Barely Famous Podcast Episode Summary: "Never Too Old For This With Samantha Downing"

Release Date: August 15, 2025

Host: Kail Lowry
Guest: Samantha Downing, Best-Selling Thriller Author

1. Introduction to Samantha Downing

In this episode of Barely Famous, host Kail Lowry welcomes Samantha Downing, a best-selling thriller author known for her gripping narratives that transform seemingly perfect relationships into intense suspenseful tales. Samantha’s upcoming book, "Too Old for This," is set to release in August 2025. Kail expresses enthusiasm about reading Samantha's latest work, highlighting its appeal to readers seeking a quick and engaging read.

Notable Quote:
Kail Lowry [02:11]: "I'm reading Too Old for This right now, and I love it so much."

2. Samantha’s Journey to Publishing

Samantha delves into her unconventional path to becoming a published author. Before her debut novel, "My Lovely Wife," released in 2019, Samantha worked in an administrative role within a manufacturing company. Writing was purely a hobby for her until a fortuitous connection through a writing group led to her first publishing deal. Despite writing twelve books prior, "My Lovely Wife" was her first to be published, sold in just two days after being picked up by an agent.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [04:06]: "It was actually a fluke. I never thought about getting published."

3. Writing Process: Pantser vs. Plotter

Samantha identifies as a "pure pantser," meaning she writes without a predetermined plot or outline. She discovers the story organically, writing chapter by chapter and allowing the narrative to evolve naturally. This method contrasts with plotters, who meticulously plan their stories in advance.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [15:09]: "Pantser is short for fly by the seat of your pants. I don't plot anything. I write chapter by chapter."

4. Character Development and Inspirations

Samantha discusses her approach to creating memorable characters, emphasizing the importance of unique and distinct names to help readers keep track of them. She draws inspiration from observing real-life relationships and behaviors, which informs the nuanced interactions in her books. Samantha also touches upon incorporating traits from people she knows, ensuring her characters remain original and relatable.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [22:55]: "I rarely pick names that start with the same letter or that have the same sound. I want them to be different so readers can keep them straight."

5. Themes and Motifs in Her Works

Her novels often explore dark and twisted relationships, delving into the complexities of human behavior and the extremes of love and obsession. In "Too Old for This," Samantha introduces an elderly female protagonist, Lottie, who navigates her own set of challenges, reflecting Samantha's personal experiences with health issues and adaptation.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [48:19]: "Lottie is doing what she has to do to protect herself, her family, her life. There's no questioning her behavior."

6. The Publishing Landscape and Authorial Pressure

Samantha shares insights into the publishing industry, emphasizing that success is rarely overnight. She highlights the significance of writing groups and networking in finding the right opportunities. Additionally, she acknowledges the pressure authors face to continuously produce and maintain their standing, especially with the influx of new debut authors.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [07:09]: "There are no overnight successes. The work is done somewhere, even if you don't see it."

7. Handling Dark Twists and Reader Expectations

When discussing her writing style, Samantha explains her strategy for incorporating multiple twists to keep readers engaged and surprised. She aims to subvert predictable patterns by ensuring that even if readers anticipate certain outcomes, the narrative takes unexpected turns.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [40:08]: "I try to switch it up. I don't want to do anything obvious. I try not to."

8. Future Projects and Continuing the Legacy

While Samantha remains committed to writing, she does not currently have specific projects in the pipeline. However, she assures listeners that more thrilling novels are on the horizon, each exploring different facets of human psychology and complex relationships.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [54:16]: "I'm always writing, but I don't have anything specific right now."

9. Concluding Thoughts

Samantha emphasizes the importance of understanding and not underestimating those around us. Through her characters, she portrays the hidden depths and potential darkness within seemingly ordinary individuals, offering readers a chilling reminder that appearances can be deceiving.

Notable Quote:
Samantha Downing [53:35]: "You don't really know the person next to you or what they're up to. Don't underestimate anybody."

Author’s Contact Information

For more information about Samantha Downing and her works, visit her website at SamanthaDowning.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

This episode provides a deep dive into Samantha Downing's creative process, her journey as an author, and the intricate themes she weaves into her thrillers. Listeners gain valuable insights into the art of crafting suspenseful narratives and the dedication required to succeed in the competitive world of publishing.