Meet Maia

Name: Maia Correll
Novel Title: Dare to Au Pair
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: August 6, 2024
Your Website/Platform Name: maiacorrell.com (maia.correll on IG)
 
1. Can you give me a brief overview of your novel?

Just a typical day at your summer job. When recent business school grad and meticulous ten-year planner, Kat McLauren, takes an unplanned au pair position in the French Riviera to schmooze a future employer, she haphazardly upholds her reputation while rejuvenating a local tourism magazine, grappling with three unruly kids, and avoiding a romance with the host family's eldest son. But if a summer full of well-aged wine, sizzling flirtation, and a bit of betrayal can promise one thing, it’s that sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don’t plan for.

2. What inspired you to write it?

The atmosphere and story themes dropped in and I was enamored and transfixed. I got this feeling like I had to write this story. I’m also a recent business school grad, just like Kat. I had my sights set on Corporate America for as long as I could remember. It was part of the identity I’d crafted for the outside world. After a few rock-bottoms, I was presented with a crossroads: continue on with a great company and a great team in Orlando, or move back home to Rhode Island and embark on the career of my dreams (author/screenwriter/entrepreneur). I quickly learned that just because an opportunity is a great one doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Maybe it’s the Aries Rising in me, but it felt like a fire had roared awake inside my being. I knew exactly where I was headed. I had no way of knowing how or when anything would transpire, but I had faith in the process and in myself. Within six months, I had a publishing deal with CamCat Books. 

3. What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your novel?

Especially for my recent college grads out there, you’re right on time. And it’s never ever ever too late (or early) to shift career lanes.

4. How did you approach the writing process for this book?

First, I went straight to Pinterest to really compile the atmosphere I was looking for. Since my book is set in the south of France, I did a lot of research on these seaside towns to capture the colloquialisms, the food, and the sights. Much of my YouTube history included vlogs around farmers’ markets and beach cafes.

5. Were there any challenges you faced while writing this novel? How did you overcome them?

Many of my characters pepper in French words and sayings, so I had to do a little French 101 to make sure the translations came across as intended.

6. What advice do you have for aspiring authors who are working on their first book?

If you’re like me, I’m a big-picture kind of gal. I like to feel, see, smell, taste, and hear the whole story. That’s absolutely wonderful, and I will continue with my cinematic approach to writing. That being said, the big-picture may (and often does) evolve throughout the book, so once you’ve got something to work with, start penning that first chapter, or whichever you’d like to start with! That’s how I’ve finished some of my greatest scenes. Just by sitting down and seeing what words fly out of my fingertips. I have to tell myself this with every book I write now, because I can so easily get lost in my Pinterest boards soaking up *vibes* for hours on end.. Dive in. First and foremost, always do the process that works best for you.

7. Can you share any upcoming projects or future plans in the world of writing and literature?

I’m really inspired by the world of metaphysics in my day-to-day life. Many of my writing projects will include that moving forward. (Think astrology, tarot, elemental magic, yoga, etc.). Other projects include a sprinkling of romantic comedies and dramedies. 
 
8. Finally, if there's one thing you'd like your readers to remember about you and your work, what would it be?

​Some amazing news that I get to share is Dare to Au Pair has been optioned for TV production by Levantine Films (the same production studio behind Academy Award Nominee Hidden Figures) — stay tuned for development updates!