We chat with author Paul Rudnick about What Is Wrong With You?, which dares to pose the question essential to anyone who’s ever been in love: What Is Wrong with You?
Hi, Paul! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a novelist, screenwriter and playwright. My last book was called FARRELL COVINGTON AND THE LIMITS OF STYLE. I’ve written plays including JEFFREY and I HATE HAMLET, and movies like ADDAMS FAMILY VALUES, SISTER ACT and IN&OUT.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
When I was a kid. My first job, when I was 12 years old, was shelving books at a local public library. I’d wheel my little cart into a far corner and read any book I could grab. My Mom has a report I wrote from when I was maybe 8 years old, where I said I wanted to write plays. Which was interesting because I’d never seen a play. But writing always sounded like the most wonderful job, because it would keep surprising me.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Winnie the Pooh
- The one that made you want to become an author: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, because of Willy Wonka and my sweet tooth
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: anything by Edward Gorey
Your novel, What Is Wrong with You?, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
A comic exploration of love.
What can readers expect?
The book follows a wide-ranging group of characters, who travel to a destination wedding on a billionaire’s private island. The story covers every aspect of love, including hopeless infatuation, long term marriage, painful divorce, widowhood and so much more. There’s hilarity and heartbreak inequal measure: prepare for a wild ride.
Where did the inspiration for What Is Wrong with You? come from?
I once came across a random blog post from a guy who was terribly depressed about his life, including his job, his family and any hope for romance. I wondered: what could possibly cheer this man up? How could I justify even a glimmer of happiness? Everything flowed from there.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I fell hopelessly in love with everyone I was writing about, even when they were making terrible choices. It was especially pleasurable to write from so many different points of view, and to ultimately intertwine everyone.
What are some of the key lessons you have learned when it comes to writing and the publishing world?
In any of the arts, you have to truly love the process and not only the result. I’ve been deeply grateful to the agents, editors, publishing staff and most especially, the readers involved. That moment when someone says they enjoyed or even loved one of my books is always thrilling. Rewriting is also essential: don’t become overly precious with every word.
What’s next for you?
More books!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
I loved LONG ISLAND COMPROMISE by Taffy Brodesser-Akner and I’m looking forward to Torrey Peters’ STAG DANCE.
