Layover, the brand new novel by screenwriting duo (and IRL best friends) Amy Andelson and Emily Meyer, left me with a few burning questions that only they could answer!

Luckily, they were more than happy to answer them for me! (And validate my visions of the talented Timotheé Chalamet as the main male protagonist while reading Layover!)

Read on to discover what they had to say about classic cinema, the unpredictability of adolescence, and who their dream cast of a Layover adaptation would include.

About ‘Layover’ by Amy Andelson and Emily Meyer

Flynn: At first we were almost strangers. But ever since I moved to New York, Amos was the one person I could count on. And together we were there for Poppy. (I mean, what kind of parents leave their kid to be raised by a nanny?) I just didn’t expect to fall for him—and I never expected him to leave us.

Amos: I thought I was the only one who felt it. I told myself it was because we were spending so much time together—taking care of Poppy and all. But that night, I could tell she felt it, too. And I freaked out—you’re not supposed to fall for your stepsister. So I ran away to boarding school. I should have told her why I was leaving, but every time I tried, it felt like a lie.

One missed flight was about to change their lives forever…

‘Layover’ authors Amy Andelson and Emily Meyer answer all of our burning questions!

1. Given how the book’s summary is written, I expected it to be written from the main duo’s perspectives. But I was pleasantly surprised to read a third perspective. What made you two decide to add Poppy’s narration into the mix?

We always saw Poppy’s narration as an integral part of story — we just heard her voice so clearly and just thought it was so unique and fun. That being said, along the way in the editorial process we had some doubts — wondering if three perspectives were too many and if Poppy’s voice was too young for the audience. Ultimately, we loved her too much to let her go, and feel like she helps illuminate the stakes of the siblings’ relationship. She’s the glue that holds them together.

2. A lot of times, teenagers in YA novels feel wiser than their years, but the teens in ‘Layover’ really felt their ages. At times, frustratingly so. What was the most important aspect of adolescence that you strove to get right?

It’s such an interesting time in life because at one moment, you can be so uncertain and stuck in your head, and then at the same time, act so impulsively. It’s hard to know if in those moments you’re acting on impulse or fear — especially because it’s an age when you’re sort of drawn to danger.

3. Little Poppy is very much influenced by classic cinema (like ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’). What were some of your personal inspirations when writing this novel?

We totally see Poppy as a little bit Eloise. But we’re cinephiles so the novel itself definitely is an homage to films like A Bande A Part, Jules and Jim, and a small film from the ’70s called A Little Romance where star-crossed young lovers run away and embark on a crazy adventure in Venice, Italy.

4. This novel felt really cinematic to me and I couldn’t help but see Timotheé Chalamet as Amos while I was reading. If ‘Layover’ were ever turned into a movie, who would your dream cast be?

That’s so funny – Timothee Chalamet is who we imagined as Amos too. For Flynn we’ve always loved Kiernan Shipka. And Poppy we sort of see like a young Abigail Breslin.

5. How is collaborating on writing a novel different from other projects you two have worked on together?

Our process for writing books is pretty much the same as our screenwriting process. We outline everything together, split up sections to write separately, trade and polish each other’s pages, and then move forward. We do edits and notes together. Writing Layover was such a creatively freeing process. After years of working in Hollywood, we’ve really enjoyed having more control over the creative process.

6. Disney World is my favorite place on earth so I was really excited to see the characters visit Disneyland. What are your favorite can’t-miss Disneyland rides?

Emily is a scaredy-cat so she prefers to keep it low and slow on Small World and Peter Pan. Amy’s always loved the old west, so she’s all about Big Thunder Mountain. But really we go for the snacks.