Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby
Episode: Meredith Turits, Just Want You Here
Release Date: April 3, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Meredith Turits, the acclaimed author of Just Want You Here. The conversation delves deep into Meredith's latest work, exploring themes of love, desire, and personal growth. Meredith shares insights into her writing process, the inspirations behind her novel, and offers valuable advice for aspiring authors.
Overview of Just Want You Here
Meredith Turits introduces her novel as a "second chance coming of age story" centered around Ari, a 28-year-old woman navigating life after her long-term engagement is abruptly ended. The story follows Ari's tumultuous journey as she relocates to Boston, enters an affair with her new boss, and becomes entwined with his wife. Meredith describes the narrative as an exploration of self-discovery, desire, and the complexities of love.
“It's about finding yourself, trying to do as little harm as possible and looking at desire and love and kind of what we do to find ourselves in that.”
— Meredith Turits [03:54]
Writing Process and Challenges
Meredith recounts the arduous decade-long journey of writing her previous book, which ultimately did not see publication due to market mismatch. This setback, however, fueled her determination to create Just Want You Here, which came together remarkably in six months. She attributes this success to a newfound writing groove and the supportive environment of the Yale Writers Workshop.
“My writing process is very absorptive. It's pretty manic. I don't sleep when I'm writing. And I just got into this groove that I never had with the book before.”
— Meredith Turits [06:19]
Meredith emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability in writing, noting that the experience with her first book was instrumental in shaping her approach to her second novel.
Character Development and Personal Experiences
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on character development, particularly Ari's struggles and growth. Meredith highlights the authenticity of Ari's emotions and decisions, making her a sympathetic and relatable protagonist despite her flaws.
“I think you have to really think about your life in a different way and take chances and kind of cross your fingers that they work out.”
— Meredith Turits [05:21]
Meredith also draws from personal experiences to enrich her storytelling. She shares how her mother's accident inspired key scenes in the book, ensuring that the medical aspects felt genuine and impactful.
“My mother fell down our front steps on Christmas Eve...that was taken from personal experience.”
— Meredith Turits [17:40]
Balancing Journalism and Fiction Writing
Meredith discusses her dual career in sports business journalism and fiction writing, highlighting how each discipline informs the other. She describes journalism as "a different part of my brain," allowing her to switch between factual reporting and creative storytelling seamlessly.
“Anything you put on the page, anytime you spend time with your writing or even anybody else's writing, you are constantly learning.”
— Meredith Turits [19:40]
This balance not only keeps her writing fresh but also hones her ability to craft compelling narratives grounded in reality.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Meredith offers heartfelt advice to writers, stressing the importance of self-reflection and authenticity. She cites Meg Wolitzer's guidance on ensuring that every part of the manuscript engages the reader, emphasizing that if she skips a line, readers likely will too.
“If you are reading back your work and you skip something on the page, the reader is going to do it, too.”
— Meredith Turits [22:12]
She encourages authors to stay true to their creative instincts and to be honest with themselves during the writing process, ensuring that their work resonates deeply.
Book Recommendations and Literary Influences
Meredith shares her literary favorites, including Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and works by Sally Rooney and Elissa Dolan. These selections reflect her appreciation for nuanced character development and the exploration of complex emotional landscapes, which similarly influence her own writing.
“I think there's a lot to learn from those books. To make people care about a character, even if not a lot happens.”
— Meredith Turits [24:42]
Her recommendations serve as both inspiration and a guide for writers aiming to create compelling, relatable characters.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Meredith expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss her work and the support she has received from her editor, Carmen Johnson. Zibby Owens thanks her guest, reiterating congratulations on her latest publication. Listeners are encouraged to check out Just Want You Here and support Meredith Turits' literary endeavors.
“Thank you for listening to Totally Booked with Zibby... And go buy the books!!”
— Zibby Owens [26:10]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a profound look into Meredith Turits' creative journey, the heartfelt themes of her novel, and practical advice for writers. With rich discussions and personal anecdotes, it serves as both an inspiration and a valuable resource for literature enthusiasts and aspiring authors alike.