Digest

Becca and Olivia of Bad on Paper welcome listeners and share their weekly highs and lows. The podcast then delves into the surprising aspects of debuting as an author, with both hosts sharing their personal experiences. This is followed by interviews with four debut authors: Natalie Guerrero ("My Train Leaves at Three"), Laura Leflerr ("Tell Them You Lied"), Ayesha Muharar ("Loved One"), and Katie Yee ("Maggie, or a man and a woman walking to a bar"). Each author discusses their novel, their writing process, and unique challenges and joys of being a debut author. The episode also includes sponsorships for BetterHelp, Uncommon Goods, and Audible. It concludes with discussions on weekly obsessions, recent reads, and the October book club pick.

Outlines

00:00:18

Introduction, Weekly Highs & Lows, and Sponsorships

Becca and Olivia welcome listeners, share their personal highs and lows of the week, and introduce sponsored segments for BetterHelp and Uncommon Goods.

00:09:15

The Surprising Debut Author Experience

Becca and Olivia discuss the unexpected aspects of debuting as an author, with Becca finding it more enjoyable than anticipated and Olivia highlighting the shift from a "big fish" to a "small fish" and reconnecting with past acquaintances.

00:18:40

Author Interview: Natalie Guerrero

Natalie Guerrero, author of "My Train Leaves at Three," discusses her novel about grief and dreams, the rapid pace of the publishing industry, and the distinction between being a writer and an author.

00:28:41

Author Interview: Laura Leflerr

Laura Leflerr, author of "Tell Them You Lied," shares insights into her 9/11-themed novel, publisher pushback, and the unexpected generosity of authors in providing blurbs.

00:40:02

Author Interview: Ayesha Muharar

Ayesha Muharar, author of "Loved One," talks about her novel, the differences between screenwriting and novel writing, and the continuous "debut" moments as new readers discover her work.

00:48:30

Author Interview: Katie Yee

Katie Yee, author of "Maggie, or a man and a woman walking to a bar," discusses her novel, reader vulnerability, and the strong sense of community at book events.

00:58:06

Sponsorship and Closing Remarks

A sponsorship for Audible's thriller "The Room Next Door" is presented, followed by discussions on weekly obsessions, recent reads, the October book club pick, and closing remarks.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some surprising aspects of the debut author experience?

  Debut authors are often surprised by the emotional highs and lows, the shift in perspective from being a "big fish" to a "small fish" in the author pond, and the unexpected connections they make with readers and people from their past.

• How do authors navigate the challenges of the publishing industry?

  Authors face challenges like industry speed, potential pushback on sensitive topics (e.g., 9/11), and the "blurb economy." They often rely on agent support, personal resilience, and a strong belief in their story.

• What is the distinction between a "writer" and an "author"?

  A writer focuses on the craft of writing, often in solitude, while an author engages with the public-facing aspects of publishing, including book tours, promotion, and reader interaction. The speed of the publishing machine can highlight this difference.

• How do authors perceive reader interpretations of their work?

  Authors are often surprised by how readers bring their own experiences and biases to a book, leading to interpretations that may differ from the author's original intent. This can be both beautiful and challenging.

• What role do blurbs play in a debut author's experience?

  Blurbs from established authors can be a significant confidence boost and a source of validation for debut authors. The process of obtaining them can be nerve-wracking, but the generosity of established writers is often heartening.

Show Notes