Summary:
How Lucky You Are is the story of Waverly, Kate and Amy, a tight-knit group of best friends held together by Waverly, their rock. But after many years of friendship, Waverly’s role as the group’s anchor is being tested. Her debt is mounting and the quaint bakery she runs is facing financial ruin. Meanwhile, her friends are facing serious struggles of their own.
Kate is fiercely independent and self-assured and married to a man who could be the next governor of Virginia, but she has a lot of unsettling questions she needs answered.
Amy is a stay-at-home mom who seems to have the perfect life, but she’s been keeping a horrific secret from the group.
Life’s pressures put this long-time friendship to the test and Waverly knows she has some huge, life-changing decisions to make. She’ll discover that there’s a fine line between loyalty and betrayal. And sometimes life is about taking risks in order to get the rewards you crave.
A thoughtful, perfectly written story about the power of friendship, How Lucky You Are by Kristyn Kusek-Lewis is a must-read. And Kristyn Kusek-Lewis proves with this impactful debut that she’s novelist to keep your eye on.
We were lucky enough to get to interview Kristyn. Read her inspiring words on the writing process, her background in the magazine world and what she’s working on now.
1. Tell us the story behind the story. What was the inspiration for HOW LUCKY YOU ARE?
I was interested in writing about long friendships, and the ways that our relationships change as we get older and adopt new roles, like starting a family or changing careers. I was also inspired by the idea of rumors, and what might happen if you learned a secret about a friend that could potentially be life-altering if you chose to ignore it.
2. What was the most challenging aspect of writing HOW LUCKY YOU ARE?
Deciding on a point of view. I wrote the story from several different characters’ perspectives before my agent and I decided that Waverly really ought to be the one to tell the story. Looking back, all of those drafts gave me a deep understanding of each woman. It feels like an essential part of the process that I couldn’t have skipped.
3. What is the message you want readers to take away from your book?
To feel grateful for the gift of old friends and to be authentic with them.
4. Describe your background.
I’ve been a freelance magazine writer for the past fifteen years, mainly for national women’s magazines like Real Simple, O: The Oprah Magazine, Redbook, and Glamour. I started as a junior editor at Glamour, and when freelance writers mailed or faxed in their stories (this was pre-email!), one of my jobs was to transcribe their stories into the computer. I knew then that I was more interested in writing than editing, and a few years later, I bit the bullet and decided to start writing full-time. It’s really all I’ve ever wanted to do. I started writing stories in grade school and have very distinct childhood memories of getting into bed at night with one of my treasured notebooks and a pen and writing for hours.
5. Describe your writing schedule. Do you outline? Any habits?
My kids are two and four so I write in the morning while they’re at preschool. I didn’t outline this last time around but I’m working with a loose outline for my next book. I wish I was more of an outliner—I feel like it would be much easier with a strong framework in mind—but for me, what works best is to write a first draft as quickly as possible and then revise it to death, adding in layers as I go. It’s the nitpicking and fiddling with sentences and rearranging that I really love, and even though I write a quick first draft, I don’t necessarily stick to writing the story chronologically from beginning to end.
I also believe strongly in keeping a notebook. I write scenes longhand when I’m stuck or when I’m simply out living my life and inspiration strikes—there’s something about getting away from the computer that loosens me up.
6. What books are on your nightstand? What are you currently reading?
I just finished This is How You Lose Her and The Weird Sisters and I’m reading Gretchen Rubin’s latest, Happier at Home. I’ve written a fair amount of positive psychology stories over the years for magazines and I find her work fascinating and inspiring. Next, I want to go back and reread some old faves, simply because I never do it. I’m going to start with The Awakening by Kate Chopin and Little Women.
7. Which authors inspire you?
I love Meg Wolitzer, Lee Smith, Nora Ephron, Joshilyn Jackson, Grace Paley, Joyce Carol Oates, Susan Orlean, Mary Karr. As far as newer writers go, I really enjoy Meg Mitchell Moore, Meg Donohue, Sarah Jio, Allie Larkin, and Amy Hatvany.
8. What are you working on now?
My next book! It’s a sort of love story about two doctors and a tragic accident. It’s set where I live and it’s been so much fun to bring my surroundings into the story. I can’t wait to get it out into the world!
Thanks, Kristyn, for stopping by Bookfinds! If you’re looking for more information on Kristyn Kusek Lewis and her debut novel, visit her website.
