Courtship
by Anna Pulley
Released: Jan 10, 2023
Genre: Romance: Comedy
Why this book and why now?
Reaux, my main character, was a side character in my last book (Pivot). She’s this Shane-like playboy and a metal drummer who has one hand. Though she has a disability, she is totally unfazed by it, unlike Paula (the MC of Pivot), who wears hearing aids and very much struggles with self-acceptance. (I wear hearing aids as well and this is something I’ve personally struggled with for years.) So I was intrigued by this character who’s just like, “Yeah, I’m an amputee, so what?”
I think about disability A LOT and usually the narratives revolve around the disabled person “overcoming” their limitation – which is just … not how it works for a lot of people or disabilities/mental illnesses, and I think that message can be pretty damaging when it’s the one that’s most often told. So through Reaux (and Paula too), I was hoping to challenge that particular narrative somewhat. Also, through Opal, who is a very fun side character and wheelchair user, Reaux’s own biases get challenged, and she learns to make fewer assumptions about what people can and can’t do.
I also used to work for Drum magazine and started a series that highlighted female and gender nonconforming drummers — the industry is super male! Through that work I interviewed dozens of inspiring drummers, some of whom informed the creation of Reaux.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
I’m usually a pretty heavy outliner but for this I only outlined the first half, so the second half was quite an adventure! Like, the ship breaking down during a tropical storm? That was new. Didn’t know that would happen. There’s also a dominatrix subplot that was not scripted. But I think ended up working pretty well, and even was instrumental in redeeming one of the less-likable characters.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Fitz would say it’s “Moby Dick” – even though she only reads it to help her fall asleep. But this book falls into one of her core problems, which is that she does things she’s “supposed to” and not because she genuinely wants or likes something. Reaux’s favorite book would probably be “Fathers and Sons” by Turgenev – because she fashions herself a nihilist!
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Reaux: Drum sticks, for sure, Mistress Pineapple (her favorite sex toy), and glitter pens
Fitz: A statement mug that says “You got this!”, her laptop (so she can continue her workaholism until rescued), and a Keurig coffeemaker
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
The Adonis – not only because it’s a simple cocktail and therefore practical, which Fitz enjoys, but also because it’s made with sherry, a fortified wine that has significance for both MCs … somehow. No spoilers 🙂
1 1/2 ounces fino sherry
1 1/2 ounces sweet vermouth
Garnish: orange peel
Add the sherry and vermouth to a mixing glass or shaker cup filled with ice, stir, then pour into coupe glass and garnish with the orange.
