Lindsay Hameroff--A Love of Writing Blossoms in Harrisburg
Lindsay Hameroff
Share a brief overview of your journey and how you discovered your passion for writing.
I've wanted to be a novelist for as long as I can remember, but for years it felt like a far-fetched dream. After majoring in English, I became a middle school teacher and spent about a decade in the classroom. Still, the dream never went away. When I was on maternity leave with my second child during the pandemic, I finally decided it was time to give that dream a real chance. I started by publishing short humor pieces with outlets like McSweeney's before joining an online writing workshop, where I drafted my first novel, Till There Was You. After about six months of revisions, I signed with my agent, and together we sold the book at auction to St. Martin's Press in a two-book deal. The rest, as they say, is history.
I'm often inspired by real-life celebrities and pop culture. My debut novel was inspired by Harry Styles's song "Carolina," while my latest book, Rewrite the Stars, was loosely inspired by the infamous Ben-Affleck/Jennifer Lopez/Jennifer Garner love triangle. I'm also heavily influenced by the romantic comedies of the '90s and early 2000s, especially favorites like The Wedding Planner and Notting Hill.
Share a bit about your favorite or most memorable piece and why it's significant to you.
My first novel, Till There Was You, is a lot like a first child. It's the book that made me an author, so it will always be special to me. I wrote it during the pandemic, when everyone was looking for a little joy and escape, and it's essentially a mash-up of all my favorite things: food, Broadway musicals, New York City, pop culture, and of course, Harry Styles. It's a book that reflects so much of what I love, both as a writer and as a reader.
Are there any authors, movements, or styles that influence or inspire your work?
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston was the book that made me realize I wanted to write rom-coms. I'm also inspired by authors like Emily Henry, Christina Lauren, and Annabel Monaghan, who are so adept at balancing humor, heart, and emotional depth. And it all traces back to Nora Ephron, whose work remains the blueprint for great romantic comedy storytelling.
Describe any challenges you've faced as an author and how you've overcome them.
One of the toughest parts of publishing is accepting how much of is outside your control. When my first book was released, there was a boycott against my publisher, so some readers chose not to post about or review my book online. It was a difficult reminder that your career can be affected by factors that have little to do with you or the work you've created. We invest so much of ourselves in our books and it's hard not to take setbacks personally. But ultimately, all you can do is write the strongest book you can, put it into the world, and do everything in your power to help it find the readers who will love it.
Have you been involved in community events or projects to showcase your work?
I love being involved in community events and connecting with readers in person. I regularly participate in events and signing with Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, and this year will be my second time participating in in the Chocolate Town Book Fest.
What impact do you hope your work has on others?
I always want my books to leave readers feeling seen, happy, and a little lighter than when they started. If they also laugh out loud along the way, that’s the best-case scenario.