We chat with author Lauren Kate about What’s In A Kiss?, which is an enemies-to-lovers “what if” romance about a prom kiss that never was, and one woman’s magical chance to live what might have been.
Hi, Lauren! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m the author of thirteen novels in several genres. I’ve written fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and contemporary novels, but the throughline is that they’re all love stories. I’m a nerd for ancient and prehistoric civilizations, biblical theology, hiking, oceans, islands, kitchen-dancing, and ambitious cooking. I live in LA with my husband, two kids, and dog who’s also obsessed with water.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
That love predates my memory. It’s always been in me. But when I was thirteen, my most intimidating teacher encouraged me, simply, to keep writing—which made all the difference to me. But I didn’t grow up among adult artists or creatives, so I always thought that writing was something kids did, and adults grew out of. Then, when I was eighteen, I met my first novelist (my college creative writing professor), and once I realized that “being a writer” was an actual thing, I devoted myself to that dream.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Matilda by Roald Dahl
- The one that made you want to become an author: White Noise by Don DeLillo
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Circe by Madeline Miller
Your latest novel, What’s in a Kiss?, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Sexy, funny, romantic, parallel universes.
What can readers expect?
What’s in a Kiss is a Sliding Doors-style story that whisks the main character Olivia out of the life she knows and drops her in a world where she’s married to her high school nemesis. She discovers that doing one thing differently (leaning into instead of pulling away from a prom-night kiss) sends her on an entirely different trajectory—for better, for worse, and forever. Every decision has unforeseeable consequences, but this story believes that some loves are undeniable, no matter how life interferes.
Where did the inspiration for What’s in a Kiss? come from?
Recently my children asked how my husband and I got together. Sitting across the dinner table, each telling our version of meeting under the stars on a tomato farm in northern California, I wondered what other paths might have led me to this life. If I hadn’t gone to that party, some other force would have brought me here…right? I wanted to write a romance that would ignite regardless of the circumstances. A love story that insisted on itself, even when it was impossible. I’m not sure I believe in soulmates, but I do believe that some loves are stubborn, with cosmic agendas.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
The scene where Olivia goes from being beloved Maid of Honor to loathed Persona Non Grata at her best friend’s wedding was a thrill to write. I seek chances to shock my protagonists, to turn them upside-down and inside-out, in a starkly tangible way, so I can know them more deeply.
Olivia was my BAE in this book. Because the rift in her reality exposes two very different sides of her character, she felt familiar to me in a long-term way—meaning I identify with her in both my past and present selves. Once she’s displaced from her real life and loses access to the people she’s closest to, I knew it was essential to put her in conflict with characters who enrage and annoy her. Of these characters, I particularly enjoy Yogi Rabbi Dan.
Your debut released 15 years ago! What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned between your debut and now when it comes to writing and the publishing world?
Like a lot of young writers, I thought I’d be permanently attached to my first novel, like my face would be replaced with the cover, forever. But a career, like a body or a marriage, is a process. Everything gets recontextualized all the time. If books are sculptures a writer places in a garden, each new piece alters the appearance of the whole garden.
What’s next for you?
I’ve just finished a spin-off romcom set in the same world as What’s in a Kiss! It features Olivia’s friend Fenny, and it also has magic in it, this time involving a ghost…
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to pick up?
I’ve recently loved The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel, The Love Wager by Lynn Painter, Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey, One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake, and The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
I can’t wait to read You Belong with Me by Mhairi McFarlane, Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner, The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes, and Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
