Cara Cara asks Carola
We caught up with the lovely Carola Lovering, author of the novel turned Hulu Series, Tell Me Lies, on the heels of her new book launch. Here's what she had to say about all things work, motherhood, and style...
What was your inspiration for your debut novel, Tell Me Lies?
I started writing Tell Me Lies when I was twenty-four, shortly after a “break up” that wasn’t a real break up because the person had never technically been my boyfriend. It had been a very toxic, on-off relationship/situationship I’d been in throughout college and for a bit afterwards, and when it finally ended I was heartbroken, angry, confused, and left with many unresolved emotions. At the time, I was also trying to figure out my career and had been doing some freelance writing; one of my best friends suggested I write about my toxic relationship as a way of processing it. I took her advice and began drafting short stories/vignettes loosely based on my experience. I’d never felt such inspiration in my life–I knew in my gut I had to tell this story. Even though I was working through a lot of shame, I had a hunch that what I had to say would be relatable for other people, especially women. That was the beginning of Tell Me Lies.
How has your style evolved since becoming a mom?
My style has evolved so drastically and is still evolving. Before I became a mom, I wore a lot of fitted clothing–short dresses, skin-tight shirts, etc. I was always a crop top girl. Now, I appreciate more coverage. I’m a thirty-five year-old mom of two and I’m in a different season of my life–I’m really leaning into that. These days I love a good oversized sweater, a flowy dress, well-made denim. I see the value of investment pieces and am constantly aiming to be a smarter shopper–quality over quantity is my new mindset. I also try to be careful when it comes to trends–they’re fun, but I’ve been a real sucker for trends in the past and have ended up with a bunch of stuff in my closet I no longer want to wear. Don’t get me wrong, I like to have fun with fashion and be experimental on occasion, but ultimately I’d rather invest in timeless pieces that will last a lifetime.
Your must-have when spending long days/nights writing…
Grapefruit Spindrift (I’m an addict), cinnamon raisin bagels.
What is the single most important factor in planning your outfit for the day?
Comfort, if I’m being honest. I work from home, I sit long hours at my desk and when I’m not writing, I’m chasing around two small children! I have to be comfortable.
The complex nature of women’s relationships with others, and themselves, is a theme throughout your novels; how do you begin to develop such layered female leads?
I think about my own relationships–there is so much to mine from the ones that feel most convoluted or challenging or sacred. I think I do this somewhat unconsciously and dynamics that are preoccupying me end up making their way into my books.
You have a full work day and a girls’ dinner that night - there’s no time to change, what are you wearing?!
Jeans, boots or flats, a crisp white tee and a blazer, gold jewelry.
This or That:
Latte or Capp? Capp
Orange or Grapefruit? Grapefruit
Lip Gloss or Lipstick? Lip Gloss (with lip liner!)
Spritz or Margarita? Margarita
