Interview with Jennifer Carmody, Author of The New Days

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The New Days?

With the number of times, I’ve been asked this question you would think I’d have an answer. I honestly don’t know what inspired me to write The New Days. I can remember from a young age wanting to write a book, but the why has never been clear. One day in 2016, a conversation between girlfriends popped into my head and I quickly wrote it down. Those girlfriends soon became Annabelle and Zoey.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The New Days, what would they be?

Annabelle’s theme song would be Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez. Liam’s theme song would be Can’t Stop Falling by Great Big Sea. Cole’s theme song would be One Call Away by Charlie Puth. Zoey’s theme song would be Badass Woman by Meghan Trainor. Austin’s theme song would be Too Much to Ask by Niall Horan. Willow’s theme song would be Treading Water by The Vamps.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I will always pick up a book with a good love story. Lately, I’ve been getting into the mystery and thriller genre. I don’t believe it would ever be a genre I’d like to write, but as they say, never say never.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, His & Hers by Alice Feeney, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda, and many, many more.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I really enjoyed writing the weekend getaway chapter.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have to have my hair in a bun while writing. If it’s down I find myself going through the motions of putting my hair up when I’m frustrated or having difficulty writing a scene and it’s more helpful to the process to start with it already up. I also need background noise, whether it’s music or a tv show, it doesn’t matter, just as long as it’s not quiet.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“Do it scared.” Elyse Myers said it months ago on her Instagram and it really stuck with me.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Friendship is important. And not to worry, there will be a book 2.