Camille Baker is the author of the new novel Have We Met?. Also an interpreter, she lives in Chicago.
Q: What inspired you to write Have We Met?, and how did you create your character Corinne?
A: The seed for this book was planted years ago, from a conversation with my best friend about knowing if any past romantic interests were The One. Years later after a short-lived attempt at using dating apps, I got the idea to put that power into an app.
For Corinne, I knew I needed to create a character that would be game to follow the lead of an app and get a bit messy. So I started there and built around it. I discovered a lot of her personality by how she interacted with other characters on the page.
Q: What do you think the novel says about the role of dating apps in today's world?
A: If anything, that they are a pain! But, sometimes worth it.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: In some ways, yes. Writing this book was the first time I had success with outlining before drafting. I knew who the main character would end up with.
The *how* changed with my first big revision. A plot guru friend helped me connect my two plot lines with the bit of magic in the novel. The moment she said the idea, it rang true. I instantly knew it was the right direction for the book.
The second to last scene of the book changed at the very end of my last developmental edit. The one I’d had throughout the publishing process – revising, querying, editing with agent then editor – I never liked it. I was convinced I couldn’t figure out how to fix it in time and I’d be left with an ending I didn’t like!
Thankfully, my agent reminded me that’s what editors are for. I told my editor my concerns and she helped me come up with what is in the book now, which I love very much.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?
A: I hope readers leave feeling more attuned to the everyday magic in their lives, and signs of their connection with loved ones who have passed away.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: My next book follows one of the characters introduced in Have We Met? It’s a stand-alone with some cameos for readers of HWM. It’s been a much harder process than I expected it to be, but I’m excited about it!
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Readers can connect with me on IG: @camilleuntil or Twitter: @camilliemill or using my website contact form at camillebaker.com. Thank you for having me!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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