In Conversation with Terry Shepherd

Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell - SHE WROTE, HE WROTE: A New York Love Story

Terry Shepherd

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0:00 | 26:34

In this episode, host Terry Shepherd sits down with authors Ashley Wren Collins and Jordan Rockwell to discuss their collaborative romantic comedy, She Wrote, He Wrote: A New York Love Story. Set against the "beautifully chaotic" backdrop of New York City, the novel offers a unique split narrative that explores a single romance from two very different perspectives.

Inside the Story

The book follows the parallel journeys of two aspiring New Yorkers:

  • Joanna: An East Village writer navigating a cramped walk-up, eccentric roommates, and a questionable boss.
  • Logan: A Wall Street professional attempting to make his own mark while escaping the heavy expectations of his wealthy Connecticut family.

A Partnership Born of "Sparks and Laughter"

Ashley and Jordan share the delightful—and often hilarious—true story of their own meeting, which involves years of "near misses" before finally connecting at a multi-day wedding extravaganza in St. Martin. From failed pickup lines on the beach to Jordan’s ill-fated "crush" on a wedding band leader, they reveal how their real-life friendship and "riffing" eventually evolved into a professional writing partnership.


What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • The Art of Collaboration: How the duo balances Jordan’s focus on structure and outlines with Ashley’s emphasis on flow, humor, and "nurturing" the narrative.
  • Literary Inspirations: The influence of New York staples like Sex and the City, How I Met Your Mother, and Wedding Crashers on their work.
  • Writing for Everyone: Why this "chick-lit" inspired story actually skews heavily toward the male perspective, making it a relatable read for "the fellows" as much as the traditional romance audience.
  • Dealing with Rejection: The authors discuss "thickening their skin" and treating rejection as a stepping stone to the finish line.
  • A Sincere Dedication: Why the pair decided to dedicate the book to all of their ex-partners.

Whether you are looking for the perfect "tequila-at-the-beach" summer read or an inside look at how two screenwriters tackle their first novel, this conversation is packed with humor, heart, and insight into the "dance" of storytelling.

"We’re not trying to change the world, but we need more joy. It’s a joyful book." — Jordan Rockwell 


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