Influencer Brooke Averick Shares the Unexpected Connection Between “Hairspray”, Lena Dunham and Her New Novel, “Phoebe Berman’s Going to Lose It” (Exclusive)

**Brooke Averick’s Debut Novel Explores Love and Mental Health with a Humorous Twist**

Brooke Averick, an emerging voice in contemporary literature, has released her debut novel, *Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It*, which presents a fresh take on love stories by intertwining humour with themes of mental health. The author, known online as @LadyEfron, recently shared her thoughts with PEOPLE about her latest work and her creative process.

At 29, Averick has crafted a narrative that deviates from the typical romantic tropes. In her author’s note, she describes the book as a “love story for the ages,” designed for those who identify as anxious and find themselves relating less to the “confident, sexually empowered” heroines prevalent in most romance literature. Her mission is clear: to offer representation for those who struggle with anxiety while simultaneously delivering a story filled with comedic moments.

The central character, Phoebe Berman, is a relatable figure who seemingly has it all—a satisfying job and strong friendships. However, she grapples with significant intimacy anxiety that has prevented her from finding love. As she approaches her 30th birthday, Phoebe resolves to lose her virginity and embrace dating, prompting her to create a checklist that sees her juggling three romantic interests simultaneously.

Averick acknowledges that while the portrayal of mental health in storytelling has improved, many narratives focus on characters who are constantly overwhelmed by their struggles. She aims to shift the perspective, illustrating that successful individuals can concurrently face challenges in specific areas of their lives. “Your life can be really full outside of romantic love, and there’s a lot of love that makes up love stories,” she explains, underscoring that not all love need be romantic in nature.

For Averick, blending humour with more serious themes was a particular challenge; she admitted that although she found it easier to write the comic elements, it was the emotional depth of her story that truly tested her abilities. “I prefer to laugh things off rather than get serious about them,” she confesses, indicating how her own disposition influences her writing style.

The author cites Lena Dunham, creator of the acclaimed series *Girls*, as a significant inspiration for her work. Averick admires Dunham’s talent for intertwining comedy and mental illness, describing her as a master of balancing these often conflicting elements. “What she does really well that I wanted to do is write mental illness and comedy and how they intersect,” Averick notes, sharing her desire to approach these subjects with both levity and respect.

As she developed Phoebe’s character, Averick turned to music as a source of inspiration. She curated a playlist that serves as a sonic backdrop to Phoebe’s experiences, featuring tracks from Glee and iconic show tunes such as “I Can Hear The Bells” from *Hairspray*, along with “Nauseous” by Conan Gray. This musical accompaniment provided Averick with deeper insights into Phoebe’s psyche, facilitating a richer storytelling experience.

Looking ahead, Averick has secured a multi-book deal with Penguin Random House’s Crown Publishing, promising more novels in the future. While her next adventure will not centre directly on Phoebe, she assures readers that the spirit of romance will remain strongly present in her upcoming projects.

*Phoebe Berman’s Gonna Lose It* is now available for purchase, and with its distinctive blend of humour and poignant themes, Averick hopes it resonates with readers who seek a new narrative about love and mental health in modern storytelling. As she embarks on her authorial journey, it is clear that Averick is poised to make a lasting impact on the literary world with her unique perspective.