Katya Apekina, MOTHER DOLL
Zibby is joined by award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and translator Katya Apekina to discuss MOTHER DOLL, a spellbinding, hallucinatory, and very funny novel about four generations of mothers and daughters and the inherited trauma cast by Russian history. Katya describes her novel’s protagonist, Zhenia, a young woman navigating pregnancy and a complex relationship in LA, and the strange phone call she receives from a medium channeling her dead great-grandmother, a Russian revolutionary. She delves into themes of ancestral trauma, grief, relationships, abortion, and creative process, touching on her own experiences and inspirations. Finally, she shares her best advice for aspiring authors.
Dara Levan, IT COULD BE WORSE
Debut author Dara Levan joins Zibby to discuss IT COULD BE WORSE, a visceral and moving novel about a woman who discovers something devastating in the piano bench of her childhood home and starts to question if the people who should love her the most, her parents, have done more harm than healing. Dara delves into the inspiration behind the story and the themes of narcissistic abuse, resilience, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. She also describes her creative process (she wrote this novel in 15 weeks!) and the integration of speech pathology into the storyline, inspired by her past as a speech therapist.
Lottie Hazell, PIGLET
Debut author Lottie Hazell joins Zibby to discuss PIGLET, a stylish and razor-sharp examination of women’s complicated relationship with food and the messes life makes for us. Lottie delves into the main thematic elements of her book: appetite, aspiration, and the role of food in the protagonist’s life during her pre-wedding crisis. She also talks about her creative process and food writing (which she masters in this novel!) and then describes her dual pursuits in creative writing and game design. Finally, she shares her best advice for aspiring authors!
Kennedy Ryan, THIS COULD BE US
Bestselling romance writer Kennedy Ryan joins Zibby to discuss her heart-searing, sensual, and life-affirming new novel, THIS COULD BE US. Kennedy talks about her protagonist, Soledad, who is on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment after facing betrayal. She delves into the themes of feminism, sisterhood, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Finally, she sheds light on her personal connection to the portrayal of autism in the book, drawing from her own experiences as an advocate and parent of an autistic son.
Rebecca Serle, EXPIRATION DATES
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Serle joins Zibby to discuss her gripping, emotional, passionate, and heartbreaking new novel, EXPIRATION DATES. Rebecca delves into her novel’s plot, unveiling the intriguing premise of a woman who receives slips of paper predicting the expiration dates of her relationships. She reveals how elements of her own relationships found their way into the narrative and then talks about structure, character development, and the themes of love, fate, and relationships. Finally, she shares some of her Hollywood experiences and updates us on upcoming film projects!
Carola Lovering, BYE, BABY
Zibby chats with bestselling author Carola Lovering about BYE, BABY, a gripping and compulsively readable novel about lifelong best friends Billie and Cassie, and what happens when Cassie’s infant daughter disappears… and Billie is somehow involved. Carola reveals the inspiration for this story and then discusses the battling forces of toxicity and love that define female friendships, the themes of adulthood, motherhood, and trauma, the challenges of writing while navigating motherhood, and the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality.
A truly BLANK podcast
In the spirit of BLANK…we present, a truly BLANK podcast! Just like Pippa Jones turned the publishing industry on its head by releasing a blank book, we’re daring to do to the same in the podcast space. What do you think?!
BLANK's Pub Day! Zibby chats with Julie Chavez
PUB DAY SPECIAL!!!!! Guest host Julie Chavez interviews Zibby about her debut novel BLANK. Zibby reflects on her journey to becoming a novelist (she has been dreaming of this day for many, many years!) and then delves into the book, touching on the initial spark of inspiration, the meticulous structuring of the storyline, and the importance of infusing playfulness into the writing. She also describes the challenges of transitioning from memoir to fiction and the moments of doubt she's had throughout this whole experience. Oh, and in the end, she picks a theme song for the BLANK movie... if it ever becomes one!
Zibby discusses BLANK with Kyle Owens
In honor of Zibby's pub day tomorrow (WOO-HOO!), we have a very special episode lined up: Zibby's husband, Kyle Owens, interviews her about BLANK! First, they reveal where the book's unique premise came from (they owe it to Zibby’s youngest son!), and then they delve into Zibby’s creative process. They also talk about character development in the novel, navigating reviews–both good and bad, the absolute joy of owning a bookstore and creating a beloved community hub in Santa Monica, and the experience of hosting this podcast!
Zibby discusses BLANK with editor Carmen Johnson
Next up in our celebration of BLANK is a special episode with Zibby’s editor, Carmen Johnson. After discussing the publishing process (what are editors looking for? How do they evaluate pitch letters and manuscripts? What is the editorial process like?), Carmen offers a behind-the-scenes look at her role as an editor at Amazon Publishing. Then, she and Zibby discuss their ongoing author-editor relationship, reflecting on their collaborative work with BLANK, and sharing their excitement as they embark on their next project, Zibby’s new novel, OVERHEARD!
Zibby reads the first chapter of BLANK!
