We chat with author Carolyn Mackler about The Wife App, which is a hilarious rollercoaster ride of revenge and redemption that is at once a send-up of modern marriage and a celebration of female friendship and love in all forms.
Hi, Carolyn! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Thanks for asking! I’ve been writing novels for my whole adult life. I also love to read, which I guess is no big surprise. I’m married to a great guy, Jonas, and we have two sons and one super-cute goldendoodle, Maple. We live in Manhattan, right near Riverside Park. Maple and I go walking there every day. That is often where I come up with my ideas.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I wrote my first story when I was four. I had my mom transcribe because I didn’t know how to write yet but I drew the pictures. It was a Richard Scarry knockoff.
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!
When I was six, I read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Judy Blume’s Forever made me want to write novels. And I can’t stop thinking about Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny. I read it last weekend and was blown away by the prose.
Your latest novel, The Wife App, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Women charge for mental load.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a humorous and heartfelt sendup of modern marriage where three best friends, after railing against everything wives do for free, decide to build an app that monetizes that emotional and physical labor.
Where did the inspiration for The Wife App come from?
My husband and I have come a long way in terms of dividing domestic labor but still, there are moments when I’m like, “Why am I the default person to fill out the camp forms? To make sure the kids have winter boots? To send the thank you cards?” That definitely inspired The Wife App. Plus I’ve been a mom for eighteen years so I’ve had a million conversations with other moms and wives on park benches as the children play—tons of inspiration there too.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved writing that scene where Lauren, Madeline, and Sophie rant about all the unpaid jobs they have done as wives. Like helping their kids paint “Best Dad” pottery for Father’s Day!
This is your first published adult novel. Can you tell us about any challenges you faced?
I fully enjoyed getting into the adult voice! The challenge, of course, was making myself sit down and write every day. But once I got into the groove, I felt like I was hanging out with my best mom-friends.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on a new adult novel. I can’t wait to talk more about it!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Romantic Comedy. The Vanishing Half. Pineapple Street. Lessons in Chemistry. Such a Fun Age. Olga Dies Dreaming. Joan is Okay. Carrie Soto is Back. I could go on and on!
