Extra Credit with Lauren Evans
Casket Case by Lauren Evans is out Tuesday September 10!
Welcome to the first Vocabulary School Extra Credit where I ask writers about their relationship to words and how they use words to be understood. If you’ve missed other special editions of Vocabulary School, check out my attempt to return to musical theater and the conversation I created between The Book of Love by Kelly Link and The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift.
I first became acquainted with Lauren Evans in the Writers’ Support Group section of the Geneva group for the Bad on Paper podcast. After this summer’s #1000 Words of Summer, the group shared Substacks and upcoming projects which led me to an advanced reader’s copy of her debut novel, Casket Case. The premise that a mourning casket store owner meets a handsome (really a top tier Book Hot Guy™) stranger who works for death is playful with genre in a way that holds life’s inevitable truths that happen to everybody both firmly but gently. I came to it at a time in my personal life that demonstrated the changing shape and nature of grief that makes it a perfect entree to the cozy reading season.
We discussed her origins that paved the way for her writing about flashcards, spelling tests, and her crossword puzzle routine that I find deeply impressive. We talked about classifying Casket Case as a Southern novel and how her vocabulary, especially with the versatility of “Lord.” She laughed when she described its common usage as, “any way we can shoehorn it into a sentence.” We got chatting about Alabama Crimsonettes, New Orleans at Halloween, and being seated for a One Tree Hill reboot. The words do not exist to express how grateful I am to Lauren for her generosity of time to chat with me after work even though I was bereft of a chance to meet her dog, Lucy.
Do you think you have a good vocabulary?
I would say it’s good but not exceptional. (Already you can see I’m particular about word usage!) I do read a lot and tend to pick up new words as I go. I also love crossword puzzles which require a bit of vocabulary or a willingness to learn if you want to get better.
What do you remember about learning new words as a kid?
I wanted to cram those suckers into every sentence for the rest of the day. I wanted so badly to seem smart, and as a kid, I thought vocabulary was a great way to do that. I remember combing through the dictionary to see if I could find anything interesting.
What is your practice when you encounter an unfamiliar word while reading?
I always look it up. This is the perk of reading on a Kindle, and now I’m spoiled. I’m fascinated by the origin of words, especially words I don’t know yet.
Is a good vocabulary necessary to be a good writer?
I don’t think so. I think it’s about how you’re using the vocabulary you have. In fact, I would say I’m more interested in someone using commonplace words and turning them into something new.
Which three words would you use to describe your writing life?
Solitary, Immersive, Economical
What word were you excited to be able to use in your book?
I was most excited to use southern words and phrases. I grew up in a small town in Alabama, and I have an entire vocabulary from there that never sees the light of day. I probably had the most fun trying to get “Lord” into sentences. Good Lord. Lord knows. The Lord’s own truth. Etc.
What word would your main character love to use in order to get their way? What does that say about them?
Nora would say “please,” and it would have weight because she doesn’t ask for anything. She is so rarely trying to get her way. She wants to stay out of everyone else’s way and cause as little trouble as possible.
What word keeps you going when writing feels impossible?
This one is easy for me: Labyrinth. I have The Hero Path by Joseph Campbell pinned next to other quotes on the wall above my desk, and the part I always come back to is “The labyrinth is thoroughly known.” Sometimes it can feel like you’re alone in the dark without a flashlight, and it’s comforting for me to remember that others have come before me and made it through already. I find this to be true in most areas of life! Also, who doesn't want to be the hero in their own quest?
Thank you again to Lauren and happy book birthday to Casket Case!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for the advance e-ARC of this book!
Casket Case by Lauren Evans is out now! Arrange your library holds or buy your copy here.
Thanks so much for interviewing me and for your kind words about Casket Case! Maybe we'll get that OTH reunion sooner than later.