We get into the recent TikTok book deal for the Australian guy, hot Sacramento summers and how that affects business, and kid literacy. As usual, Claire gives her bookseller view and Sierra views her author view on those issues.

Then we welcomed author Mara Williams, whose debut novel The Truth is in the Detours pubs in August 2025, and the surprising little secret about your work that editors may looking for.

Mara Williams drafted her first novel in third grade on a spiral notebook—a love story about a golden retriever and the stray dog who admired her from beyond the picket fence. Now she writes about strong, messy women finding their way in the world. Mara has a BA in English Literature from the University of California at Berkeley, takes creative writing from Stanford Continuing Studies, and actively engages in writing groups and critique circles. Mara’s novel The Second Chance Playlist was a winner of the 2024 Emily Contest. When not writing or reading, Mara can be found enjoying California’s beaches, redwoods, and trails with her husband, three kids, and disobedient dog.

Books mentioned in this episode:

• The Truth is in the Detours by Mara Williams
• The Epicenter of Forever by Mara Williams
• Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy
• Echoes by Maeve Binchy
• Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
• Before I let Go by Kennedy Ryan
• How to Solve your own murder by Kristen Perrin
• WaterMoon (again) by Samantha Sotto Yambao
• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver