Explore every episode of the podcast Pop Fiction Women

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On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Laura Dave, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me, to discuss her new novel, The Night We Lost Him, another riveting page-turner about estranged siblings who discover their father has been keeping a secret for more than fifty years, one that may have been fatal… We chat with Laura about defining her own genre of soulful suspense and family drama that you just can’t put down; her inspiration for the characters and the exploration of family connections; exploring themes of showing up for oneself, handling grief, love, loyalty, and the concept of being seen and understood by others; and the connection between Laura’s writing and her astrological sign. We also get some great musical inspiration from songs she listens to while writing.  The Night We Lost Him is out now and it is that rare genre-bending page-turner that exists in a category all its own! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome back Kimberly McCreight to discuss her new novel, Like Mother, Like Daughter, an emotional mystery about a mother's disappearance and the journey of a daughter trying to find her.  We chat with Kimberly about the complexities of motherhood and our shared parenting challenges; the inspiration for this novel; her orchestral form of storytelling (which includes flashbacks, journal entries, therapy transcripts and legal documents); the importance of staying open to unexpected connections in her writing; and the woo woo tools we use to sustain us in midlife! Like Mother, Like Daughter is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Season Two of Tell Me Lies is back and so far it manages to take all the best parts of Season One and build on perfect additional layers, characters and storylines. Our recap of Episodes 1 & 2 of the hit Hulu series is out now and we’re discussing the new love interests, gasp-worthy moments, surprising connections, and our favorite moments/scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with another Sidebar conversation and coming into September aligned and invigorated with a sense of new beginnings and possibilities. We’ve got major back to school vibes that provide the momentum we need to propel us through the end of the year. Incredible new book releases and TV shows we’ve been waiting for are only adding to these inspiring feels. Listen now to our full episode to see what’s got us so excited! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Chelsea Bieker to discuss her new novel Madwoman, an emotionally gripping story about Clove, a mother who has constructed a perfect life based on lies. When she receives a letter from her mother in prison, her past comes crashing back, and she must confront the truth. We chat with Chelsea about themes of motherhood, reinvention, the desire for self-improvement, the complexities of justice and pity, intergenerational trauma, the impact of male violence, and the healing power of storytelling. She tells us about her choice to use the second-person narrative and the intimately vulnerable power of addressing the reader directly. Madwoman is out now and it will stay with you as it has with us long after you turn the last page. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with Chelsea wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Sidebar conversation – a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes – where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In today’s episode we talk about how sometimes real life is better than Instagram, the joyful status of Kate's summer bucket list, Carinn’s obsession with Chappell Roan, and whether Jennifer Lopez is the new Elizabeth Taylor. Listen to hear how the writer’s subconscious has manifested itself as Carinn has been discussing The Astrology House in interviews! The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome back Colleen McKeegan to discuss her sophomore novel, Riptide, a heartfelt and suspenseful story about two sisters returning to their childhood beachfront home who are forced to confront their traumatic past when a body washes ashore. We chat with Colleen about the two sisters at the heart of Riptide, Kimmy and Erin, and their complicated bond, weaving from their high school years and their present-day lives in their early 30s; the use of this dual timeline to build tension and explore the ways the past infects the present; the nostalgia of the early 2000s; the themes of female desire, slut-shaming, and the portrayal of sex in the novel; and finding that perfect title. Riptide is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Complicated Conversation, we are thrilled to welcome back New York Times bestselling author, Karin Slaughter. Karin is one of the world's most popular and acclaimed storytellers, as well as one of the funniest and most entertaining interviewees! She talks with us about her new novel, This Is Why We Lied, Book 12 in the acclaimed Will Trent series, which is a locked room mystery set at a secluded lodge resort during Will and Sarah’s honeymoon. We chat with Karin about the series, the TV adaptation on ABC, and how Will Trent always lives in her brain (even when writing her other stand alone novels); the exploration of intergenerational trauma in the novel and the importance of humanizing victims and challenging societal judgments; why she wanted to explore the themes of truth and lies; the enduring appeal of a locked room mystery; her role in the adaptations of her novels and the ways she continues to challenge herself professionally (which blew us away!). This Is Why We Lied is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome back Rachel Koller Croft to discuss her new novel, We Love the Nightlife, a book that follows two best friends who open a nightclub in London, and also happen to be vampires. We chat with Rachel about how vampires never go out of style; how the disco dancing queen era of the 70s is the epitome of glamor and why she wanted to incorporate this party girl era into her novel; the challenges of writing dual timelines and alternating points of view; the complexities of female friendship; and her personal inspirations (Michael Jordan and Judy Blume, yep you read that right!