Podcast Summary: "Alice Feeney on 'Beautiful Ugly' – Totally Booked with Zibby"

Episode Details:

• Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
• Host: Zibby Owens
• Guest: Alice Feeney
• Episode Title: Alice Feeney, BEAUTIFUL UGLY
• Release Date: January 14, 2025

I. Introduction to Alice Feeney and "Beautiful Ugly"

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes the acclaimed author Alice Feeney. Known for her bestselling novels such as Sometimes I Lie and Good Bad Girl, Feeney introduces her latest work, Beautiful Ugly. As Zibby highlights Alice's impressive credentials, including her books being translated into over 25 languages and optioned for major screen adaptations, the stage is set for an insightful conversation about her newest literary endeavor.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([00:45]): "I loved this book. I underlined like a thousand sentences."

II. Exploring the Plot and Themes of "Beautiful Ugly"

Alice Feeney delves deep into the narrative of Beautiful Ugly, presenting a gripping tale centered around Grady Green, an author awaiting the confirmation that his latest book has become a New York Times bestseller. This moment of potential triumph becomes the catalyst for a harrowing event: Grady's wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears following a road incident. A year later, still grappling with grief, Grady travels to a secluded Scottish island to regain his footing, where he encounters a woman resembling his missing spouse.

Key Plot Points:

• Grady Green's anticipation of his book becoming a bestseller.
• The sudden disappearance of his wife, Abby.
• Grady's journey to a Scottish island seeking solace and answers.
• The eerie encounter with a woman who mirrors Abby.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([01:51]): "So we follow Grady's journey and we try to find out the truth about what really happened to his wife, Abby."

III. The Craft of Writing: Process and Creativity

Zibby Owens expresses admiration for Feeney's imaginative creation of the island community in Beautiful Ugly, noting elements like the absence of birds and the intricate web of character relationships. Alice shares her meticulous writing process, which begins with extensive planning and character development. Unlike authors who thrive in spontaneous writing environments like cafes, Feeney prefers the solitude of her countryside cottage, emphasizing the necessity of a quiet space to craft her intricate narratives.

Writing Process Highlights:

• Idea inception during the early hours of the morning.
• Comprehensive plotting using character and chapter cards.
• Balancing structured planning with organic plot developments.
• The importance of a silent environment for concentration.

Notable Quotes:

• Zibby Owens ([03:16]): "Your imagination is amazing...this is such a feat of imagination."
• Alice Feeney ([04:10]): "Every character has their own cards, every chapter has their own cards. I mark where my twists are."

IV. Delving into Grief and Emotional Depth

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the theme of grief in Beautiful Ugly. Alice candidly shares her perspectives on loss, describing how it leaves an enduring void. She articulates the importance of portraying grief authentically, highlighting that it doesn't dissipate over time but rather evolves. This emotional realism is intended to resonate deeply with readers who have experienced similar losses, offering them a mirror to their own feelings and an understanding that it's okay to not be okay, even years after a loss.

Themes Discussed:

• The persistent nature of grief.
• Grady's struggle with loss and its impact on his life and creativity.
• The universal experience of losing someone significant, whether a family member, friend, or pet.
• The therapeutic aspect of writing about personal traumas.

Notable Quotes:

• Alice Feeney ([19:06]): "When you lose someone you love, you lose a part of yourself."
• Alice Feeney ([20:46]): "Grief is never good."

V. Character Development and Social Commentary

Feeney emphasizes her aim to portray complex characters who defy initial impressions, challenging readers to reassess their judgments. She touches upon societal issues such as the abuse of women, reflecting a broader commentary on contemporary struggles. By intertwining personal and societal conflicts within her narratives, Feeney crafts stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Key Discussion Points:

• Creating multifaceted characters with hidden depths.
• Addressing themes like abuse and the quest for personal control.
• Reflecting societal frustrations and the desire for peaceful, fear-free lives.
• Balancing suspense with meaningful social commentary.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([22:54]): "We are living in very dark times...people have just had enough."

VI. Future Works and Authorial Legacy

Towards the episode's conclusion, Alice hints at her upcoming projects, expressing a desire to outdo herself with more twists and intricate plots. She contemplates her legacy, hoping her work offers readers both an exhilarating escape and a reflective mirror to their own lives. Feeney aspires for her stories to be remembered as thrilling yet emotionally resonant narratives that leave a lasting impact on her audience.

Future Projects:

• Preparation for her next book, aiming for even more complex twists.
• Ongoing development of Sometimes I Lie as a Netflix series.
• Continuous exploration of deep emotional and psychological themes in her writing.

Legacy Aspirations:

• Providing readers with a memorable and enjoyable literary journey.
• Encouraging introspection and a reevaluation of personal views through fiction.
• Maintaining a reputation for crafting suspenseful, emotionally rich stories.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([26:54]): "I always just want my readers to enjoy the ride...to offer them this escape."

VII. Personal Reflections and Writing Environment

Alice shares intimate details about her writing environment, emphasizing the importance of solitude and silence. Located in a quiet 16th-century cottage surrounded by fields and wildlife, her workspace is a sanctuary that fosters creativity and focus. This setting contrasts sharply with the bustling environments preferred by some of her peers, highlighting her unique approach to crafting her novels.

Personal Insights:

• The necessity of a peaceful environment for deep concentration.
• The influence of her surroundings on her writing process.
• Balancing personal life with the demands of prolific writing.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([28:00]): "I need quiet. I have to have everything being very silent in order to go down the rabbit hole."

VIII. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt congratulations and mutual appreciation between Zibby Owens and Alice Feeney. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in crafting a suspense-filled, emotionally charged novel like Beautiful Ugly. Feeney's dedication to exploring deep themes through her storytelling promises an engaging read that balances thrilling twists with genuine emotional resonance.

Final Thoughts:

• Beautiful Ugly is poised to be a standout addition to Alice Feeney's bibliography.
• The conversation offers valuable insights into the mind of a bestselling author.
• Encouragement for listeners to explore Feeney's work for a rich literary experience.

Notable Quote:

• Alice Feeney ([29:22]): "I wanted you to have everything being very silent in order to go down the rabbit hole."

For those intrigued by Alice Feeney's exploration of grief, suspense, and intricate character dynamics, Beautiful Ugly is a must-read. Stay tuned to Totally Booked with Zibby for more in-depth conversations with your favorite authors.