We chat with author Joss Richard about Let’s Kiss and Tell, which follows a sex columnist and a news reporter who realise a fake relationship can help them both professionally and personally—but they aren’t prepared for the real feelings that start to develop beyond the headlines.
Hi, Joss! Welcome back! How have you been since we spoke last year for It’s Different This Time?
I can’t believe it hasn’t even been one year since It’s Different This Time came out and now I have two books! Truly, this past year has been life-changing and one of the best years of my life. Never could I have imagined the overwhelming reception. I’m so beyond grateful.
Your latest novel, Let’s Kiss and Tell, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Messy, complicated, sexy, real, and beautiful.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect that same voice from me if they read and loved It’s Different This Time. But Let’s Kiss and Tell is a little more sexy and messy. It takes place in LA in the summertime and follows a cynical sex columnist and no-nonsense news writer. They’re both cynical when it comes to relationships and decide to enter a fake relationship to help each other professionally and personally.
Where did the inspiration for Let’s Kiss and Tell come from?
I’m a big fan of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. This book isn’t a retelling, but more of a love letter to what I adore about that film. I wanted to write a story that had the same power imbalance, a workplace romance, and fake dating – all elements that I love about that film.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love Lucy and Marsh so much. They’re so complicated and different than any character I’ve written. They have big ideas and unique views on love that I relate to but at the same time don’t relate to at all. Aside from them, one of my other favorite characters of the book is Julia…Marsh’s ex.
Can you take us through what a writing day looks like for you?
I try to treat my writing like a 9-5 job. I wake up in the morning, make a coffee and breakfast and then sit at my computer until lunch and then write until the end of the day. That’s standard, but sometimes I’ll write with friends at coffee shops or skip an afternoon writing session and find a good 2 hours in the evening.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
All the time. I get writer’s block, I second guess myself, and I sometimes want to trash everything. What helps is for me to clear out the noise. I usually find the pressure or self doubt comes from thinking about how readers will perceive my books. I try to get out of that headspace and write the story that I want vs. what I think people will want to read.
What’s one piece of writing advice you wish you’d heard sooner?
People will love your book and people will hate your book. That’s a good thing.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on Book 3! More to come soon but I absolutely love this next story!
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I’ve loved Every Version of You by Natalie Messier and Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lakshmi. I’m excited to finally read Yesteryear.