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Sidebar conversation – a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes – where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In today’s episode - the last one of Leo season for Kate and the last one from LA for Carinn - we discuss live events (music and authors!), what makes us liars, summer bucket lists, movies and TV, former President Obama’s summer reading and playlist, and finally, the current state of reality TV shows. Listen to hear Carinn lament the offerings this summer and please watch Kate’s (always) clueless, yet intrigued, facial expressions in response!  The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome back Laurie Elizabeth Flynn to discuss ‘Till Death Do Us Part, her new thriller set in the vineyards of Napa Valley that asks: what happens when the husband you thought died years ago shows up alive? We chat with Laurie about her inspiration for the characters, the challenges of writing her second adult novel, how the use of dual timelines in her books allows her to explore the ways in which the past informs the present, the themes of motherhood and marriage in this novel and the recurring themes that emerge in her work, such as secrets, lies, grief, and second chances. ‘Till Death Do Us Part is out now and it’s an absolute page-turner! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with Laurie wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Sidebar conversation – a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes – where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In today’s episode, Kate’s high school reunion weekend leads to a discussion of being seen vs bearing witness and extroverts vs introverts; what interviews with Karin Slaughter and Laura Dave taught us about late-career breakthroughs; Maren Morris’ newly released EP following her divorce and, yes, that OTHER divorce news (could this really be our last Sidebar discussing Bennifer 2.0 and what went wrong!?). All Rise! The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Sophie Brickman to discuss her debut novel, Plays Well With Others, a wickedly funny and incisive story that follows a mother trapped in the rat race of NYC parenting as her life unravels. We chat with Sophie about her journey from food writer/journalist to non-fiction author and now to debut novelist; her exploration of the themes of motherhood, identity, and the pressures of parenting; the satirical, insightful, and big-hearted tone of the novel; and her writing process and personal inspirations. Plays Well With Others is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Sidebar conversation – a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes – where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In today’s episode we are rehashing Kate’s birthday weekend (done in total Leo-style!) and discussing Your Honor (Carinn is trying fill that Presumed Innocent shaped hole in her TV watching life), the Olympics, Laura Dave’s incredible new book (out in September), and Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds new baby boy! All Rise! The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Debut Discussions, we’re chatting with Lori Brand about her debut novel, Bodies To Die For, a psychological thriller that will have you wondering whether the perfect body really is worth dying for. Lori shares her journey to becoming a writer and the inspiration behind her book, which includes fangirling Gillian Flynn and Jillian Michaels and the controversy surrounding body positivity; the development of her main characters, Gemma and Ashley, and their issues with body image, self-acceptance, and shame; and the themes of the book around societal beauty standards and the importance of strength over thinness.  Lori has crafted a thriller with a relatable and timely message! Listen now to Lori’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Bodies To Die For is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time for another Sidebar conversation – a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes – where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In today’s episode we usher in Leo Season, discuss Carinn’s book launch and summer move to LA, talk about reality TV shows and the new adaptation of Presumed Innocent; and note the “big magic” themes floating in the universe of books right now abound motherhood, marriage, monogamy, menopause, and exploration of lesbian relationships. All Rise! The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Debut Discussions, Tasha Coryell discusses her debut novel, 'Love Letters to a Serial Killer,' with Carinn. Tasha shares her long and winding but inevitable journey to publication. Tasha always knew she wanted to be a writer and pursued creative writing throughout her education. She discusses the process of finding her voice as a writer and the importance of perseverance. Love Letters to a Serial Killer follows the story of Hannah, a millennial woman who becomes infatuated with a serial killer and starts writing him letters. Tasha shares her inspiration for the book and how she wanted to explore the dark fascination with serial killers. They also discuss the process of finding an agent and getting published. The conversation ends with a discussion about astrology and Tasha's love for TV shows like 'We Are Lady Parts' and 'Love Island USA.