Exclusive Spotlight + Interview: November 9 by Colleen Hoover - Vilma Iris | Lifestyle Blogger

Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

Exclusive Spotlight + Interview: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Exclusive Spotlight + Interview: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

I’m such a big Colleen Hoover fan. She was the reason I mustered the courage to travel to my first book event,  just months after starting my blog. I’ve treasured her stories as favorites — unique romances enlivened by her one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Her style and creativity make her a leader in the book community as she continues to find ways to innovate with her storytelling. I had the pleasure of reading November 9 early on and let me tell you guys, YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT!!! This is an amazing novel full of heart and healing, love and heartbreak… and arguably my favorite CoHo book to date!

Today, I’m thrilled to be able to chat (in our usual way) with Colleen, as we discuss November 9

  • Synopsis

    Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

    Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

    Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?

     

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  • Inteview

    Vilma: Hey…

    Colleen: Hey…

    Vilma: Do you have your Diet Pepsi? I have my glass of wine. We need to talk shop.

    Colleen: I have my Diet Pepsi in a wine glass. It’s the closest I’ll get to fancy.

    Vilma: Ok, so NOVEMBER 9. You know just how much I love this book. I think it’s your best work to date. Weeelllll… mostly, anyway. It may be a deficit that I didn’t convince you to have a Mexican-American girl named Vilma in the story, but I have hope for your next book.

    Colleen: First, thank you! I feel really proud of this book. Second, I never said she wasn’t Mexican-American, and we don’t know her middle name, so…she’s totally you. November 9 is you. Secret’s out.

    Vilma: Fallon Vilma. It has a nice ring to it. 😉
    But really, let’s go to the beginning. How did the inspiration for this story come?

    Colleen: I’ve been wanting to write this book since right after I wrote Slammed. It’s one of those ideas I had jotted down, but never got around to until now. I can honestly say I don’t remember if it was inspired by anything in particular or if I just liked the date as a title and wanted to build a story around it. But I sat on this for two years, sometimes going back to it and making notes. I knew I wanted the characters to interact on that date only. I knew I wanted them to have a great instant connection, like they’d been lifelong friends. But other than that, I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. I usually don’t until I actually sit down to write and get to know the characters. And I was shocked where the story went. This was supposed to be my sweet, funny book. But it veered off course and I went with it. Glad I did!

    Vilma: It’s sort of a book, within a book, or perhaps more accurately, a book in the making as art imitates life. I know it wasn’t easy to work through the structure of story. Can you talk about your writing process for NOVEMBER 9?

    Colleen: This one went fairly well compared to most of my books. I think it helped that I had thought about it for so long before actually writing it. I felt like I already knew Ben and Fallon as people, so developing their characters was pretty easy. Sometimes I write chapters out of order, but this one I wrote from the first chapter to the last. Of course I always go back once I’m finished and add things that tie scenes together and fluff the story, but I knew exactly where I was going with it. That doesn’t happen a lot.

    Vilma: Tell us a little bit about Fallon.

    Colleen: Other than her middle name being Vilma? 😉 When we meet Fallon, she’s in transition. Her life, her career, her measure of self-worth. She peeked (career-wise) at an early age, so by the time she turns eighteen, she feels like the best parts of her life are over. Eighteen is when most of us are just starting to figure out the world, but Fallon is at a been-there-done-that period, so now she’s having to rework her life goals.

    Vilma: And Ben. I lovvve Ben…

    Colleen: I love Ben, too. Like…a lot. Mostly because he’s funny, but also because of how much he wants to help Fallon learn to love herself.

    Ben is a writer and we really learn a lot about him once we get into the book within a book. He’s been through a lot in his life and we don’t learn about most of it until later in the book. But we know enough about him in the beginning to see that he’s a good person and that he truly wants Fallon to be happy. Of course he makes a few stupid decisions, and so does Fallon, but we all make decisions that aren’t the best for us in our lives. It’s how you correct those mistakes that matter.

    Vilma: Do you have a favorite scene in the book? Perhaps you can reference it without being too spoilery?

    Colleen: One of my favorite scenes is the first night Fallon spends with Ben. Here’s a small peek at that:

    ——

    I walk to the lamp and switch it off and then pick his covers up off the floor. I gently sit on the bed and cover us both as I lie down next to him with my back to his chest. I try not to wake him as I adjust my pillow.

    “Shit.”

    I roll over at the sound of his voice. It’s dark in the room, so I can’t tell if he was talking in his sleep or if he’s awake. “What is it?” I whisper.

    I feel an arm go around my waist, and he pulls me closer. “I left the light on so I could see you walk out of the bathroom wearing my shirt, but you take really long showers. I think I fell asleep.”

    I smile. “I’m still wearing it. You want me to turn the lamp on?”

    “Fuck yes, please.”

    I laugh and roll over toward the lamp. I switch it on and then face him again. His eyes are unmoving, yet somehow all over me.

