Author Lauren Weisberger certainly has a knack for creating the perfect anti-hero. Although six books old, she is best known for giving readers the poster-person of evil bosses, Miranda Priestly, in her debut novel 'The Devil Wears Prada'. Set in the giddy, glitzy world of high fashion, the book was made doubly delicious by rumours that the bestseller was largely based on Weisberger's stint at iconic fashion magazine American Vogue, where she worked for editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.
Her latest book 'The Singles Game' is set in the competitive world of women's professional tennis. Todd Feltner is coach to 25-year-old Charlotte 'Charlie' Silver, who is determined to win a Grand Slam title. Feltner is as offensive as he is brilliant he is known to lead several high-profile players to thumping victories at tournaments even after serious injuries... but makes it a point to note that he has never, out of choice, coached a female tennis player until Charlie.
In an exclusive interview, Weisberger talks about 'The Singles Game' and the hit film 'The Devil Wears Prada' turning 10 this year.
Q: First Miranda Priestly and now Todd Feltner. It does seem like your villains have no redeeming qualities.
As a writer, characters like Todd are fun to write as they say what they think and are over-the-top. But I don't think they have no redeeming qualities, they just don't necessarily have the qualities that are a priority to my characters. Todd helps players win and that is a big redeeming quality. Priestly, in The Devil Wears Prada, got away with behaving the way she did because she was the best in the business. So it is more or less about what your priorities are.
Q: How did you research the competitive world of women's professional tennis?
I spent probably over six to seven months on research during which I attended the tournaments in Miami and Charleston, Wimbledon and the US Open. I also met with previous and current players, associations, physiotherapists ... I didn't start writing the novel till I got all this as it greatly informed me (about the world of professional tennis).
Q: The book also captures the loneliness that athletes experience while being constantly on the road. Was that something that came up while talking to players for your book?
Players are on the road 10 months out of 12 with very few breaks and then they are back for the Australian Open in January. It is really gruelling living out of a suitcase with virtually no home. In addition, there are the demands of training, fitness and nutrition which I would imagine would take a toll on you. It's got to be very difficult to have a relationship as you are never in the same place.
Q: A few of your heroines, like Andy (The Devil Wears Prada) and Charlie, seem to be of similar breed. They realise they are misfits in the new, glamorous world they now inhabit, before returning to their former lives.
I think it's a common experience among women where they do something or work somewhere they have wanted to for a long time and when they finally achieve it, they realise that it's not exactly what they thought it would be. It may not be a fashion magazine or playing at Wimbledon, but it is a common feature in young women's lives.
Q: It looks like you couldn't resist adding that dash of glamour even to a book that's about tennis.
I think it just adds fun and it's also a part of the tennis world. It's one of the few sports in the world where we can use first names - like Venus and Serena - and we instantly know who we are talking about. There is glamour and fashion everyone is interesting in what they are wearing and who they are dating. But they are not just pretty faces on the red carpet. They are amazingly talented and work very hard.
Q: While reading about the paparazzi, Hollywood A-listers and personal stylists in your book, we can't help but wonder how similar is your life to that of your heroines'?
When it comes to Charlie, I couldn't be more different. She is 25 and single while I am in my late 30s, married with two children. I have lots of hours of preschool drop-offs, little gymnasium classes and things like that. I am not tremendously into international travel and intrigue (laughs). But I think even if you are 20 or 30, one of the things we struggle with is balancing work, family or romantic relationships at every stage of our lives. It's an ongoing struggle.