From Woman's World · Julianne MacNeill · · 3m
Lynn Painter Talks Trust Fall and Movie Adaptations
Lynn Painter reveals how her new novel Trust Fall and upcoming adaptations of Better Than the Movies and Fake Skating blend small-town charm with Hollywood dreams.
In brief
Lynn Painter reveals how her new novel Trust Fall and upcoming adaptations of Better Than the Movies and Fake Skating blend small-town charm with Hollywood dreams. Lynn Painter’s characters feel real because she draws from her messy, relatable life experiences. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Magical Children
Lynn Painter calls Wes and Liz from Better Than the Movies her 'magical children' who have become deeply meaningful to her.
“They’re my magical children and I love them so much”
Trust Fall Inspiration
Painter drew inspiration from Gossip Girl and small-town life for her new novel Trust Fall, where a family inherits money after winning the lottery.
“It started out as, What’s my next book going to be about?”
Small Town to New York
Painter visited New York for book research, walking neighborhoods and taking subway rides to capture authentic small-town-to-city transitions.
“I think we need to go to New York for book research”
Enemies-to-Lovers
Damion and Julia start as enemies in Trust Fall, with Damion secretly being Julia’s family’s benefactor and their relationship unraveling as they fall for each other.
“They’re like, Oh, I hate you”
Hockey Romance
Fake Skating follows childhood friends Alec and Dani reuniting after years apart, blending hockey culture with a found family story.
“I went up to the Twin Cities and spent hours at high school hockey practices”
Book to Screen
Better Than the Movies is being adapted into a film with Beatrice Kitsos and David Iacono playing Wes and Liz.
“They are better at being Wes and Liz than I am”
Hollywood Process
The adaptation process involves auditions, chemistry reads, and finding actors who can deliver the characters’ cocky yet vulnerable banter.
“It was so interesting to me because when I write especially with this book it’s just nameless faceless characters”
Hockey Obsession
Painter’s hockey research in Minnesota led to Fake Skating, which became a story about found family rather than just hockey romance.
“All of a sudden I wanted to write this story of somebody who didn’t grow up with all of this that seemed so cool”
Rom Com Favorites
Painter loves When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Miss Congeniality for their snappy banter and authentic charm.
“When Harry Met Sally and You’ve Got Mail should be lumped as one because they’re the autumnal canon”
Writing Process
Painter writes messy, relatable characters by drawing from her own life struggles and small details like pet preferences.
“I’ve always been kind of a mess so inadvertently I write characters that are a little bit messy”
Upcoming Projects
Painter has an adult rom-com coming in April and another YA novel for next fall, continuing her love for romantic comedy.
“In April I have an adult rom com coming out Cowboy Like Me”
Booktok Impact
BookTok has amplified fan discussions about book adaptations, with fans eagerly casting characters for Better Than the Movies and Fake Skating.
“Thanks to BookTok and the fact that more and more books are coming to life those conversations have become louder than ever”
Trust Fall Twist
Julia’s family must live in New York for six months while attending an elite private school, creating tension with Damion’s secret role as the benefactor.
“The only caveat is that Julia and her family must live in the Upper West Side for at least six months”
Adaptation Speed
Fake Skating was optioned quickly, with filming starting in November and a July 2024 release date.
“They’re gonna start filming that in November and it comes out next July on my birthday”
Hollywood Dreams
Painter’s characters feel real because she draws from her messy, relatable life experiences and small details.
“It’s important information but do we want to hear this hot guy describe his uncle or do we want to see him flirt”
Rom Com Legacy
Painter’s favorite rom-coms include When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, and Miss Congeniality for their authentic charm and banter.
“No one delivers snappy fast banter so lowkey like Hugh Grant in that movie”
The headline
Lynn Painter’s characters feel real because she draws from her messy, relatable life experiences.
