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Jenny Mollen likens her relationship with social media to “a cigarette I was hiding from my kids.” The mother of two recently spoke to Home Insemination Kit about her debut novel, City of Likes, which explores the outrageous and often dark realm of mom influencers.
A Journey to Publication
Mollen, a New York Times best-selling author, spent years searching for a publisher to support her satirical take on motherhood and the overwhelming influence of social media. “I don’t think we were ready to confront our addiction back in 2019 when I first pitched it,” Mollen, 43, shared during a Zoom conversation, noting that the pandemic forced publishers to confront their own screen habits and need for external validation. “They all had to deal with the reality of their phone use,” she added with a hint of dark humor.
Despite her previous successes with non-fiction works like I Like You Just the Way I Am and Live Fast Die Hot, Mollen initially faced disappointment when no one was interested in her fictional exploration of social media. Thanks to the unwavering support of her husband, actor Danny Rivers—who “meticulously reviewed” her manuscript—she ultimately secured a deal with The Nacelle Company.
Exploring the World of Influencers
City of Likes centers on Megan Chernoff, a copywriter who feels lost after the birth of her second child. In search of renewal, she relocates to New York City, where she encounters Daphne Cole, a glamorous mom influencer. As Meg dives into the superficial world of wellness trends and exclusive social gatherings, she begins to unravel the façade of online success, which threatens her family dynamics.
“This book reflects all my personal struggles,” Mollen admits, describing feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome that resonate throughout the narrative. Having been captivated by Instagram’s allure for years, she describes her relationship with social media as something she concealed from her children until the pandemic stripped away those barriers. “Before the pandemic, it was like a hidden vice,” she explains. “Afterward, it felt more like revealing my true self in a chaotic way.”
The Impact of Social Media
The pull of social media compelled Mollen to write City of Likes, which is already in development as a TV series with executive producer, Juno writer, Vanessa Lee. “I was thrilled when I found out,” she exclaims. She also delves into her experiences with toxic relationships, which influenced the dynamics between Meg and Daphne in her novel.
In the story, Meg becomes enamored with Daphne, who ultimately jeopardizes her children’s safety in pursuit of “likes” on a trip to Paris. Mollen poignantly writes through Meg’s journey: “More is just more. It’s not better. It doesn’t fill the hole. It is the hole.”
A Contradiction
While Mollen is critical of social media’s pitfalls, she acknowledges its role in her career. “It’s a contradiction,” she admits, recognizing that her social media presence has been essential in keeping her motivated over the years. “If I didn’t have that validation, I might not have had the strength to persist in finding a publisher.”
Final Thoughts
Mollen hopes readers of City of Likes will reflect on the dangers of the “pic or it didn’t happen” mentality. “Choose the life in front of you instead of the one reflected on your screen,” she urges. “Don’t let the pursuit of the perfect photo cause you to miss out on precious moments with your children.”
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Keyphrase: social media addiction in motherhood
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