In the digital age, the lines between observer and observed have blurred, giving rise to a phenomenon known as parasocial relationships. Krista Diamond’s debut novel, Close Relationships with Strangers navigates this complex terrain, exploring the intimacy we feel with those we’ll never meet. Through a blend of celebrity culturewildlife photography and profound questions about loneliness and commodification, Diamond’s work asks what it truly means to watch, to be watched, and to mistake proximity for connection.
To gain insights into her creative process, Diamond engaged in a thoughtful email exchange discussing parasocial relationships the dynamics of Las Vegas and Los Angeles empathy, and the challenges of crafting a character who struggles to form genuine connections.
The Title and the Phenomenon
The title, Close Relationships with Strangers is a direct reference to the parasocial relationships we form with public figures. Diamond explains that this is the third title she considered, and the one she is most satisfied with. The phrase emphasizes the intimacy of these one-sided relationships, where we feel close to people who are only present in our lives through screens.
Diamond’s academic research into parasocial relationships has shown how the rise of micro-celebrities and influencers has strengthened these connections. The reciprocity offered by influencers, even if minimal, makes these relationships feel more real. As a nonfiction writer, Diamond brings a journalistic approach to her fiction, ensuring her work is well-researched and grounded in reality.
Wilderness and Celebrity: A Unique Blend
Diamond’s novel brings together two seemingly disparate worlds: wilderness and celebrity. Her experiences working in national parks and living in Las Vegas have given her a unique perspective on how beauty is commodified in both settings. Whether it’s tourists seeking the perfect photo of a bison in Yellowstone or paparazzi chasing celebrities in Los Angeles, the presence of the camera creates a sense of isolation from the experience.
The Sibling Cities: Las Vegas and Los Angeles
Las Vegas and Los Angeles play pivotal roles in the novel, almost like siblings with a complicated relationship. Las Vegas, with its reputation as Sin City is a place where people come to indulge and make bad choices. In contrast, Los Angeles, the City of Angels is where people go to chase their dreams. Diamond highlights the unique dynamics of these cities, where Las Vegas often becomes a haven for those whose dreams in Los Angeles haven’t come true.
The novel explores the lives of locals in Las Vegas, showing a side of the city beyond the Strip. It’s a place where people live ordinary, suburban lives, far from the glamour and excess often associated with it. This duality adds depth to the story, making it more relatable and human.
The Photographer’s Dilemma
The protagonist, Ben, transitions from a wildlife photographer to a paparazzo highlighting the similarities and differences between the two roles. Diamond’s interviews with a paparazzi photographer revealed the parallels between chasing animals and chasing celebrities. Both involve a lack of control, hostility, and a sense of entitlement. However, this comparison also raises ethical questions about dehumanizing people and commodifying animals.
Diamond’s experiences in national parks, such as getting stuck in a bear jam further illustrate this point. The frenzy to capture a photo of a famous grizzly bear mirrors the chaos of paparazzi chasing celebrities. This overlap adds a layer of complexity to Ben’s character and the story as a whole.
The Human Behind the Camera
Ben is a character who will challenge readers’ judgments. Despite his flaws, Diamond writes him with care, allowing readers to see the damage he causes while also empathizing with his pain. Ben’s inability to form genuine connections stems from heartbreak and loneliness, making him a relatable figure despite his actions.
The novel explores the concept of transactional relationships where Ben sees connections as mere exchanges. This conscious decision to avoid intimacy adds a tragic element to his character. Diamond’s portrayal of Ben’s struggle highlights the human desire for connection and the consequences of avoiding it.
The Role of the Audience
The novel also examines the role of the audience in the world of celebrity and paparazzi. Diamond hopes to make readers uncomfortable about their own appetite for spectacle. The existence of paparazzi and celebrity media is driven by public demand, making everyone complicit to some degree.
Diamond acknowledges that interest in celebrity culture doesn’t make someone a bad person. However, she encourages readers to reflect on the ethical implications of their consumption. The rise of citizen paparazzi where the public actively participates in capturing and sharing photos of celebrities, further blurs the lines between observer and observed.
The Comfort and Danger of Parasocial Relationships
Ben’s connection with Jack Whitlock, a celebrity who is unaware of Ben’s existence, explores the comfort and danger of loving and obsessing over someone who can never reject you. These parasocial relationships provide a sense of safety and control, but they also degrade the ability to form real connections.
Diamond emphasizes the importance of messy, complex relationships in human life. Conflict and resolution are essential parts of any relationship, and parasocial relationships lack this dynamic. While they may provide temporary relief from loneliness, they are not a long-term solution.
The Journey of a Debut Novel
As Diamond prepares to release her debut novel, she reflects on the unique combination of wilderness and celebrity that makes her book special. The advice to write the book that only you can write resonates with her, as she has combined her experiences and interests in a way that is uniquely her own.
The cover design process was collaborative and thoughtful, resulting in a cover that subtly captures the voyeuristic theme of the novel. Diamond’s input was valued, and the final design reflects her vision and the book’s essence.
Looking ahead, Diamond is excited about her book tour and the events she has planned. She is also working on another novel and some nonfiction projects, indicating a promising future in the literary world.
