13 Pet-Inspired Decor Pieces You Need in Your Life ASAP

You love your pet — so much so that you even have an adorable picture of them that’s been hanging up for years. But recently, you’ve noticed that it’s starting to fade and get lost amongst all the other wall art you’ve collected. Mementos of the non-human who adores you more than anything in the world are important, so there’s no excuse for letting that faded shot hang any longer. Gift yourself (and Fido) a pet portrait that’s as unique and lovable as they are. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or have had Fluffy for years, these buy or DIY ideas are must-haves for any animal lover.

As February comes to a close, you may or may not have spring cleaning on the brain. If you feel like someone flipped a switch and reminded you that this new season is coming — and quickly — you're not alone. As much as we excitedly tried to usher in a new year, it feels like spring is the true refresh we all need. So while we all plan for our spring cleaning...and inevitable redecorating...we're eyeing Target wall art to help our homes look the part! Scroll for Target wall art inspo for every room in your home to see how you can refresh things this spring!

Floral Target Wall Art

Amanti Art White Bouquet by Julia Purinton Framed Canvas Wall Art

We can hear Miranda Priestly rolling her eyes and saying, "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking," but this custom canvas painting has a welcoming aura that's perfect for your entryway. It has a hint of whimsical romance due to Julia Purinton's use of glaze, acrylics, and oils.

Modern Blue Vase II By Farida Zaman

This modern, minimal floral art from Target is so calming. It could work well in just about any room, but I'd love to see it in a gallery wall wherever it lands. The navy blue paired with the gold frame is elegant, yet simple enough to compliment any other art and photos around it.

Amanti Art Natural Bouquet I Gray by Julia Purinton Framed Canvas Wall Art

If you want to tend to plant babies without having to deal with keeping them watered, this natural bouquet painting makes for a great addition to your kitchen. The terracotta, peach, and charcoal grey vases house beautiful stems that'll brighten your kitchen.

Spring Florals By Marisa Anon

These bold flowers are a fresh and fun way to take on florals as the weather warms up! The playful lines and bright colors could seem childlike, but the abstract nature of it all is extremely chic. Grab this if you're looking to make a statement!

Floral Spring Framed Wall Art - Threshold Designed With Studio MgGee

It's no secret that I love Studio MgGee, so I'm not surprised that I completely adore this dainty floral duo. The mustard yellow of the background is bold, but it's also neutral enough to fit into most spaces. Plus, these delicate little flowers will add a touch of whimsy to your space.

Amanti Art Blue Spring II by Isabelle Z Framed Canvas Wall Art

But, keep it simple with a painting that's designed with spring in mind like this framed Target wall art. The navy blue flowers will bring a smile to your face as you sip coffee by the window and listen to the birds chirp their happy spring song.

Threshold Antique Floral Framed Canvas Board

This painting may have a moody aesthetic, but it's only because spring can be moody. Whether you're embracing a sunny or rainy day, this wall art will bring a touch of Bridgerton elegance into your home.

Threshold Orchid Flowers Framed Wall Art

Add a pop of color to your hallway with these orchid flowers wall art by Threshold. The walnut brown frames nicely contradict the painting, creating a rectangular shape that's sure to grab your attention when you walk by.

Kate & Laurel Blake Botanical 5F Framed Printed Glass by Amy Peterson

Tired of looking at paintings? Spruce up your hallway with this framed Target wall art that features a botanical leaf. It's simple, yet colorful enough to give your walls a little personality.

Amanti Art Sweet Lemonade by Isabelle Z Wood

Your office should be as fun and creative as you want it to be. After all, you need a little inspiration to get work done so hang this sweet lemonade painting in a spot you can easily see it.

Scenic Target Wall Art

Threshold Summer Pasture Framed Wall Art

Target wall art is known for either being beautifully understated or bold, which is why this painting can be another focal point of your entryway.

Warm Colors Scenic Landscape Framed Canvas

These bright, warm colors are the perfect addition to liven up your living room. I love how it's paired with a natural looking wood to bring out the more neutral colors, too. It allows the piece to blend in or stand out as you wish!

Laundry Day II By Grace Popp

So much scenic wall art tends to be landscapes and beaches, so I'm totally hear for this little slice of life we're getting with "Laundry Day II" by Grace Popp. The bright, bold colors are gorgeous, bringing you right into the charisma of wherever this scene is.

Silent Still Framed Wall Cotton Canvas Board

Nobody's heard from Claude Monet since this "Silent Still" went on sale at Target. For less than $30, you can get this tranquil scene that could arguably hang in your favorite museum.

Abstract Target Wall Art

Olivia & May Set of 2 Contemporary Abstract Framed Wall Art

Your mind may not think of the color black when you dream of spring, but contemporary, abstract wall art is known for accentuating neutral living room decor. When you open your blinds, the sunlight will reflect off this set of paintings and creating a welcoming environment for you and guests.

Paper Object No. 5 By The Miuus Studio

This simple use of shapes is so incredibly effective. The dark, halved circle draws your eyes right to the center, with the lines leading you outward as you look on. That effect makes "Paper Object No. 5" the perfect addition to your gallery wall, IMO.

Color Blocks Framed Wall Canvases

These framed wall canvases certainly make a statement with their colorful nature. Filled with shades of yellows, blues, and reds, the primary colors shine in their simplicity.

Megalith I By Jacob Green

"Megalith I" is giving the midcentury look of my dreams. I could totally see this pairing perfectly with a modular sofa or a conversation pit out in 60s California. While that's not my house now, a girl can dream, right?!

Sylvie Japandi Set Of 3 Framed Canvases

I've said it once, and I'll say it again: navy and gold really are everything. This set of 3 canvases is crisp, clean, and honestly so cute. Put it in your hallway, your office, or wherever you see fit — they're versatile enough to really go anywhere you want!

