Love & Gelato meets Don’t Date Rosa Santos in this charming, heartfelt story following a Miami girl who unexpectedly finds love—and herself—in a small English town.
We chat to author Laura Taylor Namey about her latest novel A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, book recommendations, writing advice, and more!
Hi, Laura! Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hello! I’m so happy to stop by today for a chat! Let’s see, I’m a Cuban-American who was born and raised in California. I love writing contemporary stories featuring coming of age themes and quirky teens navigating life and love. I am proud to have two teens of my own at home. And I am currently on the hunt for a new puppy…
With the current state of the world, what are you doing to cope with the changes we’ve had to make with our day-to-day?
I am trying to stay close to the people and things that bring me joy, whether it’s a socially distanced coffee date with a friend, or a long walk to recalibrate and reflect. I have been in various stages of book deadline since late spring, while also drafting a new project. Writing at home in a rather isolated state is my regular “day to day” so not much has changed in that respect.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
Looking back, I think there was always the root of a writer inside of me. I did well on school papers and creative narrative pieces, but usually stuck to shorter works and poetry. I believe this is where I learned how to express myself, and when I began to develop my voice. However, I never thought I possessed the ability to write a full length novel. About six years ago, I changed my mind about that, and was greatly inspired by much of the young adult content my own children were interested in. I simply decided to teach myself how to pen a young adult book by writing one. That book now lives in a drawer, but it taught me so much about craft and character. I went on to write my debut a year later.
Your new novel, A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, is out November 10th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Cozy. Cuban. Emotional. Witty. Delicious.
Now tell us a little more! What can readers expect?
Readers can expect a tale about Lila Reyes, a Miami Cuban teen baker who suffers three heartbreaking losses right before high school graduation. Fearing she’s not coping well, her parents send her (unwillingly) away from their family bakery to Winchester, England, hoping some time resting at their distant family’s country inn will aid her recovery. While in England, Lila finds new friends, a new kitchen to cook in, beautiful scenery, and a surprising love. But falling in love with more than a new place presents a series of pivotal choices for Lila, and challenges everything she’s grown up to believe about legacy, identity, and her future.
What inspired you to write this novel?
This book is a love letter to my Cuban heritage. I grew up in a big Cuban family surrounded by tradition, amazing food, life lessons, and so much love. I tried to reimagine the shapes of my childhood into a modern coming of age novel.
Is there a character or scene that you really enjoyed writing?
The kitchen meet-cute between Lila Reyes, and British tea shop clerk Orion Maxwell was one of my favorite scenes to write of all time.
Your debut novel The Library of Lost Things released last year. What have you learnt between writing these two books?
I learned that the more projects I have going in various stages––drafting, editing, pre-pub, promotion––the harder it is to focus on new drafts. I’ve had to adjust the way I work and organize my time. But I wouldn’t trade my job and all of the wonderful opportunities ahead for anything,
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best writing advice is the one I always pass along to emerging authors: read fifty books in the genre and age group you’d love to write in.
As for the worst, I do not subscribe to the notion that you must write every single day to be the best writer possible. While I try to capitalize on momentum, I also think cognitive distance is helpful and often provides new insight into my project. Self-care and rest are crucial parts of the creation process.
What’s next for you?
My junior novel is pubbing fall 2021, also from Atheneum Simon and Schuster. All I can say at this point is the book is a young adult contemporary heavily centered on friendship.
Lastly, are you currently reading anything and do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Right now I’m reading Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar, and it’s stunning. Please check out Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez, and get ready for The Half-Orphan’s Handbook by Joan F. Smith pubbing in April 2021 from Macmillan.
