Reese Witherspoon’s Debut Novel Has Been in the Works for Two Years: “I Know This Character in and Out”

On Wednesday it was announced that Reese Witherspoon is writing her debut novel , and now she’s shedding a little light on her journey to becoming a published author.

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The star is penning a suspense novel with best-selling author and TV creator Harlan Coben, based on her original idea. At her Hello Sunshine media company’s Shine Away event Saturday, Witherspoon told The Hollywood Reporter that she had “been sitting on that news for two years.”

“I had the idea two years ago and then I approached Harlan Coben probably eight months ago and I was like, ‘Am I crazy?’ He said, ‘This is a really good idea Reese,’ so I knew I was onto something,” she explained. “Then we started brainstorming together and it just started to grow and become this really fun opportunity to create together. I’ve always loved his writing; I can’t believe he actually agreed to do this with me, and we’re having so much fun.”

Coben is known for his mystery novels including Fool Me Once , Stay Close , The Stranger and The Innocent, all of which he’s adapted into series for Netflix. Witherspoon said they are currently in the research phase and have done a bit of writing about the character.

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“He brings a lot of the thriller elements, obviously. He’s an incredibly accomplished writer. I’ve just been doing character work for 33 years so I know this character in and out and the world that she lives in, so it’s really fun to collaborate,” the star added. “He comes up with crazy twists and I’m like, ‘Where did you come up with that? That’s how your mind works?'”

The book is set for a fall 2025 release with a screen adaptation reportedly also in development, as Witherspoon says of taking it to TV, “I hope so, we’ll see. Have to write it first.”

Despite this being her debut novel, Witherspoon is already heavily involved in the literary world. The actress and producer established Hello Sunshine, which aims to put women at the center of every story across all platforms, in 2016 and launched the successful Reese’s Book Club. Some of the books selected for the club have gone on to become best-sellers and Witherspoon has brought several to the screen, including Daisy Jones & the Six , Little Fires Everywhere and The Last Thing He Told Me .

Reese Witherspoon to Write Debut Novel, Will Team With Harlan Coben for a Collaborative Suspense