The world of television has seen a surge in book adaptations in recent years, with many popular novels being turned into hit TV series. Elin Hilderbrand, the acclaimed author of novels such as ‘The Five-Star Weekend’ and ‘The Perfect Couple’, is no exception to this trend.

TV Adaptations Galore

The series adaptation of Hilderbrand’s novel ‘The Five-Star Weekend’ recently dropped on Peacock, starring Jennifer Garner. The show was created and written by Bekah Brunstetter, who is known for her work on ‘Maid’ and ‘This Is Us’. This is not the first time Hilderbrand’s work has been adapted for the small screen, as her novel ‘The Perfect Couple’ was a hit for Netflix and has spawned a second season based on her book ‘Swan Song’. It’s clear that Hilderbrand’s novels are in high demand, with a whopping seven or eight other books of hers currently in development.

Speaking with the New York Times, Hilderbrand expressed her thoughts on writing for television, stating, ‘I have no interest in writing television.’ Despite her lack of interest in writing for TV, Hilderbrand is more than happy to let the showrunners take the reins and adapt her work into compelling television.

A Hands-Off Approach

Hilderbrand has a surprisingly hands-off approach when it comes to her TV adaptations. She believes that it’s the showrunner’s job to turn her novels into compelling television, and she’s more than happy to let them take creative liberties. ‘I will talk to the writer before they get started,’ she explained. ‘It’s their job to turn it into compelling television.’ This approach is a refreshing change from some authors who are notoriously protective of their work.

Hilderbrand’s only concern when it comes to her TV adaptations is that her beloved setting of Nantucket is portrayed accurately and authentically. ‘I basically gave Bekah Brunstetter carte blanche: ‘Do what you want to make the best television. The only thing I was concerned about was Nantucket. I wanted to make sure that Nantucket was done authentically and correctly,’ she said.

With her next novel, ‘The Thoroughbreds’, set to be released in September, Hilderbrand is already working on a new book, ‘The Novelists’. This novel follows four writers who meet at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and whose careers follow divergent paths. Hilderbrand has revealed that she’s been gestating this story for a long time, and she’s excited to see it come to life.

Hilderbrand’s success in the world of television adaptations is a testament to her enduring popularity as an author. With her unique approach to TV adaptations and her willingness to let the showrunners take creative liberties, it’s clear that Hilderbrand is a force to be reckoned with in the world of television.