We chat with author K.L. Walther about We’re a Bad Idea, Right?, which sees the business of love gets messy when two best friends decide to fake a relationship in this uproarious and swoony novel.
Hi, K.L! Welcome back! How has the past year been since we last spoke?
It’s been a total, wonderful whirlwind! I celebrated the release of my two 2025 novels, While We’re Young (Delacorte Romance) and A First Time for Everything (Sourcebooks Fire), married my real-life romantic hero, and moved back to the East Coast. All while drafting and revising my next few books. In other words, I’ve been a little busy…
Your latest novel, We’re a Bad Idea, Right?, is out March 31st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Friends don’t let friends fake-date. (Technically five words, right?)
What can readers expect?
A dreamy coastal setting featuring a badass heroine, banter for pages and pages, and some very questionable decision making that results in plenty of heartstopping shenanigans. Plus, two cameos from While We’re Young.
Where did the inspiration for We’re a Bad Idea, Right? come from?
Like While We’re Young, this novel is a love letter to eighties teen movies. We’re a Bad Idea, Right? is contemporary, genderswapped retelling of Risky Business. I wanted to take another “caper” and flip it on its head with a female ringleader.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved getting to know Audrey, my protagonist, and exploring her passion for glassblowing. I’m not artistic in the slightest, but the medium has always fascinated me. A family friend is a professional glassblower, and her talent, grit, and grace inspire me to no end. I loved spending time in her hotshop, learning more about the artform and brainstorming how to best present it on the page. I hope I did you proud, Gemma!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I suffered from a really bad bout of tendinitis while drafting this book—writers injure themselves, too!—so I was in a lot of physical pain and had to take multiple breaks while drafting. It turns out that writing exclusively from my couch does not do my posture any favors, so I’ve worked hard to develop better writing habits. I invested in a nice desk chair and I do various wrist-strengthening exercises before starting to write each day. My compression gloves might not be cute, but they help cut down on the amount of hand massages I request from my husband.
Were there any particular songs or artists that frequented your writing sessions?
Taylor Swift, as always, but I listened to a lot of Olivia Rodrigo (the book’s title is an ode to “bad idea, right?”) and Maisie Peters. Calvin Harris and Rihanna’s “This Is What You Came For” also plays an important role in the book.
This is your sixth published novel! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned since your debut?
The first draft does not need to be flawless; in fact, it can be terrible. I tell myself this almost every time I sit down to write, because not only am I an edit-as-I-go writer, but when it comes to my work, I am my most merciless critic. Which I mostly see as a good thing, but being a perfectionist also gets in my way. Nothing needs to be perfect in an initial draft. Just type until you hit “the end.” Revisions are when it’s time to really make a story shine.
What’s next for you?
My second novel of 2026, The Summer of Second Chances (Sourcebooks Fire), hits bookshelves on May 5th. It is set on Martha’s Vineyard and explores grumpy-sunshine love, looming loss, and the importance of family. I’m also happy to report that readers will reunite with a handful of fan favorite characters from my other books.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Ancient History Between Us, Kaitlyn Hill’s next young adult romance. It is the Italian summer novel of your dreams; I wouldn’t read it without a glass of sparkling lemonade nearby. I’m also looking forward to the long-awaited return of Sarah Dessen, with Change of Plans.
