Interview with Lauren Layne, author of Love Story

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Romance

15 Feb 2017

What can you tell us about your new release, Love Story?

Love Story is my version of the perfect Valentine’s Day date. It’s a sweet and sassy romantic comedy about two childhood sweethearts who parted way after high school with broken hearts, and are reunited years later, only to be stuck together in a car for two weeks. I’ve always wanted to write a “road trip” story, and I couldn’t have asked for better characters to make the journey with.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

Ha, well most people are surprised that romance only makes up about 25% of my reading time, and of the romance I do read, I’m partial to Regency despite being a contemporary author myself (although I always make time for the latest Christina Lauren and Susan Elizabeth Phillips releases!) The rest of the time, I’m a sucker for biographies, with presidential biographies being my favorite! I also don’t own a single physical book outside of my husband’s cookbook. I’m Kindle all the way

If you were a teacher, what book would you assign your class?

Well, it depends on the age level, but I think everyone can learn something from the Harry Potter series. To my thinking, it’s an example of perfect storytelling, I’m in awe every time I reread, which is often.

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would you chose and why?

No surprise, based on my above responses, but JK Rowling and Thomas Jefferson. JK Rowling so I could pick her brain about her outlining/pre-writing process, and Thomas Jefferson because I think he has one of the most brilliant minds in American history. Ben Franklin’s up there as well.

What’s rocking your world this month?

Well, truth be told, I had a chaotic December, and spent all of January just sort of recovering. February feels like the first time in a long time that I’ve felt clear-headed, so quite honestly everything is rocking my world. Starting with just finishing Eloisa James’ latest release (Seven Minutes in Heaven), a fabulous new White House Black Market sweater I splurged on, as well as a trip to Las Vegas with my husband to belatedly celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary.

What will your next adventure be?

I’m very much in the writer cave in 2017, but it’s exactly where I want to be! But I’ll be spicing it up a bit with that Las Vegas vacation, as well as a book signing in Germany which I’m so excited for!

What scene in Love Story was your favorite to write?

There are a couple—one where they’re staying in the same hotel room, trying VERY hard not to be aware of each other, and the sexual tension is off-the-charts. And then there’s a “flat tire” scene that was a last-minute addition during the editing process, and it’s got equal parts LOL and swoon, and I’ve reread it a couple times, just because it makes me smile.

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

It changes every month or so depending on my mental state and priorities, but lately I’ve been loving the Steve Jobs quote: “Focusing is about saying no.” It’s odd how that tiny word is so hard to say, and yet so crucial to productivity and soul-deep happiness!