Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Julia DeVillers
Podcast Information:
- Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
- Host: Zibby Owens
- Episode: Julia DeVillers, Meet Me at Wonderland
- Release Date: June 20, 2025
Introduction of Julia DeVillers
In this heartfelt episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes bestselling author Julia DeVillers to discuss her latest work, Meet Me at Wonderland. Julia is renowned for her contributions to middle-grade and young adult (YA) literature, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Her previous works include the Disney Channel movie adaptation Read It and Weep and collaborative projects with her identical twin sister for the American Girl Dolls series.
Exploring Meet Me at Wonderland
Meet Me at Wonderland is a tween romantic comedy inspired by Julia's own high school experience working at Chuck E. Cheese. The story revolves around 14-year-old Coco Cooper, who takes on the role of Morty the Moose—the sweaty, stinky mascot of her family's amusement park, Wonderland. The narrative follows Coco's "rival to lover" journey with Henry Forrest, a new hire who initially seems unapproachable.
Key Plot Points:
- Coco Cooper's Struggles: Balancing her summer job while dealing with her mother's health issues and family pressures.
- Henry Forrest's Dilemma: An injury prevents him from continuing his soccer plans, leading him to work at Wonderland.
- Developing Relationship: From workplace rivalry to a blossoming friendship that hints at romance.
Notable Quote:
Julia DeVillers [05:27]: "It's a tween rom com and it's inspired by my high school job at Chuck E. Cheese… it's got that rivals to lovers dynamic."
Personal Inspirations and Real-Life Parallels
Julia shares that Meet Me at Wonderland is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, particularly her time working at Chuck E. Cheese. She recounts a "meet cute" moment similar to what's depicted in her book, where she accidentally reveals herself outside the costume, leading to an awkward yet memorable encounter with her coworker.
Key Insights:
- Authentic Representation: Julia emphasizes the sensory details of being in a mascot costume, bringing authenticity to her storytelling.
- Emotional Depth: The book not only explores lighthearted romance but also delves into family dynamics and personal growth.
Notable Quote:
Julia DeVillers [07:18]: "If you ever wanted to know what it was like to be in Chuck E. Cheese costume, I describe it in full sensory detail. I've never forgotten."
Overcoming Adversity: Julia's Battle with Cancer
One of the most poignant segments of the interview revolves around Julia's personal battle with anal cancer. Diagnosed on May 20, 2022, Julia shares her harrowing experience in the ICU and the challenges she faced during treatment.
Key Points:
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Julia was initially misdiagnosed with hemorrhoids, only to discover she had anal cancer—a rare and serious condition.
- Impact on Writing: Her illness and subsequent treatment significantly influenced her writing, leading her to explore more personal and emotional narratives.
- Healing Through Writing: Encouraged by friends, Julia took a memoir class which reignited her passion for writing and helped her process her trauma.
Notable Quotes:
Julia DeVillers [09:08]: "When I was in the ICU for five weeks, I had cancer and the treatment went really awry and my body shut down."
Julia DeVillers [21:16]: "I wrote an essay and it poured out of me in two days. And I wrote this essay, I read it to the class and it was about my experience."
Return to Writing and Creative Process
Post-recovery, Julia felt rejuvenated and returned to the literary world with renewed vigor. She discusses how her experiences shaped her approach to writing Meet Me at Wonderland, focusing on authentic voices and healthy relationships.
Key Insights:
- Dual Point of View: To capture both female and male perspectives, Julia incorporated a dual narrative, enhancing the story's depth.
- Focus Groups: Collaborating with teenagers, especially boys, ensured authenticity in character development and dialogue.
- Healthy Relationships: Julia intentionally crafted a romance that highlights mutual respect and personal growth, avoiding toxic dynamics.
Notable Quote:
Julia DeVillers [26:13]: "I wanted them both to come in with, you know, they have some family angst going on… and I wanted my readers to read what I think is a pretty healthy and aspirational relationship."
Contributions to I'm Being Jewish Now
Beyond her primary writing endeavors, Julia contributed to the anthology I'm Being Jewish Now. She shares her motivations for joining the project, drawing from her family's history and personal heritage.
Key Points:
- Family History: Julia's father is a Holocaust survivor, and her upbringing was influenced by the trauma and resilience associated with that legacy.
- Community and Solidarity: Participating in the anthology was a way for Julia to honor her heritage and support anti-antisemitism efforts.
- Networking and Collaboration: Engaging with fellow contributors at events fostered a sense of community and mutual support.
Notable Quote:
Julia DeVillers [28:24]: "It's beautiful, and we're going to have our first 'I'm Being Jewish Now' event coming up in Columbus soon… I really thought, I must be a part of that."
Final Reflections and Future Endeavors
As the interview concludes, Julia expresses her gratitude for the support she received during her difficult times and her excitement for the release of Meet Me at Wonderland. She highlights the book's ability to resonate with both teens and adults, offering nostalgia and relatable experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- Healing Through Creativity: Julia's journey underscores the therapeutic power of writing.
- Authenticity and Relatability: Her commitment to authentic storytelling ensures her work connects deeply with readers.
- Inspirational Message: Julia's story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for those facing similar struggles.
Notable Quote:
Julia DeVillers [31:40]: "I'm always happy now to share, hopefully give people hope, educate. And also, you know, I've got book recommendations from being in the hospital."
Conclusion
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an intimate glimpse into Julia DeVillers' life, her struggles, and her triumphant return to the literary world. Through Meet Me at Wonderland, Julia not only entertains but also inspires, blending personal experiences with universal themes of love, growth, and resilience.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the request, focusing solely on the substantive discussions between Zibby Owens and Julia DeVillers.