Forgetting With You
by Robin Clairvaux
Released: Nov 28, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
Forgetting with You was loosely inspired by Dove Cameron’s song “Boyfriend.” As I’m sure it did with many queer listeners, this sexy song about a woman at a bar lusting after another woman whose boyfriend is neglecting her really sparked my sapphic imagination. But the song’s “speaker” sounds like a super confident and smooth woman, maybe even a player, and that’s where the similarities end. In my imagination, I thought it would be more fun to have two women who impulsively fall into bed together one night when neither of them are actually the one-night stand types.
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?
If I’d brought my first outline to fruition, this would have been a shorter book with more easily resolved conflicts. But as I started writing, the main characters, especially Jackie, became more complex. I realized how her background as the only daughter of a wealthy, influential, and old-fashioned politician father shaped her and complicated her journey to happily ever after.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Cam and I would definitely get along because we are both creatives who enjoy peace and quiet. I think Jackie and I would be cordial, at first, until we got to know each other well enough to swap a few childhood stories. Then we’d be great friends! lol
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
The name “Camryn” was a tiny nod to the artist whose song inspired this story idea, Dove Cameron. For Jackie, I knew she was classy and sophisticated, so for her name, I thought of one of the great icons of elegance: Jacqueline Kennedy.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
There was a made-up author mentioned throughout this book named Hilda Spaulding, which was Jackie’s favorite, but I think she would also enjoy Virginia Wolfe, especially Mrs. Dalloway. The longing, regret, and self-questioning in that story are all things that would connect with Jackie.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Since Cam does most of the cooking, Jackie would probably decide to plan the date one night for fear of their relationship being too one-sided. She likes to bake, so she would meticulously research the perfect recipe to utilize her skills and maybe check Pinterest for romantic table setting ideas.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Well, it may seem a little on-the-nose, but I’m pretty sure “Boyfriend” would be the first song played!
