Luckiest Girl Alive Author Jessica Knoll Dishes on Her Latest Release, Bright Young Women
In the world of literature and entertainment, Jessica Knoll is a force to be reckoned with. As a New York Times bestselling author, she has captured the hearts of readers with her gripping novels, including The Favorite Sister and Luckiest Girl Alive. But her talent doesn't stop there. Jessica has also made a name for herself as a producer and screenwriter, showcasing her versatility and creative prowess.
Her upcoming book, Bright Young Women, available HERE, is set to hit the shelves on Sep. 19 and has already generated excitement among fans. Sweety High had the incredible opportunity to speak with Jessica Knoll about her latest novel, diving into the inspiration behind the story, the dynamic relationships between the characters and the balance between exploring darker themes while maintaining an accessible and relatable narrative.
(Bright Young Women via Simon & Schuster)
Sweety High: Congratulations on the release of Bright Young Women! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this gripping novel?
Jessica Knoll: There was a resurgence of interest around Ted Bundy and his crimes in 2019—a new documentary and film. And I just thought, we've heard this story before, and it's always about him. I wanted to imagine the perspectives of the women who were impacted by his crimes, what their lives were like, and how they picked up the pieces and moved on with their lives.
SH: The friendship between Tina and Pamela seems to be a central aspect of the book. Can you discuss the dynamics of their relationship and how it evolves throughout the story?
JK: Tina occupies a young aunt/older sister kind of role for Pamela. She's young enough to relate to Pamela but old enough to have seen more, lived more and learned more, and it was a lot of fun creating a character who got to impart that wisdom.
SH: Bright Young Women explores a crime that has captivated public interest for over four decades. What drew you to this particular time span and its impact on the characters?
JK: I was tired of hearing about him, and when I started researching his crimes, I found that much of his lore was grossly exaggerated—he wasn't that smart, that handsome or that charming. Many women reported having creepy or uncomfortable encounters with him, and he had to falsify his transcripts to be accepted to law school because he was a notoriously poor student. But it made for a better story if he was some sort of all-American golden boy—even if that story was patently false.
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SH: The story delves into the dark side of society and the lengths some individuals go to seek justice. How did you balance the exploration of these darker themes while maintaining an accessible and relatable narrative?
JK: I think a lot of women live that duality in life. We know what it's like to be treated unfairly by society, but to carry on with resilience, humor and hope.
SH: Without giving away any spoilers, can you share a bit about the journey readers can expect to go on with the characters in Bright Young Women?
JK: You will be scared, enraged, but ultimately hopeful.
SH: As an author, what do you hope readers will take away from Bright Young Women and its themes of resilience and justice?
JK: It is possible to live well with pain.
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SH: With the success of your previous novel, Luckiest Girl Alive, how does Bright Young Women showcase your growth as a writer and your unique storytelling style?
JK: This is the first time I'm writing outside of a contemporary timeline. It was definitely a challenge, but I wanted to stretch myself, and I'm glad that I did.
SH: Lastly, we'd like to give you the opportunity to discuss any additional topics or ideas you'd like to touch on. Is there anything else you would like to share about the book, your writing process, or any upcoming projects?
JK: Things are currently on hold due to the WGA strike, but I'm developing my second novel, The Favorite Sister, for television and also adapting a feature for Sony based on a viral Reddit thread titled "My mother-in-law was poisoning me, and then I found out why."
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