Totally Booked with Zibby: Leslie Gray Streeter on "Family & Other Calamities"

Episode Release Date: June 16, 2025

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed journalist and author Leslie Gray Streeter to discuss her latest literary endeavor, the debut novel "Family & Other Calamities." This conversation delves deep into Leslie's journey from memoir writing to fiction, exploring themes of grief, regret, and the intricate dynamics of family relationships.

1. Introduction to Leslie Gray Streeter

Zibby begins by highlighting Leslie's impressive background:

Zibby Owens [02:40]: "Welcome, Leslie. I'm so excited you're here to talk about Family and Other Calamities, a novel. Congratulations."

Leslie graciously acknowledges the introduction, setting a warm tone for the discussion.

2. From Memoir to Novel: Transitioning Genres

Leslie reflects on her transition from writing "Black Widow," a memoir about her first year of widowhood after her husband Scott's passing, to her debut novel.

Leslie Gray Streeter [07:51]: "Black Widow was about the first year of my widowhood... It was my way of processing that. It was like therapy."

She emphasizes how writing served as a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to navigate her grief and share her experiences with others who have endured similar losses.

3. Exploring "Family & Other Calamities"

Zibby delves into the plot of Leslie's new novel, seeking insights into its storyline and characters.

Leslie Gray Streeter [07:59]: "This book is about a black female journalist who writes entertainment, moves to LA with her husband, who is a Jewish dude. He dies, and then something wacky happens..."

The novel follows the protagonist as she returns to Baltimore to bury her husband's ashes, only to confront a former friend turned nemesis who is making a movie about her story. This confrontation forces her to address unresolved family tensions and past decisions.

4. Themes of Regret and Decision-Making

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the novel's exploration of regret and the lasting impact of decisions made in one's youth.

Leslie Gray Streeter [09:20]: "So much of it is about regret and how you've told the story of your past for 20 years, 10 years."

She discusses how the protagonist grapples with decisions that have shaped her life, questioning whether revisiting these choices can lead to personal growth or merely reopening old wounds.

5. The Writing Process: From Non-Fiction to Fiction

Zibby is curious about Leslie's experience writing her first novel, given her background in journalism and memoir writing.

Leslie Gray Streeter [19:18]: "I don't want to be political. It was set in Panama... So now it's in New Orleans."

Leslie shares her creative process, from initial concepts to developing characters and settings. She highlights the freedom fiction offers, allowing her to craft scenarios and dialogues that differ from her reality-based writing.

6. Personal Reflections and Family Traditions

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Leslie discusses her late husband Scott and how he continues to influence her life.

Leslie Gray Streeter [24:11]: "If Scott could see me today, what would he think?"

She reminisces about Scott's joyful spirit and their shared traditions, including embracing Jewish customs with his family. This blend of cultures enriches her personal life and informs her storytelling.

7. Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Leslie hints at exciting projects in the pipeline, showcasing her versatility as a writer.

Leslie Gray Streeter [30:35]: "I have two things that I'm working on. One was set in New Orleans... and another is about backup singers solving a murder."

These projects underline her creative range, from family-centric dramas to humorous mysteries, promising diverse narratives for her readers.

8. Advice for Aspiring Authors

In a poignant segment, Leslie offers invaluable advice to budding writers, encouraging them to embrace their creativity and persist through challenges.

Leslie Gray Streeter [32:32]: "If you have words that you put to paper and you believe in them... You're a writer. Just keep going and write that dragon, make them higher, make them purple."

Her words inspire confidence, emphasizing that writing is accessible to everyone who is passionate about their stories.

Notable Quotes

• Leslie Gray Streeter [05:03]: "Nothing ever turns out the way you think it will with a book launch, never."

• Leslie Gray Streeter [12:06]: "You really can't judge yourself. That young woman, girl, really, in her 20s or 30s, did not have the information like you said."

• Leslie Gray Streeter [32:25]: "We're workshopping."

Conclusion

Zibby Owens wraps up the episode by celebrating Leslie's achievements and encouraging listeners to engage with her work.

Zibby Owens [33:41]: "Leslie, thank you so much for coming on. Congratulations on becoming a debut novelist. Very exciting, and we're wishing you all the best."

Listeners are invited to support Leslie by purchasing her book, which promises to be a compelling addition to her literary repertoire.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a profound exploration of Leslie Gray Streeter's literary journey, her insights into grief and healing, and the creative process behind her debut novel. For anyone interested in authentic storytelling that intertwines personal experiences with fictional narratives, this conversation is both inspiring and enlightening.