Barely Famous Podcast: Alice Feeney Is Barely Famous – Summary
Released on January 17, 2025
In this captivating episode of the Barely Famous podcast hosted by Kale Lowry, author Emily Henry takes center stage to discuss her latest work, creative processes, and her journey from journalism to bestselling novelist. The conversation delves deep into Henry's experiences, inspirations, and the intricate details of her new book, "Beautiful Ugly."
Introduction and Book Launch
Alice Feeney warmly welcomes Emily Henry to the podcast, expressing excitement about Henry's debut appearance. Henry shares her enthusiasm for participating in the podcast, emphasizing how it felt like a "family" being part of such a creative community.
[00:35] Emily Henry: "I just think it's a great podcast. I listened. It's the first podcast I've listened to all the way through. I was hooked."
The discussion swiftly moves to Henry's newest novel, "Beautiful Ugly," which has already sold out upon its release, signaling a highly anticipated addition to her bibliography.
[01:21] Emily Henry: "I'm so excited. This book was so long in the making and I loved writing this one."
Book Design and Global Consistency
Henry elaborates on the unique design choice for "Beautiful Ugly," opting for a uniform cover across all 40 countries—a departure from the norm where different regions often receive varied editions.
[02:12] Emily Henry: "I asked for it to be the same cover everywhere this time because I just fell in love with it. It was designed for the American cover and I thought it was so perfect for the book."
This decision facilitates a unified global conversation among readers, allowing them to discuss a shared visual representation of the story.
Inspiration and Writing Location: Scotland
A significant portion of the conversation highlights Henry's love for Scotland, a recurrent setting in her novels. She describes Scotland not just as a backdrop but as a "magical" place that profoundly influences her storytelling.
[40:08] Emily Henry: "I think the honest truth is because I go there every year. I'm just obsessed with the place."
Henry recounts personal anecdotes, such as surviving a snowstorm in a rural Scottish house, which later inspired scenes in her books. This deep connection to Scotland adds authenticity and depth to her narratives.
Transition from Journalism to Novel Writing
Henry shares her transformative journey from working in the bustling newsroom of the BBC in London to the solitary environment of her writing shed. This shift marked a decade-long pursuit of her passion for writing, characterized by perseverance through numerous rejections.
[10:20] Emily Henry: "I went from working in the middle of the world's busiest newsroom at the BBC in London to working all day in my shed with my dog."
She reflects on the emotional resilience required to navigate multiple rejection letters, ultimately leading to the success of her seventh published book.
Creative Process and Overcoming Writing Challenges
Henry provides an intimate look into her meticulous writing process, including the use of whiteboards and "board days" to organize her thoughts and plot developments. She discusses ambitious projects like "his and hers," which she describes as her "best behaved" book due to its smooth writing process.
[16:01] Emily Henry: "It was at least something. Just the starting point was there."
Henry also touches on her struggles with "badly behaved" manuscripts, illustrating how critical revisions and substantial deletions can revitalize a story, as seen with her novel "Rock Paper Scissors."
Engagement with Readers and Social Media Impact
The conversation emphasizes the pivotal role of social media platforms like BookTok and Instagram in promoting literary works and fostering reader engagement. Henry expresses her joy in seeing readers share aesthetically pleasing photos of her books and the sense of community this creates.
[26:10] Emily Henry: "I love that on Insta. Instagram is the one I do do a little bit. I like Instagram. Pretty pictures."
She also recounts memorable interactions with fans, such as a 12-year-old reader who inspired changes to the ending of "Beautiful Ugly," showcasing the profound impact of reader feedback on her work.
Screen Adaptations and Creative Collaborations
Henry excitedly discusses the adaptation of her novel "his and hers" into a Netflix film, sharing behind-the-scenes experiences on set. She praises the cast, particularly John Bernthal, and highlights the faithful representation of her characters and settings in the adaptation process.
[34:00] Emily Henry: "I've just seen Jack come to life and to see all these scenes where he's saying Things that I wrote... it was a real joy to listen to and I think readers are going to enjoy that version too."
Henry also teases future projects and the meticulous care she takes in selecting collaborators who respect and preserve the essence of her storytelling.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
Toward the episode's conclusion, Henry imparts valuable advice to budding authors. She underscores the importance of perseverance, continual reading, and writing as foundational elements for success in the literary world.
[66:04] Emily Henry: "Read a lot, write a lot, and never give up, because if you don't give up, you can't fail."
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Henry expressing her gratitude towards her readers and the supportive publishing team. Feeney congratulates Henry on her achievements, and the two share a lighthearted exchange about personal interests and future projects.
Henry emphasizes the communal aspect of writing, acknowledging that authors are nothing without their readers and cherishing the connections formed through shared stories.
[70:29] Emily Henry: "You could have a podcast on the Isle of Amberly. Perfect."
The episode concludes on a high note, celebrating Emily Henry’s accomplishments and offering listeners an inspiring glimpse into the life and mind of a successful contemporary author.
Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps:
- Emily Henry [01:21]: "I'm so excited. This book was so long in the making and I loved writing this one."
- Emily Henry [02:12]: "I asked for it to be the same cover everywhere this time because I just fell in love with it."
- Emily Henry [10:20]: "I went from working in the middle of the world's busiest newsroom at the BBC in London to working all day in my shed with my dog."
- Emily Henry [26:10]: "I love that on Insta. Instagram is the one I do do a little bit. I like Instagram. Pretty pictures."
- Emily Henry [66:04]: "Read a lot, write a lot, and never give up, because if you don't give up, you can't fail."
Conclusion
This episode of Barely Famous offers an in-depth exploration of Emily Henry's literary journey, creative ethos, and the intricate interplay between author and reader in the digital age. Listeners gain valuable insights into the dedication and passion required to succeed in the competitive world of writing, all while celebrating the magic that books bring into our lives.