What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
The question, “If you could change one thing in your past, would you?” has always intrigued me. Of course, we assume that in this “reimagined life” things will be better, but there’s no guarantee of that. Jade Morrow, the main character in my book, is a very successful author who has built her career on reimagining the lives of culturally important women—from Jacqueline Onassis to Amelia Earhart. The trickier thing is reimagining her own life, something she will have to do if she hopes to continue her career and stop the terrible panic attacks that plague her.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
“Caffeinated Warriors” by Antje Duvekot definitely inspired me as I wrote this book. Part of the lyrics read, “So goodbye Antoine de Saint-Exupéry / And all you intrepid wanderers / Goodbye Amelia and Hemingway / You broken-hearted explorers / Goodbye Joan of Arc / And all you caffeinated warriors / Goodbye, goodbye to you.” It’s a song honoring those heroes, those warriors, who have left such a mark on our culture. I tried to do the same in this book. The music is haunting and beautiful, and Duvekot's voice is mesmerizing.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read many genres, which translates to the fact that I write in many genres: romance, thrillers, dystopian, cozy mysteries, and women’s fiction. I’m an avid reader and take a book with me everywhere I go. I usually have both a print and an audiobook going at the same time.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Without giving anything away, the scene where Jade finally breaks down. Not only does she allow the emotions through, but she allows the memories, and when she does that, she steps onto the road of her healing. I also love, love, love the last page. I can SEE the last page of this book. It’s all that I wanted in an ending.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Yes! Don’t all writers? I like to write the beginning, then the end, and finally the middle. The Reimagined Life of Jade Morrow is my 53rd release, and I’ve written every book that way.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I keep a quote journal, so it’s rather hard to narrow it down to one. But as for my philosophy—be kind, slow down, offer grace to myself and others.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I would love for readers to remember that community and friendship aren’t optional—we need them to flourish. For some people, that looks like a group of 3; for others, it’s much larger. It’s not the size that matters. It’s the ability to care for others and to allow them to care for us.
Vannetta Chapman is the author of the new book The Reimagined Life of Jade Morrow
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