Q&A with Elyssa Friedland

In celebration of the publication of Elyssa Friedland's debut novel, Love and Miss Communication, we had the chance to ask her a few questions about the development of her first novel, her personal reading, and upcoming projects. We would also like to thank her for coming into Book Culture on Columbus for a book signing this past month! Her book is available in store or on our website!

How did you come to write Love and Miss Communication? 

I've always loved to write and fantasized about writing a novel for a long time. But I was waiting for a great idea to hit me. About four years ago, I starting thinking a lot about the way social media and the Internet in general are changing the course of our lives in just about every possible way. I knew there was a great story to be told - not from a sociological perspective, but from a fun, comical, fictional angle.  

What are you currently reading?

I'm reading Cartwheel by Jennifer DuBois. I love books that are told from multiple perspectives. To me, when that's done well, that spells talent. And it's a really suspenseful page-turner. I love a good murder mystery - on TV and in books. 

Do you have a personal favorite book of all time? If so, can you share it and tell us why?

My favorite book is The Sun Also Rises. For starters, I'm fascinated by bullfighting. I know it's controversial but there is something so culturally unique and ceremonial about it that I've always been intrigued by it. I also appreciate Hemingway's sparse writing style. I wish I could mimic it a bit more but I tend to get carried away because I love words so much!

Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to the publication of?

I'm really curious to read Harper Lee's Go Set a Watchman. What a discovery! 

What’s next? Any upcoming book projects in the works that you can tell us about?

Yes! My second novel is well underway. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I'll say this: It takes place in New York and LA, is told from two perspectives and is also about taking a year off from something.