Jennette McCurdy Prepares to Shock with ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’
Jennette McCurdy has drawn significant attention with her candid memoir, “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” Released in 2022, this book captivates readers with its exploration of a tumultuous childhood marked by maternal abuse. The memoir has sold over 3 million copies and remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for more than 80 weeks. Currently, it is being adapted into an Apple TV+ series, with Jennifer Aniston portraying McCurdy’s mother.
New Beginnings with ‘Half His Age’
At 33, McCurdy is set to reveal a different side of her writing in her upcoming novel, “Half His Age,” releasing in January. This narrative delves into the challenging relationship between a 17-year-old girl named Waldo and her middle-aged, married English teacher. The provocative title and its themes of power dynamics promise a thought-provoking read.
Writing with Purpose
McCurdy insists her writing is not intended to shock, but rather to convey truth. She states, “I’m never writing something that’s intentionally provocative.” The novel features explicit content, which reflects McCurdy’s commitment to honesty. She believes such elements can spark essential conversations.
Personal Journey of Discovery
The novel is inspired by McCurdy’s own experiences and realizations. She feels a profound connection to the protagonist’s story, paralleling her own first serious relationship with a significantly older individual. This personal connection allows McCurdy to explore emotions she once felt but had not fully processed.
A Shift in Identity
Since the success of her memoir, McCurdy has embraced her identity as a writer, distancing herself from her previous roles as a child actor. She dedicated years to honing her craft, focusing on longer-form storytelling. McCurdy writes intensely, often spending long hours at her home in Pasadena, California.
Bringing ‘Half His Age’ to Life
McCurdy began crafting “Half His Age” at 24, while traveling in Japan. The idea of an age-gap relationship captivated her, pushing her to complete the novel following her memoir’s success. To accurately portray a high school setting, she conducted research to understand modern school dynamics.
Empowerment through Writing
For McCurdy, writing serves as a means of empowerment and closure. She aims to portray complex family dynamics, as seen in Waldo’s relationship with her mother—echoing McCurdy’s own experiences as a young caregiver. “I’ll always write mother-daughter dynamics in a complicated, messy way,” she notes.
Future Projects and Directorial Aspirations
Looking ahead, McCurdy is working on multiple projects. She has penned a script for the film adaptation of “Half His Age,” which she plans to direct. Additionally, her involvement in the adaptation of “I’m Glad My Mom Died” includes co-showrunning and directing several episodes. She conveys the importance of maintaining control over her narratives, emphasizing their personal significance.
The Role of Jennifer Aniston
McCurdy is also protective of the adaptations of her work. Jennifer Aniston’s casting as her mother in the series is meaningful, as Aniston resonates deeply with the material. McCurdy states, “It would be a disservice… for anybody to be a part of it for any other reason.”
Through her writing and upcoming projects, McCurdy continues to connect with audiences. She finds strength in her voice, stating, “Writing was where I found my voice and… my power.” As she explores new territories in her career, McCurdy invites readers to join her on this journey of discovery and truth.
