Author Emily Belden on Writing, Books, and “Hot Mess”

First of all, congrats on going to Europe and getting engaged! It seems like you’re having a whirlwind summer!

Thank you! It definitely was unexpected.

Where did you grow up and go to school?

I grew up in Elmhurst. I went to college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

When did you become interested in writing?

I’ve always been interested in writing. It’s been the only area where I’ve excelled. When I was a kid, I would write Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy elaborate letters. If I ever wanted anything, I would write a persuasive essay for it. I always knew I wanted to be a writer. Once I understood what success was for a writer, that’s what I set my sights on. That’s the level in which I wanted to write.

What other books have you written besides “Hot Mess?”

I wrote a memoir called “Eightysixed.” It’s a Chicago version of “Sex and the City.” It came out in 2014. It’s published with an indie publisher out of Austin, Texas. That book got a lot of local attention in Chicago. There was a spread about it in Michigan Avenue magazine. My current agent saw the article and then contacted me. That’s how I met her!

Where did you get the idea for “Hot Mess?”

When I was in early 20’s, I dated a hot, bad boy chef, much like the villain in my book. However, he never asked me for money like the character did in my book. One day, years later, I was talking to a mutual friend of this chef. We were thinking out loud about what if this chef had ever asked me for money for a restaurant. We were talking about what might have happened. I thought to myself, ‘that’s going to be the premise for my story!’

When was “Hot Mess” released?

It came out March 20, 2018.

What have you done around Chicago to promote “Hot Mess?”

I’ve been pretty fortunate that the book takes place in Chicago. Everybody is very excited about the food industry here. It’s the right place for everything! The Chicago Tribune and Splash Magazine wanted to be involved with throwing the launch party. They rented out the private underground area of Barrio Chicago, 65 W. Kinzie St, Chicago. It was completely sold out!

I also did a panel for women in the food business at Formento’s in the West Loop. There was a great group of women in attendance. The book takes place in the West Loop, so I’ve done a few signings in that area. It’s been really well received. I’m going to be doing a few speaking events to The Lady Project and at my alma mater at their symposium.

Do you have plans for future books?

When I signed my book deal, I actually signed a two book deal. The other book is called “Husband Material.” It’s obviously not out yet. It comes out in the fall of 2019. It’s edgy women’s fiction. It’s totally different but very voice driven. The story takes place in Los Angeles.

What are some books you enjoy reading?

I really enjoy reading works that I cannot write. That includes mystery and darker works. I like “Gone Girl.” It’s one of my favorite books of all time. I like the book “Beautiful Boy.” It’s going to be made into a movie. I read that book about seven or eight years ago. I’m currently reading “Devil in the White City.” I don’t usually read women’s fiction. I write it, but I don’t read it! I think it’s because my brain needs to switch gears.

Emily’s Chicago Favorites:

Favorite Sports Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite Pizza: Lou Malnati’s, 805 S. State St., Chicago

Favorite Date Spot: Shake Shack, 12 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, or Formento’s, 925 W. Randolph St., Chicago

Favorite Pasta: The Pasta Bowl, 1852 W. North Ave., Chicago