    “Stand up,” he says, lifting up onto his elbow. I stand up and his eyes never meet mine. They’re roaming over my thighs, my hips, my breasts. I don’t mind that he isn’t looking at my face. I don’t mind at all.

    The hem of his shirt falls several inches above my knees. It’s just long enough to where he can’t tell that I’m not wearing underwear right now. It’s also just short enough to where he’s probably praying I’m not wearing underwear right now.

    His eyes drop to my legs again and he begins to speak slowly, as if he’s reciting poetry. “The only sea I saw, Was the seesaw sea, With you riding on it. Lie down, lie easy. Let me shipwreck in your thighs.” His eyes drag up my body until they meet mine. “Dylan Thomas,” he says.

    I release a slow breath. “Wow,” I say. “Poetry porn. Who knew?”

    Ben smiles at me lazily. He lifts a finger and points at me. “I’d like to have my shirt back now.”

    “Now?”

    He nods. “Right now. Before you turn off the lamp. Take it off, it’s mine.”

    —–

    Vilma: Well, we know you’ve outlined ideas for your next book. You’ve also thrown away those outlines. Multiple times. Is there anything you can share with us?

    Colleen: Ha! I’m the worst at second-guessing myself. I think it has to do with the fact that I want my books to each be so different from the last, so I become my own worst critic. But yes, I’m 99% sure my next book (after the Never Never series, of course) will be called It Ends With Us. It’s a book from two male point of views. Both of these guys are in love with the same girl, but at different points in their lives. And before people who hate love triangles run in the other direction, let me just say that it isn’t a love triangle. It’s more of a … love perpendicular. If that makes any sense at all. I’m really passionate about it because there are some elements of this book that hit close to home for me, so I want to do it justice. And that just makes me even more critical. So we’ll see. I have a feeling this is going to be the hardest thing I’ve written so far.

    Vilma: Anything else you want to say?

    Colleen: Because cucumbers.

    Vilma: LOL. Because cucumbers. #Squad.

    Thanks! Later?

    Colleen: You say “later” like it’s a question? So…maybe? Is that because I might not survive writing this next book?

    Vilma: Nah, you totally will. Because #boss.

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This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

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54 Comments:


  1. thebibliotheque said:

    November 9 might be my #1 most anticipated release of this year! Colleen’s writing is so fantastic I just can’t wait! 😀

    Reply

  2. Andrea said:

    So perpendicular love means the two boys like the same girl but the girl doesn’t love them back? Whatever it is, I can’t wait! I’m so excited and November 9 hasnt even come out yet. I already preordered it, ha! 🙂

    Reply

    1. Andrea said:

      Oh and BTW. The link to the November9 website leads me to a hiring job website. I think it’s november9book.com. Just to let you know 🙂

      Reply

  3. Emily Buchanan said:

    Love the interview! That scene Colleen shared, whew! Cannot wait for this novel ❤

    Reply

  4. Stephanie Schmidt said:

    So excited for this book to be in my mailbox soon. Can’t wait!

    Reply

  5. Kristin Beamon said:

    I’m so excited to read November 9! It’s also my favorite book cover so far.

    Reply

  6. Katie Lowden said:

    Can not wait for this! Colleens books are always a one click- pre-order!!

    Reply

  7. Erica S. said:

    Counting down the days until this comes out!!! Colleen is absolutely amazing!! I have all Colleen’s books but none signed….yet!!!

    Reply

  8. Jen said:

    I can’t wait to read Ben & Fallon’s story and that scene?!?! Oh my goodness, it is going to be torture waiting until I can read the rest of that scene!

    Reply

  9. Mandy McCauley said:

    I can’t wait to get my hands on this book I’m so freakin excited, even my excitement is excited.

    Reply

  10. Shaine Chua said:

    You guys are so cute and funny!! Kinda jealous of your interaction with Colleen tho. Haha! I cant contain my excitement for November 9!! It isn’t even here yet and yet there’s another one to look forward to! My book lover heart is jumping!! ❤️

    Reply

  11. Amy said:

    “Fuck yes, please.” I fucking love that the potty mouths (and characters that are likely to have potty mouths) are coming out more and more. I mean, I love using “butterflying” whenever I can remember to do so but I’m OLD and “fuck” ALWAYS works for me.

    Reply

  12. Şevval ü said:

    Can’t wait to read this book!

    Reply

  13. Veronica Villar said:

    Can’t wait to read this masterpiece.

    Reply

  14. Fernanda S said:

    I loved the interview ? Can’t wait to read it ??

    Reply

  15. RENEE Jamison-Hardman said:

    I’m super excited about the release of this book!!

    Reply

  16. Fiona said:

    very nice itw! i really cant wait to read november 9!! im sure it will be a successful book as always
    thanks for this giveaway btw♡

    Fiona from France.

    Reply

  17. Evelyn said:

    Can’t wait for this book!!! All the feedback I’m already reading is awesome. Gah, all this wait makes me nervous. Cucumbers also make nervous….

    Reply

  18. Christine said:

    Great post! Can’t wait to read this one.

