Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Jojo Moyes on "We All Live Here"

Episode Details:

• Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
• Host: Zibby Owens
• Guest: Jojo Moyes
• Book Discussed: We All Live Here: A Novel by Jojo Moyes
• Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction and Guest Background

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes back the renowned author Jojo Moyes to discuss her latest novel, We All Live Here. Jojo Moyes, known for her bestselling works such as Me Before You and The Giver of Stars, has captivated millions with her heartfelt storytelling and complex characters. This marks her second appearance on the podcast, highlighting her significant contributions to contemporary literature.

Zibby Owens (00:00 - 01:46): Zibby begins by sharing a personal and heartfelt message about a recent fire in LA that destroyed several schools in the Pacific Palisades area. She is spearheading a fundraising effort to rebuild library collections for four affected schools, aiming to raise $800,000. Zibby emphasizes the community's role in supporting education and encourages listeners to donate through her platform.

Overview of "We All Live Here"

Jojo Moyes (02:02 - 03:07): Jojo provides a synopsis of We All Live Here, describing it as a tragicomedy centered around Lila, a single mother navigating family upheaval after her husband leaves her for a neighbor. The novel explores Lila's struggles with her stepfather moving in, her relationship with her two daughters, and the unexpected return of her estranged biological father, a former Hollywood actor.

Deep Dive into Characters and Themes

Character Development and Teenager's Perspective (03:07 - 05:49): Jojo delves into the nuanced portrayal of Celie, Lila's 16-year-old daughter, highlighting the impact of social exclusion and teenage angst. Celie's experience reflects real-life issues of bullying and the pressures of social media, resonating deeply with both Jojo and her listeners.

Notable Quote: "I wanted to show that we don't always know what's going on in other people's lives, even when we think we're really good at understanding people's motivations." – Jojo Moyes [03:57]

Jojo emphasizes the dual narrative approach, showcasing both Lila's and Celie's perspectives to illustrate the complexities of familial relationships and personal growth.

Writing Process and Personal Insights

Incorporating Personal Experiences (05:49 - 09:13): Jojo discusses how her own life experiences influence her writing. She shares anecdotes about her teenage years and the challenges of portraying authentic emotions and relationships in her characters. The inclusion of a Spanish soap opera within the novel adds a layer of cultural depth and personal significance, symbolizing Lila's quest for solace and empowerment.

Notable Quote: "I really love that you captured the unique brand of cruelty that happens at school age. It's so important to talk about." – Jojo Moyes [05:49]

Exploring Love and Relationships Across Ages (09:56 - 14:24): Jojo reflects on the evolving nature of love and relationships, drawing parallels between different age groups. She shares a poignant story about her father and a dying artist, illustrating that passion and vulnerability persist throughout life. This theme is central to the novel, showcasing that love and personal turmoil are timeless experiences.

Notable Quote: "Human life is messy, families are messier. And how we show up in our love lives and how we feel about people doesn't necessarily get any softer or easier." – Jojo Moyes [11:30]

Balancing Trauma with Humor

The Role of Comedy in Coping (17:47 - 20:46): Jojo explains her intention to infuse comedy into the novel as a coping mechanism for the characters and, by extension, for the readers. She believes humor provides a necessary respite from the overwhelming challenges of modern life, emphasizing that trauma mixed with humor reflects the true nature of human resilience.

Notable Quote: "Our brains need to have a little respite and laugh at something in order to cope with the bigger." – Jojo Moyes [18:29]

Jojo highlights scenes where characters use humor to navigate their struggles, demonstrating how laughter can coexist with pain and joy.

Creative Process and Future Projects

Character-Centric Writing (20:46 - 24:08): Jojo shares her love for character-driven narratives, explaining how We All Live Here allowed her to explore deep emotional landscapes without extensive research into historical or external settings. This focus on characters provides an intimate look into their lives and relationships.

Notable Quote: "When you let go of some stuff, it's amazing how you can refocus your energy." – Jojo Moyes [23:54]

Upcoming Projects and Film Adaptations (24:08 - 26:25): Jojo discusses her ventures into film and television, mentioning her work on adapting The Giver of Stars into a TV series. Despite the challenges posed by industry strikes, she remains optimistic about finding the right partners to bring her stories to the screen. She also hints at a new, slightly comedic project set in a picturesque European city, keeping details under wraps for future announcements.

Notable Quote: "I've never written something on such a small canvas before, and it was a lot of fun because what I really love writing about is character." – Jojo Moyes [25:27]

Conclusion and Reflections

Final Thoughts and Personal Messages (26:07 - End): In the closing moments, Zibby expresses her gratitude for Jojo Moyes’ insights and support, reminiscing about previous conversations that provided her with valuable advice. Jojo reciprocates the appreciation, reinforcing the sense of community and mutual respect between authors and their readers.

Notable Quote: "Thank you for buying the books." – Zibby Owens [26:40]

Key Takeaways:

• We All Live Here is a deeply personal and relatable novel that explores the complexities of modern family dynamics, personal struggles, and the enduring nature of love.
• Jojo Moyes masterfully balances themes of trauma and humor, providing readers with an authentic portrayal of life's messy realities.
• The novel emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathy, highlighting that everyone's battles are invisible from the outside.
• Jojo’s creative process is heavily influenced by her personal experiences, allowing her to create rich, character-driven stories that resonate with a wide audience.
• Future projects by Jojo Moyes include adaptations of her work for television, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “I wanted to show that we don't always know what's going on in other people's lives, even when we think we're really good at understanding people's motivations.” – Jojo Moyes [03:57]
• “Human life is messy, families are messier. And how we show up in our love lives and how we feel about people doesn't necessarily get any softer or easier.” – Jojo Moyes [11:30]
• “Our brains need to have a little respite and laugh at something in order to cope with the bigger.” – Jojo Moyes [18:29]
• “I've never written something on such a small canvas before, and it was a lot of fun because what I really love writing about is character.” – Jojo Moyes [25:27]

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a comprehensive look into Jojo Moyes' latest work, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the novel's themes, character development, and the author's creative process. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Jojo Moyes' literature, this conversation sheds light on the intricacies of crafting meaningful and impactful stories.