Lisa Jewell Discusses Her Latest Thriller,
Few New York Times best-selling authors can claim their career started with a bet, a handshake, and the promise of a good meal. However, that’s precisely how Lisa Jewell began her journey with her 1999 debut novel, Ralph’s Party.
At 26, Jewell was a secretary with a secret dream of writing a book, but she believed she would need more life experience first. “I thought I’d do it later in life,” Jewell tells Shondaland. “I didn’t think young women like me wrote novels.” It wasn’t until she read Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity that she felt inspired. “It was so fresh and young,” she recalls, realizing she might be able to write a book of her own.
A conversation with her friend Yasmin propelled her forward. “I told her I wanted to write a novel, and she said, ‘Just do it. Don’t just say it, do it. Write three chapters, and I’ll take you to your favorite restaurant.’ We shook hands, I wrote three chapters, and she took me out. But she also made me send those chapters to literary agents and kept me writing more,” Jewell says.
Now, Jewell is the author of 21 novels, including her latest, None of This Is True. This psychological thriller tells the story of Alix and Josie, two Londoners who discover they were born on the same day at the same hospital but meet for the first time on their 45th birthday. Alix, a popular podcast host, becomes intrigued by Josie’s suggestion to create a podcast about her life, leading to dark secrets and dangerous entanglements.
Jewell recently shared insights with Shondaland about her new novel, her writing process, and advice for aspiring authors.
Sandra Ebejer (SE): Congratulations on the new book! After so many years of writing, do you still find it as exciting when a new book is going out into the world?
Lisa Jewell (LJ): Every single time. When my publishing team gets behind it and it starts going out to NetGalley, I get a sense that people are going to like the book. If the early reviews are positive, the excitement is infectious.
SE: Where did the idea for None of This Is True come from?
LJ: I initially wanted to write a stalker novel, something I hadn’t tackled before. I imagined two characters discovering they’re “birthday twins” and explored the contrast between their lives. The idea evolved with small observations, like seeing a man through a window, who inspired Josie’s husband, Walter. These details propelled me to develop the characters and their dynamics.
SE: In the acknowledgments, you mention your sister suggested a character, a teen girl addicted to gaming. Do you usually start your novels with a small idea or character and build from there?
LJ: Yes. Typically, I start with a person or a small idea, often inspired by fleeting glimpses of real people or places. For None of This Is True, I had a dynamic in mind before I developed the characters. But usually, I start with a character who intrigues me, and I write to uncover their story.
SE: Secrets are a recurring theme in your books. Is this intentional, or do they naturally find their way into your work?
LJ: It’s not something I consciously plan. I discover the secrets as I write. With Josie, I didn’t know her full story until I wrote it. Her secrets unfolded as I developed the plot, often surprising me along the way.
SE: This book has multiple layers of storytelling, including podcast episodes and scenes from a Netflix show. Why did you choose this structure?
LJ: It was a retroactive decision. I felt the story needed more dramatic investment to convey the stakes and peril. I love Netflix documentaries and imagined a documentary-style setup to enhance the narrative. It provided context and built tension, making the story more compelling.
SE: Do you know where the story is going when you start writing?
LJ: Not at all. I often discover the ending as I write. With this book, I wrote several epilogues before finding the right one. The ending revealed itself to me in the final moments of writing, tying everything together in a way that made sense in hindsight.
SE: Is it hard for you to let go of your characters after finishing a novel?
LJ: No, I’m always ready to move on. Even with my earlier romantic comedies, I never felt attached after finishing. I’m always excited about starting new projects, and new ideas come to me while I’m writing the current one.
SE: If you could go back to the start of your career, would you do anything differently?
LJ: No, I wouldn’t change a thing. My career has been perfect for me. Each book has been the one I wanted to write, and I’ve never felt pressured to write to order. I’m grateful for where I am now and the journey I’ve had.
SE: Do you have any advice for aspiring novelists?
LJ: Don’t overthink it. The beauty of a novel is its flexibility. Your story and characters are within you; just get them down on the page. Don’t worry about the market or publishers initially. Focus on your writing, refine it, and then worry about the rest.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
