Danny & Katelyn
Where to find Danny & Katelyn
Tell us a little bit about you
What inspired you to both start writing together?
Kate: We had always talked about doing something fun and creative together since we were both working on various writing projects. Once the pandemic hit, we needed an outlet that didn’t revolve around making sourdough, or in Danny’s case, homemade dumplings from scratch…
Danny: A client of Kate’s replied to our yearly “Tinder anniversary” post that she would totally read a book about how we met. Yes, we met on Tinder, and that tidbit—and our first messages to one another—is what laid the groundwork for what would become our first book together, The First Date Prophecy.
Since Road Trip Rewind is the 2nd book you wrote together did you notice a difference in writing this one?
Oh yeah! Our first book, The First Date Prophecy, had more personal experiences and emotions tossed in the story. More editing out of therapeutic writing sessions from Danny, unpacking his own feelings about a childhood on the screen. Writing The Road Trip Rewind was a bit more freeing, as we were able to just enjoy the creative process with new character development—and the wackiness of a time-traveling Jetta.
Do either of you feel like you have a bit in common with Rocco or Beatrix?
Kate: As a former child actor, Danny can relate to Rocco—but as he was never an A-list celeb, that is where it ends. Rocco also has a big heart and while terminally famous, has a level head and is pretty grounded.
Danny: Beatrix is more Hollywood and more jaded than Kate, but they’re both driven by their need to share stories with the world. And they both fell in love with former child actors!
Were there any real-life experiences that helped inspire the book?
We had a silver Jetta for many years that (weirdly enough) smelled like crayons that we loved! We figured it could live on in a story as a time-traveling vehicle not unlike the DeLorean
1999 was my favorite year growing up. Was there a significance to that year for either of you?
It was the end of the millennium and Y2K gave us a world with heightened stakes.
Kate: Danny was 16-17, so he was learning to drive in NJ and living in high school junior/senior mode. A most prolific time indeed!
Danny: Kate was in 8th grade, escaping the middle school drama with TGIF and SNICK…
What 3 songs would you request on TRL in 1999?:
What movie would you be going to see in theatres in 1999?
We put Sixth Sense in the book because how could you not want to go back and watch that reveal for the first time???!
Who do you think Rocco or Beatrix style icons would be in the 90’s?
Beatrix has a Neve Campbell/Alicia Silverstone fusion vibe in our opinion. Maybe a little more gas station button down, punk band enthusiast. Rocco is giving Andrew Keegan/Freddie Prinze Jr. looks. The cool casual with a hint of style. Trying hard not to try too hard.
Between both of your books who is your favorite character and why?
Kate: Danny would be partial to Rudy since he’s pretty much himself in a nutshell. He can absolutely relate and I think that’s big reason for him to have a favorite character in anything.
Danny: Same for Kate—she loves both her ladies dearly, but Lucy pulls from so much of her own early years in New York, surrounded by so many people but still so alone, and desperately looking for humor in all the dead-end dates.
Who was your favorite 90’s pop star?
Kate: Danny would have to say Lenny Kravitz since he was on the pop and rock and roll “line” Mark McGrath a close second for the same reason.
Danny: Kate would probably say the Spice Girls—with Christina a close second.
If you could co-author a book with any author who would it be?
Danny: Nobody else. Kate has stated that many times… sharing a brain space is so personal and particular for her.
Kate: Danny has other writing partners, but did sign a non-compete clause with Kate so it’s us or nothing… (Kidding! She might be an agent, but she’s not that demanding!)
No Doubt references galore, Mandy Moore, and Alicia Silverstone nods to name a few…
Danny is a 1989 guy and Kate loves Folklore! (Kate loves 1989 too, but Danny claimed it first…)
If you were promoting the book on Figure It Out what do you think the phrase and clues would be?
Phrase would be: “writes books with partner” pen and paper, a book and a picture of a handshake… would you get it?
What Nickelodeon tv show do you feel Rocco and Beatrix would fit in best with?
Great question! I think they could have been in the Petes’ world for sure!
Did writing this flood you with 90’s memories that you almost forgot about? Anything fun to add there?
We spent a good amount of time googling things like which scents from Bath and Body Works were discontinued, movies out specifically in December ‘99, and what record billboards would have been up. Definitely made us think about our own ’90s experiences. By the end we just wanted some gushers, dunkaroos, and fruit by the foot…
Where can we get the book?
Wherever you like to get your books! And if you like audiobooks, both TFDP and TRTR are available with Danny and Mara Wilson reading!
A phrase you would leave for a nostalchick (words of wisdom)
“Try Again Later” seems to work for everything!
Anything extra you may want to add for your book club members
Thank you thank you thank you for spending your time reading our book baby!!! Hope you enjoyed it!!
