Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Rachelle B. Weinstein on "We Are Made of Stars"

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes renowned author Rachelle B. Weinstein to discuss her latest novel, We Are Made of Stars. Released on March 12, 2025, this episode delves deep into the creative process, thematic elements, and personal experiences that shape Weinstein's storytelling. With over 2,000 episodes and 15 million downloads, Zibby's insightful conversations offer listeners a comprehensive look into the literary world.

Author Background

Zibby Owens introduces Rachelle B. Weinstein as a prolific author with a litany of bestsellers to her name, including What You Do to Me When We Let Go, This Is Not How It Ends, Somebody’s Where We Fall, The Morning After, and What We Leave Behind. A former entertainment industry executive, Weinstein splits her time between sunny South Florida and the serene mountains of North Carolina. Beyond her writing, she contributes to Miami's Aqua Magazine, participates in literary salons, and teaches publishing workshops at Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library. Her dedication to the literary community is evident, as highlighted by her participation in various advocacy groups and her philanthropic efforts towards On Being Jewish Now.

Discussion on "We Are Made of Stars"

We Are Made of Stars is Rachelle Weinstein's eighth novel, slated for release in February 2025, with plans already underway for the ninth and tenth installments. The novel is described as a blend of White Lotus and Virgin River, focusing on seven days in the lives of eight strangers whose interactions at a communal table at an upscale inn in North Carolina lead to life-altering connections.

Challenges in Writing Multiple Perspectives

One of the standout topics of the conversation is Weinstein's ambitious approach to storytelling. She shares, “[04:06] 'there are 10 characters in the book and I went in six different point of views and it was literally an absolute nightmare to keep track of all the different characters while making sure I was following the arc of the story.'” Managing multiple viewpoints required meticulous planning, including the use of six poster boards with detailed character objectives to maintain coherence throughout the narrative.

Setting and Themes

The inn setting serves as a microcosm for exploring deep human connections. Weinstein explains, “[05:17] 'So I set the story there and I changed it to a dynamic where you have to check in for a week and these eight guests are together the entire week and they're hiking beautiful North Carolina, but they always end their days at the table.'” This environment fosters intimate conversations and unexpected revelations among the guests, highlighting themes of connection, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

Character Dynamics and Personal Connections

Weinstein delves into the complex relationships between characters, particularly focusing on Rosalie and Cassidy Banks, a mother-daughter duo. “[09:54] 'Rosalie and Cassidy because Cassidy is just such a train wreck. And I love writing teenage girls and which is something I'm actually thinking about foraying into the future.'” This dynamic resonates with Weinstein personally, as she relates to the struggles of capturing authentic adolescent voices, drawing parallels to her own experiences raising teenage children.

Writing Process and Discipline

When discussing her writing habits, Weinstein provides valuable insights into her disciplined approach. “[20:52] 'I try to get in a minimum of a thousand to fifteen hundred words a day. And I usually work with a confidentiality partner... When I see that she's got her words in for the week, it pushes me.'” She emphasizes the importance of consistency, setting daily word count goals, and leveraging accountability partners to maintain productivity.

Balancing Personal Identity and Storytelling

A significant portion of the conversation addresses Weinstein's navigation of her Jewish identity within her work. “[18:32] 'I feel like I went right back in. I needed to wade through the shrapnel for a little while and just sort of collect myself.'” She reflects on the challenges of representing Jewish characters without making religion a central theme, especially in the wake of societal tensions and online harassment. Despite these challenges, Weinstein remains committed to shining a light on Jewish narratives, asserting, “[19:52] 'Jewish authors have to keep shining a light, and we need to get still, get out there with our Jewish books.'”

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Weinstein offers pragmatic advice for emerging writers, emphasizing perseverance and business acumen. “[22:56] 'Put your butt on a chair. If you write one page a day, you'll have a 365-page book by the end of the year.'” She underscores the necessity of understanding the publishing landscape, including marketing, PR, and social media strategies. “'You really got to educate yourself on the business... find that one side space that you're particularly good at and focus on that space because it's just, it's almost impossible to keep up with all of it.'”

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Zibby Owens commending Weinstein's dedication and insight, celebrating the forthcoming release of We Are Made of Stars. “[24:16] 'Well done. I'm glad you stuck with it and it's amazing. So there you go. And I'll see you soon.'” Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Weinstein's storytelling prowess and her unwavering commitment to her craft.

Notable Quotes

• Rachelle B. Weinstein on multi-perspective storytelling: “[04:06] 'There are 10 characters in the book and I went in six different point of views and it was literally an absolute nightmare to keep track of all the different characters while making sure I was following the arc of the story.'”

• On personal challenges in writing: “[09:22] 'I'll never do it again. I'll never have six points of view again.'”

• On the importance of authenticity: “[12:15] 'You are a marketing person. You are a PR person. You have to be social media savvy.'”

• On maintaining a writing routine: “[22:56] 'Put your butt on a chair. If you write one page a day, you'll have a 365-page book by the end of the year.'”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a rich exploration of Rachelle B. Weinstein's latest work, providing listeners with valuable insights into the complexities of novel-writing, character development, and balancing personal identity with creative expression. For aspiring authors and literary enthusiasts alike, Weinstein's experiences and advice are both inspiring and instructive, making this episode a must-listen.