Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode featuring Morgan Pager on "THE ART OF VANISHING: A Novel"

Release Date: July 2, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Morgan Pager, the author of her debut novel, "The Art of Vanishing." The conversation delves into Morgan's journey from a social media influencer to a published author, the inspiration behind her novel, and her insights into the writing process. Throughout the episode, Morgan shares personal anecdotes, creative challenges, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.

Guest Bio: Morgan Pager

Morgan Pager is a multifaceted professional, currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Social Media at Atria Books. She is also renowned for her content creation under the moniker YCBookGirl, a popular platform that she launched in 2017. A Duke University alumna, Morgan resides on the Upper West Side with her husband and their cat. Her passion for books and storytelling culminated in the creation of her first novel, "The Art of Vanishing."

Notable Quote:
"Books are my career, my hobby, and my passion."
— Morgan Pager [02:41]

From YCBookGirl to Authorship

Morgan recounts her inception of NYC Book Girl amidst her role as an assistant to a Broadway producer. Seeking a creative outlet, she ventured into the world of Bookstagram, initially driven by the practicality of receiving free books from publishers. What began as spontaneous iPhone photography quickly evolved into a thriving community, connecting her with fellow influencers, marketers, publishers, and avid readers.

Notable Quote:
"I've been doing it for eight years now and it's taken over completely. I now work in publishing and this is my first novel."
— Morgan Pager [04:25]

Deciding to Write a Novel

Zibby inquires about Morgan's transition from a social media influencer to an author. Morgan reveals that her love for storytelling was intrinsic from childhood, intertwined with her voracious reading habits. While she dabbled in creative writing through personal essays and blog posts, it wasn't until the pandemic lockdowns that she took writing more seriously. Joining a virtual writing group ignited the spark for "The Art of Vanishing," a novel she could outline with a clear beginning and end, setting it apart from her previous endeavors.

Notable Quote:
"I felt like Claire has things in her life that have forced her to grow up faster than others."
— Morgan Pager [10:53]

Exploring "The Art of Vanishing"

"The Art of Vanishing" is set in an art museum and revolves around Claire, a new museum employee who discovers her magical ability to step through the frames of paintings into their settings. This gift leads her into an improbable romance with Jean Matisse, a subject of one of the museum's paintings. Their relationship unfolds amidst various challenges both within and outside the museum, forcing Claire to choose between different versions of reality.

The novel intricately blends magical realism with real-world emotions, addressing themes of responsibility, self-worth, and the longing for escapism. Morgan emphasizes that while the premise is fantastical, the underlying emotions are deeply rooted in reality, making the story relatable to readers.

Notable Quote:
"Even in a place like this, where it feels like there's nothing but time."
— Zibby Owens [10:20]

Themes of Responsibility and Escapism

Zibby prompts Morgan to discuss the emotional depth in her novel, particularly Claire's struggles with feeling inadequate amidst her extraordinary circumstances. Morgan relates this to real-life pressures exacerbated by social media and the pandemic, highlighting how Claire's journey mirrors the internal battles many face between ambition and personal well-being.

Notable Quote:
"I've been talking about how the pandemic was really closing in on us and we just come out of lockdown."
— Morgan Pager [10:53]

Writing Process and Balancing Commitments

Morgan shares her disciplined approach to writing, which involves dedicating weekends exclusively to her craft. Unlike other writers who might adhere to daily word counts or early morning routines, Morgan finds that allocating six to eight hours every Saturday and Sunday allows her to maintain consistency without compromising her other responsibilities. This structured routine has enabled her to complete multiple drafts and embark on her second novel.

Notable Quote:
"Saturday and Sunday are my time. And then my husband knows that as well."
— Morgan Pager [19:10]

Future Projects: A Glimpse into Upcoming Novels

Looking ahead, Morgan teases her next project, a historical fiction novel centered around two real magicians from the turn of the century. This book explores the imagined friendship and competition between two women performers, delving into themes of invisibility, artistry, and the magic that often goes unnoticed. Morgan hints at continuing her exploration of magical realism intertwined with profound human emotions.

Notable Quote:
"This is all in her honor."
— Morgan Pager [15:20]

Navigating Invisibility and Female Empowerment

The title "The Art of Vanishing" encapsulates the novel's exploration of how women's contributions often go unnoticed. Morgan discusses how Claire's role in the museum and her magical abilities symbolize broader themes of visibility and recognition, especially for women in creative and professional fields. The narrative challenges readers to recognize and value the subtle strengths that women bring to their endeavors.

Notable Quote:
"Claire doesn't look at herself for a lot of the story. And John teaches her."
— Morgan Pager [22:48]

Secrets to Success: Advice for Aspiring Authors

When asked about tips for succeeding on platforms like Instagram, Morgan emphasizes adaptability and authentic voice. She advises aspiring authors to observe what resonates with audiences and translate those elements into their unique style. Building a genuine community and fostering meaningful relationships are crucial components of sustained success.

For those looking to write, Morgan underscores the importance of perseverance. She encourages writers to stay committed to their ideas, pushing through rejection and self-doubt. Being an avid reader herself, she believes that consuming a diverse range of literature hones one's writing skills and fuels creativity.

Notable Quote:
"The difference between someone who wants to write a book and someone who has written a book is someone who stayed with the whole process."
— Morgan Pager [26:20]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Zibby congratulating Morgan on her debut novel and expressing excitement for her future projects. Morgan's journey from social media influencer to accomplished author serves as an inspiring testament to passion, dedication, and the transformative power of storytelling. Listeners are encouraged to follow Morgan's work and delve into the magical realms she creates.

Closing Note:
"Thank you for listening to Totally Booked with Zibby. If you loved the show, tell a friend, leave a review. Follow me on Instagram @zibbyowens and spread the word. Thanks so much. Oh, and buy the books."
— Zibby Owens [27:14]

Stay Connected:

For more information about Morgan Pager and her work, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.