We chat with author Tarah DeWitt about Savor It, which is filled with spicy summer fun, small-town charm, and Big Feelings.
Hi, Tarah! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Aside from my fiction addiction, I love live music, traveling, and am a total foodie.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I wrote a short mystery story in third grade and won a local Rotary Club award. I prepared a speech for it like it was an Oscar. I remember it feeling like such a rush. I adored the scheming that went into it, and weaving all the pieces of something together. I loved how magical it felt for something intangible to suddenly turn into this very tangible thing living on paper.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Little Women
- The one that made you want to become an author: Love and Other Words
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Talking at Night by Claire Daverly
Your latest novel, Savor It, is out May 21st! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Raw, emotional, fun, & achingly heartfelt.
What can readers expect?
I think readers can expect a fresh angle on a small town romance, maybe? Featuring the things we all love from them (see: meddling townies and all sorts of hijinks), but with characters who are deeply aware of the downsides and touch on all of that, too. I think the humor and swoon is nicely balanced with some of the rougher themes that aren’t always glamorous or romantic to talk about, and I think it’s very hopeful, in the end. Also, expect to love a small subplot involving a goose.
Where did the inspiration for Savor It come from?
I really wanted to write a small town that was slightly less than idyllic, featuring a character who was determined to make the most of everything at her fingertips. I think I was personally reaching for some of Sage’s hopefulness, while I was actually experiencing something similar to Fisher in my own life. I wanted to write his character as someone who was burnt out and disenchanted with his career, while struggling with some heavy stuff life was throwing at him, too. I thought exploring those personalities against each other, while under a time limit, left so much room for growth for both characters, and would ultimately lead to a pretty epic love story in spite of some “quieter” origins.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved being in both of their heads, but writing Fisher’s struggle was especially gutting at times, and I’m always the most proud of how real it feels when that happens. It was cathartic to watch him come to love his craft and be proud of his skill again, knowing that it touches people, but also realizing it’s not the sum of his worth.
What do you love about writing within the romance genre?
Gosh, everything. I love that a guaranteed HEA means that it’s safe to explore some heavier topics within. My favorite romances explore the biggest existential wounds we have in life—we all want to be seen and loved, even in our imperfections, even in spite of ____ whatever it is. We all want to have hope in the face of past hurt or grief. I love how romance can touch on social issues in one chapter and transition to knee-buckling sexiness in the next. It’s limitless.
What’s next for you?
I recently completed a major edit on one of my backlist titles and am SO excited for its re-release. It’s a whole new book, but it’s still called THE CO-OP. I absolutely adore it and am so proud of that story. I’m also excited to be working on an interconnected book with SAVOR IT. Every single person who’s read an early copy of SI has already asked about these two characters, so I’m thrilled that there’s so much interest for them this far in advance.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
SO MANY. The biggest perk of this gig is how many I’ve been allowed to read early, and this year is an epic year for books—but especially romance. I’ll include some I haven’t been able to read quite yet . . .
NE’ER DUKE WELL by Alexandra Vasti sounds like such a fresh take on a histrom and I cannot wait to gobble it up. I read Alex’s short stories when they were a newsletter sign-up incentive and god, she’s so talented. One to watch, for sure. THE TRUTH ACCORDING TO EMBER by Danica Nava sounds amazing, and I’ve heard nothing but great things. THE PAIRING, by Casey McQuiston. They just capture that unique achiness of love set against some real-life stakes and I love it. I’m always swept up in their stories. And (sorry but I have to include one more) . . . lastly, Kate Canterbary’s next one; CHANGE OF HEART. Her work always feels like it was written fearlessly (and fiercely) and even the characters I think I won’t relate to, I care so deeply for in the end.
