Adelaide Faith’s debut novel, Happiness Forever (published May 13 by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux), explores the complex terrain of obsession through the story of Sylvie, a young woman fixated on her therapist. The book, which began as a reflection of Faith’s own experiences, has garnered attention for its distinctive voice and emotional depth.
I first encountered Faith several years ago during an online Zoom workshop, where she joined from London late at night. From the outset, I was captivated by the premise and the raw honesty underpinning her work. In a recent interview, Faith shared insights about her journey to becoming a writer, the challenges she faced in embracing her creative identity, and the evolution of Happiness Forever from its inception to publication.
A Therapist’s Encouragement Sparks a Writing Journey
Faith revealed that the novel’s origins lie in her relationship with her own therapist. “I really, really liked my therapist,” Faith said. “She asked me to write a review for her website, but the process was painful—I hadn’t written in years.” She described drafting multiple versions, including one playful take that imagined the therapist being carried through ancient lands.
Her therapist, impressed by Faith’s unique voice, encouraged her to enroll in a writing class. “I was hesitant at first,” Faith admitted, “thinking I was too old to start, but she told me she began her therapist training later in life. That encouragement meant everything.” The therapist also suggested Faith channel her obsession into writing, which laid the foundation for Happiness Forever.
From Vet Tech to Writer: Embracing a Creative Identity
Before fully committing to writing, Faith worked as a veterinary technician and had longstanding interests in science. However, an influential relationship in her youth exposed her to authors such as William Burroughs and Hunter S. Thompson, igniting her passion for literature.
Faith acknowledged the difficulties many writers face when confronting self-doubt. “I often felt my work was immature or inadequate,” she said. “But persistence matters more than talent alone.” She credits her participation in workshops—including one led by this interviewer—for sustaining her through the novel’s challenging middle stages.
The Long Road to Publication
The journey to complete Happiness Forever spanned seven years. Faith recounted the extensive revision process, including an early eight-page essay titled “The Pierrot Cure,” which evolved into elements of the novel’s narrative. She employed a methodical ten-step revision technique learned in workshops, carefully editing one chapter at a time.
After the book was sold, Faith received feedback from acclaimed writer Sheila Heti and her editor at Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, Mitzi Angel, prompting a significant rewrite of the novel’s ending. “If someone asks me to make changes, I just dive in,” Faith explained. “I try not to overthink and let the work flow.”
Advice for Emerging Writers
Reflecting on her experiences, Faith offered practical advice for aspiring authors. She encourages writing consistently, even in small increments. “I told a friend to write one index card a day while working in a bookshop,” she said. “Even if you don’t like what you write at first, don’t throw it away—there’s always something useful in the draft.”
Faith also stressed the importance of reading widely. She shared a selection of contemporary novels that inspired her, including King of Joy by Richard Chiem and How Should a Person Be? by Sheila Heti.
Seeing Her Work in Readers’ Hands
When asked about the impact of seeing others engage with her writing, Faith expressed a gentle affection for her novel, almost as if it were separate from herself. “It’s like the book has its own life now,” she reflected.
With Happiness Forever, Adelaide Faith marks an impressive literary debut, weaving personal experience into fiction with authenticity and nuance. As she continues her writing career, readers will no doubt be eager to follow her evolving voice.
