The Month Before the Big Book
Happy February! (Fear not, you did not miss a January installment)
Happy New Year!
Well, here we are in 2025 (*she types on February 10th*). It has been very busy so far in my writing corner of the world, to say the least. I wasn’t able to dash off a newsletter last month, because I have been swamped working on both my 2026 books and preparing for a Big Life Event later this year. Book-wise, I’ve been revising Audrey, and drafting Olivia. The fun news is Audrey now has a real title—We’re A Bad Idea, Right?—which hopefully makes you hum Olivia Rodrigo, as she takes up plenty of space on my Spotify playlist for this book. I also *might* already have a cover-like JPEG saved on my computer, and it *might* be my new favorite.
All in due time…
Speaking of Audrey, in case you missed it, We’re A Bad Idea, Right? is the first book in my newest deal with Delacorte Romance, whose team has been an absolute dream to work with. I love that my editor really stretches me as a writer (even on my grouchiest days, we all have to grow!) and I love, love, love also gushes about my characters like they are real people. It’s the best!
The deal memo is below, finally going public a year after the offer. We pitched WABIR? in early January 2024, and then I put it on my mind’s back burner because I was spending most of the month in Italy—where I promptly got engaged, caught COVID, and was pickpocketed all while revising While We’re Young. But it was a fabulous three and a half weeks!
When we touched back down in the USA, C and I hadn’t even made it through customs before my agent texted to see if she could call me with some news. I had an inkling that we had sold Audrey, but was absolutely stunned when Delacorte not only wanted my badass glass blower, but also two other books.
So, in conclusion, this deal is really special to me. <3
Less than a month now!
We are officially closing in on three weeks until While We’re Young is out in the world! Grace, James, Isa, and Everett have been such a big part of my life for the last few years, and I think it is beyond about time to share them with you. I plan to write a release day post next month (MARCH 4TH!!!!!!), with some behind the scenes fun facts, but I cannot stress how much I love this cast of characters and their shenanigans. *falls to knees with hands clasped* It would mean the absolute world to me if you could preorder or request WWY at your local library. Demonstrating an advanced interest is one of the best ways to support an author’s career!
(I’ll also add that preordering is the only way to ensure you snag a copy with the adorable but first-run-only sprayed edges…)
I have a lot of publicity coming up (more at the end of this newsletter), but I’m so hyped for my While We’re Young launch event! It will be at Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, New Jersey, which is my favorite indie bookstore. Multiple members of my family will be in attendance, as Haddonfield has been my grandparents’ turf for decades. You can find more information here!
The Summer of Broken Rules: Collector’s Edition
So, the secret is finally out…and I am frankly shocked it remained under wraps until the official reveal last week! I feel like you guys are always able to sniff out my surprises ahead of time. A fair amount of you are Swifties, after all.
But seriously, I was a little nervous. When I took down White Elephant from Substack, someone noticed it was missing within an hour. AN HOUR! SIXTY MINUTES!
More questions about the story’s whereabouts proceeded to follow; I can’t tell you how heartwarming it is to know that my readers have read my Christmastime tale more than once.
The updated cover and designed edges took my breath away the first time I saw them (and the second time, the third time, and the hundredth time), and I can’t wait for you to read the new bonus chapter, from Wit’s perspective. I’ve always firmly believed that TSOBR is Meredith’s story, but it was so interesting to hang out in Wit’s head for a couple days. I definitely learned one or two new things about him!
This gorgeous version is a limited print-run, so I also suggest preordering. A collector’s edition really is something out of my wildest dreams (the cover! the sailboat edges! the map! the character art! the bonus content!), so I think it is worth making room for on your bookshelf.
(I am very aware how hard I’m pitching the preorders here, and really thank you for indulging me).
Reader Q&A
Will there be preorder gifts for WWY and AFTFE?
I will have more news soon about AFTFE’s preorder campaign, but for now, Goodreads is running a giveaway, and there is a really cool sweepstakes happening on Barnes & Noble!
Would you ever write more about Charlie and Luke?
Of course. I love them too much to ever say goodbye.
Did Wit and Sage become friends during Morning Glory because of Middlebury?
That’s how they first connect! But they really become buddies through their love of long-distance skiing, hiking, and biking. Even Nick isn’t signing up for a ten-mile hike, and he also definitely doesn’t dream of biking the Empire State Trail, riding from New York to Montréal.
What was your favorite scene to write out of all your books?
Well, “out of all my books” would be showing something called favoritism, wouldn’t it? And as the author, I don’t play favorites! ;)
The following choices are entirely off the cuff. I’m sitting in a coffeeshop without my books on hand.
Maybe Meant to Be - Nothing was dreamier than Luke and Charlie’s getaway to UVA. They deserved a picture perfect weekend, and I loved writing about my alma mater.
The Summer of Broken Rules - There are so many, but I especially loved Wit’s rooftop assassination, and Sarah and Michael’s wedding. It may or may not have been me living out my dream Vineyard wedding, with an unlimited budget and zero logistical nightmares!
What Happens After Midnight - Honestly, every scene where Tag and Alex breathed the same air. They were hilarious to write together.
While We’re Young - two words: art museum.
A First Time for Everything - two words: bachelorette weekend.
We’re A Bad Idea, Right? - two words: mind-boggling brownies.
Will there be more character crossover?
It’s the KLW Universe! There will always be character crossover.
What are plans for the next book?
To type The End.
How to make an apartment feel like a home?
Decorate with things that mean something to you. Not solely with what Instagram deems aesthetic. There is definitely art on my apartment walls that most people don’t vibe with, but it sparks joy for the people who live there! Also, keep your favorite snacks on hand. I have a penchant for Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Again with the favoritism! I’ll say one character who makes me laugh so hard my ribs hurt is James from WWY and WABIR?
Any tidbits about your wedding? Anything similar to Mer & Wit? <3 <3
My wedding is this summer, and I wasn’t aware Meredith and Wit were planning a wedding? It doesn’t really sound like them, TBH!
Can you share anything about your wedding?
There is no hashtag! The groom and I both have unique names, so I’m not even going to try brainstorming one. I’m going to quit while I’m ahead with #HurrayShesaDupré and #AllinwithAustin.
Events
In addition to a couple of podcasts and an upcoming TV spot (I can already feel the sweat beading on my forehead), I’m getting those miles!
Before my While We’re Young launch, you can find me this weekend at Love Y’All Atlanta (my mom will be there as my assistant!), and on March 1st, the North Texas Teen Book Festival, where I will be starstruck by so many of my childhood favorite authors. I have never been to Georgia or Texas, so I’m very excited!
Happy Galentine’s and Valentine’s Days to those who celebrate!
Cheers,
Kaethe
I NEED A RELEASE DAY POST
olivia rodrigo is friends with gracie abrams and gracie’s best friend is audrey hobert so olivia + audrey are ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