Raegan Revord on Blending and Breaking Rom-Com Tropes in 'Rules for Fake Girlfriends'

A New Chapter for Raegan Revord

Raegan Revord, best known for her roles in Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage, has taken on a new challenge as an author. Her debut young adult novel, Rules For Fake Girlfriends, is now available in bookstores. The story centers around Avery Blackwell, a young woman who finds herself on a journey of self-discovery after deciding to take a gap year before attending Columbia University. Instead, she travels to Brighton, England, the alma mater of her late mother, inspired by a postcard that sets off a scavenger hunt on campus.

On the train to school, Avery meets Charlie, who asks her to be his fake girlfriend to make his ex jealous. In return, Charlie agrees to help Avery with the scavenger hunt. This dynamic creates a unique blend of romance and adventure that explores themes of connection, identity, and personal growth.

Revord shared insights into her creative process during an interview, revealing how her own experiences influenced the story. She mentioned that the relationship between Avery and her mother was inspired by a close friend of hers, whose unexpected health issues prompted her to reflect on the impact of such news on relationships. While the mother-daughter relationship is central to the plot, Revord also incorporated elements from her friend’s story into Avery’s relationship with Charlie, highlighting the importance of peer connections and the different dynamics they bring.

The novel also plays with common rom-com tropes, offering a fresh perspective on familiar stories. Revord noted that while she initially considered a more traditional "enemies to lovers" storyline, she ultimately chose to focus on the characters developing feelings for each other. This approach allowed her to critique and subvert typical romantic narratives, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is the scavenger hunt, which intertwines with Avery’s personal journey. The scavenger hunt follows the love story of her parents, helping Avery connect with her mother in a way she never could before. Revord explained that the decision to leave the scavenger hunt incomplete was intentional, allowing Avery to grow beyond the need for closure and find meaning in her memories and experiences.

Revord drew inspiration from several popular rom-coms, including To All the Boys I've Loved Before and Heartstopper. She praised Heartstopper for its portrayal of queer love and found family, which deeply resonated with her. She also appreciated the authenticity and innocence of the relationships depicted in the show, which she aimed to incorporate into her own work.

The cover design of Rules For Fake Girlfriends features a leaf and heart, reminiscent of Heartstopper. While Revord admitted this was not intentional, she acknowledged the visual similarities and expressed admiration for the show’s aesthetic.

In addition to exploring romance, Revord infused her novel with realistic college experiences, such as dealing with budget constraints and apartment challenges. She highlighted the importance of authenticity in storytelling, drawing from her own experiences and those of friends to create relatable scenarios.

Revord is also excited about the potential for a film adaptation of her book. As a cinematic person, she envisions the story unfolding on screen, and she is currently in discussions about possible adaptations. She hopes to bring the story to life in England, where much of the narrative takes place.

As she continues to work on Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage, Season 2, Revord teased that fans can expect to see the characters reunite in a fun and emotionally charged episode. She expressed her excitement about being back on set and reuniting with the cast, highlighting the joy of working with her co-stars.

With Rules For Fake Girlfriends, Raegan Revord has made a compelling entry into the world of young adult fiction, blending humor, heart, and meaningful themes. Her unique perspective and dedication to authentic storytelling have created a story that resonates with readers and promises to captivate audiences in both print and on screen.