Chelsea Handler Reveals She Almost Didn’t Write Her Latest Book After Jo Koy Breakup

Chelsea Handler Facing Writer’s Block After Jo Koy Split

Chelsea Handler, the renowned comedian, revealed her struggle with writing her latest book following her breakup with fellow comedian Jo Koy. In a recent Q&A session at the Publicis Health Media Healthfront in New York City, Handler discussed the challenges she faced while working on her new essay collection titled ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ alongside CEO Andrea Palmer.

The genesis of the book coincided with Handler’s relationship with Jo Koy, which was highly publicized at the time. Speaking about this period, Handler shared, “I got this book deal when I was dating Jo Koy, and it was a very public relationship. My editor was like, ‘Oh my god, Chelsea Handler’s in love and publicly in love, you have to write a book about falling in love.'”

Chelsea Handler and Jo Koy were initially introduced by mutual friend Jon Lovitz in the early 2000s, and the couple went public with their relationship on Instagram in September 2021. Despite their nearly year-long romance, they called it quits in July 2022, leading Handler to reconsider the direction of her book.

Following the breakup, Handler’s editor suggested she write about the experience of heartbreak, but the comedian hesitated as her usual tone is upbeat and optimistic. Reflecting on this, Handler shared, “I thought, okay, I’m not just going to do a book just because I have a book deal. I can give that book deal back.”

Handler took time to introspect and travel, contemplating her own emotions and where she stood in life. This process led her to assess her personal growth and aspirations, ultimately shaping the narrative of her latest book.

Despite her trademark humour, ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ offers readers a candid and sincere account of Handler’s evolution towards becoming the woman she aspired to be. The book delves into themes of self-reflection and self-appreciation, urging readers to acknowledge their personal growth and accomplishments.

In addition to ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’, Handler has authored six other books including ‘Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea’ and ‘Life Will Be the Death of Me’. During the discussion, Handler expressed that writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for her creative expression. She shared, “I think I’ll always write. I read so much that writing is almost therapeutic, because I’m able to regurgitate all of the things that I am able to read … I’m always fascinated by that.”

Handler’s journey through love, loss, and self-discovery encapsulates the essence of her latest book, resonating with readers on a personal level. Her openness about her struggles and triumphs invites readers to reflect on their own paths and appreciate the growth they have undergone.

The narrative of Handler’s latest book not only entertains but also inspires readers to embrace introspection and self-acceptance as essential components of personal growth. Chelsea Handler’s resilience and vulnerability shine through in her writing, making ‘I’ll Have What She’s Having’ a poignant and relatable read for audiences seeking authenticity and humour in storytelling.