Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Bestselling romance author unpacks the story behind latest novel

31/05/2023

Bestselling romance author unpacks the story behind latest novelIn an exclusive interview with The South African', bestselling author Jo Watson discusses her new romance novel What Happens on Vacation'.

by Carmen Coetsee

31-05-2023 11:45

in Books

Bestselling author Jo Watson and her latest novel What Happens on Vacation'. Image: Supplied.

South African author Jo Watson is no stranger to the world of romance stories. She has written over ten romantic comedy novels and she started publishing her earlier works on Wattpad. Her work has been translated into six different languages and has become bestsellers all over the world.

--

Her latest novel, What Happens on Vacation, tells the deliciously romantic and devilishly funny story of a classic enemy-to-lovers romance. It is the perfect novel to take with on vacation or to cuddle up with on the couch and pretend you are on a beach somewhere.

In an exclusive interview with The South African, Watson unpacks her writing process behind What Happens on Vacation, shares her literary heroes and dishes on her writing pet peeves.

WHAT HAPPENS ON VACATION': WATSON'S INSPIRATION Jo Watson returns with a hilarious and heartfelt new enemies-to-lovers #BookTok rom-com! It s the book you won t want to go on holiday without! @JonathanBallPub @JoWatsonWrites

OUT NOW in Exclusive Books stores and online!

https://t.co/wdtTKvvcPn pic.twitter.com/lNjhfWR5TA

Exclusive Books (@ExclusiveBooks) April 25, 2023

What Happens on Vacation tells the hilarious story of overworked journalist Margaret who gets the chance to go on an all-expenses-paid trip to Zanzibar. But there is one catch: she has to go on the trip with Jagger Villain, a man she cannot stand. Away from the office and in a tropical paradise, Margaret beings to wonder if her archnemesis maybe has some good qualities. Could the holiday from hell turn into the vacation of her dreams? Readers will have to find out

--

ALSO READ: Local author sheds light on silenced voices in groundbreaking novel

When asked about the inspiration behind her bestselling new novel, What Happens on Vacation, Watson laughs and says You know, I can't pinpoint one moment where inspiration struck. My inspiration comes from absorbing other stories and people-watching. I love people-watching . She goes on and says that she has always wanted to write a book set in Zanzibar but was waiting for the right story.

As a writer, I am always on the lookout for inspiration. I don't sit around waiting for it to hit me; I go and find it. I absorb stories and these stories then become other stories.

Author Jo Watson on her writing process. AUTHORS ON AUTHORS: WHAT'S ON WATSON'S READING LIST It s the brand-new enemies-to-lovers rom-com you won t want to go on holiday without!

Two rivals. One holiday. A trip they will NEVER forget.@JoWatsonWrites s hilarious and heartfelt #WhatHappensOnVacation is out in ebook this month/PB in July!!

https://t.co/3cMvIqBrad pic.twitter.com/i0cMVW7Bbo

Headline Eternal (@eternal_books) March 17, 2023

As well as a prolific writer, Watson is a voracious reader as well. When asked about her favourite authors, Watson stated that she reads anything and everything she can get her hands one. It might be a shock to fans to find out that the one genre Watson does not read often is romance. She said, I prefer dark stories. Ones that confront you and make you think .

--

She enjoyed reading the gritty dark noir novel Any Man by Amber Tamblyn as well as Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Cleopatra and Frankenstein' unpacks dark side of modern romance

WATSON REJECTS STIGMA AROUND ROMANCE NOVELS: ROMANCE IS NOT A GUILTY PLEASURE' As a writer who began sharing her stories with the world on Wattpad, Watson is very passionate about dismantling the stigma that comes from reading (and writing) romance novels. She says, People need to get over it. Reading romance is not a guilty pleasure that you need to do in secret. Heaven forbid someone finds out! .

Watson goes on to say that the romance genre is one of the most popular genres in the world and this is for a reason. People love love. Looking down on readers who enjoy romance stories is just ridiculous, Watson says.

Author Jo Watson. Image via Twitter @JoWatsonWrites. With her incredible romance stories, jam-packed with humour and many life lessons, Watson is certainly showing that the romance genre is not one to be snubbed.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR WATSON: I HAVE MANY OTHER BOOKS IN ME' When asked about her future writing plans, Watson smiles and says, I have many other books in me . As a fan of young adult fiction, Watson says she would like to write more in this genre. I would also like to write something dark, maybe. Who knows what the future holds? .

Well, one thing is for sure, Jo Watson is a writing tour de force and the future looks bright for this author.

What Happens on Vacation is published by Headline Publishing Group and is available for purchase from Exclusive Books stores for R335.

SOCCER QUIZ | FIVE simple answers could win you R500 in cash! ENTER HERE
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/books/bestselling-romance-auth...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

More from The South African

29/03/2024

Muvhango: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African webs...

29/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...

29/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...

29/03/2024

Umkhokha: The Curse - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Umkhokha: The Curse - Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South ...

