Podcast Summary: "Katie Sise, YOU MUST BE NEW HERE" on Totally Booked with Zibby

Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes bestselling author Katie Seiss to discuss her latest novel, "YOU MUST BE NEW HERE." Seiss, renowned for her captivating storytelling and complex characters, delves deep into the themes of female friendship, personal loss, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships within her newest work.

Discussion of "YOU MUST BE NEW HERE"

Zibby Owens opens the conversation by congratulating Katie on her new release and highlighting her impressive bibliography, which includes eight bestselling novels featured on prominent platforms like Good Morning America and the New York Post.

Katie Seiss provides an overview of her latest novel, emphasizing its focus on female friendship and the challenges that test these bonds. She describes the protagonist, Sloane, a former artist and devoted mother to her medically fragile daughter, Daisy, who navigates life post-divorce. The storyline intensifies with the mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder of Sloane's babysitter, Margaret, introducing a gripping suspense element.

"Sloane feels an amazing connection with her new neighbor, sparking a magnetic female friendship that quickly deepens. However, the tranquility is shattered when Margaret disappears and is found dead, propelling the story into a spiral of secrets and revelations." ([03:53])

Themes Explored

1. Female Friendship and Connection

Seiss highlights the romantic qualities of platonic female friendships in her novel, portraying how deep connections can evolve rapidly under certain circumstances.

"It's almost like a romance, but centered around friendship, where a switch slips, and you feel like you've known someone forever." ([03:53])

2. Personal Loss and Medical Challenges

Drawing from personal experiences, Seiss incorporates themes of medical fragility and loss, ensuring authentic representation of her characters' struggles.

"Daisy has primary pulmonary hypertension, a condition that I approached with sensitivity, inspired by the loss of my aunt and cousin." ([08:06])

3. Divorce and Family Dynamics

The novel delves into the complexities of divorce, showcasing how Sloane and her ex-husband, Dave, manage co-parenting their daughter amidst lingering emotions and unresolved tensions.

"Their divorce is portrayed with a slow unraveling, without clear reasons initially, adding depth to their relationship and the story." ([08:06])

Character Development

Sloane, the protagonist, is depicted as a loving mother grappling with life's unexpected challenges. Her relationship with Daisy adds emotional depth, portraying the relentless worries parents face when caring for a fragile child.

Clara, Margaret's perspective offers another layer, revealing the hidden struggles beneath a seemingly perfect life, highlighting the facade people often maintain.

Margaret, though a transient character, plays a pivotal role in the narrative, her disappearance serving as the catalyst for the unfolding mystery.

Writing Process and Inspiration

Seiss discusses her non-outline approach to writing, likening it to improvisational theater, where characters often surprise her, leading to unexpected plot twists.

"I'm not an outliner. I love to open my computer and see where the characters take the story, much like improv, where you say yes to everything and let the narrative flow organically." ([06:40])

This method allows for authentic and surprising twists, keeping both her and her readers engaged.

Personal Reflections and Motivations

Seiss opens up about her personal experiences with loss, which profoundly influence her writing. She emphasizes the importance of authentic representation of medical conditions and family dynamics, striving to portray them with sensitivity and realism.

"I wanted to accurately represent Daisy's condition, drawing from personal loss and the experiences of friends, ensuring that her portrayal is both respectful and true to life." ([08:06])

Her dedication to empathetic storytelling is evident, aiming to foster greater understanding and compassion among her readers.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Seiss shares insights into her upcoming projects, including a dual mystery that intertwines past and present narratives. Her passion for family dynamics and mystery storytelling continues to drive her creative endeavors.

"My next book involves a dual mystery that parallels past and present events, exploring family relationships and unraveling long-buried secrets." ([24:26])

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude between host and guest, with Zibby Owens expressing appreciation for Seiss's authentic narration and engaging storytelling. Seiss reiterates her commitment to creating entertaining and meaningful fiction, encouraging listeners to explore her latest work.

"I'm glad that the aspects of the book resonated authentically, and I hope readers find Sloane and Daisy's journey both entertaining and emotionally compelling." ([10:42])

Notable Quotes

• Katie Seiss ([03:53]): "It's almost like a romance, but centered around friendship, where a switch slips, and you feel like you've known someone forever."

• Katie Seiss ([06:40]): "I'm not an outliner. I love to open my computer and see where the characters take the story, much like improv."

• Katie Seiss ([08:06]): "I wanted to accurately represent Daisy's condition, drawing from personal loss and the experiences of friends."

• Katie Seiss ([24:26]): "My next book involves a dual mystery that parallels past and present events, exploring family relationships and unraveling long-buried secrets."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a deep dive into Katie Seiss's creative mind, exploring the intricate layers of her latest novel, "YOU MUST BE NEW HERE." Listeners gain valuable insights into Seiss's storytelling techniques, personal inspirations, and thematic focuses, making it a must-listen for fans of suspenseful, character-driven narratives.

For more information on Katie Seiss and her works, visit zibbymedia.com and follow her on Instagram at @katiessise.