Sit down with our first wife-writing duo, Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta, as they discuss their sophisticated summer romance, The View Was Exhausting. They join us from Berlin to share about their writing process, embracing tropes, and why they wanted to explore the topic of women of color in Hollywood.
I am excited to host our first writing duo on the podcast today. It’s not just any writing duo, though; this is a wife-writing duo that joined me from Berlin to discuss their romance debut, The View Was Exhausting.
I selected this book for our Summer Reading Guide because it brings the PURE ESCAPE factor you crave in your vacation reading. This swoon-worthy romance laces iconic scenery with a Hollywood setting, relying on many of our favorite romance tropes: FAKE DATING.
This week does, sadly, conclude our Summer Author Interview series. I REALLY hope you have enjoyed these conversations as much as I’ve enjoyed hosting them.
Check out the two other episodes this summer: my Ashley Winstead interview on Fool Me Once (episode 37) and the Jenny Pentland interview on This Will Be Funny Later (episode 34).
They were both such memorable conversations for very different reasons. Ashley shares the creative differences between thriller and romance writing if you missed them. Jenny’s interview was a lesson in vulnerability with memoir writing and growing up as Roseanne Arnold’s daughter. I’m incredibly proud of these beautiful conversations, and I don’t want you to miss them.
This smart and sophisticated summer romance has become my new go-to recommendation for friends that need a proper escape from reality.
In our story, Whitman is a well-known actress making a paparazzi splash with a jet-setting playboy named Leo.
The two have made headlines for a decade with their on-again, off-again romance. However, the public doesn’t know that the entire relationship is staged.
They manipulate the press for necessary coverage and to gain favor and attention when required. All these situations are carefully orchestrated events between two friends from gorgeous locations, Like St. Tropez, to those behind-the-scenes celebrity shots of them leaving dinners and extravagant parties.
As you might guess, this gets complicated but in all the best ways. Rather than leaning into the stereotypical plotlines, this goes into brilliant places like examining what it is like to be a woman of color in Hollywood.
About Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta
Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta co-wrote The View Was Exhausting, published by Grand Central Publishing in July 2021. Mikaella’s writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, Hazlitt, Catapult, and more, and she was shortlisted for the 2019 Galley Beggar Press Prize and the 2018 Bridport Short Story Prize. Onjuli’s work has been published in The Billfold and Daddy magazine. Mikaella is originally from Australia and Onjuli from England; they are married and live together in Berlin.
The View Was Exhausting Book Club Guide
If you lead a book club, this is a smart summer selection that comes with thoughtfully curated discussion questions, music playlists, and signature drink ideas. I can’t think of an easier book club book to execute! Check out their book club extras here.
On a more personal project note, I hope you love the show’s new podcast logo as much as I do!
Patreon friends can enjoy a bonus episode with Mikaella and Onjuli in our fun Bookworm Challenge. Be sure to join Patreon to unlock this feature.
Be sure to check out this year’s Summer Reading Guide for the best beach read book recommendations.
The View Was Exhausting: Interview with Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta
Listen to the Show:
Listen below or listen on your favorite podcast listening platform!
Mentioned in this episode:
Get the Kindle Daily Deals List to Your Email
The View was Exhausting by Mikaela Clements & Onjuli Datta
Book Gang: Fool Me Once: An Interview with Ashley Winstead
Thank U, Next: How the Golden Age of Romcoms Inspired Our Novel
Get A Life Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
The View Was Exhausting Playlist on Spotify
TVWE Remix on Spotify
100 Ways Music Video by Jackson Wang
Getaway Car Music Video by Taylor Swift
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
The View Was Exhausting Book Club Kit
Six Days in Rome by Francesca Giacco
Tell Me Everything by Laura Kay
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Join the Patreon Community For the Bonus Content
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I have selected 12 phenomenal books to read together that were picked just for you. These are thought-provoking stories that deserve discussion, and many are hidden literary treasures. The official 2022 MomAdvice Book Club selection announcement will happen on December 1st. Your $5 membership will grant you access to the following exclusive features.
Monthly in-depth video interviews with each of our chosen authors. Learn the stories behind each of their stories and what they hope you will walk away from each of their books.
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Exclusive MomAdvice Book Gang Podcast Episodes & Early Access Book Reviews. Your stack will be toppling over with my real-time reviews each month. These reviews are available in both audio and printable formats.
Monthly Themed Playlists & Digital Downloads. Pair your favorite thriller with my spooky playlist. Brew some tea and listen to an instrumental mix with your favorite classic. Embrace short story songs with my favorite storytellers. The playlists are endless and digital downloads are available for your reading journals.
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More Summer Reads: