EntertainmentWill Better Than the Movies hit theaters? Lynn Painter talks about the TikTok phenomenonWith references to romantic comedies and Taylor Swift songs, the book has become a sensation on the video platform and could be adapted today at 7:00 p.m.

TikTok has proven time and time again that it is capable of transforming films, series and songs into huge hits. With literature, it could not be different. In one of these, the writer Lynn Painter saw his debut book, Better Than The Moviesgo viral organically and become one of the most popular titles on the video platform.

The book, which has several references to romantic comedies and songs by Taylor Swiftbrings the story of Liza young woman determined to find her “happily ever after”, just like in her favorite movies. To do so, she decides to ask for help from her annoying neighbor, Wes.

In an interview with Rolling Stone Brazilin partnership with the CineBuzz, Lynn Painterwho came to Brazil to participate in the São Paulo Book Biennial, told how social networks helped in the success of Better Than The Movieswhat the public can expect from the sequel, It’s Not Like The Movies — which will be published by Intrínseca in November —, and whether there is a possibility of seeing the story adapted for cinema or streaming. Check it out:

How did the idea of ​​writing come about? Better Than The Movies?

Lynn Painter:It came from wanting to write a character who is obsessed with romantic movies, so she knows that love will come to her like in a movie and then everything is ruined in front of her. I think I liked the concept of that and it ended up taking on a life of its own.

Did you expect the book to become a phenomenon among readers on social media?

LP:No. It was released in 2021 and the release was very quiet until a year later. The book came out of the US and Haley Phaman American YouTuber, who has a few million subscribers, said that [Melhor Do Que Nos Filmes] was his favorite book. And combining that with TikTok, people heard about it. So it was absolutely a very pleasant and long-awaited surprise.

Liz is a huge Taylor Swift fan. Are you a Swiftie?

LP:Like everyone else, I’m obsessed. She’s such an inspiration. Her lyrics alone… Any writer could learn from her. Taylor. [Ela] It’s just very good.

What was it like including Taylor’s songs in the story?

LP:It was never my intention. In Better Than The MoviesI used only “Paper Rings” and “New Year’s Day” because they fit that part of the book. And in [livro] A Thousand Times LoveI was a little more intentional. I thought it would be funny to insert a few verses and see if Swifties would recognize that it was a lyric from Taylor Swift being used in a conversation.

BookTok [comunidade de fãs de livros no TikTok] has the power to popularize many books around the world. How does social media contribute to your work?

LP:Immensely, and I did nothing to make it happen. I feel like a lot of authors, like Lauren Robertswho wrote the books Powerlessare really good at TikTok. She’s so good at TikTok, she’s a powerhouse, and I’m not like that. I’m not a great social media person, I never make a TikTok where I’m in it. Who would want to see that? But I still benefit from all the amazing creators who like to make edits and videos about my books. They’re amazing and they’re the best word of mouth ever. So I’m so grateful. I don’t know how I got so lucky.

After all the success of Better Than The Moviesdid you feel pressured to release your next books?

LP:I didn’t feel it, because my next books were more or less already written and delivered to my publisher before Better Than The Movies become popular. So I didn’t feel that pressure. I felt a lot of pressure when I wrote the sequel, [mas] just because, once the book is released, the characters kind of belong to the readers, right? For example, if you like Better Than The Movies, Wes Bennett is yours now. I don’t want to write something that will ruin your Wes Bennett. What if I’m thinking about something and someone says, “My Wes I would never think that.” I was very worried about it.

When did you start writing? Better Than The Movieswere you already planning a sequel?

LP:Never. In previous interviews, I have said that I would never read a sequel because I personally hate sequels. Many movies and books, like Bridget Jones’s DiaryI’ve never watched any of the others. I’ve never seen the second one because I think if they end up happy in the end, why would I want to see the rest? No thanks.

So I always thought, “No, I would never write a sequel.” And then my editor said, “Are you sure you don’t want to write a sequel?” And then I said, well, only if I could find a way to use external conflicts, because Wes Bennett would never cheat, they couldn’t separate organically, my mind can’t handle it.

I started thinking about external conflicts, like things that can happen in life, and I was like, “Wait a second.” And then an idea came to me and I started playing around with it and I was like, “Okay, I want to do that.” It was just an accident. I never wanted to write a sequel.

What was it like revisiting these characters in It’s Not Like The Movies?

LP: It was amazing. They’re my favorite because they’re my firstborn. And I feel like I’ve spent the last five years of my life with them every day because I’m writing these chapters.

My friend said, “You’re writing fanfic for your own book.” And I was like, “Oh my God, I am!” I love them, it’s been a joy. So I’m kind of sad. [com a conclusão do livro]. I was literally crying when I wrote the ending of It’s Not Like The Moviesbecause I thought: “This could be it [o fim]right?”

There is a possibility that Better Than The Movies win an adaptation?

LP:There are options, which doesn’t necessarily mean it will become a movie, but there have been talks. Let’s see what happens.

Your books are highly recommended by readers on social media. Can you recommend any books that you have read and loved?

LP:This is a very difficult question, because I’ve been on deadlines for a year straight. So I don’t allow myself to read. Ali HazelwoodI love all of her books, so if anyone is looking for a good young adult, I love it Check & Mate. And I just finished a book – she [Ali] is my only exception and I read it within the deadline. I read it Bride and the next book, It’s Not Love, and I loved them both.

Finally, qWhat are your favorite romantic comedies? Are they the same as Liz’s?

LP:Yes, because the Liz loves them all and I love them too. It’s very difficult. It’s like choosing your favorite child, because I love Message for You and Harry & Sally – When Harry Met Sallywhich are my favorite movies. But also 10 Things I Hate About You is always up there. So I don’t know if I could choose.