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome Laura Hankin to discuss her new book, One Star Romance, which follows a struggling writer who is forced to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with a man who gave her debut novel a one-star review. What a hook! This is a fresh romcom told over many years that explores the journey of a struggling writer who is forced to confront her fear of criticism and find her voice; delves into the complexities of romantic relationships and the importance of being seen and accepted for who you truly are; and highlights the challenges and growth that can occur in long-term friendships. We chat with Laura about those themes, as well as her writing process and whether she herself reads reviews! One Star Romance is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with Laura wherever you get your podcasts! (And if you’re an Audible fan, listen to Laura narrate the novel - so good!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a minute, but today we’re RE-Introducing our “sidebar” conversations, a cheeky reference to the fact that we’re both lawyers and love to have conversations incidental to our main topics and episodes. We’re letting you in on our typical offline conversations about whatever we’re obsessing over in pop culture, life, books or the screen.  Today we are talking about the Netflix hit America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys and meeting the incredible @victoriakalina at @emilygiffinauthor’s book launch; the nerves and excitement for Carinn’s very own debut launch this week; the fervor in the book world around the NYT list of the best 100 books of the 21st century; and when Kate is finally going to watch Presumed Innocent on @appletv.  All Rise! The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Been waiting a LONG time to write this…on this episode of Debut Discussions we welcome our very own Carinn Jade! This is an extremely special episode on so many levels…you’ll hear Carinn in conversation with Kate, live, at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center having their very first in depth discussion of her debut thriller, The Astrology House, which in case you missed it is a story about a group of wealthy Manhattanites who escape to an astrology-themed retreat, where simmering resentments and long-held secrets lead to a shocking death. You’ll learn about Carinn’s journey from lawyer to debut author, the seeds of inspiration for this novel, how this podcast played a role in her path to publication, and her exploration of motherhood, fate vs free will and, of course, astrology. We also play a little game of who dies or who did the deed (no spoilers of course!). This is an episode you don’t want to miss - our most personal author interview yet! Listen now to Carinn’s story wherever you get your podcasts. The Astrology House is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Ally Condie, the #1 NYT bestselling author of The Matched trilogy, to discuss her debut adult thriller, The Unwedding, which was Reese Book Club’s June pick and has been described at White Lotus meets Agatha Christie! We chat with Ally about the personal inspiration for her main character, Ellery, a newly divorced woman who travels alone on the 20th anniversary trip she had planned to take with her then husband; her exploration of grief and healing; the importance of the setting of Big Sur as a way to add tension and danger to this locked room mystery; and the how the title of the novel reflects the cyclical nature of relationships and the hidden parts of ourselves.  The Unwedding is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we are thrilled to welcome back our friend and one of our favorites, #1 New York Times bestselling author, Emily Giffin, to discuss her new novel, The Summer Pact, which tells the story of a group of friends who make a pact in the wake of tragedy that will cause them to reunite a decade later and embark upon a life-changing adventure together. We are longtime fans and readers of Emily’s novels, and as you’ll hear on this episode, our connections with each other go way back and feel totally fated. So of course we had the best time chatting with Emily about the relatable characters of The Summer Pact, Hannah, Lainey and Tyson; why she likes to explore the messy parts of people and their lives; how friends can truly be found family and the importance of coming-of-age friendships; and the spot-on aspect of Emily’s astrological chart that resonates with her and the themes of this novel.  The Summer Pact is out now and fans of Emily’s will be so thrilled to have this in their beach bags! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome May Cobb to discuss her new novel, The Hollywood Assistant, which follows Cassidy Foster, a fledgling novelist who moves to LA and becomes a Hollywood assistant for a power couple where their secrets and lies place her in the crosshairs of a murder investigation. We chat with May about the personal inspiration behind the characters and setting; the smoke and mirrors of the entertainment industry; obsession, forbidden desires, deception, and murder; how she uses astrology for character development (we LOVE this!); and the surreal experience of witnessing the TV adaptation of her prior novel, The Hunting Wives. May is a delight and The Hollywood Assistant is UN-putdownable! