Q&A with Eliza Jane Brazier

 

Photo by Beverly Brooks

 

 

Eliza Jane Brazier is the author of the new novel It Had to Be You. Her other books include Good Rich People. Also a journalist and screenwriter, she lives in California.

 

Q: What inspired you to write It Had to Be You, and how did you create your characters Eva and Jonathan?

 

A: I had actually written a version of this story around 2010. I was living in London during a very hot summer, so I thought I’d write something steamy! The characters stayed with me over the years, so I was very excited to give them an official book.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between the two characters?

 

A: I think they have a very playful relationship and also a very natural understanding of what makes the other tick – which can be dangerous!

Q: The writer Alicia Thompson said of the book, “The writing is as sharp as an assassin's blade, the chemistry between the two rival contract killers absolutely explosive. I had no idea what was about to happen next, but I knew I was along for the ride.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I think Alicia is a god.

 

Q: Did you need to do any research to write the novel, and if so, did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: I used a lot of my own experiences traveling through Europe on trains, but I definitely had to research a few things! For example, I didn’t realize a French cop could make you pay speeding fines on the spot.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: The screenplay!

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: You are very special and important to the world.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb