We chat with author Jessica Knoll about Helpless, which is an erotic thriller with a singular, mind-bending ending from the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women
Hi, Jessica! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m an author, screenwriter, and mom to a rambunctious toddler.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve known I’ve wanted to write from the moment I first picked up a pen.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: All But Alice by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
- The one that made you want to become an author: Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about? We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Your latest novel, Helpless, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Disturbing, tender, uncomfortable, gripping, fast-paced.
What can readers expect?
This is my slimmest novel to date. I wanted people to be able to read it in a day or on a long plane ride.
Where did the inspiration for Helpless come from?
I wanted to write a novel where two characters who ostensibly hated one another were forced into proximity to settle their differences.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love my main character Faye, who has an unusual mind and a strong sense of self.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Every novel is a challenge for me. I accept that struggle is a part of the process and try not to be too hard on myself if the writing isn’t going well that week.
What’s next for you?
Sixty pages into my new book.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
The holy trifecta: Strangers, Yesteryear, and Famesick.
