Rom Com Reads with Sally Thorne
As your go-to source for all things rom com, we’re showcasing best-selling authors and their up-and-coming books. We even brought in an expert (and self-proclaimed bibliophile). Courtney Marzilli has her finger on the pulse, working closely with publicists to share amazing, must-read books. Up next, Sally Thorne!
Courtney is a bibliophile and beauty junkie. Combining her love of books and beauty she created Bliss, Beauty, and Books where she shares must-have beauty products, everyday beauty tips along with straight-forward reviews, and interviews with best-selling authors.
With so many rom coms being developed from books, we are lucky enough to get a Sally Thorne adaptation! Her debut novel, The Hating Game is coming to the big screen starring Lucy Hale and it’s sure to be an instant rom com favorite. It is a must-read with all the ingredients for a perfect rom com. Plus, her latest release, 99 Percent Mine, is out now!
Q&A
What drew you to the romance genre?
I have always read romance since I was a kid sneaking them from my grandmother’s bookcase. I love the depth of emotion, the character arcs and the guaranteed happily ever after that makes reading romance such a satisfying experience.
If your book was to be adapted onto the big screen, name one actor you would love to cast?
I am lucky enough to be able to say that my first book, THE HATING GAME, is being adapted as a major motion picture, starring Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) and Robbie Amell (The DUFF). Filming should begin early 2020 and it is being directed by Peter Hutchings. It’s really exciting.
Where do you draw writing inspiration from?
If I waited for ‘inspiration’ I’d never write again. I make myself sit down at the computer and gradually get into the right headspace for creativity, even if it takes all day (and usually does). I don’t want any aspiring writers to think it all just comes perfectly out onto the page; it takes a lot of hard work and revisions to make the characters feel like real people.
I make playlists for each book I’m working on which helps a lot.
Match a song with your current/upcoming book release.
While writing book three, I’m listening to Graffiti by CHVRCHES.
If you were starring in a rom com, where would it take place?
I hope in Positano, Italy—a stunning place in the world, with pastel buildings, the scent of lemons and the glamorous Isle of Capri within sailing distance. I hope it’s a really long shoot because I want to lie on the pebbly beach and go shoe shopping.
Name one book, writer or movie that influenced you.
In the first ‘wave’ of ‘chick-lit’ in the mid-late 90’s I was obsessed with Marian Keyes and would buy anything she released without reading the blurb. This was back in the day when you’d actually have to go down to the bookstore. I still love her to this day, and she’s such a great example of voice; that Irish accent comes through and her jokes are laugh-out-loud funny.
Current #TBR (to be read) pile?
I’m lucky to get a lot of advance copies. I’ve got a couple on hand here for the next time I’m not on deadline: Viral by Tina Gephart, Well Met by Jen DeLuca, Sink or Swim by Tessa Bailey and Get a Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert. I also really want to read Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren.
Round-Robin Rom Com Favorites
Favorite film?
Impossibly hard question but I’ll say The Princess Bride. I tried to write fanfiction for it as a kid.
Favorite leading lady?
I love Mindy Kaling.
Favorite on-screen couple (TV or movies)?
I love Korean TV show Boys Over Flowers so I’m going to say Geum Jan-di and Gu Jun-pyo (plus there’s a love triangle with Yoon Ji-Hu which is always fun).
Favorite romance book?
I have to pass on this question, it’s too impossible to choose.
Favorite fellow romance writer?
Christina Lauren.
Favorite line/quote from a rom com?
“I like you very much. Just as you are.” ― Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones's Diary