What Inspired Kiera Cass To Write The Selection?

I remember reading an interview where Kiera Cass mentioned that 'The Selection' was born from her love for fairy tales and reality TV. She wanted to blend the glamour of a royal romance with the drama of competitive dating shows like 'The Bachelor.' The idea of a girl plucked from obscurity to compete for a prince's heart felt like a perfect mix of fantasy and modern-day entertainment. She also drew inspiration from historical events like royal courtships, where women were chosen based on status or beauty, but she wanted to give it a contemporary twist. The dystopian setting added stakes, making it more than just a love story—it became a fight for survival and identity.

Kiera Cass has shared that 'The Selection' was partly inspired by her fascination with Cinderella stories. She loved the idea of an ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances, but she wanted to make the protagonist more relatable and proactive. The competitive aspect came from her observation of how reality TV shapes perceptions of love and relationships. She wondered what it would be like if that drama unfolded in a world with rigid class divisions and political intrigue.

Another key influence was her own experiences with rejection and perseverance. Cass has talked about how her journey as a writer, facing countless rejections before getting published, mirrored America’s struggles in the book. The dystopian backdrop allowed her to explore themes of inequality and resilience, which she felt were universal. The royal setting wasn’t just about glitter and gowns—it was a way to examine power dynamics and the pressure of societal expectations.

Cass also credits her readers for inspiring deeper layers in the series. Early feedback made her realize how much people connected with the emotional stakes, so she expanded the world-building and character arcs in subsequent books. The blend of romance, competition, and politics made 'The Selection' stand out in the YA genre.

Kiera Cass’s inspiration for 'The Selection' came from a mix of personal interests and cultural observations. She’s admitted to being a huge fan of historical romances, especially those involving royalty, but she wanted to create something fresher. The concept of a lottery-style competition for love felt like a natural progression from classic tropes, adding a modern, almost dystopian edge.

She also mentioned being intrigued by the idea of choice—both in love and in life. The book’s setting, where characters are trapped by their caste system, reflects her curiosity about how people navigate limitations. America’s journey isn’t just about winning the prince; it’s about asserting her agency in a world that tries to define her. Cass’s writing often explores themes of self-worth and defiance, which resonate deeply with readers.

The reality TV angle wasn’t just for drama. Cass wanted to critique how love is often performative, especially under public scrutiny. By setting the story in a dystopian monarchy, she could amplify those tensions. The result is a series that feels both escapist and oddly timely, blending fairy-tale romance with sharper social commentary.