29/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African s...

29/03/2024

House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African...

28/03/2024

DJ Sbu makes shock return to SABC radio after almost a decade

DJ Sbu makes shock return to SABC radio after almost a decadeRevered radio host, media personality, philanthropist, and businessman DJ Sbu will finally be back ...

28/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Thursday's episode, 28 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Afr...

28/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele informs Zola of her pregnancy

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zanele informs Zola of her pregnancyDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie House of Zwide o...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe outsmarts Gabisile but Difa's suspicion rises

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe outsmarts Gabisile but Difa's suspicion risesDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie U...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha wins Linda Sibiya over

Tonight on Uzalo: Mbatha wins Linda Sibiya overDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Uzalo on SABC 1 on DStv channel...

28/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The S...

28/03/2024

Prison Journalism: Witness the Cycle from the Streets

Prison Journalism: Witness the Cycle from the StreetsWesley Leong was incarcerated at the age of 15 in 1996 at Pollsmoor Prison. He is currently part of Restore...

28/03/2024

Prison Journalism: Inmate pre-release and release processes

Prison Journalism: Inmate pre-release and release processesDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctiona...

28/03/2024

Streaming today: When You Finish Saving The World' on Netflix - 28 March 2024

Streaming today: When You Finish Saving The World' on Netflix - 28 March 20...

28/03/2024

Prison Journalism: The Story of Paulus

Prison Journalism: The Story of PaulusDavid van Nek was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison from 2013 until 2015 and participated in the restorative justice progra...

28/03/2024

Prison Journalism: Inside and Outside

Prison Journalism: Inside and OutsideFawaaz Adendorff was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Correctional Centre and participated in a Restorative Justice programme whil...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Muvhango: Imani escapes Khumo's hellhole

Tonight on Muvhango: Imani escapes Khumo's hellholeDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango on SABC 2 on DS...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Kea can sense her brother is hiding something

Tonight on Generations: Kea can sense her brother is hiding somethingDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Generation...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Magolide and Tiny compete against each other

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Magolide and Tiny compete against each otherDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Smoke...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Champions: Washington's struggle takes an unexpected turn

Tonight on Champions: Washington's struggle takes an unexpected turnDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Champio...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Scandal: Tibi's meltdown softens a teacher

Tonight on Scandal: Tibi's meltdown softens a teacherDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DS...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Gqeberha: Lulama tells Thulani that she's pregnant with his child

Tonight on Gqeberha: Lulama tells Thulani that she's pregnant with his childDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie...

28/03/2024

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso has the wrong end of the stick

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso has the wrong end of the stickDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie My Br...

28/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa doubles down on his ill-treatment of Pretty

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Lehasa doubles down on his ill-treatment of PrettyDon't miss Thursday, 28 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem ...

28/03/2024

Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Smoke and Mirrors: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South Af...

28/03/2024

Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Muvhango: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...

28/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sout...

28/03/2024

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African ...

28/03/2024

House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South Africa...

28/03/2024

My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

My Brother's Keeper: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The So...

28/03/2024

Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]

Uzalo: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [video]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websit...

28/03/2024

Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African web...

28/03/2024

Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Umkhokha: The Curse - Wednesday's episode, 27 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stalker

Tonight on Generations: Hlomla is shaken that he came face to face with the stal...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial position

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Tiny and Magolide plot to get the Managerial posit...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well for him

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Oritonda gets to shine and it all seems to be going well ...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures Imani

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo, who is out on bail, tortures ImaniDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Muvhango on SABC...

27/03/2024

Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Scandal!: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South African websi...

27/03/2024

House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

House of Zwide: Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episode of South African soapie House of Zwide on The South African ...

27/03/2024

Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Generations: The Legacy - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The Sou...

27/03/2024

Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024

Streaming today: The Believers' on Netflix - 27 March 2024Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fa...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police station

Tonight on Uzalo: Mondli thinks he may have an idea who robbed the police statio...

27/03/2024

Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, despite Funani's pleas

Tonight on House of Zwide: Faith leaves Funani due to unappreciated support, des...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tell

Tonight on Umkhokha: MaMzobe tries to threaten Gabisile to not tellDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Umkhokha: T...

27/03/2024

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over his parent's disrespect of his wife

Tonight on My Brother's Keeper: Ndumiso threatens to move out of home over h...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his future

Tonight on Gqeberha: Stokkie makes a major move for his futureDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie Gqeberha: The Em...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's home

Tonight on Scandal: A young girl brings a dark cloud into her family's homeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie...

27/03/2024

Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms large

Tonight on Champions: Lebo gets career-changing news, but Ferrari looms largeDon't miss Wednesday, 27 March's riveting episode of South African soapie C...

27/03/2024

Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]

Gqeberha: The Empire - Tuesday's episode, 26 March 2024 [VIDEO]Stay up to date with the latest episodes of your favourite South African soapie on The South ...