We chat with author Jennifer Dupee about her debut novel The Little French Bridal Shop, writing, and more!
Would you please give us a short intro to who you are and what you write?
I am the eldest (though the smallest) of a set of fraternal triplets. I love the ocean, old houses, and quirky characters. I write in an imagistic style infused with an impish sense of humor and tender moments. My goal with my writing is to make you laugh, cry, and think a little more deeply about the world and the people around you.
Can you give readers a sneak peek into The Little French Bridal Shop?
The novel is set in motion when Larisa Pearl returns to her small seaside hometown upon the death of her Great Aunt Ursula. She’s just lost her job, she’s recently broken up with her boyfriend, and she’s struggling with her mother’s failing health. On a whim, she wanders into the local bridal shop and buys a dress even though she has no groom. Soon word spreads all over town that she’s getting married. Rather than dispel the rumor, she perpetuates it. Small town chaos ensues.
Did you always plan to be a writer?
I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember! My kindergarten report card read “Jennifer doesn’t want to talk to anyone. She just wants to sit in the corner and read.” My love of writing grew from there. Writing is something planted deep in my psyche and a pleasure/challenge to which I will always return.
What were your career goals as a child/young adult?
I thought maybe I’d be a librarian since I loved books so much.
Whose writing inspires you and why?
- Ann Patchett – relatable characters, quirky situations, vivid writing.
- Audrey Niffenegger – imaginative storytelling, wonderful description, touching moments.
- Lorrie Moore – funny, tense, poignant writing.
- Andrew Sean Greer – surprising plot twists, lyrical writing, intricate narratves.
- Anthony Doerr – historical fiction, memorable characters and places.
- And so many more…
What was the first piece of writing you ever had published?
I published a short story when I was a junior in high school as part of a local short story writing contest. I was invited to a lunch for finalists and I was sure that the girl who sat across from me would win. She was from an artsy private school and she just looked the part. She got second place; I got first!
Was there a moment in your writing career where you thought, “Okay, now I am officially a REAL writer?” Can you tell us about that time in your life?
I’m still not sure I feel like a REAL writer. It’s just something I’ve always done and will always continue to do. But I do have one small anecdote – my grandmother was friends with John Updike. When she died, we both spoke at her funeral. He came up to me afterward and praised my eulogy. In that moment, I felt a little liked I’d arrived.
If you weren’t a writer, what other job would you want to have and why?
I’d work for a greenhouse. I worked for two different greenhouses when I was younger and I loved being around plants all day – the smells, the colors, the variety of plants and flowers. I also really loved interacting with the customers–helping them make their selections and often learning a little bit about their lives. I definitely met some characters there!
Do you have a set writing schedule? What do you need to have near you (or NOT need) in order to write?
Ideally, I’d write from 9am-noon. But in reality, I only get a bit of time from 8:00-9:00am because I work full time. I try to carve out longer sessions on the weekends. I really like to have an empty house so I can focus in and immerse myself in the world of the novel. But I don’t usually get that, so a room of my own with a door that shuts is as close as I can get.
Can you tell us what’s next for you in your writing world?
I have two projects in the works at the moment. One of them is still gestating and so I won’t talk about it yet. The other is a first-person narration told from the perspective of a seven-year-old girl. Her mother is pregnant, and the entire family is eagerly awaiting the birth of this new baby girl. The story is set in motion when a strange man arrives at the end of the driveway and claims that baby could be his.
Advice for writers – what was the easiest thing about getting published; the most surprising thing, and the hardest thing about getting published?
The easiest (and most fun) thing is connecting with other writers and readers out there through social media. I am quite introverted by nature, but once I put myself out there, I was really heartened to experience the overwhelming enthusiasm, and support from the writing/reading community. Writers and readers are my people!
The most surprising thing is that while I am so excited to bring my book into the world, I’m also a little scared. Part of what I love about writing is the revision process. Because I’m a writer, I naturally think about other ways in which my book (my characters) might have evolved. But once it is published, I won’t be able to edit it again. This sense of permanence is a little intimidating.
The hardest thing is having to let go of “sole proprietorship” of the book and allow my editor, agent, and the hardworking folks at the publishing house to take some ownership. Writing a book is a solitary endeavor but putting a book into the world is a collaborative effort and requires a lot of trust and communication between all those involved. As an author, it is difficult to allow others to put their marks on my creation. But I’m lucky in that I have an amazing team at St. Martin’s and they’ve really guided me through the process.
What is one thing you wish readers knew about you?
I feel like a social media klutz every time I post something. It’s not my natural habitat, so please be kind and forgiving!
