Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Christine Pride on "All the Men I've Loved Again: A Novel"
Introduction to Christine Pride
In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes back Christine Pride, a distinguished writer, editor, and seasoned publishing veteran. Christine brings a wealth of experience from her editorial roles at prominent trade imprints such as Doubleday, Broadway Crown, Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster. With a knack for nurturing inspirational stories and memoirs, Christine has been instrumental in publishing numerous New York Times bestsellers. As a freelance editorial consultant, she continues to shape literary voices through editing, proposal development, teaching, and coaching. Living in New York City, Christine offers invaluable insights into the literary world and shares her latest work, "All the Men I've Loved Again: A Novel".
Embarking on a Solo Journey
Zibby opens the conversation by congratulating Christine on her solo novel, noting her previous collaborations with Joe Piazza. Christine reflects on the transition, saying, "It feels good. It feels so different. It feels like different evolutions, I guess, or different steps of becoming a writer. But it's different in its own ways" [(04:04)]. She expresses a sense of fulfillment in tackling a solo project while still cherishing her collaborative efforts with Joe. This evolution marks a significant step in her writing career, showcasing her versatility and growth as an author.
Plot and Character Development
Christine delves into the heart of her novel, outlining the story of Cora, a woman who dates the same two men in her 20s and reunites with them in her 40s. "It's about a woman named Cora, and she dates the same two men in her 20s and then reunites with them and dates the same two men in her 40s" [(05:16)]. This dual-timeline narrative explores Cora's emotional turmoil and her journey to follow her heart during two pivotal periods in her life. The characters Lincoln and Aaron represent distinct facets of Cora’s romantic life, each bringing out different aspects of her personality and growth.
Zibby shares her enthusiasm for the book's camaraderie, noting, "It feels like I've just spent a lot of time with friends" [(04:28)]. Christine emphasizes the importance of creating relatable and multidimensional characters, ensuring that both men in Cora's life are "viable, alluring, you know, great quality guys" [(07:33)]. This balanced portrayal allows readers to root for both characters, reflecting the complexity of real-life relationships.
Exploring Deep Emotional Themes
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the emotional depth of the novel, particularly Cora’s relationship with her father. Christine reveals, "The single dad thing was important to me because we don't actually see that very often" [(08:35)]. She draws from her personal experience of a close relationship with her father, who recently passed away, to craft a heartfelt and authentic bond between Cora and her dad in the narrative. This relationship serves as a cornerstone of the novel, highlighting themes of love, loss, and the profound impact of early relationships on one’s romantic life.
Christine shares a poignant moment from her personal life: "He actually died six months ago... I'm so close to. To my own father, who actually died six months ago" [(09:05)]. This real-life loss infused the novel with genuine emotion, allowing readers to connect deeply with Cora’s struggles and triumphs.
The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges
Zibby and Christine discuss the intricacies of the writing process, particularly the balance between creativity and perfectionism. Christine admits, "I have to fight my perfectionist tendencies... to always want a first draft to be perfect, which is completely impossible" [(20:10)]. Drawing from her extensive editorial background, she emphasizes the importance of "just getting the words out without worrying about them, editing them too much in that process" [(20:10)]. This approach enables her to maintain momentum and authenticity in her storytelling.
Christine also touches on the emotional labor involved in writing, stating, "The emotional aspect of writing a book does not get easier" [(21:32)]. Each project brings its unique challenges and emotional depths, making the act of writing both a therapeutic and demanding endeavor.
Themes of Friendship and Personal Growth
The novel not only delves into romantic relationships but also highlights the significance of friendship. Christine explains, "Friendship is such a big part of my life... that's why that bubbles up so much as a theme, really, in all of my books" [(25:00)]. In "All the Men I've Loved Again", Cora's friendships play a crucial role in her personal growth and relationship dynamics. This dual focus on love and friendship enriches the narrative, offering a holistic view of Cora’s life and relationships.
Future Projects and Creative Aspirations
Looking ahead, Christine shares her excitement for upcoming projects. "Joe and I are writing a third book together... and I'm noodling on another novel" [(23:40)]. Her enthusiasm for new ideas underscores her commitment to storytelling and continuous creative exploration. This forward-looking perspective hints at more engaging and heartfelt stories on the horizon for her audience.
Personal Interests and Work-Life Balance
Christine also reveals her personal interests, which provide a glimpse into her life beyond writing. "TV is a big vice of mine... Finding a really good TV show to lose myself in is great" [(24:38)]. This pastime serves as a relaxing escape from her intensive writing and editing work. Additionally, her dedication to fitness and maintaining strong friendships highlights her balanced approach to life, which in turn enriches her writing with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the conversation wraps up, Zibby commends Christine on her vibrant cover design and expresses excitement for her future endeavors. Christine echoes this enthusiasm, noting the abundance of great books slated for summer and encouraging listeners to dive into her work. "There are so many great books coming out this summer, so I'm just, like, excited to be one of many" [(26:20)].
Notable Quotes:
- "It feels so different. It feels like different evolutions... But it's different in its own ways." [(04:04)]
- "It's about a woman named Cora, and she dates the same two men in her 20s and then reunites with them and dates the same two men in her 40s." [(05:16)]
- "The single dad thing was important to me because we don't actually see that very often." [(08:35)]
- "I have to fight my perfectionist tendencies... to always want a first draft to be perfect, which is completely impossible." [(20:10)]
- "Friendship is such a big part of my life... that's why that bubbles up so much as a theme, really, in all of my books." [(25:00)]
Final Remarks: This episode offers an intimate look into Christine Pride’s latest novel and her journey as a writer navigating personal loss and creative expression. Listeners gain valuable insights into character development, emotional storytelling, and the challenges of balancing professional and personal life. Christine’s candid reflections and heartfelt discussions make this episode a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to explore the depths of contemporary fiction and the human experience.
For More Information: Visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens for updates on new episodes and book recommendations.