In this episode of Debut Discussions, Alissa Lee shares her journey from a successful legal career to becoming a published author with her debut thriller, With Friends Like These. The conversation explores her early reading influences, the inspiration behind her book, character development, the significance of friendships, and the challenges of the querying process. Alissa reflects on the impact of college friendships, the stakes involved in her story, and the role of New York City as a backdrop. 

In today’s Complicated Conversations we chat with Vanessa Lillie about her new novel, The Bone Thief, which is book two in her Syd Walker series. We discuss her journey as an author, the significance of Indigenous narratives, and the development of Syd and where we find her in this novel. Our conversation, like the book, explores themes of spirituality, community, and the impact of past traumas on the present. Vanessa also shares insights on her writing process and the importance of support within the literary community. 

The Bone Thief is out now - buy it, read it, and share it!

Nobody Wants This Season 2 Recap: This is How You Choose Love Over Life

In this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome back Rebecca Baum to discuss her latest novel, The Brood, a feminist body horror story that explores themes of agency, internalized misogyny, and the complexities of womanhood. We chat with Rebecca about the protagonist, a cutthroat attorney, and her journey of control and surrender; the symbolism of cicadas; the role of bodies in the narrative; and Rebecca’s personal reflections on writing and her future projects.

The Brood is out now! Buy it, read it and share it!

Do you believe that the right book finds you at the right time? On this side bar we discuss how we each found the perfect book to deal with our emotional hangovers from the movie All of You on AppleTV. That led us to a discussion of the emotional connections that books create, the significance of reckoning with one's past, and the impact of first love on personal growth. We also chat about how hard it is to sustain a career as a writer, Taylor Swift’s Life Of A Showgirl, and the late great Diane Keaton.

“Made for you might not be meant for you.” With a tagline like that, and a nuanced, realistic script about the brutal nature of love, connection and personal growth, it’s no wonder that we both loved the new film All of You on AppleTV. Here’s the summary: “Laura and Simon have been best friends since college. Over the years they've realized their bond is more than platonic. Can they - and should they – risk everything to explore a love that has existed all along?”

We chat about the sci-fi element of the soulmate test, analyze pivotal scenes, and the characters' struggles, their choices, and the consequences that follow. We also wrestle with bigger questions about the way love and relationships force you to confront yourself and your own damage and how True Love requires consistently choosing that person. Brett Goldstein (aka Roy Kent) and Imogen Poots bring the love and pain of these friends/lovers to life with so much empathy.

In this episode we finally deep dive into Materialists, Celine Song’s follow-up to her Oscar-nominated movie, Past Lives (which we also covered - go check that out too!). There is so much to discuss in this film: choosing love or choosing the life you want; exploring how Lucy’s wound mirrors our own but how her response to it differs; turning a realistic lens on modern dating; and why, like Celine Song, we will never tire of obsessing over the complexity of love.

Takeaways:

Lucy’s character embodies the struggle between financial security and emotional connection.

Money plays a significant role in shaping Lucy's choices and relationships.

The love triangle serves as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery.

Sophie's assault highlights the darker realities of dating in today's world.

The film challenges traditional romcom tropes by introducing serious themes.

Lucy's journey reflects the conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.

The twist in the story serves to deepen the narrative and character development.

The film critiques the transactional nature of modern dating.

Ultimately, Lucy's choice reflects her growth and understanding of love. The narrative structure can significantly impact the perception of relationships.

Infidelity remains a contentious topic in storytelling and personal relationships.

Character development is crucial for authentic relationship portrayals.

Money and materialism often complicate romantic relationships.

Love can be perceived as both easy and complicated depending on circumstances.

Compatibility in love and life is essential for lasting relationships.

Cultural critiques often highlight the tension between love and materialism.

New York City serves as a backdrop for exploring the duality of romantic and practical life.

Emotional growth is a key theme in character arcs.

The conversation underscores the universal quest for love and connection.

In today’s Complicated Conversation, we chat with Laura Goode about her book, Pitch Craft: The Writer’s Guide to Getting Agented, Published, and Paid. This book is  a must-read for both aspiring writers and seasoned authors. Listen now and discover practical advice on navigating the publishing world, understanding the psychology of overachievement, and redefining our understanding of success and competition. The vibe of this conversation was so fun – we found a kindred spirit in Laura, who loves playing armchair psychologist and using astrology as a tool for self-awareness as much as we do!

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Finale

Sidebar on addiction, secrets and assault by way of Elizabeth Gilbert's new memoir, TJR's Atmosphere, and the Unknown Caller Netflix documentary