Interview with "When You Were Mine" author Rebecca Serle
Rebecca Serle is a New Yorker and full-time author. Her first novel “When You Were Mine” was released in May and is a spin on Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. In “When You Were Mine” we get to finally hear Juliet’s cousin Rosaline (Romeo’s first love) side of the story. Read our interview with Rebecca below. We discuss her inspiration for WYWM, her all time favorite TV couple, and we were fortunate enough to get an exclusive teaser from her soon to be released second novel! Be sure to follow Rebecca on twitter @RebeccaASerle. She is constantly tweeting her witty thoughts on ‘Gossip Girl’, ‘TVD’, ‘Parenthood’ and ‘Dawson’s Creek’.
How did you come up with the concept for “When You Were Mine”?
“When You Were Mine was born out of my own heartbreak. I was over at my best friend’s place crying over a boy, and we started talking about love stories. Romeo and Juliet came up and with it this question: whatever happened to Rosaline? I knew I had to tell her story.”
What made you want to format the book using scenes instead of just chapters?
“Romeo and Juliet was really the blueprint of this book, and it was important to me to adhere to the structure. It just felt like a nice way to pay tribute.”
What is your favorite scene from the original Romeo and Juliet?
“This is a good question! It’s going to make me sound like a hypocrite– but probably when Romeo meets Juliet. There is so much power in that first interaction. I also like Romeo’s first scene, though. I obviously have a soft spot for his monologue about Rosaline!”
What’s your favorite episode of ‘Friends’?
“My old roommate and I lived together for four years, and we watched Friends pretty much every day. I’ve seen them all a billion times but I think my favorite might be when Rachel and Monica move out. It reminds me of us doing the same– and how special that relationship was and is. I can’t see that episode and not break down in tears!”
Who’s your favorite TV couple?
“Ahhhhh don’t make me answer this, please! I’m a huge TVD fan, but it’s just so complicated. Okay, fine– Joey and Pacey. Forever and always.”
Who was your favorite character to develop?
“Probably Charlie. I love the journey her character goes on. She’s a very divisive girl, and I know a lot of people don’t like her, but she holds so much of the heart of this book.”
Was it difficult writing a story knowing how it should end? Did you find yourself wanting to change Shakespeare’s ending?
“Hm. Yes and no. Originally I thought maybe Juliet would live, or something, but ultimately this is what had to happen. I think getting there was the difficult part– okay, we know this huge thing needs to take place, now how are we going to earn it?”
What is your favorite book?
“Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.”
What is the last book you read?
“I’m right now reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It’s spectacular– as is she! I met her at a conference this summer and absolutely fell in love.”
What made you want to become an author?
“This is the one question I can never answer because I always just was one. A writer, anyway. I can’t remember a time before it was the most important thing to me. It’s just who I am.”
Can you tell us about your second novel which you’re working on now?
“Yes! I’ll give you a teaser…ready? It’s an exclusive!
Mcalister “Caggie” Caulfield has, thanks to her famous last name, grown up in high-society, New York life. Her family is well known in Upper East Side circles–although lately it has been more for things Caggie would like to forget, than remember.
Last May Caggie saved a girl’s life, but nothing is as it seems. Caggie is still reeling from the death of her younger sister last January, the subsequent destruction of her relationship with high-school boyfriend, Trevor, and the way in which her family has since fallen apart. When mysterious Astor shows up on the scene— fresh from London, with a complicated past— Caggie thinks he just might be the rescue she needs. But in a world where she’s been branded a hero, Caggie will soon discover that no one can save you—not until you’ve saved yourself.”