Interview with Gloria Holt, Author of Youth

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Youth?

Turning 40 inspired this book. I became reflective about where I was in life and decided to channel those thoughts and explore, in a creative way, my insecurities about getting older.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Youth, what would they be?

This is the best question ever! Music is so important in Youth. Goldie, the protagonist, is a music snob, and her boyfriend, Teo, is a musician. Here are a few of the songs mentioned in the book: Summertime Sadness – Lana Del Rey; Fade Into You – Mazzy Star; Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles; Make You Feel My Love – Bob Dylan; From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea – The Cure.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m a big romance reader who favors funny, quirky, and tender stories—attributes I prioritize in Youth and in my writing.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Julia Song Is Undateable by Susan Lee; Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai; The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia; Realm of Four Kingdoms series by Jayci Lee; Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The meet-cute moment for my main couple, Goldie and Teo. I made it a flashback in the chapter where their relationship starts to unravel. I thought it was a nice contrast and gives the reader an extra kick in the feels when everything is revealed.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing quirky. Just leave me be, and I can write wherever, whenever.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“She had resolved never to take another step backward.” The Awakening by Kate Chopin

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want to leave the reader with a smile on their face and a sweet ache in their chest. They might never recall a line or any of the characters’ names, but that feeling of enjoyment is what I hope readers remember.

Gloria Holt is the author of the new book Youth

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