Ask the Author: Chris Delyani
Answered Questions (7)
Chris Delyani
Hi Garrett,
I’ve read a couple of novels that fit your description. One is Jean Rhys’s “Wide Sargasso Sea,” in which the author tells the story from the point of view of Bertha, the mysterious woman famously locked in the attic of Thornfield Hall of Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.” Another is “A Thousand Acres,” by Jane Smiley, who reimagines the story of Shakespeare’s King Lear, except the year is 1979 and the kingdom is a plot of choice land in Iowa. In both cases, the author presents an original story that deepens the meaning of the original.
I must confess that my first novel, “The Love Thing,” can be seen as a cover for Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” “A gay Pride & Prejudice set in San Francisco in the year 2000” made for a decent elevator pitch (or so I thought), and so I wrote the story from there. With each rewrite, I found myself relying less on Austen and more on my own instincts. I’m especially proud of the character of Greg’s landlord, who I’d intended to model after Mr. Collins in P&P but wound up with someone I can proudly call my own character.
And, now to answer your question: the ‘covered’ novel I’d be most likely to read would be an update of Edith Wharton’s “The Custom of the Country.” It’s a bleak, even terrifying story, but the tale of a social climber—beautiful, cunning, amoral, and above all ravenous for money and fame—is a story that I think would fit our current time. It would take a talented writer to pull it off—and not only talented, but courageous. It takes courage to say what needs to be said.
Thanks for asking! Happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Chris
I’ve read a couple of novels that fit your description. One is Jean Rhys’s “Wide Sargasso Sea,” in which the author tells the story from the point of view of Bertha, the mysterious woman famously locked in the attic of Thornfield Hall of Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre.” Another is “A Thousand Acres,” by Jane Smiley, who reimagines the story of Shakespeare’s King Lear, except the year is 1979 and the kingdom is a plot of choice land in Iowa. In both cases, the author presents an original story that deepens the meaning of the original.
I must confess that my first novel, “The Love Thing,” can be seen as a cover for Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice.” “A gay Pride & Prejudice set in San Francisco in the year 2000” made for a decent elevator pitch (or so I thought), and so I wrote the story from there. With each rewrite, I found myself relying less on Austen and more on my own instincts. I’m especially proud of the character of Greg’s landlord, who I’d intended to model after Mr. Collins in P&P but wound up with someone I can proudly call my own character.
And, now to answer your question: the ‘covered’ novel I’d be most likely to read would be an update of Edith Wharton’s “The Custom of the Country.” It’s a bleak, even terrifying story, but the tale of a social climber—beautiful, cunning, amoral, and above all ravenous for money and fame—is a story that I think would fit our current time. It would take a talented writer to pull it off—and not only talented, but courageous. It takes courage to say what needs to be said.
Thanks for asking! Happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Chris
Chris Delyani
Hi Yoshi, I’m so happy to hear from you! And happier still that you made the time in your busy schedule for me and my book. You really needn’t apologize for not reading it until now. If anything, I should be the one apologizing to you for taking such a long time — seven long years! — between publishing books.
As for Book Four, I can definitely tell you that I’m working on one. I can also tell you I’m determined to see it to publication. What day that will be, I’m afraid to say that I don’t know: certainly not next year, and very possibly not the following year either. I can only promise that I’ll work my hardest. I really am envious of those writers who can put out book after book.
Anyway, hope you’ve been well and I wish you a happy holiday season!
Chris
As for Book Four, I can definitely tell you that I’m working on one. I can also tell you I’m determined to see it to publication. What day that will be, I’m afraid to say that I don’t know: certainly not next year, and very possibly not the following year either. I can only promise that I’ll work my hardest. I really am envious of those writers who can put out book after book.
Anyway, hope you’ve been well and I wish you a happy holiday season!
Chris
Chris Delyani
Hey Ajax—so thankful you still take an interest in my work. Yes, I make the decision to make the book available on KindleUnlimited. I do get a royalty for people who read the book through the program (though don’t ask me how much per book; it’s complicated). However you choose to read it is OK by me. Fingers crossed you like it! With gratitude, Chris
Chris Delyani
Hi Kelly ... and here I was, all worried that my books wouldn’t make it to their destinations in time! I’m so glad to hear that the book made it to you in time, and gladder still that you chose my book.
