The Inspiration

The Truth About Faking actually originated from one of my other stories, Until I Met You. Until I Met You takes place on the East Coast of Canada, and I had this nagging questions: What would happen if two enemies needed to fake date on the West Coast? Being familiar with the West Coast of Canada, I thought it would be a beautiful setting for the story. Oceans, cedar trees with mossy trunks, rainy weather, etc. Pair that with "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things (Taylor's Version)," and The Truth About Faking was born. Okay, I know Taylor's Version isn't out yet, but her versions are all that matter now, right? I can't wait until her version of reputation is released. 

Anyway, although I found The Truth About Faking to relate better to country music, "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" resonated with Gemma's character and her story. From my personal perspective, the song captured the essence of taking the reins in your life after going through some hardships, which Gemma has been through. She's taken her bad experiences with rumours and men, and turned it into something valuable: her own personal business that flourishes on Vancouver Island. 

Friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers creates a very dynamic situation between the main characters. It allows for different factors to play into the storyline. Jake and Gemma have a history that has both good and bad memories, and sometimes it's difficult for them to focus on which ones need to be highlighted. For example, their relationship in high school is something that needed closure. Closure they never reached before graduating and moving on with their lives. So when Jake contacts Gemma through her website and they meet up, it's jarring for both of them. Where Jake feels guilt and remorse, Gemma feels resentment and hurt. However, one emotion that resonates with them both is that "what could've been" feeling. Part of the reason I stick to dual POVs is because I love hearing/expressing what both characters are feeling. Jake feels a lot of guilt; he somehow wants to make up for what was done in the past while also exploring a potential rekindling of their young love. Gemma feels a lot of hatred, hence the reason she decides to pull a bunch of pranks on Jake while they're pretending to date. However, just like Jake, there is that pull of "what could've been."

To me, that's what Taylor Swift's song represents. When everything seems perfect and then someone stabs you in the back, it hurts. Yet you still question why it had to happen. Why did Jake break Gemma's heart? Why did he start that rumour? Why wasn't he strong enough to deal with the accident properly? 

Listening to other songs on reputation, such as End Game, Delicate, and Dancing With Our Hands Tied is what tied together the rest of the story. The parts where Gemma and Jake are able to put their differences aside and discuss what happened, therefore coming to a resolution. It's rare that my characters don't get a happy ending (sorry Leon and Melody).

The Pranks

The pranks were fun to write. However, they were not right of Gemma to do. Just like what Jake did in high school was not right. The comments on this story are very divided, which is what I like to see. That's what I was aiming for. In this story, there isn't a side to pick. They're both wrong. They both have the right to react in the way they do. There's just a better way to solve the problems radiating between them. 

What this story emphasizes is how important communication is. There are ways to come to a resolution without harming anyone or seeking revenge. Sometimes, communication is difficult to initiate, be it because of trauma, anxiety, or emotions. A lot of readers dislike the miscommunication trope, but I (personally--this is not a jab at anyone) think it's a perfectly valid flaw in a relationship (any kind of relationship). We're not perfect, and sometimes our emotions get the best of us. All that matters is after we've had time to cool down, we go back and fix the problem. 

Seriousness aside, my favourite prank to write was the sunscreen one. The banter between Jake and Gemma during this scene is hilarious, and I love Jake's babyish reactions to having the hair waxed off of his body. I was definitely laughing when I wrote it. 

The Series

This was originally supposed to be a stand alone. But then, as I always do, I fell in love with the side characters. Cassian, Penelope, Reid, Morgane, Parker, Patrick, Hanna--all of them. Once I finished Jake and Gemma's story, I decided I had to continue and make this into a series. Not to mention they bounce all over British Columbia (minus Hanna's story), and how can I resist writing about my home province? I'm looking forward to Reid's (Gemma's older brother) story the most. It'll be taking place in Whistler, BC, and focus on him and Morgane. It will also be the steamiest out of them all. Imagine Morgane, Gemma's best friend, dating Reid, Gemma's older brother.... in secret. Oh, the drama! It will be after Hanna's story, so stay tuned! I may post a sneak peek of it somewhere in my writer room ;)