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!).

Sidebar on casting The Astrology House, "too much spice" in our books, and Chappell Roan on being in "the middle"

On this episode we chat with Kelly Mullen about her debut grandmother-granddaughter whodunit, which delightfully features complex characters and humor. Kelly is a skeptical Scorpio, but she has so much confident wisdom to share about her journey to published author and about her break-out novel.

What if women could get rid of their guilt? On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Saumya Dave to discuss her new novel, The Guilt Pill, a taut psychological drama about a CEO on maternity leave who goes missing after she becomes addicted to an experimental, guilt-erasing pill.

Saumya shares her insights as a psychiatrist and a mother, providing a nuanced perspective on the challenges of modern parenting and the impact of societal norms on mental health. We chat with Saumya about what “mom guilt” really is, the differences in experiences and social expectations between mothers and fathers, as well as the demands on female CEOs vs their male counterparts. Saumya also shares the evolution of her writing from family stories to this more speculative, psychological mystery.

The Guilt Pill is out now!

Recapping The White Lotus Experience S3: what people loved, hated, and are still talking about (including creator Mike White)