Your Friends and Neighbors recap episodes 7-9: it's not yours if you can't keep it

In this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Allison Buccola to discuss her new novel, The Ascent, a nerve-rattling thriller about motherhood, identity, and the truths we think we know about our families. We chat with Allison about her fascination with cults, the complexities of new motherhood, character development, her path from lawyer to novelist, and the challenges of writing a second book. 

The Ascent is out now. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free discussion!

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome #1 international bestselling author Samantha Bailey to discuss her latest novel, Hello Juliet, a twisty thriller about a TV reunion that brings teen costars back for the drama and betrayals their viewers once craved—and this time, the stakes are deadly.

We chat with Sam about how her early love of television, specifically soap operas and teen dramas, planted the seed for this novel; the complexity of mother-daughter relationships; the control and power dynamics in Hollywood; and the challenges of writing dual timelines, her pacing and twists! Sam's passion for being a writer oozes out of her and we had so much fun chatting with her!

Hello, Juliet is out now. Buy it, read it, share it!

Your Friends and Neighbors Recap Ep5-6: Perfect Television

In this episode of Debut Discussions we chat with Sue Hincenbergs about her journey from a TV producer to her second act as a novelist with her debut book, The Retirement Plan, a story about three middle-aged best friends who turn to murder in order to collect on their husbands’ life insurance policies…but are unaware that their husbands have a devious plan of their own.

Sue’s life-affirming story of how anything is possible if you never give up a dream (and a promise you made to yourself at a Bruce Springsteen concert!) is an inspiration for us all! We talk about her long journey to published author, the challenges of getting published, and the lessons learned from rejection, as well as the personal inspiration for her characters and balancing humor with heart in storytelling. 

Listen now to Sue’s story! The Retirement Plan is out now - buy it, read it, share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

Sidebar on High School Summer, Benny Blanco's relationship advice and creative process, and our non-podcast reading

In this episode of Debut Discussions, we chat with Noel Stark about her journey from working in film and TV to writing her debut novel, Love, Camera, Action, a story about a scrappy TV director who lands her big break only to go head-to-head with the surly yet sexy director of photography.

Kate talks with Noel about her early love for romance novels, the psychological comfort they provided, and how they influenced her writing. We also chat about sexism in the film industry, our favorite romance tropes, spice levels in romance novels, and our shared interest in astrology!

Love, Camera, Action is out now - buy it, read it, share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome back Jessie Rosen to discuss her new novel, All The Signs, which follows Leah Lockhart, a skeptical doctor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery through astrology. 

When Jessie first told us the idea for her second novel while chatting with us about her debut last year, The Heirloom, we just knew we would love it! All The Signs does not disappoint, nor did our discussion with Jessie. We chat with her about the personal inspiration for her sophomore novel, the complexities of family dynamics, confronting your past as a way to move forward, and astrology as a tool for self-understanding. Jessie also shares insights around the challenges of writing her second book, specifically how she learned to let go and trust the transformative power of the writing process. 

All The Stars is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts!

Your Friends and Neighbors Recap Episodes 1-4: The White Lotus guests in their natural habitat

On this episode of Debut Discussions we welcome Sarah Damoff to discuss The Bright Years, a tender, true-to-life novel that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but, over time, restored by the power of grace and love.

We chat with Sarah about her inspirations, the complexities of family dynamics, addiction, and the themes of love and motherhood woven throughout the narrative. Sarah also shares her writing journey, the challenges of querying as a debut author, and the importance of finding the right literary agent and editor. We also get insights into her second book process and hear how astrology and personality types influence her writing. 

Listen now to Sarah’s story. This Bright Years is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).