The Misadventures of Getting Lainey a Date
by Eija Jimenez
Released: Jun 04, 2024
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Why this book and why now?
With Pride coming up, I really wanted to capture a coming out story that was told with the pressures of culture in mind. Lainey is a closeted Filipina, like I used to be. I remember going to Pride events as an “ally” because I was so scared of what my family would think. I’m hoping that this book resonates with people, particularly those in the POC community.
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 whole premise really! The original draft was set around Charley being a photographer who Lainey chatted with online as a secret, and the whole outline leaned heavily towards Lainey’s life changing for the better with a new job and a new girl, but as I kept writing, it turned into Lainey’s journey of coming to terms with herself.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Charley and Lainey would absolutely binge watch Superstore. They both work the retail/shift life and would feel for the antics all the characters get up to. Lainey’s favourite character would be Dina, and she would not be ashamed to admit that she has a crush on her. Charley’s favourite character would be Garrett because of his wit. They both quote is so much it’s become part of their personality.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Lainey would go all out and plan a romantic dinner at The Keg Mansion (the haunted one downtown) because they both would be into the creepy aspect of it. The problem is that she would accidentally get the date wrong, so when they would show up to the restaurant for their supposed reservations, the restaurant would be booked up. No matter how hard she tried to sweet-talk the hostess, they wouldn’t be able to get in.
She’s be super embarrassed, but then Charley would walk them to a hot dog cart, and they would lean against a building eating street meat. They’d have the best date. They would also still go back to The Keg to get a Billy Miner’s pie to-go because Lainey would have been looking forward to it all day.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Lainey would choose “A Night to Remember” from High School Musical 3. Her and Max have the dance memorized.
