“Heated Rivalry ”Author Rachel Reid Reveals Why She Tries Not to Think About the TV Characters When Writing

In a recent discussion on SiriusXM’s show Vibe Check, celebrated author Rachel Reid shared her reflections on the challenges of adapting her work into an HBO Max series, particularly concerning her writing process. Known for her bestselling book *Heated Rivalry*, Reid addressed the nuances she faces when creating characters who have now been portrayed by real-life actors.

Reid was questioned by François Arnaud, who plays prominent character Scott Hunter in the series, about the implications of seeing her fictional creations brought to life on screen. The author disclosed that this transformation has indeed made her writing process more complex. “Yes, it is hard to write the characters,” she affirmed, revealing that she has deliberately chosen to limit her engagement with the series.

Now deeply involved in crafting a new instalment within her series, Reid explained, “I’m just finishing it up; I’m editing it,” but added that she has largely refrained from rewatching the show since its initial release last December. The need to maintain a clear differentiation between the characters as she originally envisioned them and their on-screen interpretations has led to this decision. This protective approach has helped her to preserve the integrity of her characters.

Indeed, Reid pointed out that the depiction of Scott Hunter differs notably between the written word and the televised version. “I saw a lot of clips,” she mentioned, but the necessity of focusing on her distinct version of Scott was paramount. “I just needed to not think about those versions… I couldn’t stray from that,” she said, indicating a strong commitment to her creative vision.

The excitement Reid felt upon Arnaud’s casting was evident, contrasting the common fears many authors face when their work is adapted. “Jacob was like, ‘So this is who we’re going with. It’s a little different.’ I was like, ‘Yep. That’s fine. He can play anyone,’” she recounted, expressing confidence in Arnaud’s abilities as an actor while remaining committed to her own narrative.

However, the complexities don’t end with character interpretation. Reid also highlighted the emotional challenges she faces in writing intimate scenes, particularly amid her friendship with the cast. “It’s also really hard to write a sex scene when you’re thinking about the real people,” she confessed, shedding light on a unique hurdle for authors whose creations become mainstream.

The issue of perception was a further concern; she mused over how her imagined scenes might be interpreted. “I’m worried that people are going to think the sex scenes are like a wishlist of what I wanna see them doing, and that is not it,” she explained. The visibility of the actors complicates her narrative process, as they become a part of her daily life, making it difficult to separate the fictional from the real.

Looking ahead, Reid revealed that the second season of *Heated Rivalry* is currently in production and is slated to premiere in Spring 2027 on HBO Max. This forthcoming season will adapt *The Long Game*, the sixth entry in her Game Changers series, set to expand the storytelling that fans have come to appreciate.

In addition to the new season, fans can anticipate the seventh book in the series, titled *Unrivaled*, which is scheduled for release on June 1, 2027, and is now available for pre-order. As Reid navigates the pressures and expectations of adaptation, she remains committed to delivering the authentic voice of her characters to her readers.

Ultimately, Reid’s journey exemplifies the delicate balance authors must maintain between their creative integrity and the evolving demands of modern storytelling in a visually driven era. The excitement surrounding her work, coupled with the challenges presented by adaptation, creates a dynamic landscape for both the author and her audience.