Episode 62: Jody Gehrman

After five years waiting for this moment, watching you for the first time still catches me off guard. I recognize you from your book jacket, but the reality of you — a three-dimensional object moving through space, flesh and blood and golden hair— makes my pulse race. You don’t know me — not yet — but nothing spikes my pulse. I am ice.

-- Jody Gehrman, Watch Me

Looking for a chilling read? Look no further than Jody Gehrman's latest novel, Watch Me. It's Jody's first foray into psychological suspense, and she kills it.

So to speak.

I talk to Jody about how this book plays in a deep way with many of the themes she's explored in her other work. She has written women's fiction and paranormal YA, but in every genre she's fascinated by our complexity as humans and in particular our relationships.

Jody gives a shout out to some of her favorite authors: Megan Abbott, Ruth Ware, Tana French, Donna Tartt and Caroline Kepnes. We also talk about daring to be seen for who you really are, and the courage involved in that, so I can't help but give a shout out to Brené Brown. Rather than recommending a book, however, I offer you instead one of her awesome TEDx talks. 

I myself have to put in a plug for anyone with a teen (or who is a teen-at-heart) to check out her Audrey's Guide... young adult series. They have everything I like in a book -- magic, depth, a touch of romance, and a kick-ass heroine. 

You can keep track of Jody and her current and upcoming novels at JodyGehrman.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

As always, if you'd rather read than listen, the transcript is below. Enjoy!

-- Laura

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Laura Brennan: An award-winning playwright, my guest Jody Gehrman is the author of nearly a dozen novels from the paranormal to young adult to romance. Her first psychological thriller, Watch Me, has just been released by St. Martin’s Press.

Jody, thank you for joining me.

Jody Gehrman: Thank you for having me.

LB: So, before we start talking about your novels, let's talk a little bit about you. Watch Me is not your first rodeo.

JG: Right. It's definitely my first foray into suspense, though, and thrillers. It's a whole new genre for me, which is exciting.

LB: When did you start writing professionally?

JG: Well, I went to school for a long time, for way too long, like most writers I suppose. I did a Masters in English and then a Masters in Professional Writing. And so of course I was writing and developing a writ...