Podcast Summary: "I'll Read What She's Reading" – Book Talk with Hannah Bonham Young

Episode Details:

• Podcast Title: I'll Read What She's Reading
• Host: Reggie, Michaela, & Kennedy
• Guest: Hannah Bonham Young
• Episode Title: Book Talk w/ HANNAH BONAM-YOUNG
• Release Date: January 29, 2025

1. Introduction and Welcome [00:08 – 00:26]

Reggie, Michaela, and Kennedy warmly welcome listeners back to the podcast. They express their excitement about featuring their first romance author guest, Hannah Bonham Young.

Reggie:
"And today we have our very first romance author on the podcast, and we are big, big fans of her and are so excited for you guys to hear from her."
[00:14]

2. Hannah's Journey as an Author [00:26 – 04:34]

Hannah shares her background, explaining how the pandemic catalyzed her foray into writing. With a remote job and two toddlers at home, she sought an outlet that was solely for herself. This period led her to write and eventually self-publish her first novel, Next of Kin. Contrary to her expectations, her work gained traction, paving the way for subsequent publications. Her perseverance led to being signed by Penguin Random House's Dell imprint, solidifying her career trajectory.

Hannah:
"I started my author journey... during the pandemic... I wrote something that I sent to some friends and family, and I felt, like, brave enough to, like, share it for the first time."
[02:05]

Reggie:
"I found you from Out on the Limb, and I think we all did."
[04:34]

3. Deep Dive into Hannah's Books [04:34 – 17:25]

a. "Out on a Limb" and Representation [04:34 – 06:15]

Michaela and Reggie commend Hannah for her unique representation of characters with disabilities and diverse backgrounds. They highlight the freshness and depth her books bring to the romance genre.

Reggie:
"What I love about them is that you can go in expecting to have something that I haven't seen before."
[04:56]

b. Emotional Resonance and Reader Impact [06:15 – 08:42]

Kennedy shares her emotional response to Hannah's books, mentioning how Out on a Limb made her "extremely baby hungry," even influencing her decision to start a family.

Kennedy:
"The way you write, the dynamic of the couples is so special... I read three of your books and I think I cried in two of them."
[05:44]

c. "Out of the Woods" – A Marriage Romance [08:42 – 17:25]

Hannah discusses her upcoming book, Out of the Woods, the second in her "Out" series. Unlike typical romance novels that focus on the beginning of relationships, this book delves into a long-term marriage, exploring the dynamics of a couple who have been together since their teenage years. She emphasizes the authenticity and depth she aimed to capture, moving away from second-chance romances to portray enduring love and continuous growth.

Hannah:
"With Out of the Woods, it's two people who are very much in love. They're just trying to be better for each other and for their future."
[15:03]

Kennedy:
"There is nothing out there that shows a long-term marriage... I can't say enough good things about this book because I am so incredibly excited."
[17:25]

4. Writing Process and Character Development [17:25 – 44:46]

a. Personal Experiences in Storytelling [17:25 – 28:22]

Hannah elaborates on how her personal life deeply influences her writing. Many of her books reflect aspects of her own relationships, grief, and experiences with disabilities. This authenticity resonates strongly with her readers.

Hannah:
"Every time I try to, like, come up with a cutesy, fun, simple concept that has nothing to do with my personal experience, I don't want to write it."
[12:56]

b. Crafting Complex Characters [28:22 – 35:04]

The conversation shifts to Hannah's meticulous approach to character development. She maintains detailed backstories, often referred to as her "book Bible," ensuring her characters are well-rounded and authentic. Hannah discusses the challenges of writing more complex characters, like Sarah from Out of the Woods, who contrasts her own communicative nature.

Hannah:
"She's messy and complicated and brash and difficult... allowing her to breathe and take up space on the page."
[32:07]

Michaela:
"It shows how much you truly care about your writing process and wanting to stick true to the characters."
[35:04]

c. Balancing Editing and Writing [35:04 – 44:46]

Hannah shares her editing process, which intertwines with writing. She edits as she progresses, refining each section meticulously. This method contrasts with other authors who complete first drafts swiftly before diving into extensive revisions. While Hannah acknowledges the time-consuming nature of her approach, it allows her to stay deeply connected to her characters and story.

Hannah:
"I write five chapters, I edit five chapters... my first draft is almost a finished product."
[44:36]

5. Future Projects and Tours [44:46 – 50:31]

Hannah outlines her busy schedule for the upcoming year. She plans to embark on a book tour in January, which includes events like Galentine's Day and the Beachside Book Fest in Florida. Additionally, she's working on new manuscripts, balancing her professional commitments with personal time spent with her children.

Hannah:
"January is going to be absolutely, wonderfully insane... I'm really excited about it."
[47:38]

Reggie:
"We have to say it was such a joy to have you... wishing you all the best with what you have coming this year."
[55:23]

6. Movie and TV Adaptations [50:31 – 54:28]

The hosts inquire about potential adaptations of Hannah's work. She expresses a strong desire to see Out on a Limb adapted into a movie or TV show, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation for characters with disabilities.

Hannah:
"I would love to see Out on a Limb as a movie... casting people with those disabilities and celebrating them."
[50:47]

Hannah:
"I was really excited when I saw Talia Hibbert's Brown Sisters trilogy getting turned into a TV show. It gives me hope."
[53:34]

7. Connecting with Hannah [54:28 – 56:24]

Hannah provides her social media handles, encouraging listeners to follow her for more updates and personal insights.

Hannah:
"On Instagram, it's author Hannahby... but where I'm actually myself is TikTok."
[54:28]

8. Closing Remarks [56:24 – End]

The hosts express their gratitude and admiration for Hannah, highlighting her inspirational presence and the engaging conversation they shared. Hannah reciprocates the sentiment, appreciating the opportunity to discuss her work and connect with the podcast's audience.

Hannah:
"This was so fun... thank you guys making the time to hang out and chat about books."
[55:59]

Reggie:
"Thank you so much. And wishing you all the best with what you have coming this year."
[56:09]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Reggie [00:14]:
  "And today we have our very first romance author on the podcast, and we are big, big fans of her and are so excited for you guys to hear from her."

• Hannah [02:05]:
  "I started my author journey... during the pandemic... I wrote something that I sent to some friends and family, and I felt, like, brave enough to, like, share it for the first time."

• Kennedy [05:44]:
  "The way you write, the dynamic of the couples is so special... I read three of your books and I think I cried in two of them."

• Hannah [12:56]:
  "Every time I try to, like, come up with a cutesy, fun, simple concept that has nothing to do with my personal experience, I don't want to write it."

• Hannah [50:47]:
  "I would love to see Out on a Limb as a movie... casting people with those disabilities and celebrating them."

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of "I'll Read What She's Reading," Hannah Bonham Young offers an intimate look into her journey as a romance author, her dedication to authentic storytelling, and her passion for creating diverse and relatable characters. Listeners gain valuable insights into her writing process, the inspirations behind her books, and her aspirations for future projects. Hannah's heartfelt discussions and candid reflections make this episode a must-listen for romance enthusiasts and aspiring writers alike.