Episode Summary: Annabelle Monaghan Discusses "It's a Love Story"
In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes bestselling author Annabelle Monaghan to discuss her latest novel, "It's a Love Story." The conversation delves deep into the book's plot, themes, Annabelle's creative process, and her personal insights on love and family dynamics.
Introducing Annabelle Monaghan and Her Accomplishments
Timestamp: [02:34] – [03:15]
Zibby Owens introduces Annabelle Monaghan, highlighting her status as a USA TODAY Best Selling author and a member of the Library Reads Hall of Fame. Annabelle is celebrated for her previous works including Summer Romance, Same Time Next Summer, and Nora Goes Off Script. Her novels have been translated into 20 languages, underscoring her global appeal and influence in the romance genre.
Overview of "It's a Love Story"
Timestamp: [03:15] – [05:18]
Annabelle provides a compelling summary of her fourth novel, "It's a Love Story." The story centers on Jane Jackson, a former teen star who is striving to establish herself as a producer in Hollywood. As Jane is on the brink of having her first project greenlit, unforeseen challenges arise, leading her to tell a significant lie to buy time. Consequently, she must rely on Dan Finnegan, a man she despises, to salvage her project. Dan is portrayed as an identical twin with three other brothers, adding layers of complexity and humor to their interactions.
Notable Quote:
"It's a love story about a quieter kind of love where you fight and you come back and you fight and you come back. It's not just like all one big honeymoon the whole time."
— Annabelle Monaghan [25:00]
Themes of Family and Personal Growth
Timestamp: [05:18] – [06:54]
The discussion shifts to the dynamic family settings within the novel. Annabelle emphasizes the honesty and openness in large families, contrasting it with her own experiences in a smaller family unit. She articulates how silence and unspoken tensions can be more perilous than overt conflicts, highlighting the intricate emotional landscapes her characters navigate.
Notable Quote:
"Nothing's too serious because sometimes the really serious thing is the quiet thing that isn't."
— Annabelle Monaghan [05:44]
Exploring Jane Jackson’s Character Development
Timestamp: [06:54] – [07:57]
Annabelle delves into Jane's personal journey, illustrating her struggles with self-awareness and identity. Jane's background as a child star who was often made fun of leaves her as an adult who is still trying to figure out who she is. This internal conflict drives much of the novel's emotional depth, as Jane grapples with her past and strives to define her future.
Notable Quote:
"I wanted to write about somebody who was trying to figure out as an adult what all the stuff she should have figured out when she was 15."
— Annabelle Monaghan [07:30]
Debating "The Notebook" Within the Novel
Timestamp: [07:57] – [09:05]
A particularly engaging moment arises when Annabelle and Zibby discuss the classic romance film "The Notebook." In the novel, Jane and Dan have differing opinions on the movie, sparking a humorous and relatable debate. Annabelle shares her personal affection for the film, emphasizing the importance of genuine, everyday expressions of love over grand romantic gestures.
Notable Quote:
"Real love is not like it is in that Tiffany ad where she's in her best dress and he's in a tux hiding a blue box behind his back. That has literally never happened to me in my life."
— Annabelle Monaghan [10:55]
Annabelle’s Writing Process and Challenges
Timestamp: [16:00] – [19:11]
Annabelle opens up about her rigorous writing process, revealing that "It's a Love Story" went through twelve drafts. She admits to frequently deleting substantial portions of her work to ensure the story aligns with her vision. This iterative process, though daunting, allows her to excavate deeper layers of her characters and narrative.
Notable Quote:
"I've written this book 12 times. The first three drafts were so far away from where it ended up."
— Annabelle Monaghan [16:07]
She also shares insights into managing her prolific writing schedule, balancing the creation of new material with the necessary revisions. Annabelle expresses a passion for writing, likening it to solving a complex crossword puzzle, which keeps her motivated despite the challenges.
Reflecting on Social Media and Personal Growth
Timestamp: [19:40] – [22:44]
The conversation transitions to the impact of social media on personal self-esteem. Annabelle discusses how platforms like Instagram can create feelings of inadequacy by showcasing others' seemingly perfect lives. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual progress and the superficial nature of online portrayals.
Notable Quote:
"With Instagram showing the highlight reel and everybody's best hair day every single day, it's easy to just lose track of where we are in the world and how much we've done."
— Annabelle Monaghan [20:22]
She further reflects on aging gracefully, sharing a positive outlook on entering her fifties. Annabelle highlights the shift in perspective that comes with age, where she focuses more on personal happiness and meaningful relationships rather than societal expectations.
Favorite Love Stories and Personal Influences
Timestamp: [27:10] – [27:38]
When asked about her favorite love story, Annabelle names "Love Story" by Erich Segal as her top choice. She admires its raw portrayal of love and the profound emotional connection between the characters, which resonates deeply with her own writing style and thematic focus.
Notable Quote:
"There's something so raw about that story."
— Annabelle Monaghan [27:14]
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events and Future Projects
Timestamp: [26:15] – [27:57]
Annabelle shares exciting news about her upcoming book tour stop in Los Angeles, set for June 1. She expresses enthusiasm about engaging with her readers and the community, particularly highlighting the familial atmosphere of her events.
Additionally, she touches upon her future writing projects, hinting at a potential screenplay inspired by her novel's themes. Although undecided, Annabelle remains open to exploring different mediums to expand her storytelling repertoire.
Conclusion
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a deep dive into Annabelle Monaghan's creative mind and the heartfelt narratives she crafts. Through her candid discussions on love, family, and personal growth, Annabelle provides listeners with both entertaining and thought-provoking insights. Whether you're a fan of her work or new to her novels, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricacies of storytelling and character development.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- "Real love is not like it is in that Tiffany ad..." — Annabelle Monaghan [10:55]
- "I've written this book 12 times..." — Annabelle Monaghan [16:07]
- "With Instagram showing the highlight reel..." — Annabelle Monaghan [20:22]
- "There's something so raw about that story." — Annabelle Monaghan [27:14]
Connect with Annabelle Monaghan:
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