Nora Zelevansky, a New York-based magazine writer and journalist--who also contributes to OSM--has just come out with her second novel, and you will not want to miss Will You Won't You Want Me? (Griffin Books). Wise, funny, deft and fully loaded with insight and humor, Zelevansky’s irresistible new novel will make you laugh out loud on your couch or maybe fall off your beach chair this summer.
We sat down with Zelevansky to chat about writing, being a new mom and some beauty secrets that weave their way into her life and work!
OSM: You are a busy magazine journalist with a new family, and Will You Won't You Want Me? (Griffin Books) is your second novel. How did you find time?
NZ: Before I had my daughter, I expressed concern to my father about not having the time or focus to write anymore. He said, "Until you have kids, you can't imagine how much you can get done in such a short amount of time." I understand now what he meant: I used to have much stricter rules about my writing. For instance, I would have to start first thing in the morning and also never stop writing midstream. Well, that's not really a possibility anymore, so that's no longer what I need. I take what I can get!
That said, having a baby was a sort of jarring experience in terms of adjusting my lifestyle and even my perception of my own identity. Writing was a saving grace at that time because it felt familiar and safe, like something that was part of me from before and was still all mine.
You have a background in health and beauty, which resonates in the characters in your latest novel. How did your love of beauty work into the book? What are some of your top beauty secrets?
I am undoubtedly a beauty junkie, both personally and professionally. I pretty much love anything that smells good and makes you feel amazing (and those are the same things to me). There are a few hints of that in the book: When the main character Marjorie's life is in (relative) shambles, she still includes buying face wash on her list of things to-do to remedy her situation. And her unkind boss pretends to be into "natural beauty," but is actually a tanning salon addict.
There's pretty much no way I would make it through an entire novel without referencing lavender because, to me, it's the smell of peace and happiness. When first nesting in Brooklyn, Marjorie is seduced into real-life beauty haven, Shen, by wafting lavender and eucalyptus scents. And she buys a LAFCO candle because I love them. Even in an embarrassing moment later in the book, when her tote bag tips over, lavender shea butter lotion and calendula toner fall out. Beauty is always on my mind.
As far as my top beauty secrets: Refrigerate your eye cream. (Maybe it works to take down puffiness, maybe not, but it feels amazing going on regardless.) Anticipate seasonal changes and switch up your products. Don't be afraid of amazing face oils. Always ALWAYS use eye cream. And don't overdo it on the foundation and powder because it can age your appearance. Also, embrace your oily skin; it will serve you later on! I also never leave home without a small fragrant mist or solid perfume, hand cream and lip gloss. That may be a little insane--ha! But it's true.
Your main character learns about the importance of mindfulness, self-love and self-care. What are some of your favorite tips to keep yourself healthy and happy?
While researching an article years ago, I had the opportunity to train in both mindful and transcendental meditation. They're different, but a mix of those helped me through a tougher moment. I'm not always good about keeping them up, but I often do a Diana Winston mindfulness meditation for sleep while in bed. (They're free online and I can't recommend them enough!) My bedtime routine also involves a heating pad and lavender mist right now, and I think it can be helpful to treat yourself in some way like that before you go to sleep.
I am a big proponent of acupuncture and go whenever I can get away. It's so helpful for everything from immunity to pain. I also believe in regular facials and even massages, if you can swing them. Basically, like everyone else, I get swept up in the warp speed of the world we live in and sometimes it really helps me to take a break and relax. Hugs from my daughter help, too!
In the novel, Brooklyn is evoked lovingly, almost its own character! How is Brooklyn important to you and your writing?
I grew up in Manhattan on the Upper West Side and then moved away to California for many years. When I moved back, I wound up in Brooklyn. I thought I was moving home, but it turned out to be this entirely different place. At first, I was thrown. But there's so much charm and sweetness to be found in its nooks. Sort of in the way you might feel about a friend, I also sometimes find Brooklyn absurd with all the overdetermined artisanal offerings and earnestness. BUT, ultimately, it has been a very welcoming place. I wrote this book in the sweetest little apartment in Park Slope, so that's inspiring to me. And I actually particularly love Carroll Gardens, where Marjorie lives, because of the mix of old and new.
Are you an optimist? There is so much optimism and hopefulness in the novel!
I love this question! I sort of have no idea. I think of myself as a realist, but maybe everyone does? My husband is a definite optimist (even idealist), and sometimes I tease him for it. But, I guess, yes. Ultimately, even when I try to guard against too much hopefulness for fear of disappointment, I am positive about the future. And, I also do believe that your twenties are hard, as are other transitional periods in life. And things do get better, for most people. When you're thrown, you often ultimately wind up in a better place--the right place--in the end.
Wellness is another strong theme. How do wellness practices inspire you in your fiction? What are some of your favorite wellness practices?
I do love yoga and barre classes, although I'm not as regular a practitioner as many people. I love a good pressed juice. And, honestly, a visit to an art museum can really give me an emotional boost. But I also love a late night out, shopping and fried food. It's about allowing yourself everything in moderation, I think.
Marjorie goes from being sapped of joy and treating herself poorly to feeling charged and energized -- even if she discovers there's no such thing as a perfect place. That's what wellness is to me: It's treating yourself well (whatever that may mean for you), so that you can feel your best as often as possible and approach life (which can be difficult) as well as possible.