Q&A with Jenn Bouchard

  

 

 

Jenn Bouchard is the author of the new novel Palms on the Cape. Her other books include Considering Us. She is also an educator, and she lives in the Boston suburbs. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write Palms on the Cape, and how did you create your character Rachel?

 

A: I knew that my next book would be set on Cape Cod, and I love the idea of an upscale beach bar. I love these kinds of places that are somewhat casual and familiar and warm, yet feature innovative, fresh, and thoughtful menu items alongside live music.

 

This was actually the second book I wrote, but it's being published third. That in itself is a long story.

 

But I knew I wanted my protagonist to be somewhat of a badass. She's been through things. She's had to figure everything out for herself. But still, she's not totally hardened by it all. There's a soft, endearing side to Rachel. I love her complexity.

 

Q: The novel is set on Cape Cod--how important is setting to you in your writing?

 

A: I absolutely adore the Cape, especially the Mayflower Beach area of Dennis on Cape Cod Bay. The sand goes on forever at low tide. I have spent a lot of time there over the past 12 years.

 

I feel an instant sense of calm as I drive over the Sagamore Bridge, even if the traffic is terrible. It's magical to me. Writing a novel set there made me so happy. I had a smile on my face the whole time I wrote this book.

 

Q: The writer Dara Levan said of the book, “This story shimmers with humor, heart, and the kind of imperfect love that makes us feel seen.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I think she nails it. This book features a big ensemble cast with a found family you'll want for your own. Their interactions are sometimes hilarious. 

 

They are flawed people (well, maybe not Carlos...), as most of us are. But there's an appreciation, a mutual respect, a shared history among them that feels deep and meaningful. I just love them so much. I'm excited to share them with readers.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Rachel and Carlos?

 

A: They are truly best friends. They have been for years. Their evolution is one for the ages.

 

When Harry Met Sally is one of my very favorite movies. I wanted to write a book that dealt with the same question of men and women as friends, but I approached it in a different way. 

 

Rachel has a lot of things to figure out. And let's be honest: Carlos is about as perfect as it gets. I'm happy to give everyone a great book boyfriend this summer. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am figuring out the next steps for my fourth book, Way Outta Left Field. After years on the baseball and softball sidelines with my kids, a book about both sports was inevitable.

 

And I'm writing my fifth book, Most Likely to Succeed. I have the premise set for my sixth book, but I can only write one at a time. I'm so envious of writers who can work on multiple projects at once. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I will be doing a ton of book signings over the next year or so. Please check my website jennbouchard.com and follow me on Instagram and Facebook @JennBouchardBOS for updates. I'd love to see you on the road!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Jenn Bouchard.