until I knew I could complete a book. Before that, the possibility of stalling out scared me too much. Once I realized I had the discipline, I allowed myself to love it.
Your books always feature a fun constellation of romance tropes. What are your favorite tropes to read about?
Lately, I’ve really been into unrequited love. There’s something that’s so honest and raw and relatable about it. When once character is pining for the other (who is blissfully unaware). BONUS POINTS if the pining party moves on AND THEN the person they are pining for finds out after the fact. I will eat that up with a spoon.
Speaking of tropes and romance in general, what makes a romance perfect for you? What could you not live without?
I need the hero to love the heroine from the first page. It’s okay if he doesn’t realize it, but I need there to be a good reason he doesn’t. Perhaps he is anti-love or damaged and therefore refuses to see what’s right in front of him. Or vice versa. But I think part of the fantasy, for me, is that they find it impossible on some level to not love her.
August and Natalie have such a fun, banter-y dynamic. Without spoiling too much, was there a scene in particular that you loved writing?
The prank war scene is one of my favorites. They are trying to out-prank each other and August accidentally does something that causes Natalie to get bumped on the head and he fully dissolves and almost passes out at the idea that she might be hurt. That’s perfect hero behavior, to me.
You have published quite a few books now, are there any key lessons you have learned about the publishing and writing world that you’d like to share with aspiring writers?
I always give out two pieces of advice. One: You aren’t writing a book for your mother (or best friend or husband or uncle). Stop worrying about what they’re going to think and write the story you need to tell. Two: When you ask for feedback on a manuscript, ask the person to tell you what it GOOD about it. Not what is bad. Go from there.
With Unfortunately Yours now released, what’s next for you? Can you tease any upcoming projects?
I have a Christmas book coming out in October called WRECK THE HALLS about a young man and woman rushing to reunite their famous rock band mothers by Christmas Eve, while, of course, falling madly in love. And next year, I’m kicking off a sports series that I’m very excited about!
Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I just read the True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren and I think it’s a perfect little love letter to romance fans. I couldn’t stop smiling. And I need everyone to read Kate Clayborn because she is one of the best in the game and deserves all the accolades.
