Hearts, Strings and Other Breakable Things Interview with Jacqueline Firkins
Questions
1. How did you come up with the story of Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things?
The seed for HSAOBT was planted when a friend and I were discussing Jane Austen heroines. My friend had recently re-read Mansfield Park and was frustrated with the passivity of Fanny Price after enjoying Austen's feistier and more outspoken heroines. But I'd remembered relating to Fanny more than I did to Elizabeth Bennet or Emma Woodhouse. So I went back and re-read Mansfield. I recalled why I loved its heroine. She was like me. I wasn't feisty and outspoken either. I preferred a book to a party. And I always had a crush on a guy who didn't notice me. Or more than one guy. So I started thinking about how I could bring that character into a contemporary world, allowing more readers access to a heroine I was grateful to find when I most needed her, during my teenage years.
2. What character are you most like Edie, Maria, Julia, or Claire?
I’m by far most like Edie. I never had Maria’s ability to unapologetically say what she thinks and feels, or Julia’s raw exuberance, or Claire’s composed confidence. I was, and still am, largely a mess. And I still have more cowlicks than a dairy farm on a salt flat.
3. Which scene was the hardest to write?
Hmm . . . how to answer this without giving away too many spoilers. There’s a point in the story where the love triangle shifts. I rewrote that section of the book more times than I can count. It has to feel believable and grounded and not like it’s just a plot device to create conflict. As in the source material, we have a heroine who has feelings for two different guys, albeit different feelings and with different motivation. Shifting the pieces so the triangle stayed dynamic was a constant balancing act. I didn’t want this to be a story with an obvious outcome. That’s tricky to do with love triangles. We’re so used to reading romances with a clear central partnership. Keeping two running in tandem took a lot of trial and error.
4. Who was your favorite character to write about?
Maria and Henry are the most fun to write. I’m what is often classified as an “over-thinker” though I prefer to consider myself simply a thinker. Maria and Henry are the sort of characters who don’t self-edit. They say what they’re thinking. They’re not apologetic. That bluntness is great for comedy. There’s a kind of relief in the lack of analysis, especially when juxtaposed against deeply reflective characters. I also love the moments when the almost caricature like personas bust into vulnerability and complexity. Where underlying fears or insecurities are revealed, giving the characters depth.
5. How did you design/ take a picture of the cover? Where did you get the idea and who’s on it?
The cover was designed by the amazing team at HMH. They were very generous about listening to all my opinions, but ultimately, they knew what would best reflect the tone of the book. I love how hugely romantic it is. You know it’s a sweet love story with that giant heart. I believe the intention was to get the feel of the book more than to indicate specific details about the characters within, though I pushed for the sneakers in the girl’s hand. I like that they indicate something about Edie’s character. She might put on a party dress, but she’s not giving up her favourite shoes.
6. Where can readers purchase Hearts, Strings, and Other Breakable Things?
Available Dec 17th wherever books are sold. Available for pre-order now:
Amazon: http://bit.ly/HSAOBTamazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/HSAOBTbn
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/HSAOBTindie
7. Are you writing any more books? If so can you tell us?
I have three projects in development. The first is a follow up to HSAOBT that draws on my experience as a costume designer. It’s a YA enemies-to-lovers rom-com about a fashion-loving high school student who signs up to work on her school’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for all the wrong reasons. While designing the costumes, she finds an unlikely soul mate in the project’s surly set designer—the guy who was responsible for her worst (and only) date ever. The second novel is a middle grade story about a girl whose dreams come true and she can’t control them. Some of the effects are ridiculous. Others are truly frightening. With the help of two new friends, she learns that sometimes the greatest powers aren’t magical at all. The third novel is an adult historical romance/thriller based on the Bluebeard myth, braiding together the folktale (told from her POV) and the opera (told from his POV). How much do we ever really know about our partners? And are there doors that should simply remain locked?
Of course I’d also love to write the sequel to HSAOBT, as long as Jane Austen would forgive my plans for what happens after the happily ever after!
About You:
1. How did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I’ve always been a storyteller, but for the first twenty or so years of my career I told stories visually rather than verbally. My primary career is in costume design for the stage. There’s nothing I love better than developing worlds and characters, especially if I can do so with a group of collaborators. When I was about 35, I developed Essential Tremor (spectacularly known as ET). My motor skills decreased and I came to grips with the reality that drawing and doing detailed sewing work wouldn’t always be possible. I considered how else I might use my skills, training, and passion. Rather than take a script and extract the characters within, I began developing my own characters. Pretty soon all the hours spent over a sewing machine shifted into hours spent with a laptop as my brain burst with ideas begging to hit the page.
2. What do you like to do during your free time other than writing?
My favourite thing to do is snuggle up with my dog, with a cup of tea in one hand a book in the other. I still sew when I can find the time. I’m an avid endurance runner, having completed 15 marathons, and still putting in the miles. I’m a concert junkie. Nothing takes me closer to euphoria than hearing/watching a great band or artist perform live. I can also almost always be found with a snack nearby. And a sketchbook.
3. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
Apparently in kindergarten I said I wanted to be a mountain climber. I don’t think that’s changed. The mountains just became metaphorical. I always liked making things—clothes, baked goods, tree forts, paintings, stories—but I didn’t direct myself toward a career path until after I finished college.
4. What is your favorite thing to cook or bake and why?
I used to bake for a coffee shop. Best job ever. Just me, a ton of ingredients, and the music blasting all night while I cranked out pan after pan of cookies and brownies. During that time, I developed a love of making pie. There’s something deeply therapeutic about rolling out the dough and getting it just right. Fillings are often fun and take experimentation well. Then I get to decorate. And they smell sooooo good.
5. What is one item you could live without?
I guess it’s not an item, but my dog. I’ve often said people can steal anything from me besides my dog and my laptop. Of course my laptop’s replaceable, though it contains drafts and ideas for so many stories. That’s what I wouldn’t want to lose.
6. Where can we find you on social media? Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc.
I’m on IG and Twitter as jfkillsdarlings. My website is https://jacquelinefirkins.com/
