Have you ever experienced writer’s block like Noa? If so, how did you overcome it?
I’ve never not experienced writer’s block, but my most profound confrontation with it came after my daughter was born. I remember driving in my car, listening to a story on the radio about a beekeeper, and weeping because I wished I could just be a beekeeper. Writing felt impossible that day. I see now that 70 percent of that was sleep deprivation, but the other 30 percent was struggling to acknowledge that I had become a new person when I became a mother.
I think this is similar to Noa(h)’s traumatic experiences. When a writer goes through a shift that apocalyptic, it can feel like you suddenly have to learn to write all over again.
Is there a certain trope in romance books that you just can’t get enough of? Maybe even a guilty pleasure that never gets old?
The build-up to the first kiss always thrills me, the emotional foreplay of establishing chemistry with another person, and then seeing how long you can stretch it out before you get together. (The longer the better.) I still think about my extended flirtation with my husband—all the enchanting obstacles in our way, how we knocked them down month by month, one karaoke night or creekside stroll at a time, until eventually it was just the two of us in front of a fireplace, leaning in for a kiss.
Lanie’s dream is to travel to Positano, Italy. Have you ever been there, or is there a dream destination you’re excited to visit in the future?
Positano was the site of my spectacular breakup—and in an early draft of the book, it was the site of Lanie’s breakup, too. When I cleared away this failed relationship from this story, there was space for Positano to take on a deeper meaning—for her mother, her career, and Noa(h).
What would you like readers to take away from By Any Other Name?
I hope it feels like meeting a friend for lunch, one you haven’t seen in a while but with whom you can pick right up where you left off. I hope this friend makes you laugh and feel less alone, and that you leave with a little more faith in love.
What’s next for you?
More novels—some in genres new to me, some in familiar modes, all where love and wonder are alive.
Discussion Guide
Discuss how Lanie’s and Noa’s childhood experiences shaped their trajectories in life. If they had different experiences, do you feel they would have chosen the paths they did? How has your upbringing helped shape your life—your passions, future goals, or even your values?
What are the top 5 characteristics on your Ninety-Nine Things list that you want in a partner?
While By Any Other Name is a romance, it also feels like an ode to New York City. Where is your favorite place to go in New York City, and if you’ve never been, where would you most like to visit?
Lanie goes above and beyond in order to help Noa(h) with his writer’s block in order to secure a promotion. Have you ever similarly done something out of the ordinary for your job? If so, what and why did you do it?
Create a title of your love life based on this Noa Callaway–inspired prompt: Ninety-Nine Things I _______ About_______.
In your opinion, what about Noa speaks the most to Lanie? Inversely, what do you think draws Noa to Lanie’s personality?
What would be your perfect meet-cute with a potential romantic interest? Were you able to carry out this dream in real life, and if so, was it everything you expected?
What was your favorite scene in the novel, and why?
Lanie has a type A personality, which at times can be both good and bad. Do you relate to this character trait? Why or why not?
What’s your favorite book, and why? How has that book changed your life?
Before she passed, Lanie’s mom said to her, “Promise to find someone you’ll really, really love.” What does this mean to you? What is your definition of love?
Were you surprised by the ending?
Photograph of the author © Christina Hultquist
Lauren Kate is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of nine novels for young adults, including Fallen, which was made into a major motion picture. Her books have been translated into more than thirty languages and have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. She is also the author of The Orphan’s Song, her debut adult novel. By Any Other Name is her second adult novel. Kate lives in Los Angeles with her family.
VISIT LAUREN KATE ONLINE
LaurenKateBooks.net
LaurenKateAuthor
LaurenKateBooks
LaurenKateBooks
What’s next on
your reading list?
Discover your next
great read!
Get personalized book picks and up-to-date news about this author.
Sign up now.
_139326548_