I have a new teen novel coming out in February, called AFTER, and I’m also ghostwriting the autobiography of rock’n’roll legend Chubby Checker, who sang The Twist and Limbo Rock. Kristin: I’m currently on tour promoting my most recent release, ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS, which came out in the U.S. Scott Fitzgerald, and young adult novelists Sarah Dessen, Stephenie Meyer and Meg Cabot. Kristin: Oh, there are so many! I particularly like Emily Giffin, Megan Crane, Liza Palmer, Jane Porter, Alison Pace, Sarah Mlynowski, Brenda Janowitz, Lynda Curnyn, Melissa Senate, Cecelia Ahern, Jane Green, Marian Keyes, Wendy Holden, Jodi Picoult, Anita Shreve, Audrey Niffenegger, Sue Monk Kidd, F. Hence the decision to send Cat to Rome to solve a mystery and have a romantic encounter with a Vespa-riding Italian – all while figuring out an issue that will resonate with lots of readers.ī&L: Who are your favourite authors right now? I like to tackle subjects that hit close to home (such as the pressure to get married, which Cat, the heroine of ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS, is feeling), but I like to do so in a way that entertains and keeps the reader enthralled. When there seems to be a recurring theme among my friends in terms of what they’re thinking about or worrying about, I begin to think about whether it might be the seed of an idea for a novel.

I have a wonderful group of friends across the United States, and I’m always talking to them about problems, issues, etc. Kristin: I think I’m inspired all the time. I like creating characters that readers can identify with and hopefully learn from, and I like sending readers to interesting destinations, whether it is Paris, Rome or a magazine office in New York City. Kristin: I think I write fast-paced novels with strong storylines and heartfelt messages. Read all about Kristin in the following interview…ī&L: How would you describe your writing style? She is friendly and down to earth, and we love that she is smart AND feminine. Kristin Harmel is a talented author whose novels include “The Blonde Theory”, “Italian for Beginners” and “When You Wish”.

Kristin harmel italian for beginners