Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club by Diane Bergner
In her debut novel, Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club (Meridian Editions), author Diane Bergner gives us an inside look at the world of high society fundraising. Through the fictional lens of protagonist Julia Wild, Bergner shows us what goes on in this sophisticated, alluring line of business: galas, gossip, cocktails, corruption and underhanded secrets. And then the protagonist finds a dead body.
Diane Bergner discusses her own experience in the world of fundraising and what a wealth of inspiration it brought to the world of Royal Coconut Beach.
Q: Congratulations on your debut novel! What inspired you to write Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club?
A: I’m passionate about fundraising, and was eager to shine a light on this sophisticated profession. I started a non-fiction book, but was intrigued with the idea of using a fictional lens. The Devil Wears Prada inspired me further, and catapulted me to highlight fundraising in an entertaining, lighthearted way. Ideas also began percolating early on because of my experiences with a social milieu where status and wealth reigns, and my growing fascination of the wealth fueled dynamics of the rich and powerful. A stunning locale, colorful characters and lots of trouble woven together would take center stage.
Q: How would you describe your book? Would you categorize it as contemporary fiction, romance, or mystery — or a combination of all three?
A: A combination of all three, which lends itself to twists, turns and surprises around the corner. Its overarching arc is a love story between Julia and Mark, with emphasis on their marriage and temptations of romantic affairs. It’s also a contemporary fiction novel, involving mistrust in the office place, hijinks, secrets, and especially mystery. For example, Julia spends a good part of the novel trying to figure out who is trying to sabotage her career. Then there’s a murder — or is it a suicide? And why? The stakes are high, and Julia’s job and reputation are in jeopardy.
Q: With her sudden career change and stagnant marriage, your main protagonist is a refreshingly complex character. Was there a certain inspiration for Julia? Did you go into the book knowing the full breadth of her story?
A: Julia was intentionally naïve early on when it came to relationships, men, and the dynamics of the rich. This gave her ample room to grow. Julia’s lunch club friends became her confidantes, and we saw her evolve into a more worldly woman. Through their subtle and sometimes straightforward lessons, they became a vehicle for Julia to define her own morals. I always wanted to write about strong women, which was the impetus for creating a character like Julia who could start out one way, and develop. I knew she’d grow, learn and evolve, but not to the extent she did.
Q: Is there a scene in the book that’s your favorite?
A: Julia’s already a mess, but is shaken to the core when she finds a dead body. She knows who it is which is pivotal: Did she have it coming? Can Julia right a wrong even when she wasn’t treated right by that person? Julia must think clearly; there’s so much at stake, and her own values and reputation are on the line. The scene is dramatic, too. It likens finding the dead body to the Wizard of Oz when a house was dropped on the witch. In Julia’s world, the legs sticking out had stilettos on, not ruby slippers.
Q: Do you have any advice for other people who have a story they’d like to write?
A: Just start writing. Everyday. Everyone has a story in them. It boils down to passion, commitment, and discipline. Take it one step at a time, with baby steps. Get a notebook and start writing from a stream of consciousness. You’ll see how addicting it can be. You get to tuck away in your own orbit. It’s virgin territory to create whatever you want. If it seems overwhelming, read Annie Lamont’s Bird by Bird. It has helped me many times, especially when the going got tough.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m working on my next novel. While it will be a stand-alone, it will be connected by the locale, Royal Coconut Beach. It’s such a special, intriguing place. It’s so distinctive that it’s also a character. Stay tuned for more drama in RCB, with those fun ladies who lunch! I couldn’t imagine a world without writing. There’s always room to grow, too, which makes writing “forever.”
Diane Bergner is vice president of Development at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. She is a member of The Writers’ Academy of the Kravis Center and was the runner-up in the Best Writer in Palm Beach County, hosted by the Palm Beach Book Festival. Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club is her first novel.
