Interview with Ciara Blume, Author of The Princess and the Paparazzi

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Princess and the Paparazzi?

I’ve been thinking about this story for years. I love a good Prince and Pauper retelling and who can resist the idea of trading places. I think everyone has a doppelgänger fantasy or two. The Parent Trap, Monte Carlo, The Princess Switch are all irresistible versions of this classic modern fairytale. On the surface it’s light and fun but there are deeper themes of identity that run throughout this book. Both of the main characters of this story are international adoptees, and I am the mom of an international adoptee. Many of the characters and incidents I describe are inspired by people in the adoption communities I’ve been active in for decades. I just threw in Dungeons and Dragons for fun!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Princess and the Paparazzi, what would they be?

Kenna – Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson

Lorelei – About Damn Time by Lizzo

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love to read women’s humorous fiction. But I also love historical fiction and fantasy, anything with magical realism and I’m re-reading the classics.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I’m about to read The Heir to Uncertain Magic by Charlie Holmberg and then I cannot wait to dig into new books by Emily Henry, Lindsey Kelk and Abby Jimenez.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I loved writing all the scenes where the characters were sure they were pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes, but in fact their close friends and family weren’t fooled.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

My odd eyed cat is my writing bff. She is always on top of me. I don’t know how I’d write without her – I have developed whole ways of sitting and leaning from trying to keep her off my laptop.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The next one will be better! I know every book I write could be better if I took another week, month, year. But done is better than perfect and I hope to do a little better with each book and series I write!

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I would love for readers to remember how this book made them feel, which hopefully is good!

Ciara Blume is the author of the new book The Princess and the Paparazzi

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