Kristy Woodson Harvey is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including The Wedding Veil, Under the Southern Sky, and The Peachtree Bluff series. Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s school of journalism, her writing has appeared in numerous online and print publications, including Southern Living, Traditional Home, USA Today, Domino, and O. Henry. Kristy is the winner of the Lucy Bramlette Patterson Award for Excellence in Creative Writing and a finalist for the Southern Book Prize. Her books have received numerous accolades, including Southern Living’s Most Anticipated Beach Reads, Parade’s Big Fiction Reads, and Entertainment Weekly’s Spring Reading Picks. Kristy is the co-creator and cohost of the weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction. She blogs with her mom, Beth Woodson, on Design Chic, and loves connecting with fans on KristyWoodsonHarvey.com. She lives on the North Carolina coast with her husband and son where she is (always!) working on her next novel.
Can you tell us what inspired Beach House Rules and how it evolved during the writing process?
Throughout the summer of 2023, I kept seeing articles and TV clips about “mommunes,” which are essentially moms that move in together with their kids for both parenting and financial support. I thought it was a cool idea, but it didn’t occur to me that it could be book material for me. As I was driving home from camp drop off one morning, I heard an interview with two women on a radio show who had started their own mommune—and someone called in to criticize, calling the idea “unnatural.” It made me wonder… What would people in a small southern town, where everyone has an opinion about everything, say about a mommune? And what would the disparity between the truth and public perception be? The idea took off from there!
What were some pivotal moments that helped shape your path as a writer?
I have always loved to write, but, hands-down, getting a newspaper column in my hometown my senior year of high school was the most pivotal moment. It made me realize how much I loved to write, helped me find my voice, and influenced me to go to journalism school.
How has your writing process changed from your debut novel to now?
I had a brand-new baby when I wrote my debut, so I often wrote when I was up in the middle of the night with him! I still write in little spurts and generally not in chronological order, but I do tend to have the time now to write every morning for several hours before the emails, texts, and noisier parts of the day creep in.
Your novels are often full of rich relationships and emotional depth, what’s your secret for writing compelling character dynamics?
Thank you so much! I very much appreciate that. I think I always try to make my characters realistic, and I think a lot less about their being likable than I used to which, in some ways, I think has helped. But, in a lot of ways, watching them evolve and come to life on the page is part of the magic that, honestly, I can’t quite put my finger on!
What’s something about your publishing journey that has surprised you?
How much more there is to this career than just writing. The social media, publicity, marketing, touring, and other parts of the job that we don’t necessarily think of when we’re starting out take a lot of time and energy. I love them all, but I wasn’t necessarily expecting that at the beginning.
What advice do you have for writers trying to build a long-term, sustainable career in publishing?
I think you have to continue to show up and write the book you love that speaks to you. Sometimes it can be enticing to chase a trend, but I think the key to longevity is writing the book only you can write.
When you hit a creative block or a tough writing day, what helps you move forward?
In the moment, a nice long walk with my dog by the water. But, overall, I really try to write every single day while I’m in a first draft, and I try not to get caught up in “what comes next.” If I’m stuck on a piece of the story, I just move on to what I know next. I can always fill in the missing pieces in the next draft.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
Kristin Hannah said on Friends & Fiction one time that you have to do something every few books that terrifies you. I really took that to heart and try to take that advice.
What does your ideal writing day look like?
In general, I write from around 8-10 or 11 in the morning and then tackle meetings, social media, emails, publicity and marketing items, and the general business part of the job until around 2:45. Then I pick my son up from school and tie up loose ends and meetings in the evening. But ideally every now and then I get one of those delicious days with nothing to do but write. And I love every single moment!
Where is your favorite place to write?
I have a beautiful office that we actually added onto our 1903 house, so I got to pick out every (reclaimed!) floorboard, and the Lucite shelves that look like they’re floating. It has floor to ceiling windows on one side and doors on the other to a little balcony that overlooks the water. It’s just my favorite little spot, and I couldn’t love it more!
What are your favorite snacks/drinks to have beside you while you write?
I love iced coffee with oat milk and hot tea of any kind. I most often snack on nuts, but I most like to snack on chocolate!
Who is an author you wish you could co-write a book with and why?
Well… I would love to co-write with my Friends & Fiction cohosts Mary Kay Andrews, Kristin Harmel, and Patti Callahan Henry. We already basically share a brain, so why not!
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel, coming in June, and The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline, coming in July. I know that was two… but they’re wildly different, and I loved them both!
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
What are you currently listening to? (Audiobook, music podcast?)
I love Masterclass, and I’m currently listening to one on Disruptors—as in, people who reinvented their field. It’s so inspiring!
What are you currently watching?
Sirens on Netflix! I’m on tour right now, so I don’t have much watching time, but it’s so good.
Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
After her husband’s crimes are exposed by the FBI, Charlotte Sitterly and her daughter, Iris, are forced out of their home and become victims of their town’s gossip circuit. Desperate for a fresh start, they move to a small bed-and-breakfast in a coastal North Carolina town and discover a “mommune” of single mothers that quickly becomes their second family.
Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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