Q&A: Joss Richard, Author of ‘It’s Different This Time’

2 weeks ago

18 4 minutes read

Joss Richrad Its Different This Time Author Interview.jpg

We chat with author Joss Richard about It’s Different This Time, which is a sweeping, second-chance romance where a twist of fate forces two former roommates back into their beloved New York City brownstone where they must confront the events that led to their estrangement—and the unresolved feelings lingering between them.

Hi, Joss! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I’m Joss, I write contemporary romance and am the author of IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME, a second-chance romance that takes place in New York in the fall.

Previously, I was an editorial and social director who’s worked at companies such as Hello Sunshine and Reese’s Book Club, The Walt Disney Company, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Netflix, and Paramount. I’m also the creator and host of Three’s Company, Too: A Rewatch Podcast and have been formally recognized with a Daytime Emmy Award. I was born and raised in Toronto, ON and currently live in Los Angeles with my husband and rescue pit bull, Annie!

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I actually grew up writing The Sound of Music fanfiction back in elementary school. I had zero readers, but boy did I love writing it. I quickly learned that I adored romance stories in all forms; on the page and on the screen. While I always loved reading, I took a break from that in college to pursue my TV career and it wasn’t until the pandemic (like most of us), when things slowed down, I rediscovered my love for writing.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

The first book you ever remember reading: To me, WHEN YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE. On my own, JUNIE B. JONES AND THE STUPID SMELLY BUS.
The one that made you want to become an author: BEACH READ by Emily Henry
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

**Your debut novel, It’s Different This Time, is out September 30^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?**

Sweeping
Romantic
Heartbreaking
Real
Funny

What can readers expect?

June and Adam’s stories are told in a dual timeline over the course of twelve years. Two former roommates and best friends are forced back into their beloved New York City brownstone where they must confront the events that led to their estrangement—and the unresolved feelings lingering between them. It takes place in one of the dreamiest cities in the world: New York City in the fall. It’s perfect for fans of second-chance romances, forced proximity, Broadway, and friends-to-lovers.

**Where did the inspiration for It’s Different This Time come from?**

One of my favorite television shows is the late seventies and early eighties sitcom, Three’s Company. I have always been fascinated with the bond that forms between roommates; people that have been living together and have seen each other in the most vulnerable states over the course of many years. Ever since I was a child, I’ve wanted to write a story around those dynamics and see if two people could fall in love and not end up together. I think that’s more real than anything. The romantic in me wanted to see if things could be different years later.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Oh gosh, all of it! I genuinely wrote this story for myself and I think that’s why I love it so much. It’s also the first book I’ve ever written. Everything when writing IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME was a first for me. The first time drafting, the first time coming up with character names, the first time editing. I loved every single moment.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

I’m not great when it comes to outlines. I quickly learned that writing a dual timeline with no outline was setting myself up for a lot of “figuring things out” halfway through the book. Thankfully, I felt so incredibly close to June and Adam and their journey that I quickly was able to course correct because I knew where I wanted this story to go. But because of that experience, I’ve learned the value in outlining and it’s something I work on every day!

This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

I actually wrote IT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME with the intention of not trying to sell it. I wrote it because I just wanted to tell this story, for myself honestly! I was going to force feed it to my husband and friends and live a very content life knowing the people close to me read it. It wasn’t until my second or third draft I realized that I wanted this to be a story I could share with people. I did a lot of research online and found advice on finding an agent and selling a book. A lot of it was helpful, and a lot of it was not.

What’s next for you?

I’ve been working on Book 2 and I’m excited to share more details with everyone very soon!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

We are blessed with so many incredible books! A few of my favorites from this year have been B.K Borison’s FIRST TIME CALLER and Elissa Sussman’s TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY FINE. I’m currently reading Ellen O’Clover’s THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL and I can’t wait for Lyla Sage’s SOUL SEARCHING and Sarah Adam’s IN YOUR DREAMS!