Your newest contemporary, Anna K.: A Love Story, is going to be published on March 3, 2020! Can you tell us about it and why everyone should include this book in their reading list?
Anna K is a modern-day retelling of one of my favorite books, Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. I wanted to capture the rollercoaster of young love in all its forms but update it for a 2020 audience with an ensemble cast of diverse characters. I think people should include it in their reading list because even if you’ve never been in love (I hadn’t when I first read Anna Karenina), there is something so mesmerizing about the ups and downs of people who will do anything to follow their heart.
As a modern take of the classic Anna Karenina, what ultimately inspired you when you started writing this story? Is it the plot, the characters, or the general idea of Anna Karenina?
I’ve always loved the classic, but it wasn’t until I saw the 2012 film adaptation that the idea came to me. I was in New York City at the time, staying at a fancy hotel, and I realized just how well the story would translate to teenagers today. Anna Karenina is about first loves, and these days, most people have their first love as a teenager. I knew it would resonate with young people today. Part I of the book really follows the main plot of the original, but in Parts 2 and 3 I started to diverge and my story took on a life of its own. But if you have read Anna Karenina before you read Anna K, there are a lot of Easter Eggs sprinkled throughout.
As a well-known television writer and producer, how does your experiences in those fields help you in writing this story?
When I was feeling stuck in my writing process of the book (for years I was experimenting with the structure of my story), I decided to write each chapter short and sweet, like it was a scene in a TV script. This helped me keep the momentum going, as in a script you have to get a certain amount of information communicated to your audience in a short amount of time. I love a good slow burn with the characters and the story that starts to burn bigger and brighter as the reader keeps going.
Can you share if there were any parts or scenes that you decided to leave out and why?
I wanted to make sure I updated the story to make my female characters very strong and independent. Any chance I got I highlighted how women can be in love and still be feminists.
What would you consider the same between the classic tale of Anna Karenina and your very own retelling of Anna K.? And also how are these two stories different?
Something I knew I had to keep was the famous train imagery—hence why I chose NYC and Greenwich, CT for the modern-day setting. The love triangles are very directly inspired by the original, but in Anna K the cast is diverse (Anna is half Korean, for example). They also have new technology at their fingertips, which changes the way the characters get information.
What would you say was the biggest challenge when you were writing this retelling? How did you overcome it?
Writing a novel can be an isolating experience, whereas when you’re working on a television project you have lots of voices giving you notes and feedback. The research and drafting process is exciting, but the editing process can be slow and painful. My husband helped me a lot with those slower, tougher times… he was a great first reader and editor for me during the process, I’m lucky that way!
We couldn’t do this interview without mentioning the wonderful news that Anna K. is being adapted into a TV series. Congratulations! Can you share any updates regarding the adaptation process so far and what can the readers expect from the TV version of this story?
We have a great team in eOne, SB Projects, Creative Engine and HBO Max! It’s been fun and difficult to fit all those main characters into a fast paced story telling environment, but I think readers will love seeing the characters come to life on the screen. Also, the sets and wardrobe for the show will be amazing.
Now, we’re not sure if we’re allowed to ask this, but we’ll take our shot because we’re so excited! Is anyone in talks for casting or do you have any hopes for the casting?
Nothing has been decided in this arena, but of course I have fun talking about it. In my opinion Anna K should be an unknown, and of course we’re going to try to find a Korean-American actress for this part for authenticity. I will say that when I think about the character Beatrice I always think about Maisie Williams who played Arya Stark in Game of Thrones. She just seems to have the right intensity and I saw a pick of her with cool pink hair and was like… yessss!
Now, back to the bookish talk. We’re incredibly excited for this book, as it’s in our list for most anticipated 2020 releases. For you, what’s your most anticipated titles for next year?
Charlie Kaufman the screenwriter has his first novel coming out and since I love his quirky yet super specific characters that she showcases on the big screen, I’m so curious to see how will translate this into a novel.
Lastly, what’s next for you?
I’m currently working on another book that may or may not feature characters you know and love from Anna K… hint hint….
You can find Jenny on Instagram and her website.
