Renowned author Kristen Arnett recently delved into her latest novel, ‘Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,’ in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The book, published by Riverhead Books and released on March 18, introduces readers to Cherry Hendricks, a struggling professional clown based in Orlando. As Arnett shared, the inspiration for the novel stemmed from her fascination with clowns, considering them as underdogs or outcasts with polarizing perceptions.
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Arnett, known for her bestselling works like ‘Mostly Dead Things’ and ‘With Teeth,’ has a penchant for exploring taboo subjects in her fiction. In ‘Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,’ she delves into the world of Cherry as she embarks on a partnership with an intriguing magician, Margot the Magnificent, leading to a reflection on her career’s direction. The narrative seeks to challenge stereotypes and offer a unique perspective on the art of clowning, which Arnett found particularly captivating during her research phase.
The author’s writing process for ‘Stop Me’ took an unexpected turn, with Arnett mulling over the story for a year before penning it down, resulting in minimal changes from the initial draft. Through the novel, she aims to portray Cherry’s passion for her craft, using humour as a coping mechanism while addressing societal issues like gentrification and LGBTQ+ spaces in Orlando. Arnett’s choice to incorporate real-life challenges adds depth to Cherry’s character and resonates with the realities of the community she inhabits.
Furthermore, Arnett’s personal experiences and background influence her narrative choices, particularly in exploring strained family dynamics and LGBTQ+ representation. Drawing from her own estrangement from her biological family, she weaves complex relationships in her fiction, delving into the nuances of parent-child interactions. This thematic exploration mirrors the author’s fascination with family dynamics as evolving entities with individual complexities, drawing on her literary influences like Rick Moody and Bryan Washington.
In ‘Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,’ Arnett embraces joy and levity amidst the characters’ struggles, offering a hopeful narrative that reflects her own extroverted nature. As she prepares for her book tour post-pandemic, Arnett eagerly anticipates engaging with readers and sharing in the whimsical world she has created. Through Cherry’s story, the novel encapsulates themes of resilience, family bonds, and the pursuit of happiness, resonating with Arnett’s underlying message of finding joy in life’s complexities.
Arnett’s profound connection to her characters and dedication to authentic storytelling shine through in ‘Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One,’ providing readers with a poignant tale that blends humour, introspection, and heartfelt moments. As the author navigates themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery, she invites audiences to embrace the unconventional alongside the whimsical, ensuring a captivating literary journey for all who delve into the world she has meticulously crafted.