As we anxiously wait for Zibby’s debut novel BLANK to hit the shelves this Friday, March 1st… we’re bringing you an exclusive preview! Tune in to hear Zibby read the first chapter of her book and fall in love with Pippa as she navigates family, friendship, success, and exhilarating self-(re)discovery! Oh, and don’t forget to order your copy!
Hazel Hayes with Aparna Nancherla at Zibby's Bookshop
In this special episode (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!), Hazel Hayes (Irish-born, London-based author of OUT OF LOVE) and Aparna Nancherla (superstar, LA-based comedian and author of UNRELIABLE NARRATOR) chat about their books! The two delve into their experiences with imposter syndrome, the writing process, and the emotional journey of publishing a book. Aparna reflects on the challenges of balancing humor with serious topics like mental health and body images, and Hazel reads a passage from her upcoming book, which captures the weight of grief and breakups.
Roxana Robinson, LEAVING
Zibby chats with award-winning author Roxana Robinson about her bold and insightful late-in-life romance, LEAVING. Roxana describes the intricate dynamics between her two characters, Sarah and Warren, and then touches on themes of personal growth, familial obligations, and mature love. They also discuss the role of children in shaping relationships, the importance of self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating love in the later stages of life. Finally, Roxana reflects on her creative process and shares valuable advice for aspiring writers.
Emma Grey and Laura Tremaine at Zibby's Bookshop
In this special episode (a live event at Zibby’s Bookshop in Santa Monica!), writer and podcaster Laura Tremaine chats with Australian author Emma Grey about THE LAST LOVE NOTE, a “gorgeous, charming, funny, heart-rending, longing-filled triumph of a read” (Katherine Center). Emma describes her journey into writing (she fell in love with Anne of Green Gables, of course) and then delves into the intricacies of grief, candidly discussing the loss of her husband and mother and the power of writing as a form of catharsis. The two also touch on themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Lindsay Hameroff, TILL THERE WAS YOU
Debut author Lindsay Hameroff joins Zibby to discuss TILL THERE WAS YOU, a delightful second-chance romance with a dollop of celebrity drama about a musician on the edge of fame and the aspiring chef who becomes the inspiration for his hit single. Lindsay explains how a Harry Styles song inspired this novel and then discusses the main character’s journey as a chef, the challenges of balancing relationships with career aspirations, and the comedic elements of her story. She also shares insights into her writing process (and her favorite breakfast foods!) and offers advice for aspiring authors.
David Duchovny, THE RESERVOIR: A Novella
Golden Globe-winning actor and New York Times bestselling author David Duchovny joins Zibby to discuss THE RESERVOIR, a fever dream of a novella about a lonely ex-financier who is stuck in his apartment during the pandemic and becomes obsessed with the Central Park reservoir, slowly going mad. David shares this story's inspiration and delves into the themes of loneliness, resilience, the allure of conspiracies, and the psychological impact of isolation. He also talks about his new podcast “Fail Better” and shares his thoughts and advice on writing, acting, and the creative process.
Rachel Kapelke-Dale, THE FORTUNE SELLER
Guest host Alisha Fernandez Miranda interviews Rachel Kapelke-Dale about THE FORTUNE SELLER, an engrossing and propulsive coming-of-age story about an Ivy League equestrian team and the young tarot card reader who infiltrates it. Rachel reveals her connections to the horse world, highlighting her fascination with the class tensions in that environment: some are born into wealth, and others must work to participate in the sport. Then, she describes her writing process (she has evolved from being a “pantser”...), her novel’s themes of privilege, meritocracy, ambition, luck, and identity, and her expatriate life in Paris.
Tia Williams, A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE
Zibby speaks with New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams about A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE, an enchanting, modern-day fairy tale set in Harlem, featuring a free-spirited florist and an enigmatic musician who are irreversibly linked through history, art, and magic. Tia reveals how the initial spark of inspiration struck her during a sleepless night and then delves into her creative process. She also discusses her novel’s themes of following one’s dreams and pursuing creative passions and then talks about her past as a beauty writer, her fascination with flowers and fragrances, her transition to fiction writing, and her next project (a YA novel!).
Jennifer Weiner, THE BIGFOOT QUEEN
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner returns to the podcast to discuss THE BIGFOOT QUEEN, her charming middle-grade trilogy about friendship, adventure, and celebrating your true self. Jennifer reveals the project's origins and then describes her approach to crafting a story that resonates with young readers while addressing deeper societal issues. She delves into the complexities of adolescence, identity, authenticity, and relationships. Then, she gives us a glimpse of her upcoming adult novel, teasing themes of sisterhood, music, and societal prejudices.
Elba Iris Pérez, THE THINGS WE DIDN'T KNOW
Debut novelist Elba Iris Pérez joins Zibby to discuss THE THINGS WE DIDN’T KNOW, a lyrical and heartfelt coming-of-age story of a young girl’s childhood between 1950s Puerto Rico and a small Massachusetts factory town. Elba shares her inspiration for this novel, touching on the importance of cross-cultural narratives and the challenges of navigating multiple identities. She also discusses her rich cast of characters and the novel’s portrayal of familial relationships, mental illness, cultural identity, and societal acceptance. Elba’s background as a theater professor and historian adds depth to the discussion as she delves into her creative process and personal connections to the story.