My favorite? I’m afraid I can’t answer that. I don’t think I could name my favorite book any more than I could name my favorite child (that is, if I had any). That goes not only for the two books I’ve published, but also my third book “Best Man,” which I’m incredibly proud of and am trying very hard to have published.
For the two books that are out there, what I can say is this: “The Love Thing” is a light piece of entertainment, while “You Are Here” is much darker and more serious. I’m equally proud of them both. Thanks very much for reaching out.
Chris
My favorite? I’m afraid I can’t answer that. I don’t think I could name my favorite book any more than I could name my favorite child (that is, if I had any). That goes not only for the two books I’ve published, but also my third book “Best Man,” which I’m incredibly proud of and am trying very hard to have published.
For the two books that are out there, what I can say is this: “The Love Thing” is a light piece of entertainment, while “You Are Here” is much darker and more serious. I’m equally proud of them both. Thanks very much for reaching out.
Chris
Chris Delyani
You’ve read it four times?! I’m astonished and flattered.
I’m afraid there’s not much autobiographical in the book. It’s true that I moved to San Francisco and spent my first months here bored out of my mind as a temp, but the rest of it is pretty much made up. I never took the LSAT and doubt I could score as high as Greg does. My dad was an electrician, not a lawyer, and I met my husband (a tool-and-dye maker) outside of the office. I doubt if my own life could fill a 100,000-word story.
If anything, my decision to drop everything and move to SF to devote myself to my art comes closer to Peter in “You Are Here,” although I regret to say I’m not as patient or forgiving as he is in that book. The character of Nick shares many details from my own life: childhood in Boston, youngest son in a Greek-American family, B.U. grad, a little too quick with his words. In many ways Peter represents the guy I’d like to be, while Nick represents the guy I’m afraid to become. That’s something to consider if you ever decide to read that one again.
Anyway, thanks for being such a loyal fan. Hopefully I’ll have new work to keep you up at night.
I’m afraid there’s not much autobiographical in the book. It’s true that I moved to San Francisco and spent my first months here bored out of my mind as a temp, but the rest of it is pretty much made up. I never took the LSAT and doubt I could score as high as Greg does. My dad was an electrician, not a lawyer, and I met my husband (a tool-and-dye maker) outside of the office. I doubt if my own life could fill a 100,000-word story.
If anything, my decision to drop everything and move to SF to devote myself to my art comes closer to Peter in “You Are Here,” although I regret to say I’m not as patient or forgiving as he is in that book. The character of Nick shares many details from my own life: childhood in Boston, youngest son in a Greek-American family, B.U. grad, a little too quick with his words. In many ways Peter represents the guy I’d like to be, while Nick represents the guy I’m afraid to become. That’s something to consider if you ever decide to read that one again.
Anyway, thanks for being such a loyal fan. Hopefully I’ll have new work to keep you up at night.
Chris Delyani
“Enjoy the ride,” the ticket-taker said, grinning as he slammed shut the funhouse door. I caught a glimpse of his cloven hoofs right as he threw us into total darkness.
Chris Delyani
Hey, Ajax! So glad you're still interested in my stuff. I have good news and bad news.
First, the good news: yes, it's done! I finished work on my third book, entitled "Best Man," earlier this year. I'm very proud of it and am excited to share it with you and all my other readers.
And now, the bad news: I've decided to put in the time and effort to find an agent and publisher. I feel like I sold myself short by putting my first two novels out there without at least trying to find professional representation. This time, I'm going for it.
I'll be reporting my progress (or lack thereof) from time to time on my page. But this I promise you. Sooner or later, "Best Man" will be published. I sincerely appreciate your interest in it.
Chris
(P.S. Hope all's well with you! Feel free to give me a nudge whenever you want.)
First, the good news: yes, it's done! I finished work on my third book, entitled "Best Man," earlier this year. I'm very proud of it and am excited to share it with you and all my other readers.
And now, the bad news: I've decided to put in the time and effort to find an agent and publisher. I feel like I sold myself short by putting my first two novels out there without at least trying to find professional representation. This time, I'm going for it.
I'll be reporting my progress (or lack thereof) from time to time on my page. But this I promise you. Sooner or later, "Best Man" will be published. I sincerely appreciate your interest in it.
Chris
(P.S. Hope all's well with you! Feel free to give me a nudge whenever you want.)
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