A New York Times bestselling author says she struggles to write straightforward romance, describing her own approach as more complex than a “simple love story.” In interviews and profiles, she references a lesser-known novel she keeps as a “backup,” likening it to a familiar “boyfriend” she returns to rather than to an obvious leading choice.
The outlets summarise her comments around the idea that her storytelling often resists uncomplicated sentimental plots. The “backup” novel is portrayed as “cheeky” and emotionally appealing, but also distinct from the kinds of stories she is known for. In all accounts, the author is linked with Dictionary of Lost Words, and the central point is her self-assessment of her romance-writing ability.
While each source uses playful language to frame her remark, they converge on the same message: she does not view simple love narratives as a natural fit for her writing, and she points instead to another project as the closest match to that genre.
