Podcast Summary: Bad On Paper – Debut Author Spotlight
Host/Authors: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
Episode: Debut Author Spotlight
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter shift gears from their usual book discussions and banter to focus on celebrating new voices in the literary world. The episode spotlights three debut authors, delving into their newly released books, unique publishing journeys, and valuable writing advice. Whether you're an aspiring writer or an avid reader, this episode promises insightful conversations and inspiring stories.
1. Marian Chambari – A Little Less Broken
Quick Pitch:
Marian Chambari introduces her memoir, A Little Less Broken, which explores her late diagnosis of autism at age 34. The book delves into her childhood, romantic relationships, parenthood, and the broader issues women face in healthcare.
Publishing Journey:
Marian’s path to publication was unconventional. She did not experience the long series of rejections typical in the publishing industry. Instead, after publishing a short essay about her autism diagnosis on Cup of Joe, she received immediate interest from literary agents. Marian states:
"[07:00] 'I wrote a very short essay… and I published that essay, I got a lot of literary agents in my inbox… That's the unique story was that the agents approached me.'"
Working closely with a supportive editor, Marian rapidly developed her book’s proposal and completed her manuscript, benefiting from a collaborative editing process that transformed her approach from a "pantser" to a structured "plotter."
Advice for Aspiring Memoirists:
Marian encourages writers to disregard common pessimistic advice about memoir publishing, emphasizing that a well-crafted, thoughtful memoir can find its place regardless of the author's fame. She advises:
"[20:28] 'Don't listen to people telling you that memoir is impossible to sell… I would just be careful of, like, is that feedback actually coming from your A rejection, or is it coming from your own personal experience? ... That was not my experience.'"
Recommended Book:
Marian passionately recommends "The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope" by Rhonda Riley, praising its blend of supernatural elements with deep themes of gender, love, and grief.
2. Amanda Eisenberg – People Are Talking
Quick Pitch:
Amanda Eisenberg presents her upcoming novel, People Are Talking, set to release on April 22, 2025. The story follows best friends Mel and Danny, former vigilantes tracking rapists on their college campus, who reunite after a friend is accused of sexual assault. The dual narratives explore personal and political dimensions with a touch of humor, inspired by Veronica Mars.
Publishing Journey:
Amanda took a non-traditional route by submitting her manuscript directly to a small press without an agent. Her breakthrough came unexpectedly when a student offered to submit her work to a small Manhattan press, resulting in a publishing offer within a month. She shares:
"[34:31] 'I started by querying agents but ended up getting an offer from a small press through a student's help… my editor, Ashlyn Petro, is a saint.'"
This expedited her timeline, allowing her to release her book in a much shorter period compared to the typical two-year publishing process.
Advice for Aspiring Writers:
Amanda underscores the importance of overcoming perfectionism. She stresses the value of completing a full draft before delving into revisions, advocating for consistency and word count goals to maintain momentum:
"[37:29] 'The practice of writing is the most important thing. Rather than focusing on whether or not it's good, you will revise it to be better.'"
Recommended Book:
Amanda highly recommends "One Star Romance" and "Between Friends and Lovers" by Shirlene Obuo, praising their depth, humor, and emotional resonance.
3. Courtney Price – Welcome Home, Caroline Klein
Quick Pitch:
Courtney Price introduces her novel, Welcome Home, Caroline Klein, a small-town romance about Nora, who returns to her hometown in Alabama to run her family’s casket store after her parents' deaths. She becomes involved with Garrett, a logistics coordinator for a Death Corporation, leading her to confront past relationships and personal growth.
Publishing Journey:
Courtney’s journey was marked by persistence despite initial setbacks. After her first nonfiction book failed to secure an agent, she pivoted to fiction, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and family history in baseball. Utilizing Jami Attenberg’s "1000 Words a Day" challenge, Courtney completed her novel within a year and secured a publishing deal through a small press after her agent provided valuable feedback.
"[55:10] 'I committed to writing this novel instead of another nonfiction project… It took exactly one year from inception to first draft.'"
Advice for Aspiring Writers:
Courtney emphasizes the power of routine and community. She advises writers to build supportive networks and focus on their own work rather than comparing themselves to others:
"[62:50] 'Confidence is built when you keep a promise that you make to yourself… Eyes on your own paper… Work on building your community.'"
Recommended Book:
Courtney recommends "Never Been Better" by Leanne Toshka Simpson, highlighting its captivating blend of humor, depth, and unexpected twists that resonate with fans of "Silver Linings Playbook".
Personal Insights and Recommendations
Beyond author spotlights, Becca and Olivia share their personal obsessions and book recommendations, adding a relatable and engaging layer to the episode.
Becca’s Obsession:
Becca is currently enjoying Macintosh apples, delighting in their flavor and incorporating them into her daily routine as a source of comfort.
Olivia’s Obsession:
Olivia is immersed in puzzling, finding solace and mental escape in completing complex puzzles. She shares her enthusiasm for a particularly challenging piece:
"[72:22] 'It's so difficult, I can't even describe it to you… Maybe you'll get on a train after this and just come up for the evening to puzz?'"
Book Recommendations:
- Becca: Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley – A literary romance set in the early 2000s indie music scene.
- Olivia:
- Babel by R.F. Kuang – A dark fantasy set in 1800s Oxford, exploring themes of colonialism and racism.
- We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kleiver – A thriller/horror novel about a couple encountering supernatural elements in their new home.
Conclusion
The Debut Author Spotlight episode of Bad On Paper offers a rich tapestry of experiences from three inspiring new authors. Marian Chambari, Amanda Eisenberg, and Courtney Price share their unique paths to publication, dispel common myths about debut writing, and provide invaluable advice for aspiring authors. Coupled with personal anecdotes and book recommendations from Becca and Olivia, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the literary world.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for your writing journey or looking for new books to delve into, this episode of Bad On Paper promises to both inform and entertain.
Notable Quotes:
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Marian Chambari:
"[12:46] 'I wrote an essay… and after I published that essay, I got a lot of literary agents in my inbox.'"
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Amanda Eisenberg:
"[36:51] 'I want it to be a conversation book.'"
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Courtney Price:
"[62:50] 'Confidence is built when you keep a promise that you make to yourself.'"
Where to Find the Authors:
- Marian Chambari: maranchimbari.com
- Amanda Eisenberg: manda.eisenberg.com
- Courtney Price: cocogolightly.com | Instagram: @aurenevanswrites | @coco_golightly
Join the Conversation:
Listeners are encouraged to join the Geneva Group on Facebook for a supportive community of writers and readers. Follow Becca on Instagram @beccafreeman and Olivia on Instagram @oliviamentor for more updates and insights.
Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the essence and key elements of the podcast episode.