Totally Booked with Zibby: Yrsa Daley-Ward on "THE CATCH"

Episode: Yrsa Daley-Ward, THE CATCH
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

1. Introduction to Yrsa Daley-Ward and "THE CATCH"

In this heartfelt episode, Zibby Owens welcomes acclaimed author and poet Yrsa Daley-Ward to discuss her debut fiction novel, THE CATCH. With a rich background in poetry and a profound personal history, Yrsa delves into the inspirations and themes that shaped her latest work.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "Writing was the natural thing that I went to, to tell my truth. It's just such a dense and rich place for me of expression." (10:01)

2. Plot Overview of "THE CATCH"

THE CATCH follows the lives of twin sisters, Clara and Dempsey, whose mother mysteriously disappeared shortly after their birth. Raised separately by different families in South London, the sisters lead estranged lives. On their 30th birthdays, Clara, a successful author, believes she has encountered their long-lost mother, while Dempsey is skeptical, suspecting the woman might be an imposter. The novel explores themes of identity, family, and the search for truth.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "It's all about what happens when this stranger comes hurtling into their lives." (03:17)

3. Inspiration and Personal Experiences

Yrsa shares that THE CATCH was deeply influenced by her personal experiences, particularly the loss of her own mother nearly two decades ago. The novel serves as a form of wish fulfillment, allowing her to explore the emotions and "what ifs" surrounding reconnecting with a lost parent.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "Books can be wish fulfillment. They can be a great way to delve into something, like a fantasy or something you wish was true." (04:59)

4. Writing Process and Unique Style

Yrsa discusses her distinctive writing style, which often blurs the lines between poetry and prose. She incorporates poetic elements into her novel, such as indented quotes and line breaks, to create pauses and emphasize certain themes. This approach adds a lyrical quality to her storytelling, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the narrative.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "Poetry is just such an excellent entry point into writing a novel because in poetry we can put one word and then break the line." (15:16)

5. Navigating Life as an Author on Tour

Transitioning from poetry to fiction, Yrsa reflects on the challenges and surprises of touring for a novel. She expresses excitement about connecting with readers and hearing their interpretations, noting that fiction allows her to present characters and stories in new ways that differ from her poetic performances.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "It's new for me to be on a tour for a novel as opposed to being on tour for poetry, but it's a different gear." (20:18)

6. Collaboration with Glory Ettim and Well Read Black Girl Books

Yrsa highlights her collaboration with Glory Ettim and the Well Read Black Girl Books imprint. She praises Glory's impeccable taste and the serendipitous nature of their partnership, which led to the perfect pairing for her debut novel under the imprint.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "This pairing was perfect. Glory is brilliant, and her taste as a writer is just fantastic." (22:39)

7. Advice for Aspiring Authors

Yrsa offers valuable advice for emerging writers, emphasizing the importance of diverse reading, embracing surprise in one's work, and protecting one's mental space from constant distractions. She encourages authors to listen to their inner voices and maintain focus amidst the overwhelming cultural noise.

Notable Quotes:
Yrsa Daley-Ward:

• "Read everything, not just things you think you are into. Be surprised." (23:25)
• "Protect your brain from all of these notifications and just claim that space." (24:14)

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Yrsa expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her work and connects her personal journey with her creative endeavors. She emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to bridge gaps between individuals' diverse experiences.

Notable Quote:
Yrsa Daley-Ward: "Writing increases your capacity in other areas if you're willing to open the door." (07:54)

Key Takeaways

• Personal Loss as Creative Fuel: Yrsa channels her grief and longing into her writing, creating deeply emotional and relatable narratives.

• Blending Genres: Her ability to intertwine poetry with fiction offers a unique reading experience that captivates and engages.

• Importance of Collaboration: Partnerships, like the one with Glory Ettim, play a crucial role in bringing literary works to fruition.

• Advice for Writers: Embrace diverse influences, protect your creative space, and stay true to your unique voice.

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