Taylor lives in Los Angeles and is the acclaimed author of One True Loves, Maybe in Another Life, After I Do, and Forever, Interrupted. Her novels have been named best books of summer by People, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, InStyle, PopSugar, BuzzFeed, Goodreads, and others. In addition to her novels, Taylor’s essays have appeared in places such as the Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, and Money Magazine.
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Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one in the journalism community is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband, David, has left her, and her career has stagnated. Regardless of why Evelyn has chosen her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s Upper East Side apartment, Monique listens as Evelyn unfurls her story: from making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the late 80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way. As Evelyn’s life unfolds—revealing a ruthless ambition, an unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love—Monique begins to feel a very a real connection to the actress. But as Evelyn’s story catches up with the present, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
What was most challenging part of writing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? What was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part of the story was making sure the details and the timeline were just right. The story spans over sixty years, takes place in multiple cities in multiple countries, and has very public characters. Evelyn's gowns needed to be emblematic of the time period. Her adventures and husbands had to feel timely but timeless. That was work I hadn't done before because, up until now, I've written contemporary pieces.
By far the most rewarding was Evelyn. She's a complicated woman but I hope very much that she leaps off the page. All my efforts to create her worldview, her style, her place in our culture, were done with passion and excitement. It didn't feel like work at all.
What is a favorite compliment you received on one of your previous novels? What was some constructive feedback that you applied to your writing?
I've been told a few times that After I Do helped people in their marriage. That one always sticks with me. As for constructive feedback, I'm always learning, always refining. For instance, it can be hard to gauge how clued in readers are to what you're trying to say. I sometime veer too subtle and other times too obvious. My editor and my beta-readers help me to keep fine-tuning that balance the best I can.
What is one piece of advice you would like to share with future novelists?
You have to do you. Nobody can be your voice and you can't be anyone else's. The books I'm the most drawn to -- and the most success I've had -- come from honesty and distinctiveness. There are a lot of other elements that come into play when it comes to writing a good book. But none of it matters if you aren't writing what you love in your own way.
In your opinion, which movie should never be re-made?
When Harry Met Sally... It's so good -- and truly defines the romantic comedy genre -- but there is no one that can do Nora Ephron justice and the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is one in a million. We have to let it age untouched.
What is your theme song?
'Grown Woman' by Beyonce. It's the perfect song to give yourself a little pep talk or when you're feelin' good. It works in both scenarios! And I like being a grown woman. Plus, hello, it's the Queen B.
What is your biggest addiction?
I have three. A holy triumvirate of vice: Caffeine, Sugar, Sweatpants.
Thanks to Taylor for chatting with us and BookSparks for sharing her book with our readers.
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In my opinion, no movies should be remade. The new versions never live up to how great they original version was. I never watch movies that are remakes.
ReplyDeleteShawshank Redemption, braveheart, pulp fiction to name a few!
ReplyDeleteGone With the Wind
ReplyDeleteCity of Angels, Leaving Las Vegas, ET, probably most movies.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win Taylor's book!
ReplyDeleteNo remakes at all. Especially classics. Rebecca and Jane Eyre should never be redone.
ReplyDeleteNo remakes at all, by my opinion :D
ReplyDeleteTaylor is one of my favorite authors - I was lucky enough to get an advance e-copy of 7 Husbands, and really enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteHmm. I'd say Titanic :P but I agree with Gone with the Wind too, that someone commented.
ReplyDeleteGone with the Wind
ReplyDeleteI agree with GONE WITH THE WIND. First to come to my mind. Maybe MY FAIR LADY & THE SOUND OF MUSIC too.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Gone With The Wind should never be re-made. I love it just the way it is.
ReplyDeleteThey already did and it was horrible! Dirty Dancing!
ReplyDeleteMost of them. The remake is rarely as good as the original. Come up with some original ideas.
ReplyDeleteAnne of Green Gables...whoops! too late!
ReplyDeleteI have to go with Gone With The Wind.
ReplyDeleteI think Pretty Woman is great as is. No remake needed! I'm sad that Dirty Dancing was recently remade. I would have suggested not remaking that one.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read. Can't wait to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteThere should never be a remake of "Gone With the Wind".
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThere are nothing but remakes, nowadays, which is why I've lost interest in movies. An occasional remake was fine, but now that's all there is.
ReplyDeleteThe Wizard of Oz
ReplyDeleteall of them; don't like remakes
ReplyDeleteI don't have a specific movie in mind, I just think don't remake the good ones, remake the movies that were disappointing and had the potential to be better.
ReplyDelete