Totally Booked with Zibby: In-Depth Conversation with Sarah Harmon on All the Other Mothers Hate Me

Episode Title: Sarah Harman, ALL THE OTHER MOTHERS HATE ME
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Sarah Harmon, the acclaimed author of All the Other Mothers Hate Me. Sarah, a former journalist with over a decade of experience as a foreign correspondent for NBC News, shares her transformative journey from journalism to bestselling novelist. The conversation delves into the inspiration behind her award-winning novel, her writing process, and invaluable advice for aspiring authors.

Guest Background

Sarah Harmon introduces herself as a "recovering journalist living in London" (02:59). Having reported for major outlets like Today, Nightly News, and MSNBC, Sarah transitioned to novel writing after losing her job due to visa constraints. Her debut novel, All the Other Mothers Hate Me, not only won the Lucy Cavendish Prize for Fiction in 2023 but is also being adapted by FX, marking a significant milestone in her literary career.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me: Plot and Themes

Sarah provides an overview of her novel, emphasizing that it is a work of fiction despite its provocative title. The story revolves around Florence Grimes, a washed-up girl band singer in her early 30s who becomes an amateur detective when her 10-year-old son is implicated in a classmate's disappearance (03:13).

Key Themes:

• Unlikable Protagonists: Sarah was intrigued by creating a main character who isn't the traditional "perfect mom." Florence grapples with her flaws, raising the question: "Can you be a bad person and still be a good mom?" (03:13).

• Parental Instincts and Limits: The novel explores how far a mother would go to protect her child. Sarah notes, "How far would you really go for the person you love?" (08:13).

• Modern Parenthood Pressures: Reflecting on societal expectations, Sarah discusses the anxiety parents face today compared to previous generations, highlighting themes of competition and heightened responsibility (20:49).

Writing Process and Challenges

Sarah candidly shares her unconventional approach to writing her first novel. Without a formal outline, she began by writing roughly 10,000 words in a burst of creativity before realizing the need for structure (13:46). This led her to meticulously plot the story's beginning and end, subsequently crafting the middle to ensure a satisfying resolution without ambiguity.

Notable Insights:

• Editing as Crucial: Sarah emphasizes the importance of the editing phase, a step she credits for the book's success. "Editing is really, really crucial," she asserts (16:11).

• Facing Fear of Failure: Leaving her journalism career was a daunting leap, but Sarah recognized that pursuing her passion for writing was essential for her happiness (04:57).

Influences and Inspirations

When asked about her literary inspirations, Sarah mentions Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl as a significant influence, appreciating its blend of thriller elements with social commentary (17:22). Additionally, she cites Sorrow and Bliss for its balance of humor and serious themes, inspiring her to create a character-driven mystery with engaging pacing and reveals (17:32).

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Drawing from her experiences, Sarah offers heartfelt advice for those embarking on their writing journeys:

1. Avoid Comparison: "Don't compare yourself to other people. Delete Instagram," she advises, stressing the importance of focusing on one's unique path without the distraction of others' successes (22:24).

2. Embrace the Process: Sarah encourages writers to persevere through challenging days, emphasizing that progress is not always linear. "If I can keep going and get to, like, 60,000 words, at some point, I'll have enough that I can then go back and reshape it," she shares (16:42).

3. Take Time to Edit: She reiterates the value of thorough editing to refine one's work, avoiding the temptation to rush publishing (16:20).

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with mutual encouragement, as Zibby praises Sarah's success and the inspiring nature of her journey. Sarah echoes the sentiment, reminding listeners that "If it could happen to me, it could happen to you," fostering a sense of possibility and motivation among aspiring writers (23:51).

Key Quotes:

• Sarah Harmon: "Can you be a bad person and still be a good mom? I think the jury's still out." (03:13)

• Zibby Owens: "There is no judgment. Like, nobody ever has to qualify a book that they love or that inspires them or whatever." (18:47)

• Sarah Harmon: "Don't compare yourself to other people. Delete Instagram." (22:24)

• Sarah Harmon: "If it could happen to me, it could happen to you. So just keep going. Finish your draft. You can do it." (23:51)

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a rich exploration of Sarah Harmon's debut novel, providing listeners with valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from journalism to fiction writing. Sarah's honest discussion about her creative process, coupled with her practical advice, makes this episode a must-listen for aspiring authors and book enthusiasts alike.

For more information, visit zibbymedia.com and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.