Julie Buntin, author of the recently published Marlena, talks to Daniel Ford about what inspired her debut novel, writing about the contrasts between her home state of Michigan and her adopted home in New York City, her publishing journey, and why aspiring writers should be willing to make mistakes.

"Follow the impulse, the urgency, the heat of your ideas without worrying about how they will be received," says Buntin.

To learn more about Julie Buntin, visit her official website or follow her on Twitter @juliebuntin.