1. Spend More Time in Los Angeles
One of the most exciting parts about writing was the opportunity to lose myself in the world of the Sunset Strip in the 1970s. And as I finished that book, I found myself intrigued by the idea of the early 80s and indulging my love of the more rustic side of Los Angeles. Malibu Rising takes place four years into the future from Daisy and twenty-odd miles up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu in 1983.
2. See some familiar names
I had fun with the easter eggs in my past few books. Some characters in show up in Malibu Rising, too — including mentions of drummer Warren Rhodes, the band The Breeze, and more. In fact, the patriarch of the Riva family, Mick Riva, actually appears in Daisy Jones & the Six. During the impromptu party that Daisy throws at the Chateau Marmont, Mick is by the pool, ordering most of the liquor, egging everyone on. He is also the third husband in my previous novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This felt like my chance to really dive into Mick Riva. So if you’ve been following Mick for a while, this is your chance to see who the man truly is.
3. Trade-in Rockstars for Surfers
Rockstars are the very height of cool. But when I was growing up, I idolized surfers. And so this was a really fun chance to get to put myself in that world. The Rivas are a family of surfers, who grow up on the shores of Malibu. The oldest daughter, Nina, eventually becomes a world-famous swimsuit model, her poster in homes across America. And while Evelyn Hugo knew how to get what she wanted and Daisy Jones was born knowing how to speak her mind, Nina Riva is a woman who has grown up putting everyone first. Over the course of one night in 1983, at her annual “Riva Party,” Nina has to decide whether she’s ready to finally break free.
4. Check out the Celebrity References
I wrote Daisy because I was hugely inspired by the Laurel Canyon music scene, from artists like Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, as well as, of course, Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles. This time, I had a lot of fun writing about 80s supermodels and movie stars — loosely based on celebs like Brooke Shields, Cheryl Tiegs, and Christie Brinkley, as well as the Brat Pack.
5. Listen to More Great Music
The music was such a fun part of writing . So I wanted to keep that going with Malibu Rising. We have a ton of playlists for the book, or, if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the reminder to just put on the Beach Boys Sounds of Summer, the perfect companion to a story about Malibu beaches.
I love writing Malibu Rising and being transported to an epic Hollywood rager in 80s Malibu. Here’s hope you enjoying it, too!
