What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming?

I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it.

Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, including:

• How her story shifted genres mid-process
  
  
  
• What finally clicked after years of rewriting
  
  
  
• The moment she nearly walked away—and what kept her going
  
  
  
• Why stories (and processes) are more malleable than we think
  
  
  
• How to keep writing when self-doubt creeps in
  
  
  

This is one of those episodes that will make you feel less alone if you’re staring at a messy draft, wondering if it’s ever going to work. Kristin’s journey is a beautiful reminder that a long revision process is not a sign of failure—it’s the path forward. And persistence? That’s the real secret.

📚 The Housewarming is out August 1, 2025, from Thomas & Mercer. Preorder wherever you get your books!

For more information, visit www.kristinoffiler.com.

00:40 – Meet debut author Kristin Offiler

01:33 – Kristin’s writing journey: from MFA to motherhood to first drafts

07:36 – Where The Housewarming began—and how it grew into something more

14:04 – The pivot: transforming a character-driven novel into psychological suspense

20:07 – How genre feedback changed Kristin’s revision process

21:08 – Stories are malleable: a lesson in letting go of “the way it’s supposed to be”

22:22 – Self-doubt, slow writing, and the comparison trap

23:37 – What experience can teach you (that no craft book can)

26:17 – Kristin’s evolving writing process (and how it saved her time)

32:06 – Balancing writing with life, parenting, and limited time

37:15 – Advice for writers: trust your idea, stay in the bubble, and don’t quit too soon

40:58 – Where to find Kristin + preorder info for The Housewarming

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