Interview with Jill Smolinski Today, Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views talks with prolific author Jill Smolinski, about her new novel “The Next Thing on My List.” Jill Smolinski has published two novels: “The Next Thing on My List” (2007) and “Flip-Flopped” (2002), as well as nine non-fiction titles on subjects including origami, travel games and supermodels. Her work has appeared in major women's magazines, as well as in an anthology of short stories, “American Girls About Town” (2005). A transplanted Midwesterner, Jill now lives in Los Angeles with her son. Juanita: Welcome to Reader Views Jill, and thank you for the opportunity to talk with you about your new novel, “The Next Thing on My List.” First off, would you comment on your long writing history? What do you enjoy about writing novels that is different from your other genres?
Juanita: What happens in “The Next Thing on My List”? Jill: 34-year old June Parker goes to a Weight Watchers meeting to lose a few pounds, and she gives a ride home a woman she’s just met, Marissa. But a freak car accident leaves Marissa dead, and June in possession of Marissa’s list of 20 things she’d wanted to do by her birthday. To help ease the guilt she feels, June sets out to complete the list. Juanita: Would you tell us about your lead character June Parker? How did you come up with her in the writing process? Jill: June is bright and funny, but a bit of a slacker. It’s not that she’s too lazy to go for what she wants in life – she simply doesn’t know what she wants. From the very start, I wanted to write about a woman doing a life list. I think June came to me because I couldn’t relate to a character who was easily able to write and do her life goals – with June, I was able to sort out some of my own struggles through her. Juanita: Why did June decide to take up Marissa’s to-do list? What does Marissa represent to June? Jill: At first it doesn’t occur to June to do the list – she doesn’t even know why she hangs onto it after the accident instead of returning it to Marissa’s family. She feels envious of a person like Marissa who could write such a list of dreams. June’s to-do lists are more things like “pick up dry cleaning” and other errands. It’s only after a chance run-in with Marissa’s older brother, Troy, that June decides to take on the list. She sets out to impress him, and winds up pushing herself in ways she never could have imagined. Juanita: What are some of the things on Marissa’s list that June takes on? Jill: The tasks range from inspiring, like running a 5K and watching a sunrise, to daring, like going braless and riding in a helicopter, to nearly impossible: changing someone’s life. They’re not necessarily things June would have chosen to do, but she tries her best to make them her own. Juanita: Self-discovery is a major theme of “The Next Thing on My List.” Would you elaborate? Jill: I think women in particular have a habit of putting things off for “later” - when the kids are grown, when we lose weight, when the house is in perfect order. Unfortunately, this idyllic later doesn’t always come – and in the meantime, we’re left with a day-to-day life that feels hollow, and we can’t figure out why. June sets out to complete a list, and she doesn’t have the luxury of procrastinating because she’s doing it on behalf of someone else. In the process, she learns the value of taking charge of her own dreams. Juanita:“The Next Thing on My List” is being described as heartwarming and humorous. Would you agree? Jill: One reviewer called it “surprisingly un-morbid,” which made me laugh – I’d become so close to the story, it never occurred to me people might think of it as morbid! Yes, one of the characters dies, but the story focuses more on life than on death – that is, life is short, so how can we make the most of the time we have? Juanita: Where did you come up with the idea of a “Life List”? Jill: I actually did a variation of a life list myself. For 40 days, I challenged myself to do one small thing every day that I’d never done before, that was scary, or that just sounded fun. During that time, I enjoyed a lot of firsts – my first pedicure, first motorcycle ride, and first taste of Brussels sprouts. I thought, if doing one small thing a day could make such a difference in my life, what would happen if you had a list of more challenging things to do? That was the inspiration behind the novel. Juanita: What percentage of people do you think actually create “Life Lists”? Did you do any research to prepare for writing this novel? Jill: I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who didn’t at least have a few things they hope to accomplish before they die. As I was writing “The Next Thing on My List,” my main form of research was simply talking to people. They’d tell me how they hoped someday to go skydiving, or backpack through Europe, or run a marathon. What I found is that the people who actually wrote down their goals were far more likely to be making progress than those who merely talked about them. Juanita: Why do you think “Life Lists” are so powerful? Jill: It’s easy to get caught up in the minutia of daily life. The world will conspire to give us work to do. A life list takes us out of the day-to-day and reminds us that there’s so much more than cooking, cleaning and running errands. Even if you have a job and a family to take care of, life can still be an adventure. Juanita: I understand that you’re taking this theme to another level with online support in writing “Life Lists.” Would you tell us more? Jill: On my web site at www.jillsmolinski.com, I have tips for writing life lists – advice culled from the people I talked to who are working them. I’ve also reinstated my variation on a life list where I’m doing something new every day, and I’m blogging it on my web site. I’d love for people to join me! Plus I’m always eager to hear any ideas they might have for my life list - it’s not always easy coming up with a new thing every day, but it’s definitely been fun. Juanita: Jill, you convey a deep understanding for your characters. Would you comment on your humanistic writing style? Jill: Well, first off, thank you. When I write characters, they start out almost cartoon-like in my mind. As I progress, they take on shape and form, and a few of them even surprise me. I said earlier how I love writing novels because I can make people do and say what I want, but that’s not entirely true. Eventually they do take on a life of their own. There’s one character in this novel, Dominic Martucci, who I’d only planned to include in a scene or two. Before I knew it, he’d written himself in as a major character. Juanita: What is the underlying message of “The Next Thing on My List”? Jill: Don’t take life for granted. Live every day like it matters. Juanita: Jill, this novel is geared towards a female reading audience. Besides being a highly interesting and heartwarming read, why do you think it is important to convey the themes/messages of “The Next Thing on My List” to women? Jill: We’re the caregivers: the ones who often drop our own dreams to take care of others – whether it’s a husband, kids, aging parents, etc. Women need to understand that it’s not selfish to go after goals of our own. It’s like when you’re on an airplane and the flight attendant advises that, in case of emergency, you should put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. When you take care of yourself, you ultimately have more to give. Juanita: Where do you see your writing going in the future? Jill: I’m currently working on another novel, and I still squeeze in some freelance writing. I feel so lucky to do what I love every day. Juanita: How can readers find out more about you and your endeavors? Jill: On my web site at www.jillsmolinski.com, they can get more information on my books, on life lists, and also link to my daily blog. Juanita: Jill, thanks for the opportunity to talk with you about your thought-provoking new novel “The Next Thing on My List.” We encourage readers to look for your new book, as well as your prior work, at local and online booksellers. Before we depart today, do you have any last thoughts? Jill: Just that I always love hearing from readers. They can email me via my web site – and if they’re part of a reading group that has chosen The Next Thing on My List as one of its books, I may be able to join in the discussion via speakerphone or email. Again, details are on my web site at jillsmolinski.com – and thank you! Listen to interview on Inside Scoop Live |
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