Freida McFadden, author of bestselling novels such as The Housemaid, is known for her impressive output, often publishing multiple books each year. In 2023, she has already released Dear Debbie, with The Divorce set to hit bookstores in May.
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In an interview with E! News, McFadden explained her unique writing process: "I write a first draft really quickly. I don't like to do things halfway. I completely immerse myself, and I don't stop until I'm done." This rapid drafting is followed by a lengthy editing phase. "After that first draft, which usually takes a few weeks, I'll spend forever editing," she said. McFadden manages to balance her writing with her responsibilities as a mom and a physician, finding that multitasking comes naturally to her.
"Being a mom and a doctor, I’m really used to multitasking," she noted. "I’m a hard worker, so I’m at my happiest when I’m working very hard." Despite the busy schedule, she admitted that she occasionally misses her time in the hospital.
Managing multiple projects poses challenges, especially concerning plot details that may overlap between books. McFadden explained that similar plot points can emerge even if she writes stories a year apart. "Sometimes it works out that there are similar plot points on two books that release in a row," she remarked.
Beyond her own writing, McFadden is excited about the screen adaptation of her work. The Housemaid, which was released in theaters on December 19, has generated over $350 million and is now available for digital purchase. The upcoming sequel, The Housemaid’s Secret, will feature Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone, with director Paul Feig involved in the adaptation.
Reflecting on the adaptation process, McFadden expressed her satisfaction with how the film captured her book's atmosphere, saying, "I feel lucky because they captured it so well." As her latest novel, The Divorce, prepares for release, McFadden's dedicated fan base anticipates more engaging stories.