Podcast Episode Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby - Virginia Evans on "THE CORRESPONDENT: A Novel"

Release Date: June 22, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby," host Zibby Owens welcomes Virginia Evans, the acclaimed author of "THE CORRESPONDENT." The conversation delves deep into Virginia's latest novel, exploring its themes, narrative structure, and the personal journey that led her to publication.

About the Author: Virginia Evans

Virginia Evans hails from the Northeastern United States and boasts an impressive academic background with a Bachelor's in English Literature from James Madison University and a Master's in Philosophy and Creative Writing from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Residing in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Virginia balances her life as a writer with her roles as a mother and a pet owner, sharing her home with her husband, two children, and a spirited red Labrador.

Exploring "THE CORRESPONDENT"

Zibby Owens opens the discussion by expressing excitement about the novel's publication, asking Virginia about the emotional impact she felt upon seeing her work in print.

Virginia Evans shares a moment of indescribable joy during her pub day, stating:

“[04:20] It was honestly just defied description for me. I waited so many years to have this happen and I don't think I ever, maybe never really thought it would.”

She provides an overview of her novel, "THE CORRESPONDENT," highlighting its epistolary format where the story unfolds through letters and emails written by the protagonist, Sybil Van Antwerp. Starting at age 73, Sybil faces retirement, divorce, and the onset of blindness, all while uncovering unexpected letters that tie her past to mysterious present events.

Zibby remarks on the contemporary setting of the novel, noting the blend of fiction and reality:

“[07:02] It is like fiction marrying reality. What is going on here?”

The Epistolary Format: A Creative Choice

The conversation delves into Virginia's choice of the epistolary format, a storytelling method that conveys the narrative through documents like letters and emails. Zibby relates her personal connection to letter writing, reminiscing about finding personalized note cards, which adds a layer of authenticity to the discussion.

Virginia Evans explains her inspiration, drawing parallels with beloved works like "84 Charing Cross Road" and "Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society." She emphasizes the emotional accessibility and structured pacing that letters provide:

“[08:26] the letters were my opening kind of incision.”

Virginia reflects on how this format allowed her to create a puzzle-like narrative, where each letter serves as a piece of Sybil's life story, ultimately forming a complete and intimate portrait of the character.

A Journey Through Rejection and Resilience

Virginia opens up about her challenging path to publication, detailing years of writing, rejection, and doubt. She shares a poignant story about a family friend, Wade, whose tragic illness and passing deeply influenced the emotional depth of her novel:

“[11:10] ...over a really terrible three months, he grew sicker and sicker... I wrote it inside my closet.”

This personal tragedy not only altered her life but also transformed the manuscript, infusing it with genuine grief and resilience. Zibby expresses profound empathy:

“[13:56] I'm so sorry for Wade's family, for all of you...”

Virginia discusses the transformative power of this experience, how it refined her writing, and the unexpected shift from contemplating law school to embracing her literary passion once more.

Themes and Takeaways from "THE CORRESPONDENT"

When prompted about the central themes of her novel, Virginia emphasizes forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the universality of human experiences. She hopes readers will connect with Sybil's journey, finding solace in the idea that everyone makes mistakes and deserves forgiveness:

“[24:58] I hope people will feel the freedom to forgive themselves and to say, we all make huge mistakes.”

She articulates a vision where each character reflects the complexity of life, balancing joy and sorrow, and encourages readers to find emotional resonance within the narrative.

Future Endeavors and Collaborations

Virginia shares exciting prospects for the future, including potential collaborations with a painter friend to design stationery inspired by the novel. She expresses enthusiasm about merging literary art with visual art, envisioning a synergy that enhances the reader's experience.

Zibby suggests connecting Virginia with Felix Doolittle, hinting at the possibility of a stationery collaboration that could beautifully complement the book's epistolary nature.

Notable Quotes

• Virginia Evans [04:20]: “It was honestly just defied description for me. I waited so many years to have this happen and I don't think I ever, maybe never really thought it would.”

• Zibby Owens [07:02]: “It is like fiction marrying reality. What is going on here?”

• Virginia Evans [24:58]: “I hope people will feel the freedom to forgive themselves and to say, we all make huge mistakes.”

Conclusion

This episode of "Totally Booked with Zibby" offers a deep and introspective look into Virginia Evans' journey as an author and the heartfelt narrative of her novel "THE CORRESPONDENT." Through candid conversation, Virginia shares her creative process, personal struggles, and the emotional foundations that breathe life into her storytelling. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the resilience required in the literary world and the universal truths embodied in Evans' work.

Thank you for listening to "Totally Booked with Zibby." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review, follow us on Instagram, and don't forget to buy Virginia Evans' "THE CORRESPONDENT" to support incredible storytelling.