If you’ve ever read a book by Christina Lauren and thought, “How does this feel so seamless with two writers?” you would’ve fit right in at Kenton County Public Library’s Erlanger Branch on Wednesday evening, April 8.
The room was filled with enthusiastic readers, all there for the same reason: to meet Lauren Billings, get a book signed and hear how the magic actually happens behind the scenes.
And she delivered.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing how it all started. Billings shared the story of meeting Christina Hobbs and how their partnership grew out of a shared love of storytelling. What began as a creative connection eventually turned into one of the most successful writing duos in modern romance.
From there, she walked fans through their process and it’s exactly as collaborative as you’d hope.
They start by building the story together. Characters, big moments and emotional arcs are all mapped out before anything gets written. Then they split the work, often by character or chapter, before diving into what might be the most important step: editing each other. A lot.
As Billings put it during the event, “By the time we’re done, we don’t even know who wrote what anymore.”
That back and forth is what gives their books that single, cohesive voice fans love.
And yes, in case you were wondering, there are disagreements along the way. But according to Billings, those moments tend to sharpen the story, not stall it. It’s part of what makes their partnership work.
More than anything, the night felt like a conversation between fans and a storyteller who genuinely loves what she does. Even without Christina Hobbs there, the connection to the full Christina Lauren experience was unmistakable.
Behind every Christina Lauren novel is not just a great story but a creative partnership that makes the whole thing click.
Want to learn about all of KCPL's events BEFORE they happen? Sign up for our e-mail list.
Add a comment to: Lauren Billings Brings the Magic of Christina Lauren to KCPL