In a recent interview, author Robinne Lee shared insights into the creation of her sizzling romance novel, "The Idea of You," revealing how advice from the writer of "Fifty Shades of Grey" influenced her work.
The idea for the book began one quiet night while Lee's family were asleep and her husband was away. Alone, she discovered a boyband on YouTube and felt intrigued by one of its members, a detail she kept private. Upon her husband's return, she playfully shared her desire to follow the band around the world, prompting laughter from him. Her husband said her idea was crazy but noted its potential for a captivating story. This notion sparked the inception of the book, setting the stage for Lee's journey into writing "The Idea of You."
Lee, known for her diverse background from New York to Hollywood, discussed the inspiration behind her debut novel. As she approached her 40s, she noticed a shift in the roles offered to her as an actor. Reflecting on Hollywood's portrayal of women over a certain age, Lee felt compelled to challenge stereotypes and conventions. This impulse gave birth to Solène, a character embodying resilience and sensuality and her unconventional romance with Hayes.
In a December 2020 interview, Lee disclosed that she crafted her character Hayes in "The Idea of You" as her 'dream guy,' drawing inspiration from a blend of figures like Prince Harry, Harry Styles, and a touch of Eddie Redmayne. Learning about Styles' penchant for dating older women planted the seed for her story. Even so, Lee highlighted that the book was not primarily about Styles but the story of an almost 40-year-old woman who rediscovers her sexuality in a society that often disregards other women or treats them differently.
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Lee's novel follows Soléne Marchand, a 39-year-old single mother and art gallery owner in Los Angeles. Her life changes when she attends a concert for the boy band August Moon with her daughter Isabelle and becomes attracted to the band's lead singer, 20-year-old British heartthrob Hayes Campbell. Despite navigating life post-divorce, Soléne and Hayes begin a secret romance that blossoms into a whirlwind affair, with Soléne traveling the world to meet Hayes during his band's tour. However, their relationship faces challenges, including scrutiny from Hayes' fans and the complexities of their age difference and life stages.
At the novel's heart lies an exploration of desire and intimacy, themes Lee approached with sincerity and depth. Using her knowledge of psychology and drawing inspiration from her personal life, she created scenes that mix physical desire with emotional openness. Lee's dedication to truthfulness is evident as she stresses the significance of showing the characters' deepest emotions and thoughts.
Despite initial concerns about reader reception, particularly regarding the significant age gap between Solène and Hayes, Lee found support and guidance from fellow authors, including E.L. James, the mastermind behind "Fifty Shades of Grey." James' advice helped Lee handle the challenges of writing a daring romance, enabling her to remain faithful to her vision while embracing the genre's standards.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, "The Idea of You" gained fresh relevance, offering readers an escape into romance and excitement. Lee discussed how the book transports readers to exotic places and allows them to experience thrills vicariously, serving as a comforting diversion during uncertain times.
As "The Idea of You" premieres on Prime Video, Lee contemplated the path that led to its creation. Observing Solène's character portrayed by Anne Hathaway, Lee acknowledged a depiction of resilience and rebellion, demonstrating the power of pursuing one's aspirations and questioning societal standards.
"The Idea of You" delves deeper than romance, exploring enduring topics such as love, self-discovery, and confronting societal norms. Lee's introspective thoughts offer insight into her enthusiasm and drive, motivating readers to embark on their own voyage of love and self-discovery.
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