    Reply

  19. Fernanda S said:

    Loved the interview ?? can’t wait to read November 9 ??

    Reply

  20. Colleen Rovillos said:

    That small peek multiplies my excitement! I love the interview, you’re both awesome! I can’t wait to get swallowed by this book! Everyone’s saying it’s the best CoHo book so far so yeah.. I’m so excited to dive into this one.

    Reply

  21. Shelby Batchelor said:

    What made you want to become a writer?

    Reply

  22. Nezhen said:

    Damn. I love October and I usually never want it to end…. Because Halloween (?). But I’m more than ready for November so I can be completely anti-social and stick my nose into that book until I read and savor it all. It sounds amazing. Thanks for existing, Colleen Hoover, you’ve made life just a little bit easier and relieving with your beautiful words in each book you’ve wrote.

    Reply

  23. brandiswendt said:

    Super… dying to read this. COHO can do no wrong

    Reply

  24. Hina Tabassum said:

    I so totally want to read this book 😀

    Reply

  25. Kim said:

    I CAN NOT WAIT!!! I wish I could read it today before NANO starts. Ahhhhhhhhh I can’t wait!!!

    Reply

  26. HeatherC said:

    So excited to read this book!

    Reply

  27. Wendy Racine said:

    I am really excited to read this! 🙂

    Reply

  28. Lindsey Yeager said:

    Excited to check out Colleen’s new work!

    Reply

  29. kellye said:

    November 9

    Reply

  30. Kristy Petree said:

    Loved the interview, can’t wait for the book! I already know I’ll love it; I’ve loved all of Colleen’s books! And it comes out just in time for my birthday. 🙂

    Reply

  31. imysantiago said:

    THIS interview. I can’t wait for this book to release!

    Reply

  32. lorainediaz49 said:

    What a great interview Vilma! The book sounds so good but it is from Coleen Hoover so what is not to like!

    Reply

  33. Perceptive Madness said:

    Super excited for this one! That little snippet just made me so happy! Can’t wait, thank you for the chance! 😀

    Reply

  34. Vrsha said:

    Love this interview. I think that the information provided were helpful before reading the book and now I want to read thsi book so bad!
    Lol…Love the last few lines of this interview – CoHo you better live 100 years and write for my grandchildren too :p

    Reply

  35. Orasanu Ana Maria said:

    I love her books, are wonderful, amazing, lovely, breathtaking ?

    Reply

  36. Melinda said:

    Haha, loved the interview! And that scene, oh my gosh. Can’t wait to read this! 🙂

    Reply

  37. Alamea said:

    Can’t wait! Colleen I my favorite author!

    Reply

  38. Ashley Stevenson said:

    New to Colleen books and I own 2 still trying to get them before November 9 book comes out. I’m so excited to have a chance to win one of her books I don’t own any of her paperbacks yet. I hope to change that soon they are amazing covers. You rock Colleen <3

    Reply

  39. Jaime Long said:

    I’m pretty sure my husband will be a single parent when this comes out! I am going to stock up on wine (you know, the essentials). 🙂

    Reply

  40. lea said:

    Can`t wait to read it!!! Loved the interview <3

    Reply

  41. Tanya said:

    Looking forward to november 9. Im getting impatient. Cant wait to hold tbat book in my hands!

    Reply

  42. Vicki H said:

    Personally I think Aug 21st would have been a better day to name your book after since it is my bd but I guess it ain’t gonna happen. I guess it doesn’t have the same ring to it?

    Reply

  43. Meghan said:

    Have read only amazing reviews of this book. I cannot wait to read it.

    Reply

  44. Tiffany Johnson said:

    As if I could possibly want to read this book any more than I already did…and yet, I want to read it even more after that interview!!! Sounds like the story has some twists and I love that. I think Colleen just keeps getting better! Thanks for the cool interview Vilma!

    Reply

  45. Agustina Zanelli said:

    OMG can’t wait to read November 9! Especially after that teaser! I love Colleen’s books, she’s one of my favorite authors. And now I’m super excited about It Ends With Us. Loved the interview! ♥

    Reply

  46. Pamela Gem said:

    I CANNOT WAIIIT!!!!!!! 😀

    Nov. 16’s my Birthday! Gonna get myself an early bday present 🙂

    Reply

  47. Lynette K said:

    I cannot wait for November 9, I hope it actually comes out on time in Australia!!!

    Reply

  48. Mariann Murvai said:

    omg cant waaaaaaaaait

    Reply

  49. Brandie said:

    Fantastic interview, Vilma!!! Loved it. You both crack me up. I loved November 9 SO much. Favorite CoHo book to date. Now I can’t wait for the next book!!

    Reply

  50. Chiara said:

    Damn, I wish I hadn’t been born 7 days later. It would have been the perfect birthday gift to me. But yes,that teaser though… I really can’t wait for the release of this book! I loved all the other books so I’m pretty sure I’m going to fall in love with this one as well. 🙂

    Reply

  51. Salli Singleton said:

    Loved this interview!! I can’t wait to read this book!!

    Reply

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