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we’re chatting with Lauren Aliza Green, about her debut novel, The World After Alice, a gripping story of two families brought together to celebrate an unexpected marriage, twelve years after a devastating tragedy upended their lives. The characters are so alive in this story and the hook of having two families come together for a wedding after their last “reunion” was a funeral is so clever!  Lauren chats with us about her love for reading as a child, her decision to pursue writing, and the development of her characters and their intricate connections. We also discuss how the book explores themes of grief, friendship, and the complexities of relationships. Lauren leaves us with a real lightbulb of thought about twins and astrology! Listen now to Lauren’s story wherever you get your podcasts. The World After Alice is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Complicated Conversations we chat with Liz Moore, the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Long Bright River, which was a Good Morning America Book Club pick and one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2020. Her beautiful and complex new novel, The God Of The Woods, follows a wealthy American family who build an estate in the Adirondack Mountains. Their daughter, Barbara, goes missing from the summer camp they built, and the mystery of her disappearance is intertwined with the disappearance of their son years earlier.  We chat with Liz about the ambitious structure of the novel, which is told from multiple perspectives and written in dual timelines; her exploration of the themes of self-reliance, power dynamics, gender, class, and duality in the novel; the use of words with multiple meanings; the interconnectedness of characters and the power of belief; her process of finding the title; and, of course, her very fitting astrological sign.   The God Of The Woods is out now and you should believe all the hype! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode of Complicated Conversations, we chat with New York Times bestselling author Ashley Poston about her new magical book, A Novel Love Story, in which her protagonist Elsy finds herself trapped in the town of her favorite romance series and must learn to become the main character of her own life. Ashley discusses happy endings, writing a fictional hero to act as a foil for Elsy, why she loves a magical twist, her fanfiction roots and unironically loving what you love, as well as astrology, tarot, and a very prophetic palm reading she received! A Novel Love Story is out now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Flynn Berry, New York Times bestselling author of Northern Spy, a 2021 Reese’s Book Club pick, to discuss her riveting new thriller, Trust Her, which brings back sisters Tessa and Marian Daly three years after they narrowly escaped the IRA’s worst punishment for informing. We chat with Flynn about why she ended up coming back to tell Tessa’s story; her interest in The Troubles in Ireland; exploring sisterhood, trust and forgiveness; motherhood and the passing down of experiences and emotions through generations; and the astrological sign that many Reese Book Club pick authors all share! Listen now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we’re back to discuss the rest of Hacks season 3 (episodes 3-9), a show that continues to shine with the stellar writing of Lucia Aniello, Paul Downs, and Jen Statsky and the incredible cast lead by Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder (complemented by this season’s standout guest actors like J. Smith Cameron, Christina Hendricks, Helen Hunt, Tony Goldwyn, Deidre Hall, and Christopher Lloyd).  Everything in this show is layered and never just one thing - from Deborah’s quest to fulfill her lifelong dream of hosting late night TV to Ava’s pursuit to gain respect as she rises in the ranks while trying not to lose her own beliefs. We discuss that (surprising!?) ending and what it says about where Deborah and Ava are in their own journeys, our favorite moments from the season, and what we’re looking forward to next season. We know we will definitely be back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we chat with the incomparable Adriana Trigiani. Beloved by millions of readers around the world, Adriana is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including her latest, The Good Left Undone - an instant New York Times bestseller, Book of the Month pick and People's Book of the Week. She is also an award-winning playwright, television writer/producer and filmmaker, as well as the host of the hit podcast “You Are What You Read,” in which she interviews the great authors and luminaries of our time about the books that built their souls. Talking to Adriana is inspiring, informative, and thoroughly entertaining. We talked about the transportive, life changing power of reading, motherhood, being a woman in the publishing industry, career advice, her most recent novel, The Good Left Undone, and her amazing podcast. Adriana blew us away with her ability to read faces and left us with important wisdom on everything from life to the best long-wearing lipstick. We absolutely LOVED this conversation.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are one month to the launch of The Astrology House, Carinn's debut thriller! Listen now and come along on the rollercoaster ride of emotions this journey brings! