We are so excited to kick off our 2014 Summer Reading Challenge with Emily Giffin’s The One & Only!

Here, is an exclusive interview with Emily and the official launch of The One & Only.

 

What was the inspiration behind Shea’s story in The One and Only?  

I wanted to explore this idea of an unconventional love and how difficult it is to pursue a relationship in the face of disapproval from those around you. I also love the idea of following your passion—and what that means. Finally, I’ve wanted to set one of my books in the world of college sports. So those broad-stroke ideas really became the catalyst for Shea’s character and her journey in THE ONE & ONLY.  I can also tell you that my best friend from high school, who happened to play college football at Stanford and is now a television writer, said that Shea reminded him of me more than any other protagonist I’ve created. That thought never occurred to me as I wrote the book, but I think he might be right. 

 

What is the strangest fan encounter that’s ever happened?

At my NYC book signing for Something Blue in 2005, I had a woman (who I later learned was mentally unwell) heckle me from the back of the room, accusing me of being the self-centered Darcy from the book. I was doing a reading at the time, and the first line from the book is: “I was born beautiful.”  I think this woman thought I was talking about myself! She had read the entire book, though, because as she was ushered out, she quoted several passages nearly verbatim.

 

Knowing what you know now, what publishing advice would you give yourself when you were first starting out? 

It never gets easier. No matter how many books I write, the creative process is still a struggle at times. But it’s important not to panic when staring at a blank page. The ideas—and words—will come.

 

What is it like working with a new publisher this far into your career? 

 Having a new team on-board for the seventh book has certainly been a fun and exciting experience, and I think there’s always a benefit in having a different set of eyes looking at your work, especially after you’ve been at this for a number of years.  I’ve been extremely fortunate in that both of my publishers (first, St. Martin’s Press, and now, Random House) have been so supportive throughout my career.

 

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I’m really excited for my tour. I love getting on the road and meeting so many readers, but the highlight of my summer will be coming home, after all the chaos, and spending quiet time with my family.

 

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