Podcast Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Episode: Cynthia Weiner, A Gorgeous Excitement: A Novel
Release Date: February 18, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Cynthia Weiner, the acclaimed author of A Gorgeous Excitement. Zibby praises Cynthia’s work, expressing her enthusiasm with, “I read every word, bated breath. Loved, loved, loved” (00:00).

2. Inspiration and Background of the Novel

Cynthia delves into the inspiration behind A Gorgeous Excitement, drawing from the infamous 1986 preppy murder in New York City. She explains, “The story is inspired... by the 1986 preppy murder in New York City when an 18-year-old Jennifer Levin was strangled to death in Central Park” (02:21). The novel is a work of fiction centered around Nina Jacobs, an insecure 18-year-old navigating her tumultuous summer in the Upper East Side.

3. Themes and Character Relationships

The conversation shifts to the novel’s thematic elements and character dynamics. Cynthia outlines three interweaving storylines: Nina’s pursuit of losing her virginity, her mother's struggle with depression and electroshock therapy, and Nina’s descent into cocaine use after befriending Stephanie. She states, “the story was about that kind of exhilaration... and the darker side of it, as exhilaration goes higher and higher” (06:48). Zibby highlights the novel’s cinematic quality, noting, “It's written in such a cinematic way” (04:03).

4. Personal Reflections and Connections

Both hosts reflect on their personal experiences related to the novel’s themes. Cynthia shares, “I grew up in that kind of world... I gave myself the middle name of Lifton, which was my mother's maiden name. But it didn't quite have the same cachet” (12:36), illustrating her feelings of being an outsider. Zibby relates by recounting her own experiences as one of few Jewish girls in her grade school, emphasizing the universal struggle of feeling separate and self-conscious during youth.

5. Writing Process and Challenges

Cynthia discusses the lengthy and challenging process of writing her novel. She reveals, “It took me about nine years... I didn't really know how to write a novel” (14:08). Cynthia emphasizes the evolution of her story, particularly how the identity of the victim changed during the writing process, which significantly altered the narrative’s direction.

6. Takeaways for Readers

When asked about the intended impact of her book, Cynthia emphasizes themes of listening and self-awareness. She mentions, “Nina sees things, and yet she justifies everything... that's one thing that I kind of did a lot when I was young” (16:00). She hopes readers will recognize the importance of self-listening and understanding the complexities of assertiveness and confidence in young women.

7. Current Reads and Recommendations

Cynthia shares her literary interests, expressing a preference for short stories and praising authors such as Joyce Carol Oates and Ottessa Moshfegh. She mentions, “I love young women writers who are sort of... very sympathetic voice” (17:30). Her recommendations include Play World by Adam Ross, Entitlement by Rumaan Alam, and Luster by Raven Leilani, among others.

8. Advice for Aspiring Authors

Cynthia offers heartfelt advice to budding writers, encouraging perseverance and the importance of a supportive audience. She advises, “Just go and sit there and... keep working at it” (18:42). Cynthia shares a personal anecdote about a friend’s encouragement, highlighting the value of writing for those who genuinely appreciate your voice rather than striving to please everyone.

9. Closing Thoughts

Zibby commends Cynthia’s storytelling prowess, remarking on the vividness and emotional depth of her characters: “This should be a play or a movie because it is so visual and so clear and emotional” (20:19). Cynthia reciprocates the praise, expressing her admiration for Zibby’s work and the impact of her own writing journey.

Notable Quotes

• Zibby Owens (00:00): “I read every word, bated breath. Loved, loved, loved.”
• Cynthia Weiner (02:21): “The story is inspired... by the 1986 preppy murder in New York City...”
• Cynthia Weiner (06:48): “the story was about that kind of exhilaration... and the darker side of it, as exhilaration goes higher and higher.”
• Cynthia Weiner (12:36): “I gave myself the middle name of Lifton... But it didn't quite have the same cachet.”
• Cynthia Weiner (16:00): “Nina sees things, and yet she justifies everything...”
• Cynthia Weiner (18:42): “Just go and sit there and... keep working at it.”
• Zibby Owens (20:19): “This should be a play or a movie because it is so visual and so clear and emotional.”

Conclusion

This episode offers a deep dive into Cynthia Weiner’s A Gorgeous Excitement, exploring its inspirations, themes, and the intricate process behind its creation. Through candid discussions, both hosts and guests reflect on personal experiences, literary influences, and the universal challenges of growing up and finding one’s voice. Aspiring authors gain valuable insights into the perseverance required in writing, while listeners are encouraged to empathize with the nuanced characters and their journeys.

For more information about Zibby Owens and her curated book selections, visit zibbymedia.com and follow her on Instagram @zibbyowens.

Timestamp Reference

• All timestamps correspond to points in the provided transcript where notable quotes or significant discussions occur.