Laura Hankin shares her debut’s painfully hilarious real-life inspiration and how personal experiences with negative feedback trickled into One-Star Romance.
The dark horse in my romance stack was Laura Hankin’s debut novel, which pulled ahead as my summer favorite. After reading the author for years across genres, I’m honored to have Laura Hankin on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her writing pivot in One-Star Romance.
In a world of instant feedback, I was fascinated by Laura’s hacks for processing reviewer feedback that still protects her creative process. These candid reflections offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and a gentle reminder of the power of a one-liner scathing review that can haunt writers long after we’ve hit “post.”
Patrons can dive into the One-Star Romance ending through today’s spoiler chat, where we discuss Hankin’s surprising plot twists that take us to that swoon-worthy happily ever after.
Turning a Bad Review Into Romantic Gold (Laura Hankin Interview)
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Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform! You can download the transcript below.
One-Star Romance Book Summary From the Publisher
Natalie and Rob couldn’t have less in common. Nat’s a messy artist, and Rob’s a rigid academic. The only thing they share is their devotion to their respective best friends—who just got engaged. Still, unexpected chemistry has Natalie cautiously optimistic about being maid of honor to Rob’s best man.
Until, minutes before the ceremony, Nat learns that Rob wrote a one-star review of her new novel, which has them both reeling: Nat from imposter syndrome, and Rob over the reason he needed to write it.
When the reception ends, these two opposites hope they’ll never meet again. But, as they slip from their twenties into their thirties, they’re forced together whenever their fast-track best friends celebrate another milestone. Through housewarmings and christenings, life-changing triumphs and failures, Natalie and Rob grapple with their own choices—and how your harshest critic can become your perfectly imperfect match.
After all, even the truest love stories sometimes need a bit of rewriting.
BONUS BOOK LIST: Browse this eclectic list of books about authors and publishing for the perfect literary escape. These 32 book titles include a mix of fiction and nonfiction for your summer.
Meet Laura Hankin
Laura Hankin is an accomplished author, screenwriter, and performer known for her captivating novels, perfect for beach reads and book club discussions. Her previous works include The Daydreams, Happy & You Know It, and A Special Place for Women.
One-Star Romance is her debut romance.
Mentioned in this episode:
TODAY’S BONUS SUMMER CONTENT:
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One Star Romance by Laura Hankin
American Fever by Dur E Aziz Amna
Laura Hankin’s Tiktok Viral Moment
The Daydreams by Laura Hankin
Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin
A Special Place for Women by Laura Hankin
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
Akwaeke Emezi Shares Strategy for Processing Reviews
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
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