Episode Summary: Sash Bischoff Discusses Sweet Fury
Podcast Title: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Episode: Sash Bischoff, Sweet Fury
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Introduction to Sash Bischoff and Sweet Fury
The episode begins with Zibby Owens introducing Sash Bischoff, the author of her debut novel, Sweet Fury. Sash is not only a writer but also a seasoned theater director with experience on Broadway and national tours, including notable productions such as Dear Evan Hansen and Shrek. She shares her transition from acting and directing to writing, emphasizing her passion for storytelling.
Notable Quote:
"Sweet Fury is a literary thriller. The main character, Lila Crane, is America's sweetheart... As Lila's perfect life unravels, the characters soon become entangled in a deadly game of revenge."
— Sash Bischoff [02:03]
The Genesis of Sweet Fury
Sash delves into the inspiration behind Sweet Fury, highlighting how her background in acting and directing heavily influenced the novel. The catalyst for her pivot to writing was the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted her directing career. Determined to pursue her long-held dream of becoming a writer, she began crafting her first novel.
She discusses the initial challenge of bridging her starting point with the end of the story, revealing how feedback from her writing group introduced the element of an F. Scott Fitzgerald adaptation within the narrative. This pivotal suggestion led her to immerse herself in Fitzgerald's works, enriching the novel's depth and thematic resonance.
Notable Quote:
"I had no idea how to get from A to Z. When I submitted the first draft to my writers group, one of the novelists suggested the Fitzgerald angle... I gave all credit to Blair Hurley for bringing Fitzgerald into the book."
— Sash Bischoff [03:30]
Balancing Dual Careers: Directing and Writing
Sash reflects on her extensive career in theater, detailing her roles as both an actress and director. She shares anecdotes from her time directing Dear Evan Hansen, expressing pride in her contributions and the invaluable lessons learned from managing a high-profile production.
However, the demands of directing left little room for her writing aspirations, prompting her to fully commit to her role as an author. This shift allowed her to focus exclusively on crafting her literary works, culminating in the completion of her second book.
Notable Quote:
"I was working on Broadway... directing is a full-time job. I've finished my second book and I'm editing it now. I'm fully being a writer right now."
— Sash Bischoff [10:00]
Insights into Sweet Fury's Plot and Themes
Sweet Fury is described as a literary thriller that intertwines the glamorous world of Hollywood with psychological depth. The protagonist, Lila Crane, is a beloved film actress preparing for a feminist adaptation of Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night. As she delves into therapy with Jonah Gabriel to confront past traumas, her seemingly idyllic life begins to unravel, leading to a complex web of revenge and deceit both on and off the screen.
Sash emphasizes the novel's exploration of ambition, fame, and the impact of trauma, all set against the backdrop of a literary adaptation that enriches the narrative's complexity.
Notable Quote:
"It's not just in conversation with Tender Is the Night, but with Fitzgerald's body of work as a whole."
— Sash Bischoff [05:33]
The Importance of a Writing Group
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the role of Sash's writing group in her creative process. She recounts how she initiated the group as a means of accountability and support, especially when juggling dual careers. The group, comprising fellow Princeton alumni, has been instrumental in providing feedback, fostering creativity, and overcoming writing obstacles.
Sash attributes much of her success in Sweet Fury to the collaborative efforts and diverse perspectives within her writing group, highlighting the mutual support and constructive criticism that propelled her work forward.
Notable Quote:
"These are some of my deepest, closest friends... They gave me so much in creating Sweet Fury. I don't know what I would do without this group."
— Sash Bischoff [14:27]
Writing Environment and Process
Contrasting the glamorous image often associated with authors, Sash paints a candid picture of her writing environment. She describes her small West Village apartment in New York, shared with her husband and six rescue animals. The backdrop of the pandemic lockdown added to the challenges, but also shaped her writing routine. Her pets, though a source of distraction, contribute to a comforting and lively atmosphere that underscores the authenticity of her writing space.
Notable Quote:
"I have a teeny, tiny desk... The animals all congregate around me, making it a kumbaya session while I write."
— Sash Bischoff [19:18]
Literary Influences and Reading Preferences
Sash identifies as a literary fiction enthusiast, citing authors like Lauren Groff, Donna Tartt, Michael Cunningham, and Lisa Taddeo as significant influences on her writing style and aspirations. She admires their command of language and narrative complexity, aiming to emulate their prowess in her own work.
Notable Quote:
"Lauren Groff's language is just... Donna Tartt feels like the sort of the queen of what I hope to do."
— Sash Bischoff [21:11]
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Concluding the discussion, Sash offers heartfelt advice to budding writers. She underscores the importance of writing consistently, even when faced with challenges, and the value of selective reading to shape one's literary voice. Drawing from her personal experiences, she emphasizes resilience in the face of criticism and the significance of believing in one's passion.
Notable Quote:
"If you know that this is what you really want to do, what keeps you up at night, you have to just believe in yourself and keep going. Eventually, there's going to be a yes."
— Sash Bischoff [22:42]
Closing Remarks
Zibby Owens wraps up the episode by congratulating Sash on her debut novel and expressing enthusiasm for its potential adaptation into other media formats. The conversation leaves listeners inspired by Sash's journey from theater to writing and motivated to pursue their creative endeavors with dedication and support.
Connect with Sash Bischoff:
- Sweet Fury is Sash Bischoff's first novel.
- Upcoming works include a multi-generational modern feminist adaptation of a Greek tragedy set against America's climate crisis.
Stay Tuned: For more engaging conversations with authors and story creators, subscribe to Totally Booked with Zibby and follow Zibby Owens on Instagram @zibbyowens.