I have something to do Reese Witherspoon's Book Club That's why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuan's debut novel How to end a love story. This book, which was selected as his May Recommendation by Reese's Book Club, includes: romance It makes little sense. I mean, when was the last time you realized that your bond with someone was traumatic? Other than Helen Chan and Grant Shepard's character arcs and the entire plot of the movie. How to end a love story I don't feel like that that.
Instead, Yulin mysteriously peels back what it means to be a multilayered human being, with trauma, talent, success, impostor syndrome, and burning desire at heart. Masu. Still, we've only scratched the surface of who Helen and Grant are. I feel like I'm at a loss for words when trying to capture their essence, but that shows how great this novel is and means that Yurin's goal was achieved.
She loves to be executed perfectly, but Love comedy And she doesn't consider herself lucky to be involved in this film production. How to end a love story As one. “…In writing this book, I was looking for something more in line with Bronte's romance sensibilities: less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unbridled carnality.” she explains.
Yulin Kuan's Journey to “How to End a Love Story”
Image courtesy of Zach Wallnau
Some people are born knowing they are destined to be right, but some of us stumble and realize, “Oh, I'm good at this.”For Yulin, the journey to his debut novel How to end a love story I'll take the latter route. Her first dream, you ask? To become an Olympic figure skater.
“…That didn't work, so I turned to storytelling,” Yulin admits. From this axis, she began honing her creative writing skills using her classic marble composition notebook and aspired to become a writer. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, here's her answer: yes!
The screenwriter and author then found himself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She said, “She eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing during her undergraduate years at Carnegie Mellon University, and spent her first 10 years after graduation focusing on her filmmaking career.” says.
Yulin Kuan's approach to filmmaking
That's why her efforts and the stars aligned for Emily Henry's film adaptation. beach lead and people you meet on vacation.
When I ask her what helped her make the transition from books to movies, she cites writing fan fiction.This feels similar christina lauren's This is further proof that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the greatest literary and cinematic minds ultimately create what can only be described as masterpieces.
“Fan fiction was the first time I realized what I could do with characters created by others and what I could make them do in my version,” says Yulin. It would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and get everyone to accept the first pitch, but she learned to rely on what writing fan fiction had taught her.
“Early in my career, I would pitch novel-to-movie adaptations and say, 'Don't change anything, just shoot the book!' I couldn't get it because I didn't have a clear “take.” And because you can't actually photograph the book. Adaptation is an art form in itself. So at some point I started approaching the adaptation more as a fan. “The idea of fiction – 'What are my views on these characters and this world?' – helped me better navigate my book-to-screen trajectory,” she proudly says. Masu.
However, this does not mean that she never had doubts about whether she could still find a way to generate new ideas. “…In 2021, when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I was wondering if I had any original left in me,” she recalls.
It's natural for creators to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin was able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her head. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations for the adaptation she's working on.
She said, “Please know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of the genre in a variety of mediums, and I intend to put everything I know into these adaptations. But more specifically, beach lead, I have more creative ownership as a writer/director. ”
How does Yulin Kuan relate to the main character of “How to End a Love Story”?
since then How to end a love story “'' is truly Yulin's own creative work, and it is no wonder that the main characters Helen and Grant have not only her characteristics, but also parts of her personality.
“I gave Helen all of my hopes and fears from high school and gave her an otherworldly path that was pursuing publishing rather than Hollywood. I brought certain traits to myself that I was actively trying to develop. “I looked at what would have happened if she had grown up,” she says of Helen Chan.
Readers immediately get the sense that Helen is very smart and hard-working, but we also get a glimpse of her cautious tendencies toward success. Helen has written a very successful YA (young adult) novel, but she's waiting with bated breath for her moment when people will call her a bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're just cosplaying a version of ourselves that has reached some level of success.
On the other hand, we have Grant Shepard. At first glance, he is a cool and calm screenwriter, but he has a complicated past with Helen. “Grant has many of the qualities that I'm proud of and have always aspired to as a working screenwriter,” Yulin says. “Many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the state of the industry certainly resonate.” .
The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes clear that there is more to them than meets the eye.Indeed, they teeth It's complicated…but who isn't?
“Essentially, Helen and Grant are two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I empathize deeply with that,” she says.
Yulin Kuan's romantic comedy view
Based on the fact that Yulin has a genuine interest in romance novels and is familiar with adapting them, she knows what it takes to make a romantic comedy a success. Her first take? “Romantic tension is key to any romance – we always need to know why our couples can't be together” now. “The moment the tension disappears, the viewer's interest also disappears,” she points out.
This explains why reading books about romance, listening to romance-specific albums, and watching movies depicting romance at all levels is not enough. Still, some people look at this genre sideways.
“Humans seem to be naturally suspicious of things that feel too good, like, 'It can't be good for us, it's just candy!' There's something evolutionary about it. I wonder if I’m working,” she said before doubling down. “There's no disputing the fact that people really love romantic comedies, and that making money and being happy forever is more difficult to achieve, and the story's satisfaction when it's successful. I'm going to die on the hill that the degree is higher.
She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss done right on screen, but she's also not afraid to “moan every time you fail.” However, she knows that not everyone sees romance the same way she and many other people do, but she doesn't really care.
“Ultimately, I'm less interested in changing ideas that I don't want to change. There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of romantic comedies, so I'd rather spend my precious time making art.” “I want to spend my time surprising and delighting people with my good taste.” ”
I have to say that this is another reason How to end a love story Does it work that well?
How Yulin Kuang hopes the world celebrates AAPI Month
As much as Yulin is vocal about screenwriting and romantic comedies, she's also thinking about the way society at large talks about BIPOC creative artists. “There's a vibe to things that says, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' and while that may be true, it's not the most glamorous way to market or discover art,” she says. say.
She admits that this may be due to her attending a panel discussion on diversity in film. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a tone of, “Let's check this box so everyone can be happy.” So I can imagine that attending a panel discussion on diversity and inclusion might sound tiresome after a while. .
Ms. Yulin didn't hold back when she said, “I get a little tired of being asked questions about diversity at this point. I don't want to attract readers who just showed up to support my Asian side.” , someone comes on a date and says, “I'm so excited that you're Asian!
Being expressive is one thing, but I'd like to think it's always evident when people approach conversations in a similar way to “other” BIPOC people. We're not literally asking for trophies, but rather the recognition that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, careers, or given special treatment.
This sentiment is shared by Yurin, who says: , I feel that too. teeth How to become a true ally.
“…please support AAPI creatives. And maybe start by celebrating us as individual artists, even after the designated month is over. And if you want, don't be a vegetable. “Talk about our work like candy. I prefer to be glamorous than important,” she says.
Tear out a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up your next copy. How to end a love story today! You won't regret it!
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