SAME SAME BUT (VERY) DIFFERENT
WHEN TWO BOOKS HAVE A SIMILAR OVERALL THEME, AND ONE OF THEM IS YOURS, AND THE OTHER ONE IS NOW ALSO A MOVIE
I read Robinne Lee’s book, The Idea Of You, when it came out a couple of years ago. I must admit feeling a tiny tingle of vexation when I initially picked it up, as though Robinne had somehow channeled the overall theme of my book, namely, a woman nearing 40 and a pop star considerably younger meet and fall in love.
But when I read Robinne’s book, which I really enjoyed, I soon realized that mine is very different in flavour. Also, I’ve been very open about having written Just Like A Movie (initially called Mucho Caliente) a long time ago as pure escapism during a dark period of my life. I think I managed this pretty well, as when you read it you’d never think you were reading words written by someone with a bad case of the blues: the jokes and play on words simply salsa from one sentence to the next! This giddy joy is something that really struck me when I went back to it in the early months of last year to do some tidying up before republishing. It made me proud! It’s just a very funny, very entertaining book, that will whisk you away from real life and deposit you on the soft, gentle side of Ibiza, not the loud, clubby, obnoxious, alcohol-fuelled side!
Also, it’s a romantic comedy, so it has a happy ending that will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy.
Of course, I’m really looking forward to seeing The Idea Of You on screen (and I can’t even imagine how excited Robinne Lee must be feeling!! I mean Anne Hathaway??!!!), while waiting for the screenplay of Just Like A Movie to be finished. It’s currently being developed by a screenwriter in Hollywood, and the little I have read of it is super fun! Can’t wait!
Every story is different, just as you say. Curtis Sittenfeld's Romantic Comedy is very good too, and some similarity of theme, but the style and plot are all recognisably her, despite the new territory. This is a timeless theme with room for so many stories. Fingers crossed for your screen adaptation!
It's all in the writing! No two books are the same. Best wishes for the next stage!