Interview with Author Jackie Lau

I got an early unbound copy of The Stand-Up Groomsman by Jackie Lau. The fun plotline instantly gripped me. I knew I needed to chat with Jackie as soon as I turned the last page. I was so excited when she agreed!

So without giving anything about The Stand-Up Groomsman, I’ll let Jackie do the honors.

Jackie! So excited to interview you! Share with readers more about what they can expect from your newest novel, The Stand-Up Groomsman.

I’m excited to have the chance to talk about this book! Melvin Lee is Vivian Liao’s favorite stand-up comedian, and he was one of the stars of a short-lived sitcom she loved. However, it’s a disaster when they meet for the first time, and Vivian thinks he’s an asshole. They try to keep their distance from each other as Vivian’s roommate starts dating a close friend of Mel’s. But when their friends get engaged and ask them both to be at the wedding party, they have to spend more time together, and they start rethinking their first impressions.

The Stand-Up Groomsman has the opposites-attract trope. Have you always been a fan of this trope?

Yes, I’ve always loved opposites-attract stories! They’re so fun to write (and read). I think it provides lots of great opportunities for banter.

Who was your favorite character to write?

I love many of the book characters, but if I had to pick, I’d say Mel’s grandmother. She’s keen to see him married, and in the first chapter, she surprises him in a limo with three prospective dates. I’ve always enjoyed writing families, and she was a lot of fun to write.

What’s your absolute favorite chapter you can’t wait for readers to read?

Hmm. I like the chapter where Mel cares for Vivian when she’s sick. Vivian struggles with allowing someone to do things for her because she feels she has to be useful to others.

I also like the scene where Mel’s grandmother shows up at the club when he’s trying out some new stand-up material, and he notices her right when he’s saying something that is far from PG.

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What inspired the plot of The Stand-Up Groomsman?

You know, I thought of the idea for this book a long time ago, and I don’t exactly remember. But I’ve generally been inspired by the increased Asian representation in North American TV and movies, and I’ve written a couple of heroes who are actors. Also, weddings are common in romance novels, and I wanted to write a Chinese wedding banquet. A wedding is a great way to make two characters who aren’t particularly fond of each other interact.

The cover is so fun! I love how it encompasses the plot. Were you involved with the design process?

I provided details on how I envisioned the characters and other elements that could appear on the cover. Later, I was given four different mock-ups (two different designs, each in two color schemes) and asked to see one of the designs in a different color scheme with a few additional tweaks. I love the final cover!

Was writing something you always wanted to do?

From the time I was about seven, yes. In grade two, we often wrote stories at school, and that was my favorite part of the school day. I started writing my first novel (which will never see the light of day) when I was twenty-four.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author reading this, what would it be?

I think one of the most of important things is to figure out your own process and what works for you. A lot of writing advice tells you to do things in a particular way, but writing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Like, some people say you should write every day, but that doesn’t work for everyone.

Where can readers find you on social media?

I’m most active on Twitter and Instagram (@JackieLauBooks on both). I also have a readers group on Facebook, Northern Heat, with fellow Canadian authors Farah Heron and Jenny Holiday.

Anything else you want to share with us?

Mel and Vivian are secondary characters in my 2021 release, Donut Fall in Love, but The Stand-Up Groomsman can be read as a standalone. (But if you like baking romances, definitely check out Donut Fall in Love!)

Thank you so much for joining us Jackie! What did you think of my interview with author Jackie Lau?

Comment or leave an emoji below!

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