Paper Daffodils
by Titania Tempest
Released: Sep 09, 2023
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Why this book and why now?
Paper Daffodils was inspired by a ten-second scene in a movie I hadn’t intended to watch. I won’t specify which movie to avoid spoilers (for the film, not the book – the novel ended up veering off at a sharp tangent from the original inspiration, as ideas tend to do), but in the midst of a murder mystery (that’s a clue as to which movie) there was an unexpected reveal. Two older women turned out to be in a secret relationship, and I was intrigued – and a little miffed that the film offered nothing else about their story.
Not long afterwards, while I was toying with the ideas left in the wake of that reveal, I received news of a family tragedy. It caught everyone by surprise and dragged out for long enough to make me question life’s cruelty. In the times between waiting room visits and sleepless nights, I started to work on Paper Daffodils; because I needed something light-hearted and positive to counteract the oppressive atmosphere. Dawn and Rosie (main characters) saw me through a very difficult time, and when it was all over, I felt I owed it to them to finish their story and bring it into the world – because maybe there’s someone else who needs a little escape, a little boost, and a little bit of light and laughter to help see them through life’s challenges.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Absolutely. I’d get caught up in their general love of life, I think – though I’d probably side with Rosie a lot of the time. I, too, like to pretend I don’t want to do something, and that I’m loathing every minute of it – even though I’m actually thoroughly enjoying myself for the entire duration of the activity. I’d enjoy the sharp wit and banter, and the challenges Dawn has a habit of throwing down.
I have a soft spot for both main characters, for different reasons, and I think I’d get on famously with both of them.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Rosie would want a good book, bug spray, and a hammock, so she could wait it out in comfort.
Dawn would take walking shoes, a pen, and a notebook, so she could explore and make the most of it.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Despite her often-acerbic nature, Rosie is the one who would most likely plan a romantic evening. Simple and private, she’d treat Dawn to a tasteful homecooked dinner by candlelight on the patio, followed by curling up on the couch with a good movie and a large glass of wine.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
They’d kick it off with the Shrek 2 version of Bonnie Tyler’s “I need a Hero” because it’s the song Rosie sang karaoke to (under Dawn’s pressuring) on the last night of their trip, and they have fond memories of it.
It’s also the song I played on repeat while writing the entire manuscript. Yes, just that one song. I know that sounds slightly insane – but it had the right vibes and drowned out background noise while writing!
