The Nerd Daily recently had the chance to chat with Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of novels such as We Can’t Keep Meeting Like This, Weather Girl and the upcoming Business or Pleasure. We got to ask Rachel all our burning questions surrounding her new release, what makes a good romance and so much more!
Hi Rachel! Thanks for chatting with us! Why don’t you tell your readers a bit about yourself?
Thank you so much for having me back! I’m a longtime Seattleite now living in Amsterdam, and I write romantic comedies featuring imperfect people trying their best. I love crafting, travel, and character-driven books with the ability to rip my heart out and/or scream “just kiss already” at the top of my lungs. (Or silently, while on a train.)
Lightning round! Tell us the first book you can remember reading, one song that will always make you dance and one goal you’ve set for yourself this year!
- Book: Madeline
- Song: Don’t You Want Me by the Human League
- Goal: take the writing more slowly—be self-indulgent with it!
You’ve been writing stories for a quite a long time – what’s your favorite part about being an author?
Seeing my books in a store never gets old, but the true best part is hearing from readers that something I wrote resonated with them. There’s nothing that can adequately prepare you for it, and it’s the best feeling, especially because most of my books draw from my own Jewish identity and experiences with mental illness.
Now tell us about Business or Pleasure! What can readers expect?
Business or Pleasure is just pure FUN. It’s about a ghostwriter who has a horrible one-night stand with a C-list actor, not knowing who he is, only to learn she’s been hired to work on his memoir. And because that’s not enough awkwardness, she also winds up confessing to him that their night together was not as magical as he thought it was—and offers to give him some instruction.
I love that Finn initially isn’t the traditional stud in the sheets and needs some…guidance 😉 What made you choose to create this awesome character?
Thank you! That was definitely purposeful, in large part because I love beta heroes—and what way to make a guy even more beta than to have him be truly bad at sex? I hadn’t read that before, and while it seemed like it might be a challenge to keep readers rooting for a guy whose first interaction with my heroine is so cringeworthy, it was one I ran right toward. The majority of m/f books featuring the “lessons in seduction” trope place the hero in the teacher role, and I felt flipping it would be both exciting and empowering.
One of the highlights in the novel for me is the emphasis on how important communication is in a relationship. In your opinion, what makes (or breaks) a good romance story?
Communication is so crucial, and I think it can be extremely sexy, too. For me, a good romance hinges on the connection between the characters—chemistry, mutual respect, and emphatic support of one another. I also want the relationship to be healthy, which means I’m not generally drawn toward possessive heroes exhibiting any kind of toxic alpha male behavior. I am all about the beta J
Business or Pleasure also features introspective arcs about what it means to feel stuck where you’re at in life and what it takes to pursue your dreams. What do you hope readers take away from Chandler and Finn’s story?
That anyone feeling stuck is absolutely not alone and that change is possible, both professionally and personally. And that there are a millions different ways to measure success, and most of them aren’t what we were taught success meant when we were young.
Chandler and Finn have incredible chemistry from their very first meet cute. Without spoiling too much, did you have a favorite scene while writing their love story?
Thank you! It was my first time writing a book where the two main characters are strangers at the beginning, and I spent a lot of time trying to get it right. One of my favorite scenes is when Finn is sick and Chandler takes care of him, and they really open up to each other—right before he admits, DayQuil-loopy, something that he probably shouldn’t.
If Business or Pleasure were a movie, what three songs would you love to be on the soundtrack?
- “New Routine” – Fountains of Wayne
- “Lost Track” – HAIM
- “King of the World” – First Aid Kit
With Business or Pleasure releasing soon, what are you currently working on? Can you share a tidbit about it with us?
I’m getting close to wrapping up my 2024 YA, which hasn’t been announced yet, and also drafting my 2024 adult, which is set in Amsterdam! I can’t wait to share more.
Last but not least, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Plus One by Kelsey Rodkey – a delight YA romantic comedy about a girl who can match-make anyone but herself. Kelsey writes my favorite banter and I couldn’t stop laughing!
Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler – an emotional, immersive story about an American in London in a complicated and unhealthy relationship. The writing is stunning and I highly recommend the audiobook.
Thank You for Sharing by Rachel Runya Katz – this one isn’t out until September, but it’s one you should have on your radar. Jewish summer camp friends to enemies to lovers, with delectable prose and a heroine who works in a museum!