Kate & Laurel Sylie Thinking Of You Framed Wall Art by Rachel Lee Natural

This framed print makes for a great addition to your bedroom because it features a blend of pastel colors that accentuate the outline of a woman's body. We like to think it's a reminder that your room is your safe space.

Target Wall Decor Accents

Hand Woven Jute/Polyester Wall Art With Wooden Dowel

Woven accents are wonderful ways to add some texture to your walls. The earthy browns will bring a natural, grounded sense to your space.

Olivia & May Metal Sunburst Wall Decor with Capiz Accent

Or, take a nod from the sun's rays by adding this metal sunburst wall decor to your hallway. It'll serve as a bright spot when your days feel dreary.

Project 62 Mid-century Metal Wall Decor

Not a fan of having metal wall decor in your hallway? Leave it for your office instead! This mid-century design by Project 62 is under $100 and will pair well with the rest of the decor you've picked out.

Cosmoliving by Cosmopolitan Metal Abstract Wall Decor

Craving a little more glam? Cosmoliving by Comopolitan has something you may like. It features interlocked oblongs that create an abstract design that'll set the tone for your office.

Pillowfort Rattan Arch Leaf Kids' Shelf

This is technically a kids' shelf, but we'd like to think you can use it as wall art. Rattan is comforting for different reasons and feels like it complements the carefree nature of spring, so why not have a piece of it at home?

Looking for more home decor inspo? Be sure to check out our Amazon storefront, too!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Target

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images


August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Finding art that you love, from bold abstracts to breezy landscapes, can make a creative and personalized impact on your space. Sure, your home decor can be inspired by the latest trends but art is the element that really brings your unique style home. Whether you have an extensive art collection or are just starting to curate one that expresses your creativity, Singulart is an online art and design gallery that makes buying art online super easy. Search through their collection of 30,000 artworks and find stunning one-of-a-kind art based on your budget, style preferences, orientation needs, and more.

Indies by Hervé Perdriel, France, 2019 Giclée print on Paper, 39x39in

Here, we curated a few gems from the original art gallery. Plus, find tips for creating a dreamy art collection that expresses your personal style. From mixing styles to making the most of color and texture, we’ll help you confidently build a collection that brings joy and inspiration to your space.

Blumenmuster XXVII by Karoline Kroiß, Germany, 2022 Acrylic on Paper, 10x10in

Seek Out Emerging Artists

Find artwork that is truly one-of-a-kind by investing in talented artists who are just starting to make their mark. Perhaps you have artistic friends or love to DIY? Seek out artists on social media or visit local art shows. Singulart features 12,000 established and emerging artists from all over the world who work in a variety of mediums – photography, sculpture, painting, drawing, and more. Follow the ones you love and save them for future collections.

Colette et Lucien - Triptique by Mathilde At, France, 2023 Oil on Linen, 20x20in

Mix And Match Art Styles

Think beyond the print and consider original artwork as part of your lasting art collection. Combining different art forms not only adds visual interest but also lets you explore unique textures, colors, and dimensions. Pair a thought-provoking painting with a whimsical sculpture to create a collection that sparks conversation. There’s creativity in building your art collection – have fun with it! The key is finding an element, perhaps a color palette or a theme, that ties them all together.

Seducción by Artista Enzo, Spain, 2023Acrylic on Wood, 19x19in

Set The Mood With Placement

Give your artwork the space it deserves to make it really shine. Landscape pieces in the dining room can create a serene vibe while bright and energetic artwork in a home office can inspire creativity. Let your art guide the mood and function of a room. Consider size, style and theme of the artwork when deciding where to display it too. Large, bold pieces can make an amazing focal point in a living room while smaller pieces grouped together make a great gallery wall. Singulart will create a collection based on your preferences to help you curate the perfect gallery wall too. Browse their curated picks too!

Out of the dark VII by Ute Laum, Germany, 2023 Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

Play With Color + Texture

Consider your existing color scheme at home and choose art pieces that complement or contrast them. Bold, vibrant artwork can breathe new life into a neutral room, while textured pieces can add depth and playfulness to a minimal design. Want to give a piece you love the spotlight? Enhance the impact of your art with accent lights or natural light (just make sure to protect it as directed).

Gasa (Rainbow) by Kurtis Brand, United States, 2022 Cotton on Canvas, 50x48in

Rotate And Refresh

What’s fun about a personal art collection is that you can swap it in a new space for an instant refresh. Consider changing art with the seasons or moving art from one room to the next to give it more exposure in a high-traffic space.


Once you’ve begun to curate art pieces that resonate with you, it’s essential to take good care of your purchases so they’ll stand the test of time and continue to bring you joy.

Here are a few tips on how to preserve your art for a lifetime:

  1. Avoid hanging artwork in direct sunlight or in a space with extreme fluctuations in temperature. Sunlight can cause fading overtime, so explore UV-filtering framing options and be mindful of how the light can change in your space throughout the year.
  2. Keep a microfiber cloth or soft, clean brush on hand for routine dusting and cleaning of your art. Avoid any chemical cleaning solutions or water that could damage the work.
  3. Research the art trends associated with your work and learn more about the creator behind the art so you can take pride in the pieces you’ve curated and feel super knowledgeable about them.

Treat your art with love and care, and let your imagination run wild to create a collection that is truly a reflection of you and your creativity!

Main photo: Dawn by Nelly Van Nieuwenhuijzen, Netherlands 2023, Acrylic on Canvas, 39x39in

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
  • Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
  • Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
  • Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

  • Cuticle oil
  • Biotin
  • Diet
  • Nail protection
  • Avoid picking and peeling
Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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