Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Summary

Guest: Ali Brady (writing duo Alison Hammer & Brady Godfrey)
Book Discussed: Battle of the Bookstores
Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Episode Overview

This lively episode features the writing team behind the pen name Ali Brady: Alison Hammer and Brady Godfrey. Zibby sits down with the duo to discuss their latest novel, Battle of the Bookstores, a witty, romance-filled love letter to bookstores and the communities they serve. The conversation dives into the book’s inspirations, the co-writing process, the realities of bookstore life, Jewish representation, balancing multiple careers, and the current climate for authors.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Ali Brady & Their Book

• Ali Brady is the collaborative identity of writing partners and friends Alison Hammer and Brady Godfrey.
• Their new release, Battle of the Bookstores, is described as “The Hating Game meets You’ve Got Mail” – a competitive, enemies-to-lovers rom-com set in the world of dueling indie bookstores.

Quote:

• “So the shortest version is that it's The Hating Game meets You've Got Mail. That's how we've been describing... about two bookstores that have existed side by side for decades.” – Alison Hammer (06:24)

Plot Premise

• Two neighboring bookstores, each with their own specialty (romance vs. literary fiction), are suddenly merged under a new owner who pits their managers against each other for the sole managerial role.
• The twist: The two managers have unknowingly forged an anonymous online friendship on a booksellers’ forum.
• Their rivalry and connection evolve both online and in person, leading to eventual revelations and romantic complications.

2. Authenticity of Bookstore Life

• The authors gathered intel through friendships with booksellers (including Zibby herself), immersive research, and input from beta readers with real bookstore experience.
• The portrayal of bookstore logistics—the joy of opening new shipments, organizing shelves, and creating community—is intentionally detailed and celebrates the magic of indie shops.

Quote:

• “One of the best reviews that we got was from a bookseller who was like, these guys got it right...” – Alison Hammer (08:24)

Societal Commentary

• Bookstore consolidation and the “small vs. big” business struggle are woven into the narrative as a reflection of broader trends in publishing.
• The book also serves as a tribute to booksellers as industry heroes.

Quote:

• “Booksellers are the unsung heroes of the industry...whether they're at a bigger store or a smaller store, just, we think they're heroes.” – Alison Hammer (09:19)

3. Writing Process as a Duo

• Each author writes from one character’s point of view, alternating chapters.
• The process is highly collaborative: they outline together, swap chapters for feedback, and revise each other’s work.

Quote:

• “By the end, we have touched every single word on every single page multiple times, both of us.” – Brady Godfrey (11:38)

On Disagreements

• The writing partnership is strong, but disagreements arise. The rule: Each gets one “veto” per book, no questions asked.
• Memorable Moment: The “Randy Beaver” side character debate, vetoed due to its resemblance to Alison’s father’s name (13:48–14:30).

4. Career Juggling & Logistics

• Both maintain full-time careers, solo author projects, and family obligations. Alison works in advertising; Brady is a physician and mother of four.
• Their agents coordinate on joint books; accountability to each other helps with deadlines and discipline.

Quote:

• “I will let myself down, no problem, but I don't want to let her down. And so we keep on, we keep on track, we keep on schedule. We write nights and weekends and just find time for it.” – Alison Hammer (16:15–16:41)

5. Jewish Representation & Activism

• The conversation turned deeply personal as Alison spoke about her frontline role in Artists Against Antisemitism, a nonprofit born after October 7th, as a support system and activist coalition for Jewish authors.
• Zibby herself was instrumental in its growth, editing the anthology On Being Jewish Now.
• The book features meaningful Jewish representation in one of the main characters.

Quote:

• “There's nothing more Jewish than celebrating joy and life and love. And like, that's what this book is. So it's an honor and it's exciting and we're so happy to talk to you about it.” – Alison Hammer (23:37)

6. Bookstore Love & “Real Life” Battle of the Bookstores

• Both authors are passionate champions of independent bookstores.
• Memorable Moment: A real-life “Battle of the Bookstores” took place in Iowa, where two local stores competed to sell the most copies of their novel before publication day—selling 60 copies between them. (24:24–25:09)

7. What’s Next for Ali Brady

• The duo hints at another “bookish, romantic, bantery” collaboration, actively brainstorming ideas while on their book tour.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The shortest version is that it's The Hating Game meets You've Got Mail.” – Alison Hammer (06:24)
• “Our drafts, by the time we finish our drafts, I think are much stronger than if we were on our own.” – Brady Godfrey (13:06)
• “If we both have a different idea about something...we each get one veto on each book...no questions asked.” – Alison Hammer (13:42)
• “Booksellers are the unsung heroes of the industry.” – Alison Hammer (09:19)
• “You also have full time jobs? Go back to that part.” – Zibby Owens (16:10)
• “There's nothing more Jewish than celebrating joy and life and love. And like, that's what this book is.” – Alison Hammer (23:37)
• “A romance bookstore called the HEA Boutique in...Iowa, issued a challenge...to see who could sell more copies of our book before pub day. It was literally a battle of the bookstores.” – Alison Hammer (24:45)

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction & About the Book: 05:51–07:19
• Bookstore Authenticity: 08:01–08:46
• Societal Commentary (Indies vs. Conglomerates): 08:46–10:09
• Writing Duo Process: 11:05–13:48
• Balancing Careers & Family: 15:00–16:49, 19:16–20:23
• Artists Against Antisemitism & Jewish Representation: 20:23–23:37
• Real-life Indie Bookstore Challenge: 24:07–25:09
• Future Projects & Wrap-Up: 25:20–26:10

Tone & Style

The episode reflects the authors’ warm camaraderie, humor, and deep affection for bookstores and the book community. Zibby’s questions are enthusiastic and personal, tying in her own experiences as a bookstore owner and Jewish community organizer. The conversation balances lighthearted banter with thoughtful discussion of the real-world issues at the heart of their novel.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a delightful peek behind the curtain for book lovers, indie bookstore advocates, aspiring co-authors, and fans of sparkling contemporary romance. Battle of the Bookstores is not just a fun rom-com—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the resilience of book culture in difficult times.