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions we’re chatting with Fiona McPhillips about her debut novel, When We Were Silent, an unputdownable, thrilling story of exploitation, privilege, and retribution about an outsider who threatens to expose the secrets at an elite private school. Fiona shares with us the moment she knew it was time to follow her long-held dream of writing a novel; how she wove together elements of literary fiction and thrillers to create a compelling and unflinching story that explores the silence and denial surrounding abuse; the inspiration she drew from personal stories, those of others, and the realities of the world; why she wanted to explore the complicated dynamics of mother-daughter relationships; and her journey to finding an agent and securing a book deal. Listen now to Fiona’s story wherever you get your podcasts. When We Were Silent is out now – buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions we’re chatting with Sarah Crouch about her debut novel, Middletide, a gripping and intensely atmospheric literary thriller about the suspicious death of a beautiful young doctor in a small town and the prime suspect, a reclusive young man who abandoned the community in chase of big city dreams but returned for the first love he left behind. Sarah shares the challenges of her path to publication and how she and Carinn have personally bonded over it; writing flawed and complex characters; the importance of accurate representation of indigenous culture in fiction; the meta book within a book concept of her novel; how she trusted herself to fight for this title; and how she’s juggling the launch of her debut novel while on submission for her second.  Listen now to Sarah’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Middletide is out now and it’s a Book of the Month and Indie Next Pick -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome back Becky Chalsen to discuss her new novel, Serendipity, a big-hearted, page-turner that delves deep into a complicated friend group as they navigate one messy yet magical midtwenties summer in a Fire Island share house.  We had so much fun chatting with Becky about how she turned her lifelong love of reading into the unimaginable dream of published author; the personal (sisterly) inspiration for her two main characters; the dynamics of friendship; the importance of living life to gather material for future books; the unpredictability of the future, and the value of observation and openness. Such incredible wisdom! Serendipity is out now. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler-free chat with Becky wherever you get your podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s Complicated Conversations we welcome back Annabel Monaghan to discuss her new novel, Summer Romance, a story about a professional organizer, Ali Morris, who finds herself living with the literal and physical weight of things left not tended to. As a recently separated mother of three, Ali embarks on a summer romance to get unstuck in her life.  We chat with Annabel about the relatability of Ali’s journey to return to herself and find her voice; how Annabel had to convince people that a skateboarder could be a hot romantic lead; our mutual obsession with (human) mirrors and the ways we all exist in relation to each other; how complicated it is to be a daughter and a person; grief and the ways we stay connected with those who have passed; tricking herself into maintaining joy while writing and what candles and angel cards have to do with it! Summer Romance is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to spoiler-free chat with Annabel wherever you get your podcasts. Like a real life summer romance, you will read this book and it will end, but it will be so fun and totally worth it!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions we’re chatting with Jaclyn Westlake about her debut novel, Dear Dotty, which follows the chaotic year in the life of Rosie Benson, a 24-year-old whose life unravels after the sudden passing of her free-spirited great aunt, Dotty. In a bid to feel close to Dotty again, Rosie reaches out to all of Dotty’s contacts via email and starts learning about her life through the eyes of her many friends, while also finding out who she really wants to be herself.  Jaclyn chats with us about Rosie’s journey of self-discovery, sibling dynamics, the writing process, finding an agent, the career advice she gave to herself, and a preview of book two! Listen now to Jaclyn’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Dear Dotty is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s recap we discuss Episodes 4-8 of Under The Bridge on Hulu. This true crime limited series is excellent from beginning to end. The series is based on a book by Rebecca Godfrey about a real life murder, but it infuses this factual underpinning with such humanity, complexity and nuance that in the end we are left with the best kind of questions about justice, nature vs nurture, forgiveness, and the shades of darkness inside so many of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions we’re chatting with Paula Gleeson about her debut thriller, Original Twin, a story about how one young woman must follow the invisible thread that connects her to her missing twin before someone else can sever it for good. Paula tells us about her long road from reader to published author, how her characters' voices live in her head and direct the narrative, her fascination with twins, and how she learned to pivot without ever losing sight of her end goals (there may have been some tears, wine and pizza involved along the way)! Listen now to Paula’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Original Twin is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we’re chatting with Nishita Parekh about her debut novel, Night of the Storm, a locked room thriller about a multigenerational Indian American family marooned in a house with a murderer during Hurricane Harvey. Nishita shares how her love for reading mysteries as a child led her to follow her writing dreams; how the idea for this novel first came to her while being stuck in an apartment during a hurricane; and why she wanted to write about motherhood (specifically the challenges of being a single mother), the influence of patriarchy in Indian culture, the clash of values faced by immigrants, and the complexities of family dynamics all within the structure of a locked room thriller! