We chat with co-authors Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick about Joy To The Girls, which is a cosy holiday novella companion to She Gets the Girl!
Hi, Rachael and Alyson! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourselves?
Rachael: Hey! I’m Rachael Lippincott. I’m an author and a mom from Pittsburgh, PA. I write books that I wish I had growing up, usually about girls falling in love.
Alyson: Hi! I’m married to Rachael 😀 I grew up a couple hours north of Pittsburgh in a very small town called Greenville. I was raised pretty conservatively and religiously, so it took me a while to figure myself out as an adult – discover my sexuality. I think that part of my life influences a lot of my writing.
Your latest novel, Joy To The Girls, is out September 30th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Rachael: Christmas, Fluff, Fun, Friends, Lesbians.
Alyson: Many Many Many Many Lesbians
What can readers expect?
Alyson: Their beloved characters, Alex and Molly, navigating some speedbumps and learning that you never really stop learning/growing in a relationship.
Rachael: We also just really wanted to write a sweet and simple story to let readers know that these two are doing just fine. They’re still very much in love, and also very much able to work through and past anything. Together.
Where did the inspiration for Joy To The Girls come from?
Alyson: All the love we received for She Gets the Girl! We wanted to give readers more.
Rachael: Totally. This was for every reader that asked for an epilogue or a sequel. This one’s dedicated to them!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Rachael: I think it was really fun and special to give Alex and Molly’s best friend Cora her own happy ending. I also really adore these characters, and writing Alex feels so easy and natural. It felt so great to be back with Alex and Molly.
Alyson: Honestly, I really love writing for Molly. It was cool to get to write her a little older, a little more confident in who she is and what she wants.
Can you tell us a bit about your process in co-authoring?
Alyson: We do most of our brainstorming at our dining room table after our kids go to bed, and then we try to find some time when we can to write our chapters! Writing has definitely become trickier since we became parents, but co-writing makes it all feel a little easier. I love writing with Rachael.
Rachael: Agreed. I think also so much of the writing process takes place away from our laptops. We’ll be brainstorming in the car, or before bed, or just randomly text one another throughout the day. It always feels so exciting to work on a project together, and especially exciting in those early days of brainstorming.
What’s next for you?
Rachael: I have my first romantasy coming out next year! What You Will. It’s a take on Twelfth Night that’s got sapphics and magic and revenge.
Alyson: What she said ^^
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
Rachael: I really enjoyed Exquisite Things by Abdi Nazemian. My most anticipated is probably The Isle in the Silver Sea by Tasha Suri. I was a huge fan of The Jasmine Throne!
Alyson: Right now I’m reading Big Swiss and I’m liking it. I also really loved I’ll Give You the Sun (I was about ten years late on this one, but finally read it this year!)
