[Note From Frolic: Our resident YA expert Aurora Dominguez got the opportunity to interview author Ashley Elston and ask her five(ish) questions. Ashley’s novel ‘10 Blind Dates‘ is out now!]
Aurora: What was your inspiration behind your most recent novel, 10 Blind Dates?
Ashley: I have a special place in my heart for blind dates since I met my husband on one Valentine’s Day 1992! I also come from a big family – 21 first cousins! – and love spending the holidays where the house feels like it’s bursting at the seams because it’s filled with so many people. I thought it would be fun to combine the two.
Explain the premise of 10 Blind Dates
In 10 Blind Dates, Sophie finds herself broken hearted after she overhears her boyfriend saying he wanted a break from her. And she’s stuck at her grandparent’s house during Christmas break while her parents are in south Louisiana taking care of her older sister who is on bedrest with her first pregnancy. So her grandmother hatches a plan to help her get over her broken heart – 10 blind dates over 10 days. What could possibly go wrong?!
What character do you most relate to and why?
I love Sophie and probably relate to her the most. Many of the family moments, especially the ones on Christmas morning, are very much how I spent my childhood.
Why do you feel books with powerful and relatable characters are so popular and have such a voice right now?
I think everyone wants to see themselves in a story. And to see settings and families and characters that are familiar to them. And thankfully, there are so many great books out now that do just that.
Please describe the content of your latest book and what can readers expect from the read.
10 Blind Dates is full of fun dates, awkward dates and even a few cringy ones! And lots and lots of family! Hopefully, it will get you in the mood for the holidays, too.
What’s next for you in the book world?
I’m working on the companion to 10 Blind Dates now!
Who is your favorite writer right now and why?
My favorites right now are Elle Cosimano and Megan Miranda. I adore everything they write.
