Podcast Summary: "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing" – July Bonus Episode
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Welcome to the July Bonus Episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing", hosted by the talented Bianca Marais, alongside her insightful co-hosts Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra from P.S. Literary Agency. This episode dives deep into the nuanced journeys of two remarkable authors, Jacqueline Faber and Jane Healy, exploring their paths to publication, creative processes, and the intricate crafting of their literary works. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and memorable quotes from the episode.
1. Introduction and Guest Introduction
Bianca Marais kicks off the episode by introducing Jacqueline Faber, an accomplished author and freelance writer with a rich academic background. Jacqueline holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Emory University and has taught at New York University. Her diverse writing spans genres such as thrillers, romantic comedies, and essays, delving into themes of trauma, loss, language, and desire.
Notable Quote:
“I'm really honored to be here.”
— Jacqueline Faber [03:56]
2. Interview with Jacqueline Faber
a. Journey to Publication
Jacqueline shares her non-linear path to becoming a published author. Transitioning from academic writing to freelance, her initial forays into novel writing were met with mixed feedback, leading her to shelve and retry projects multiple times.
Notable Quote:
“There's a lot of starts and stops.”
— Jacqueline Faber [05:31]
b. Handling Feedback and Revisions
Jacqueline discusses the balance between maintaining her artistic vision and being receptive to consistent feedback. She emphasizes the importance of tweaking her narrative to better engage readers without compromising her core message.
Notable Quote:
“When you write a book, there's this sort of push and pull between maintaining your artistic vision and staying true to that and also being very receptive to feedback.”
— Jacqueline Faber [06:58]
c. Structuring "The Department"
Delving into her novel "The Department", Jacqueline explains her deliberate choice to use a dual timeline narrative. This structure enhances tension and allows for foreshadowing, making the storytelling more dynamic compared to a linear approach.
Notable Quote:
“Those moments that you read are really kind of orienting for a reader and telling them, pay attention to this thing here.”
— Jacqueline Faber [19:35]
d. Writing Process and Tools
Initially writing organically without a strict outline, Jacqueline later adopted tools like Scrivener to manage her evolving narrative. This hybrid approach allowed her to maintain creative freedom while organizing complex timelines.
Notable Quote:
“Scrivener sort of allows you to have the best of both worlds.”
— Jacqueline Faber [26:30]
e. Character Development and Tension
Jacqueline highlights the significance of organic tension and deep character exploration. She discusses how her characters' backstories and psychological depths contribute to the overarching narrative tension.
Notable Quote:
“Once you figured out what happened to her and who was involved, I was like, why would these characters behave in this way?”
— Jacqueline Faber [26:30]
3. Transition to Second Interview
Bianca seamlessly transitions to the next segment, introducing Carly Watters who will now interview another esteemed author, Jane Healy.
4. Interview with Jane Healy
a. Introduction to "Women of Arlington Hall"
Carly Watters welcomes Jane Healy, a historical fiction author, to discuss her latest book "Women of Arlington Hall." The novel is inspired by true stories of female codebreakers during the early Cold War era, focusing on their pivotal roles in decoding Soviet communications.
Notable Quote:
“It was such a thrill.”
— Jane Healy [36:12]
b. Balancing Fact and Fiction
Jane elucidates her approach to fictionalizing real historical events. By creating composite characters, she gains creative freedom to weave compelling narratives while honoring the true stories of the women involved.
Notable Quote:
“I wanted the creative freedom to tell a story about these strong groups of women.”
— Jane Healy [38:20]
c. Themes: Women's Work and Office Culture
The conversation delves into the gender dynamics of the time, exploring how these women navigated their careers in a predominantly male society. Jane emphasizes the chosen family aspect among the codebreakers, highlighting their deep friendships and collective mission.
Notable Quote:
“They became close, you know, by default, because they were living together, they were working together.”
— Jane Healy [42:42]
d. Crafting the Love Story
Jane discusses the slow-burn romance in her novel, balancing professional collaboration with personal relationships. She aimed to create authentic tension by keeping the protagonists apart through job relocations and conflicting loyalties.
Notable Quote:
“We never want to give just enough, but not too much.”
— Jane Healy [51:39]
e. Research and Authenticity
Extensive research played a crucial role in shaping the novel’s authenticity. Jane references sources like "Code Girls" by Liza Mundy and firsthand accounts, ensuring the portrayal of office culture and character behaviors remains true to history.
Notable Quote:
“The real women who this story is based on were just so inspiring.”
— Jane Healy [43:58]
f. Challenges and Rewards of Writing
Jane reflects on the challenges of first drafts and the satisfaction derived from the revision process. Balancing complex plot elements like codebreaking with engaging storytelling required meticulous effort.
Notable Quote:
“The most challenging for me is getting that first draft down.”
— Jane Healy [55:58]
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Bianca and Carly wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the featured books, highlighting their emotional depth and historical significance. They also remind emerging writers about the ongoing Beta Reader Matchup available until August 31st, fostering a supportive writing community.
Notable Quote:
“Remember, it just takes one.”
— Bianca Murray [59:00]
Affiliate Links:
- The Department by Jacqueline Faber: Available on Bookshop.org
- Women of Arlington Hall by Jane Healy: Pre-order or purchase supporting independent bookstores.
Highlights:
- Jacqueline Faber shares her intricate path to publication, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of feedback.
- Jane Healy explores the untold stories of female codebreakers, blending historical facts with rich fictional narratives.
- Both authors highlight the importance of character-driven storytelling and maintaining narrative tension through innovative structures.
Takeaways for Emerging Writers:
- Embrace the non-linear journey to publication; persistence is key.
- Balance artistic vision with constructive feedback to refine your work.
- Utilize tools like Scrivener to organize complex narratives without stifling creativity.
- Deep character development can enhance both emotional and narrative tension.
- Research is vital in historical fiction to ensure authenticity and respect for true stories.
Thank you for tuning into this enriching episode of "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing." Whether you're an aspiring writer or a passionate reader, the insights shared by Jacqueline Faber and Jane Healy provide valuable lessons in storytelling, perseverance, and the delicate art of balancing fact with fiction.