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CHAOS reigns as we record this Friday Preview episode in an NYC storm on a Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome Joy Sullivan to discuss her bestselling, transformative debut collection of poetry, Instructions For Traveling West, which explores what’s possible when we heed our instincts and honor our intuition. Joy reads from her collection and chats with us about so many themes we love that her poems speak to: choosing change, celebrating the messy parts of transition, embracing desire and appetite in a world where women are expecting to suppress those wants, writing from the body, and becoming more curious about astrology.  Instructions For Traveling West is out now. Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our conversation so you too can be transformed by @joysullivanpoet’s beautiful perspective! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode we’re chatting about The Idea Of You, Amazon Prime’s hit romcom directed by Michael Showalter from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jennifer Westfeldt, based on the novel of the same name by Robinne Lee. Starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine, it chronicles the love affair between a single mother and the lead singer of a popular boy band. Based on the number of viewers in its first two weeks on Prime Video it has become Amazon MGM’s No. 1 romantic-comedy debut of all time! So the hype is certainly there, but we have some real questions, especially as readers of the book…a book that explored ageism, sexism and female agency. As always, we have a lot of feelings on this adaptation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions, we’re chatting with Jessie Rosen about her debut novel, The Heirloom, a story about a woman who lives by the rule that you should never ever accept a marriage proposal that comes with an heirloom ring. When her boyfriend proposes with one she sets out on a globe-trotting mission to ensure the ring contains forever energy. Jessie shares her the personal inspiration behind the main character Shay's superstition about vintage engagement rings; the significance of the locations featured in the book, including Italy, Portugal, Boston, New York, and LA; and why she wanted to explore the themes of grief, personal growth, superstition, and the limitations of control. The conversation also includes a sneak peak of Jessie’s next novel, which deals with astrology and we obviously cannot wait for that one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Debut Discussions we're chatting with Charlee Dyroff about her debut, Loneliness & Company, a story set in a near future New York that follows a quirky young woman who gets involved in a secret government project to build an AI to befriend lonely people. Charlee shares her journey from being an avid reader to pursuing writing as a passion and then writing a novel “on the side”, which ultimately became her debut! We discuss her protagonist Lee and her need for external validation, the blurred lines between human connection and technology, how taking risks and embracing failure can lead to greater success, and the process she went through to find the agent and editor of her dreams.  Listen now to Charlee’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Loneliness & Company is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Complicated Conversations, we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Emiko Jean, to discuss her debut adult thriller, The Return of Ellie Black. The novel follows Chelsey Calhoun, a Japanese American police detective, as she investigates the mysterious reappearance of Ellie Black, a missing teenager. We chat with Emiko about the ways this novel delves into the experiences of women in a world with violent men, the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, the impact of trauma on individuals and families, and the societal expectations placed on girls and women. She also shares insights into her writing process, why she moves between genres, and how her astrological sign clearly suits her! The Return of Ellie Black is out now! Buy it, read it, share it, and listen to our spoiler free chat wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Friday Preview (ok so it’s actually Wednesday, but we were too excited to wait!) we catch you up on recent and exciting experiences for us both! Kate shares the celebrity stalking deets from her exciting trip to Las Vegas, where she attended a golf tournament hosted by Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake. Carinn talks about her experience recording part of the audiobook for her upcoming debut novel, The Astrology House. What a thrill! We then share book recommendations, discuss Taylor Swift's new album, and note TV shows we are currently watching.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we recap Episodes 1-3 of Under the Bridge on Hulu, a true crime limited series developed by Quinn Shephard, based upon the book of the same name by Rebecca Godfrey, and starring Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone. Based on the real life 1997 murder of 14-year-old Reena Virk in Victoria, British Columbia, the series explores the hidden world of the teenagers accused of the savage murder, the small town justice system, and the ways this tragedy acts as a looking glass for the members of this stellar ensemble cast. We are all in on this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices