Summary of "Totally Booked with Zibby" Episode: "Karen Ducasse, WELCOME TO MURDER WEEK: A Novel"
Release Date: June 30, 2025
In this engaging episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby," host Zibby Owens welcomes back esteemed author Karen Ducasse to discuss her latest novel, "Welcome to Murder Week." With a rich background in journalism and literature, Karen delves deep into the inspiration, themes, and creative process behind her newest work, providing listeners with an intimate look into the making of a captivating mystery novel.
Author Background and Journey
Zibby Owens begins the conversation by reintroducing Karen Ducasse, highlighting her impressive resume which includes roles such as a newspaper reporter in Florida, a magazine publisher in Russia, and a speechwriter on gender equality for the United Nations. Holding a degree in Russian Studies from Brown University and a master’s in Journalism from Columbia University, Karen's diverse experiences have significantly influenced her writing.
Karen Ducasse reflects on her journey since her last appearance on the podcast in 2019, sharing the challenges she faced while writing her second book. She candidly discusses "second book syndrome" and the difficulties she encountered while crafting a novel set against the backdrop of Russia, especially during the politically tumultuous period following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"I think because of my experience writing that novel, I felt like, okay, if I'm doing another novel, I have to have fun. If I'm gonna spend a couple years writing a novel, it has to be just what I truly wanna do."
— Karen Ducasse [04:29]
Inspiration Behind "Welcome to Murder Week"
Shifting gears, Zibby delves into the heart of Karen's newest book. "Welcome to Murder Week" is inspired by Karen's personal adventures in the English countryside, particularly a memorable trip with her sister to the Peak District in England. This experience ignited her imagination, compelling her to create a story that blends mystery with personal growth.
Karen elaborates on the novel's premise, which follows Kath, a 34-year-old woman who inherits tickets to a week-long adventure in a quaint English village designed to solve a fake murder mystery. As Kath teams up with her eclectic cottage mates, Amity and Wyatt, they inadvertently uncover real mysteries tied to Kath's late mother.
"I wanted to write a book that's fun and captures the sort of joyous experience I had with my sister in England."
— Karen Ducasse [06:00]
Themes and Character Development
The discussion transitions to the novel's exploration of grief and personal narratives. Karen explains how Kath's journey is not just about solving a mystery but also about confronting and redefining her relationship with her past, especially her mother's abandonment.
Zibby Owens highlights the emotional depth of the story, noting how Kath grapples with feelings of abandonment and the complexities of unresolved grief.
"Grief can be even more difficult when it's not resolved. And that is sort of what this story... has an emotional heart to it."
— Karen Ducasse [16:00]
Karen emphasizes the importance of creating characters with rich backstories, particularly the role of grandparents in shaping Kath's life. Although Kath's grandmother is a subtle presence in the novel, her influence is profound, providing Kath with memories of unconditional love amidst familial turmoil.
Writing Process and Challenges
Karen candidly discusses the challenges she faced while writing "Welcome to Murder Week," contrasting it with her previous work. She shares insights into her writing routine, the liberation she felt after overcoming the setbacks of her second novel, and the joy of allowing creativity to flow without external pressures.
"I was really indulging myself in writing this novel. It was like, I'm not writing the novel I think I should write... I just felt like, I think it's funny, so I'm gonna hope other people did."
— Karen Ducasse [23:07]
Zibby and Karen also touch upon the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Karen believes that genuine passion for her story resonated with both her agent and readers, leading to a smoother publishing process despite initial uncertainties.
Future Projects and Continuations
Looking ahead, Karen teases her upcoming projects, hinting at a continuation of the characters introduced in "Welcome to Murder Week." She mentions that her next book will delve deeper into Amity's story, exploring her transformation post the events of the current novel.
"In the next book, it will really be Amity's story because she's changed in this one and she's going to change further."
— Karen Ducasse [19:44]
Karen expresses her excitement about expanding the universe of her characters, ensuring that each has their own unique arcs and growth, which keeps her storytelling vibrant and engaging.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Zibby praises Karen's ability to blend fun with profound emotional narratives, commending "Welcome to Murder Week" as a delightful yet thought-provoking read. Karen expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her work and looks forward to connecting with readers through future projects.
"It's never going to be really dark. Welcome to Murder Week."
— Karen Ducasse [25:34]
Notable Quotes:
- "Grief can be even more difficult when it's not resolved. And that is sort of what this story... has an emotional heart to it." — Karen Ducasse [16:00]
- "I was really indulging myself in writing this novel. It was like, I'm not writing the novel I think I should write... I just felt like, I think it's funny, so I'm gonna hope other people did." — Karen Ducasse [23:07]
- "Welcome to Murder Week." — Karen Ducasse [25:34]
Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Storytelling: Karen emphasizes writing from personal experiences and passions, which leads to more genuine and engaging narratives.
- Character Depth: The novel explores complex emotions and relationships, particularly focusing on unresolved grief and personal growth.
- Creative Freedom: Overcoming the challenges of her second book allowed Karen to embrace a more enjoyable and authentic writing process.
- Future Endeavors: Karen plans to expand her literary universe by continuing to develop her characters in subsequent works.
Final Thoughts:
This episode offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Karen Ducasse's "Welcome to Murder Week," highlighting the intricate balance between mystery and emotional depth. Listeners are treated to Karen's thoughtful reflections on writing, character development, and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or interested in the behind-the-scenes process of crafting a compelling story, this episode provides valuable perspectives and inspiration.