Exclusive Interview
Author Ava Wilder Reveals the Song That Captures the Essence of ‘Some Kind of Famous’
After embracing all things Hollywood with Will They or Won’t They and How to Fake It in Hollywood, author Ava Wilder is taking a bit of a detour to Colorado in Some Kind of Famous. Her main characters in her previous romance novels were actors, but Merritt in Some Kind of Famous is her first heroine from the world of music.
Wilder spoke with Swooon and answered some of our burning questions about Some Kind of Famous, which is out October 28. Obviously, we had to know which song is most closely aligned to her latest romance novel and what’s next for her. (Hint: Broadway!)
The Some Kind of Famous author will be one of the special guests at Dell Romance’s Cozy Night In event at The Ripped Bodice on October 28. Swooon will be there, too! You can order a signed copy online and join the waitlist for the event here. Plus, read our exclusive excerpt of Chapter 1!
Was Some Kind of Famous inspired by a celebrity?
Ava Wilder: Not one in particular, but I’ve always listened mostly to music made by women – especially singer-songwriters – and there’s a lot about that experience that fascinates me. After writing two books about actors, I was interested in creating a character whose art is extremely personal, and the toll the pressure to commodify her “authenticity” takes on her relationships and her sense of self. I also am very intrigued by celebrities who choose to walk away from that life, whether temporarily or permanently, and the inevitable growing pains that come from such a huge lifestyle change.
Is there an aspect of Merritt and Niko’s relationship that you loved writing the most?
Wilder: I loved subverting the traditional gender roles of celebrity/normal person romances, particularly rock star romances – Merritt is older, wealthier, more worldly, and (some kind of) famous – and exploring how that played out in their dynamic. Many female musicians have spoken about how their careers often end up being intimidating to romantic partners, especially compared to the way men in the same position are viewed as uncomplicated objects of desire. I wanted her to be loved, fully, by someone who is in awe of her without being threatened by her; and, in return, her belief in him transforms the way he sees himself. I see Niko and Merritt as an opposites-attract pair on the surface who are actually quite similar at their core, letting down their walls to build a gentle, supportive, and profound bond.
What song(s) best describes Some Kind of Famous?
Wilder: To me, the song that embodies the book is “That Teenage Feeling” by Neko Case. Finding a connection that feels as overwhelming and all-consuming as adolescent love, but struggling with the baggage and self-doubt that comes with experience.
What was the first love story you fell in love with?
Wilder: I think my origin story as a romance writer is the montage in Beauty and the Beast where Belle and the Beast slowly start to realize their feelings for each other are changing. I’ve always been a sucker for anything with that dynamic since then (except, generally, without the imprisonment).
What makes you swoon?
Wilder: There’s nothing more romantic than genuine interest. When you can tell someone is paying close attention to what you’re into, and how you think, and what makes you happy, and what makes you you – and not just projecting their own ideas onto you. I try to write that kind of connection into all my books.
You’ve said this is your last celebrity romance. What’s next for you in the romance genre?
Wilder: My next book, Love Notes, is about two characters who play together in a Broadway orchestra pit — so, not too much of a departure, since I’m staying in the performing arts, just without the fame element. It’s been a lot of fun exploring a more down-to-earth (though still unusual) environment, while also finding ways to dial up the stakes and drama that are already part of the package with celebrity romance.
