Podcast Summary: "Romantic Friction" with Lori Gold on Totally Booked with Zibby
Podcast Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
Episode: Lori Gold, Romantic Friction
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes bestselling author Lori Gold to discuss her latest novel, Romantic Friction. The conversation delves deep into the intricacies of the publishing world, the challenges authors face, and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in writing.
Guest Introduction: Lori Gold
Zibby Owens introduces Lori Gold as a multifaceted author known for her foray into romantic fiction, historical narratives, and young adult (YA) novels. Residing just outside Boston, Lori not only crafts compelling stories but also fosters a vibrant writing community through her creative writing classes, book coaching, and writing retreats.
Exploring Romantic Friction
Plot Overview: Romantic Friction centers around Sophie Wilde, a bestselling romantasy author who is navigating the zenith of her career. Sophie discovers that another author has been using AI to emulate her unique writing style. Contrary to expectations, the AI-generated author's work is celebrated, leading to unexpected tensions within the literary community.
Key Themes:
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Ambition and Insecurity in Authorship:
- Lori articulates the duality of ambition in the writing realm, noting, “If you're going to pursue publication in any form, you have to be as arrogant as you are insecure” (08:00). This balance drives authors to refine their craft while maintaining the confidence to push boundaries.
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Behind-the-Scenes of Publishing:
- The novel offers a satirical yet insightful peek into the publishing industry. Lori mentions, “I wanted to show the behind the scenes... but I also wanted enough for everybody” (13:27), blending mystery and industry critique seamlessly.
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Impact of AI on Creativity:
- The AI subplot serves as a catalyst for discussions on authenticity and the future of writing. Sophie’s struggle with AI-generated content mirrors real-world anxieties about technology's encroachment into creative fields.
Notable Quote: Zibby praises the book’s humor and realistic portrayal of the publishing world, stating, “Every paragraph has like another 12 things about the publishing world and the author life... everything is so on target and so funny” (03:08).
Lori Gold’s Journey as an Author
Transition from Journalism to Fiction: Lori recounts her evolution from a journalism major working on newspapers to embracing creative writing. She shares, “I ate a lot of crow because it was not that easy... three years later, I had the equivalent of a manuscript that was over 200,000 words” (10:31).
From YA to Book Club Fiction: Starting with YA novels, Lori expanded her repertoire to include historical fiction, inspired by Hamilton. This transition highlights her versatility and passion for diverse storytelling genres.
Building a Writing Career: Persistence played a crucial role in Lori’s success. After initial setbacks with her manuscript, she refined her craft, leading to her first published novel, Gin, and subsequent works that established her presence in the literary scene.
AI and the Future of Writing
Ethical and Creative Implications: The discussion shifts to the looming presence of AI in writing. Lori raises pertinent questions: “What makes something created by a human or not? Is it the intention?” (20:58). She explores the fine line between human creativity and machine efficiency.
Potential Risks: Lori expresses concerns about AI-generated content undermining the value of human-authored work. She muses, “If readers could get another Lori Gold book or another Zibby Owens book in a month... it's like, do we value just the entertainment or do we value the creator behind it?” (23:55).
Advocating for Dialogue: Emphasizing the need for proactive conversations, Lori states, “We need to have these conversations and start setting the parameters because it's here and people will use it as much as we say you shouldn't” (24:05). She advocates for establishing boundaries and ethical guidelines to navigate AI’s integration into writing.
Notable Quote: Reflecting on the inevitability of AI advancements, Lori asserts, “It's the future that's coming, and I think if we ignore it, we're going to be going down a tough road” (21:39).
Life Beyond Writing
Balancing Multiple Roles: Lori shares insights into her daily life, balancing writing with teaching, book coaching, and leading writing retreats. She emphasizes the importance of structured goal-setting to manage her numerous projects and responsibilities effectively.
Creative Process: Incorporating activities like beach walks aids Lori’s creative process, allowing her ideas to flow organically. “I'm really good about setting writing goals, so I figure out how long. If I want this book done by September, what do I have to write every week to hit that goal” (25:22).
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Lori is excited about her forthcoming book with HarperCollins, set to release in April of the following year. This new work continues to explore themes of ambition and female friendship, with a speculative twist, further solidifying her presence in the book club fiction genre.
Personal Touches and Reflections
Embracing Natural Changes: Lori candidly discusses her decision to embrace her natural gray hair, sharing a heartfelt reflection: “I'm the only one who appreciates it now, but I’ve decided to go with it” (29:27). This personal anecdote underscores her authenticity and willingness to adapt.
Reading Preferences: Her literary tastes include authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Leah Moriarty, and Sally Hepworth, with a penchant for books that blend humor with substantive themes. This eclectic mix influences her own writing style, melding humor with poignant storytelling.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Zibby commending Lori for her insightful exploration of the publishing industry and the nuanced portrayal of an author’s life. Lori’s Romantic Friction not only entertains but also prompts essential conversations about the future of writing in an AI-driven landscape.
Final Notable Quote: Zibby encapsulates the essence of the discussion, stating, “Romantic Friction... such an unmasking of the industry mixed with fun plot and just like, how do we get through life and how do we just roll with it when things don't go our way” (31:33).
Stay Connected:
For more insights and updates from Lori Gold, visit her website and follow her on Instagram @lorigoldauthor.
This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode, capturing the depth of discussion between Zibby Owens and Lori Gold. Whether you're a fan of Lori's work or intrigued by the intersection of AI and creative writing, this episode offers valuable perspectives and engaging narratives.