Truly Enough
by J.J. Hale
Released: Jun 13, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
The first hint of the idea came to me when reading through my debut novel, Truly Wanted, for edits. I liked writing the character of Sam’s sister Lexi and I realized I had already mentioned her roommate was a lesbian. I had already written about Sam having an ADHD diagnosis since childhood and also wanted to explore a character finding out about their own ADHD later in life (like I did). With the high genetic links for ADHD it made sense that that could be Lexi. Once the idea hit it stuck in my brain, much to my annoyance while trying to focus on edits… but I love what came from it!
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?
The pivotal emotional moment of the story completely changed from the original proposal I sent to my publisher. Originally Robyn was supposed to get hurt, and it would’ve been a somewhat nurse back to health style trope. However the characters had other ideas as I wrote the story and shaped very differently but more authentically to the story as a whole.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
They both watch crime shows together, bonding over gore. And because I’m a die hard Earper, Wynonna Earp is a definite binge show.
Aside from the obvious food and shelter, what 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
It’s an easy answer for Lexi because it would definitely be art related. Likely her paints, paintbrushes and maybe some sort of reusable canvas if that’s a thing? Robyn is a little harder. Definitely a book because she’s a big reader. I was going to say an ereader but I don’t know if this island has power outlets… so let’s go with three good books!
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!
For Lexi definitely tea. I don’t drink alcohol so my characters tend not to very much – but I am Irish so they naturally inherit the too many cups of tea traits! For Robyn it would be the hot chocolate that she’ll never admit loving because she mocks Lexi for making it for them with so many toppings that it’s barely a drink anymore.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
I Am Enough by Daphne Willis. Because it encompasses the message from the book.
