Podcast Title: Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Episode: Tinx Talks Reinvention, Reputation, and Rich Girl Summer
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Danielle Robay
Guest: Tinx (Christina Everett)
Introduction to the Episode
In this vibrant episode of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club, host Danielle Robay engages in a deep and engaging conversation with renowned influencer and New York Times bestselling author, Tinx. The episode delves into Tinx's latest novel, Hotter in the Hamptons, exploring themes of reinvention, reputation management, and the dynamics of affluent summer life.
Discussion of Tinx's Book: Hotter in the Hamptons
Danielle Robay introduces Tinx's second book, Hotter in the Hamptons, a queer romance set against the backdrop of New York's exclusive beach community. She provides a synopsis highlighting the protagonist, Lola, an influencer whose career and personal life unravel following a public scandal.
Danielle Robay (02:16): "It's a queer romance set in the exclusive New York beach community of the Hamptons."
Tinx elaborates on Lola's journey, emphasizing her struggle with cancellation and her attempts to rebuild her life amidst personal and professional turmoil.
Tinx (11:08): "I really wanted girls to be able to see themselves in her because we're all working on things and we all have blind spots."
Rich Mom Starter Packs and the Hamptons Setting
The conversation transitions to Tinx's viral "rich mom starter packs" during the pandemic, which humorously depicted affluent lifestyles. Danielle challenges Tinx to create a starter pack for her novel's setting, leading to a vivid portrayal of the Hamptons' opulent and mysterious environment.
Tinx (05:34): "I would say brown swamp farm, chicken fingers, Missoni pants, a vintage baby blue Bronco..."
Tinx chose the Hamptons for its blend of wealth, drama, and allure, providing a juicy backdrop perfect for her novel's narrative.
Tinx (06:03): "Behind the hedges there's this whole other world of drama and wealth and mystery and intrigue."
Writing Process and Creativity
Danielle commends Tinx's creative approach, drawing parallels between her social media persona and her storytelling. They discuss Tinx's academic background in English literature from Stanford, highlighting how her formal education enriched her writing process.
Danielle Robay (07:42): "I didn't know this Tinx, but you were a creative writing major at Stanford."
Tinx shares her love for incorporating specific brands and references to create an authentic and relatable world within her book.
Tinx (07:59): "I had a very specific vision of how I wanted the book to come across... filled with references and brand names."
Exploring Romance and Representation in Literature
The dialogue shifts to Tinx’s decision to venture into the romance genre, motivated by its popularity on platforms like BookTok and a desire to represent her community authentically. She emphasizes creating a protagonist who is flawed and relatable, challenging traditional romantic archetypes.
Tinx (06:45): "I wanted the protagonist to be someone who was messy because I want people to be able to see themselves in her."
Themes of Cancel Culture and Personal Experience
A significant portion of the discussion addresses cancel culture, reflecting on Tinx's personal experiences with being canceled on social media. Tinx finds catharsis in writing about Lola's struggles, balancing humor with vulnerability to navigate themes of misunderstanding and resilience.
Tinx (12:04): "It was cathartic? Absolutely. Yeah, it was very cathartic."
She also draws parallels between her journey and the broader entertainment industry's handling of public perception and career longevity.
Male Gaze and Feminism
Danielle introduces a critical analysis of the male gaze within the context of Tinx's romance between two women. The conversation explores how removing the male lens can lead to a more authentic and empowering portrayal of female desire and identity.
Danielle Robay (18:22): "What was it like to explore desire without that lens?"
Tinx reflects on her complex relationship with the male gaze, acknowledging its pervasive influence while striving to create a space free from its constraints in her novel.
Tinx (19:55): "I'm actually reading this book now... It's all about the conditioning that millennial women have."
Online Presence and Self-Expression
The discussion delves into the challenges of balancing self-expression with self-surveillance online. Tinx candidly shares her struggles with authenticity versus audience expectations, highlighting the pressures influencers face in maintaining their public personas while staying true to themselves.
Tinx (25:49): "I'm very inconsistent with how I feel sometimes... but it's really difficult."
Backlash and Collaboration
Tinx openly addresses the backlash her book faced concerning her collaboration with a queer writer. She emphasizes the importance of authentic representation and the difficulties of being misunderstood in the public eye.
Tinx (36:05): "It couldn't have been further from that... I have an incredible, gorgeous, stunning, smart community who read my book."
Danielle commends Tinx's thoughtful decision to collaborate, likening it to practices of renowned authors who employ ghostwriters to enhance authenticity.
Adaptation to Screen
Exciting news emerges as Tinx's novel is selected for a page-to-screen adaptation by the Foster sisters, an all-women team. Tinx expresses her vision for the adaptation, particularly her desire to see Lola's character featured prominently in New York City, showcasing her dynamic and vibrant nature.
Tinx (39:28): "It's very important to see her in New York City because that's her universe."
The conversation touches on potential casting choices, with suggestions like Sydney Sweeney and Dakota Johnson, though Tinx remains open to various possibilities.
Personal Reflections and Book Recommendations
In a heartfelt segment, Tinx shares personal growth insights gained through writing her novel. She highlights her hunger for creativity and deeper understanding of her community's experiences.
Tinx (42:09): "I have a lot more things to say... It just made me hungry for more."
When prompted to share her current "bookmarked" reads, Tinx recommends a New York Times opinion piece that explores challenging personal beliefs, reflecting her appreciation for introspective and courageous storytelling.
Tinx (42:55): "I really hope that a lot of people read this piece... His thought process is very interesting."
Rapid Fire Questions
The episode concludes with a lively rapid-fire segment where Tinx responds to quick prompts, revealing her favorite book recommendations, dream casting ideas, and personal preferences. Notably, she expresses a desire to read classics like The Odyssey and appreciates the value of flexibility in maintaining strong, adaptable opinions.
Tinx (44:08): "Strong opinions loosely held."
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Danielle Robay and Tinx engage in a candid and insightful dialogue that not only promotes Tinx's latest work but also delves into broader themes of identity, representation, and the complexities of modern womanhood. Tinx's authenticity and vulnerability offer listeners a profound connection to her narrative and personal journey, making Hotter in the Hamptons a compelling addition to Reese’s Book Club selections.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Danielle Robay (02:16): "It's a queer romance set in the exclusive New York beach community of the Hamptons."
- Tinx (05:34): "I would say brown swamp farm, chicken fingers, Missoni pants, a vintage baby blue Bronco..."
- Tinx (11:08): "I really wanted girls to be able to see themselves in her because we're all working on things and we all have blind spots."
- Tinx (12:04): "It was cathartic? Absolutely. Yeah, it was very cathartic."
- Danielle Robay (18:22): "What was it like to explore desire without that lens?"
- Tinx (25:49): "I'm very inconsistent with how I feel sometimes... but it's really difficult."
- Tinx (36:05): "It couldn't have been further from that... I have an incredible, gorgeous, stunning, smart community who read my book."
- Tinx (39:28): "It's very important to see her in New York City because that's her universe."
- Tinx (44:08): "Strong opinions loosely held."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and insights shared between Danielle Robay and Tinx. It provides a detailed overview for those who haven't listened, offering a clear understanding of the topics covered and the depth of the conversation.
