USA Today bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Holmes Brothers, New York Sabers, Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.
We chat with author Farrah Rochon about her latest release, The Dating Playbook, along with book recommendations, writing, and more!
Hi, Farrah! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi all! Well, I’m a romance writer, but in addition to writing escapism, I am a huge fan of escaping myself, to points all over the globe. I’ve traveled to over a dozen countries, but my ultimate goal is to visit all seven continents (still have to check off Australia and Antarctica). I’m also a huge Broadway fan. And I love Disney World way more than your average adult, but not enough to get a Mickey Mouse tattoo or anything like that. Maybe one day. Maybe.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I didn’t necessarily love writing at first; I just knew it came easy to me and that I was somewhat good at it, according to my teachers. In grade school and high school, I absolutely loved essay tests because they were easier than other types of tests for me. It wasn’t until college that I got the writing bug and considered writing fiction. I’ve been doing so ever since.
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!
- First book I remember reading: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
- Made me want to become a writer: John Grishman’s The Pelican Brief
- The one I can’t stop thinking about: Currently…Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
Your latest novel, The Dating Playbook, is out August 17th 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Thoughtful, sexy, fun football romance.
What can readers expect?
Anyone who read the first book, The Boyfriend Project, knows that at the core of the series is a sisterhood between three women who met under very interesting circumstances. They can expect more of that strong friendship to come through, but also a sweet romance between two characters who are both hurting in their own way, and who provide just what the other needs.
Where did the inspiration for The Dating Playbook come from?
I’m a huge sports fan, and particularly a huge football fan. After establishing Taylor as a fitness consultant in the first book, it seemed a natural fit for me to pair her with an ex-football player seeking to get back into the league.
Fun fact: my uncle is an ex-NFL player turned longtime NFL coach, and it wasn’t until after I was done writing The Dating Playbook that I realized how similar my hero, Jamar’s, journey was to my uncle’s. Both are former college standouts at the running back position who get hurt extremely earlier in their career. Maybe, subconsciously, my uncle served as a bit of inspiration, as well. I’ve always admired how he was able to work past his injury and find his place in the NFL as a coach.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
Oh, gosh. I can write an entire book on all the challenges I faced while writing The Dating Playbook. This is my pandemic book because a solid chunk was written while we were in the thick of the lockdown. However, this book was originally scheduled to be turned in months before any of us knew that Covid-19 was a thing. Unfortunately, I suffered the most devastating loss I’ve ever experienced halfway through the writing process when my only sister and very best friend died unexpectedly the day after Christmas in 2019. That was the day my entire world changed, and I’m still learning how to cope in a world where she is no longer physically with me.
What made this even harder is that The Dating Playbook explores grief. The hero, Jamar, lost his best friend and is also still learning how to process the loss. There were some scenes that literally had me on the bed in the fetal position. But, eventually, I was able to channel my own grief into my writing. There are some parts of this book that I’ll likely never be able to read again, but I’m hoping it brings a more authentic story to my readers. And, ultimately, that it makes my sister proud of me.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I always enjoy writing the scenes between the three girlfriends: Taylor, Samiah, and London. It honestly feels as if I’m an outside observer peeking in on a fun get-together between friends. However, with this book, the banter between Taylor and Jamar was equally fun to write. I really fell in love with those two as a couple, because they complement each other so well.
What do you love about the romance genre?
I love that a romance novel can have you ugly crying one minute, and then sighing in satisfaction the next. Sometimes, that guarantee of a happily ever after (or happy for now) is the only thing that gets me through the day.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to trust and protect my writing voice and it’s the advice I now share most with new writers. The worst advice I’ve received? Probably when someone told me I should remove all adverbs. I mean, seriously, what’s wrong with adverbs?
What’s next for you?
I just finished the final book in the Boyfriend Project trilogy, The Hook-Up Plan, which will be released next year. I’m also working on a YA novel for Disney Hyperion, as part of their bestselling Twisted Tales series.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Alexis Daria’s upcoming novel, A Lot Like Adios, is spectacular. I highly recommend it to everyone.
