Christina Lauren (the amazing author duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings) answered some questions from our contributor Mimi, about their upcoming release, the life of being a power author duo, and their favourite books!
First things first; some people may not know that you are actually an author duo, so would you be so kind as to share some things about you individually, Christina and Lauren?
Lo is a Ravenclaw and Christina is Hufflepuff. Neither of us like sweet pickles.
How did the two of you end up writing novels together? Was this something you’ve always dreamed about as a career?
We met writing fanfiction in 2009. We admired each other’s writing and got along so well that we decided to try collaborating! Lo has been writing since she was a little girl. Christina didn’t write her first creative story until she she was in her 30’s and discovered fanfiction.
As an author duo, can you guys share your work process? Do you write the entirety of the novel together? What’s the best and worst part of sharing this experience?
We collaborate evenly. It’s really important to both of us to get together in person to outline, and we usually take about two days where we just talk about the book and characters nonstop. But then our outlines are pretty basic; they’re often just a single word or sentence or emotional starting and stopping point. From there, we draft the chapters we’ve chosen and share the docs early and often so that we both know what’s coming, and what parts are getting tricky.
Your upcoming novel Twice in a Blue Moon releases soon – what can readers expect from this story?
A second chance love story that’s a little angsty and a lot sweet. If you loved Love and Other Words (or any of our books, really) then this will totally be your jam.
What most people (me included!) love about your books is the authenticity of the characters you create – they feel like they could jump right off the page! How do you come up with these characters? Do you model them after people you’ve met?
We usually come up with one character first, and write their love interest as the exact person they would fall in love with. Think about the favorite people in your life, you could probably fire off a list of the quirky things they do, or the things you love (or hate) the most about them. We try to look at our characters the same way.
The first book of yours I’ve ever read and immediately fell in love with was Autoboyography. You talk about such difficult topics and yet manage to make readers laugh on every other page. Where did the inspiration come from for this extraordinary novel? Also, are there any plans to return to Young Adult Literature at some point in the future?
Lo is bi and grew up in the Bay Area and was raised by two very supportive parents. Christina grew up in Utah, and though she isn’t Mormon, she worked in a school surrounded by students just like Tanner. This book was a little of those two worlds coming together. It’s impossible for an author to pick a favorite book, but Autoboyography is pretty close. If you put our hearts on the page it would read just like that. And we would definitely write another YA book if the perfect idea presents itself.
For those aspiring authors among us, any tips on how to balance reading and writing with your day-to-day life?
Being a reader is just as important as being a writer. Not only does it expand your knowledge of the genre (though we think you should read in several genres—just read what you love)/let you experience new phrases/ideas, it’s a great way to refill the creative well. You also want to be a champion for books and authors you love. It’s really true that a rising tide lifts all ships.
You have written such diverse books so far – is there anything you would like to write about in the future that you may not have gotten the chance to yet or feel intrigued/intimidated by?
We have an F/F story idea we’ve been playing around, an adventure romance we’d like to do, and are always toying with the idea of mystery/suspense. We also want to continue to write diverse worlds. It’s important that all our readers have a chance to see someone who looks like them in our books.
Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Christina is reading The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Lo is reading The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh, out 10/8.
