Kaia Gerber, the rising star of the entertainment industry, recently shared insights into her passion for writing during an episode of Jake Shane’s podcast, ‘Therapuss’, on 6 August. At just 24 years old, the actress—who is also known for her modelling work—has ventured into the realm of fan fiction, revealing that she has been working on pieces that she chooses to keep private.
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Gerber’s revelation came during a discussion about her role in FX’s new series, ‘The Shards’. This show is an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ 2023 novel, which delves into a chilling narrative surrounding a serial killer in 1980s Los Angeles. Gerber plays the character Susan Reynolds, one of the high school students at an elite prep school grappling with the terror unleashed by the killer.
While discussing her writing, Gerber exclaimed, “I write fan fiction! It’s so fun to write something even if you don’t put it anywhere; I just like it.” Although she was enthusiastic about her writing, she opted not to reveal details about the themes or characters in her works. When pressed by Shane for further information, she playfully remarked, “You know what I’ll say? It’s not a human. There you go, next question,” managing to keep her audience intrigued.
This isn’t the first time Gerber has acknowledged her involvement with fan fiction. Just days prior, during a light-hearted conversation with her ‘The Shards’ co-star Graham Campbell, the topic arose about the acceptance of adult writers in the fan fiction community. When Campbell suggested that adult writers of erotic fan fiction were preferable to younger counterparts, Gerber wittily countered, “That literally wasn’t the question,” before revealing, “You know I write fan fiction?”
In the same exchange, she mentioned humourously the possibility of creating fan fiction based on their current project, saying, “I honestly should start writing ‘Shards’ fanfic.” However, she maintained an air of mystery around her writings, suggesting that the content was “not important,” and even silencing Campbell’s curiosity with a gentle, “Don’t worry about it. Let’s move on.”
Gerber’s literary pursuits extend beyond her personal projects. In 2020, she co-founded ‘Library Science’, a book club aimed at fostering literary discussions. Officially launching in 2024 alongside her friend Alyssa Reeder, the club has already curated an impressive list of recommended readings, including notable works such as ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell and ‘I Want To Show You More’ by Jamie Quatro. This venture highlights her dedication not only to reading but also to creating a community that values literature.
Her co-star Campbell has lauded Gerber’s intellectual prowess, recognising her “wild intelligence” and depth of character, particularly through her work with ‘Library Science’. He stated, “Kaia has a wild intelligence that I think the world knows quite a bit about, especially through her work with her company Library Science. But she’s incredibly intelligent, and she’s incredibly empathetic.”
The adaptation of Ellis’ novel ‘The Shards’ has been creating a buzz, with its fresh take on a dark subject matter resonating with audiences. The show, which is set in 1981 and revolves around the lives of affluent teenagers in Los Angeles, is released weekly on Hulu, drawing in viewers eager to uncover the unfolding mystery.
In a world where fan fiction can be a niche yet vibrant form of expression, Gerber’s openness about her hobby illustrates the increasingly blurred lines between professional and personal passions in the digital age. With her growing background in literature, alongside her on-screen roles, Kaia Gerber is carving out a unique space for herself in Hollywood, one that merges creativity with her love for storytelling.
As she continues to develop her talents both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, it will be interesting to see how Gerber’s dual interests in acting and writing evolve. With new episodes of ‘The Shards’ airing every Wednesday, fans of the actress should keep an eye on her future projects, both in literature and in the entertainment industry.