Episode Summary: "Tinx, HOTTER IN THE HAMPTONS"

Totally Booked with Zibby hosted by Zibby Owens welcomes Christina Najjar, popularly known as Tinks, in this engaging episode released on May 6, 2025. Tinks, a digital creator, advice expert, podcast host, and New York Times bestselling author, discusses her debut fiction novel, "Hotter in the Hamptons," delving into its themes, her creative process, and the upcoming TV adaptation.

1. Introduction to Tinks

At [04:03], Zibby Owens introduces Christina Najjar, highlighting her multifaceted career and her impact on social media. Christina's reputation as a resounding voice for women is emphasized, noting her ability to blend wit and candor with empathy, which has resonated with millions.

Zibby Owens ([04:03]): "Tinks is the author of Hotter in the Hamptons, a novel. Christina Najjar, popularly known as Tinks, is a digital creator, advice expert, podcast host, and New York Times bestselling author."

2. Exploring "Hotter in the Hamptons"

a. Book Overview and Themes

Christina provides an overview of her novel, describing it as a "spicy summer read" centered around an influencer who faces cancellation and engages in an unexpected, steamy fling. She emphasizes the book's versatility, allowing readers to extract deeper themes if they choose.

Tinks ([04:41]): "My book is about an influencer who gets canceled and she has a steamy fling with someone unexpected. It can be as fun or as deep as you want it to be."

b. Motivation for Writing Fiction

Tinks discusses her inspiration for venturing into fiction, citing the resurgence of romance novels and the vibrant community on BookTok. She sought to create more intricate, flawed protagonists compared to the often "perfect" heroines in traditional romance.

Tinks ([05:24]): "What if the protagonist had some flaws and the story wasn't as clear cut as some of the ones I'd read? I wanted to explore intricate, messy women."

3. The Creative Process

a. Writing Approach and Challenges

Tinks shares her structured approach to writing, inspired by Emily Weiss of Glossier. She breaks down her projects into manageable chunks, making the daunting task of writing a novel feel achievable.

Tinks ([08:02]): "I like to lay everything out, like literally so then I can fill it in. It's satisfying to fill out a chunk, whether it's a paragraph or a chapter."

b. Balancing Creativity with Other Endeavors

Balancing multiple creative projects poses challenges, but Tinks finds writing a refreshing departure from her online presence. It allows her to engage different parts of her brain and provides relief from constant digital interaction.

Tinks ([08:02]): "For me, writing is using a different part of my brain and it genuinely feels like a relief."

4. In-Depth Themes of the Book

a. Self-Discovery and Identity

A central theme in Hotter in the Hamptons is the protagonist Lola’s journey of self-discovery. Tinks emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself to make fulfilling life choices.

Tinks ([10:44]): "It's important to find yourself and know what you want. When you feel lost, the answer is within you."

b. Impact of Relationships on Self

The narrative explores how relationships can shape and sometimes overshadow personal identity. Lola’s deep involvement in a passionate relationship leads her to question who she truly is.

Tinks ([15:21]): "You can try to create your identity around the people you date, but for longevity and happiness, you have to work on yourself too."

c. Friendship Dynamics

Friendship is another critical theme, highlighting how Lola’s focus on her romantic relationship strains her bonds with friends, particularly her best friend Ryan. The story underscores the necessity of maintaining healthy friendships amidst personal upheavals.

Tinks ([21:00]): "When you're going through hard times, you have to tend to those relationships too."

5. Fashion as a Narrative Tool

Tinks discusses the integration of fashion into her novel, enhancing character development and setting the scene. She considers future merchandising ideas, such as an "attire shop" for Lola’s outfits, to further immerse readers in the story's universe.

Tinks ([19:06]): "I saw Lola in exactly the boho dress she was wearing in the book. It was some of the first details that came to the forefront."

6. TV Adaptation of the Novel

a. Tinks' Role and Vision

Tinks reveals her involvement as an executive producer in the TV adaptation of her book. She expresses excitement about collaborating with the production team and ensuring that the adaptation remains authentic to her vision.

Tinks ([28:55]): "I'm an executive producer. They are so receptive to my ideas, which is why I wanted to work with them so badly."

b. Authenticity and Creative Control

Maintaining authenticity is paramount for Tinks. She believes in creating what she wants to see, ensuring that the adaptation reflects genuine storytelling rather than market-driven changes.

Tinks ([27:27]): "Create what you want to see, because then you're not thinking about what others want. That's the most authentic thing you can do."

7. Building and Nurturing a Community

a. Respect and Engagement

Tinks emphasizes the importance of her community, viewing her followers as conscientious individuals seeking value. She strives to deliver meaningful content across various platforms, fostering a sense of investment and trust.

Tinks ([23:16]): "I have nothing but respect for my community... I need to deliver great work to them."

b. Content Boundaries and Privacy

Balancing transparency with privacy, Tinks shares that she now limits personal disclosures to prevent blurring the lines between her life and content creation. This approach helps maintain her well-being and content authenticity.

Tinks ([24:50]): "I share less in my personal life now. Dating is something I do by myself, sharing only funny stories or mishaps."

8. Closing Thoughts

Zibby and Tinks wrap up the conversation by reflecting on personal growth and the rewarding journey of content creation and storytelling. Tinks expresses gratitude for her success and the opportunities ahead, while Zibby commends her immersive storytelling.

Zibby Owens ([31:05]): "Oh, and buy the books."

Notable Quotes:

• Tinks ([07:37]): "I got sort of started thinking about how what if the protagonist had some flaws and the story wasn't as clear cut."

• Tinks ([10:14]): "If it's on a list, it's plausible. If it's not, then it's so scary."

• Tinks ([24:23]): "I see when they follow me, that's them putting their faith in me. It's up to me to deliver."

• Tinks ([26:11]): "I really just try to follow my curiosity. I get to do creative projects, and that's what makes me happy."

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an insightful look into Christina Najjar's (Tinks) foray into fiction with Hotter in the Hamptons. Through candid discussions about her writing process, thematic explorations, and community engagement, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Tinks' creative journey and the underlying messages in her work.

For more information on Zibby Owens and to explore a vast library of book-related content, visit zibbymedia.com and follow @zibbyowens on Instagram.