This week we are joined by Liza Tully. Liza Tully writes the Merritt & Blunt comedy mystery series, including The Forty Year Grudge, published in June 2026. She also writes dark suspense and literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Elo and Elisabeth Panttaja Brink, with novels published in six countries, a Book of the Month Club selection, and Indie Next Pick appearances. A Brown University graduate with a PhD in American Literature from Brandeis, she has worked as a children's magazine editor, tech project manager, and halfway house counselor. She lives in Boston with her husband and their dog, Fred.

In this episode, Liza shares her journey from academic scholar to novelist, revealing how her deep study of heroines in American literature shaped her character development and storytelling across multiple pen names. In this episode, Liza opens up about her creative routines, the importance of daydreaming and unstructured time, and how themes of marriage, friendship, and self-discovery weave through her work. 

Recommendation From This Episode: 

Harriet The Spy 

Lizzie McGuire

Hacks

Follow Liza: @lizatullywrites

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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