Episode Summary: "Jane Costello, IT'S GETTING HOT IN HERE: A Novel"
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Jane Costello
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Introduction to Jane Costello and Her Latest Novel
Timestamp: [00:44 – 01:40]
The episode kicks off with Zibby Owens introducing Jane Costello, the acclaimed British novelist behind the new novel It's Getting Hot In Here. Jane is recognized for her bestselling romantic comedies in the UK, with her work translated into 26 languages. She resides in Liverpool, England, with her husband and three sons. Zibby expresses her excitement about featuring Jane and her latest book, highlighting Jane's blend of humor and poignant storytelling.
Deep Dive into "It's Getting Hot In Here"
Timestamp: [02:09 – 11:10]
Plot and Characters: Jane Costello provides an in-depth overview of her novel, It's Getting Hot In Here, describing it as a romantic comedy centered around Lisa Darling, a single mother in her 40s. Lisa is a TV executive navigating the challenges of perimenopause, managing a demanding to-do list, and raising two sons, including a "delightfully difficult teenager."
Key Themes: The novel explores midlife struggles, professional challenges, and the complexities of forming new romantic relationships. The story begins with Lisa supporting her best friend Rose through breast cancer treatment, only to have Rose's replacement, Zach Russo, disrupt her professional and personal life. Their chemistry leads to a "steamy and ill-advised clinch" after a night of overindulgence, setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship.
Notable Quotes:
- Jane: "It's a rom com. Very much a rom com. Hopefully it'll make you laugh, but I think it's also a portrait of what it's like to be a midlife woman in the 21st century." [04:24]
- Jane: "She does not have an easy time of it, but I just wanted... this is a time in my life I'm not... never having my fingers burned ever, ever again." [05:56]
Representation of Midlife Women: Zibby praises Jane for her authentic portrayal of women in their 40s, emphasizing that the novel celebrates midlife as a vibrant and multifaceted stage of life. Jane echoes this sentiment, aiming to depict midlife as a time of continued growth, enduring friendships, and the possibility of love, challenging the notion that romantic pursuits are limited to younger women.
Jane Costello’s Writing Journey and Pseudonym
Timestamp: [13:58 – 25:21]
Early Career and Pseudonym Use: Jane recounts her transition from journalism to novel writing. Initially writing as Jane Costello, she focused on romantic comedies targeting women in their 20s. However, upon reaching her 40s, she felt a disconnect in writing relatable content for her own life stage. This led her to adopt the pseudonym Katherine Isaac to explore deeper and more complex themes in her novels, such as serious health issues intertwined with love stories.
Breakthrough and International Success: Her novel You, Me, Everything under the name Katherine Isaac achieved international acclaim, being translated into 26 languages. Despite her success in the UK, these books weren't initially published in the US due to agents' focus and market trends. The pandemic, however, provided an opportunity to introduce her earlier work to an American audience.
Notable Quotes:
- Jane: "I've always been a planner... trying to make sure that every storyline makes sense, is building excitement, is making the pages turn." [28:51]
- Jane: "This is a celebration of midlife woman." [27:03]
Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors
Timestamp: [25:21 – 33:07]
"40 Love" – A New Chapter: Jane shares her plans for a forthcoming project titled 40 Love. Unlike her previous works, this book isn't a direct sequel but is set in the same universe, focusing on a new character — Jeff’s sister from It's Getting Hot In Here. The novel delves into themes of rediscovery, sports, and camaraderie, aiming to resonate with a broad audience regardless of their interest in tennis.
Writing Process and Routine: Jane emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning in her writing process. She structures her days to dedicate mornings solely to writing, utilizing a focus app to maintain discipline. Her method involves writing in hour-long focused sessions, allowing for breaks and maintaining productivity without succumbing to distractions. Jane highlights the necessity of planning to navigate the complexities of storytelling and to prevent creative stagnation.
Balancing Creativity and Production: Discussing the challenges of writing multiple novels, Jane reflects on maintaining consistency and quality across her works. She acknowledges the difficulties of avoiding repetitive themes while ensuring each book offers something fresh and engaging to her readers.
Notable Quotes:
- Jane: "There's nothing worse when you just feel like you're... you don't have the answer." [28:51]
- Zibby: "If anyone is going to come up with a clever name for midlife, it should be you, Jane." [11:43]
- Jane: "It's a bit of a reflection of that." [11:10]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [32:58 – 33:07]
Zibby Owens wraps up the episode by expressing her admiration for Jane's work and her anticipation for the release of It's Getting Hot In Here. She underscores the book's ability to provide laughter, relatability, and an escape for readers, encapsulating the essence of what a great book should offer. Jane reciprocates the gratitude, looking forward to readers discovering and enjoying her novel.
Key Takeaways:
- It's Getting Hot In Here offers a humorous and heartfelt exploration of midlife challenges and the enduring possibility of love.
- Jane Costello’s transition from writing about young women to focusing on those in their 40s marks a significant evolution in her storytelling, adding depth and relatability.
- Her disciplined writing routine and emphasis on planning contribute to her prolific output and consistent quality.
- The upcoming novel, 40 Love, promises to continue celebrating midlife experiences with fresh narratives and engaging characters.
This episode provides valuable insights into Jane Costello's writing journey, her dedication to portraying authentic midlife experiences, and her commitment to crafting stories that resonate with a mature audience. Through her candid conversation with Zibby Owens, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of creating relatable and entertaining romantic comedies.