Interview with Julie Ann Sipos, Author of Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls (A Jaycee Grayson Novel)

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls (A Jaycee Grayson Novel)?

I always felt that the failures of contemporary sisterhood played a role in the workplace brutality exposed in #MeToo Hollywood. Setting my debut novel inside a famous Midwest doll company that celebrates girls—where there literally aren’t any men around to blame for anything—pretty much gets the job done.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls (A Jaycee Grayson Novel), what would they be?

“In Your Shoes,” by Sarah Maclachlan (for Jaycee) “You’ve got a light that always guides you; You speak of hope and change as something good; Live your truth and know you’re not alone.”

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

I’m not a genre queen, but I guess I like somewhat amorphous literary humor, and by that I mean it’s not trying to be either literary or humorous, it just is. John Irving is my spirit animal.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I don’t like to think about it; it makes me feel wrong and bad, for some reason. Right now I’m failing to keep on top of spring titles releasing in my categories, but I’m humbled and overwhelmed to be sitting anywhere near these folks in anybody’s overstuffed Kindle.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

To avoid being fired for illegal drug use, Jaycee accuses the H.R. woman, Trina, of corporate malfeasance despite having no solid evidence. But just then, Trina’s nursing bra starts to milk her and things cool down a notch under the far more serious threat of a bra full of mommy cottage cheese.

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

I will literally be looking at you and paying zero attention to anything you may be saying while writing a key scene in my head as it comes to me. Sorry.

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

Never wait for a call. Never wait for or anything, or anyone. I have very few regrets, but these would definitely be up there.

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

Never give up. Never, never, never, never. I think that’s a Winston Churchill misquote, but don’t do it anyway.

Julie Ann Sipos is the author of the new book Horrible Women, Wonderful Girls (A Jaycee Grayson Novel)

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