Totally Booked with Zibby

Zibby speaks to #1 New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose about THE MYSTERY GUEST, a delightful whodunit and pointed social commentary that follows Molly, an unfailingly honest and oddly lovable professional maid, as she tries to solve a murder… Nita reveals it was never her intention to turn her immensely popular debut novel, THE MAID, into a series… but then something odd sparked her imagination (it involves a mummified rat and a silver spoon). Nita also discusses the challenges of invisible workers, her research into hotel life, her love of salsa dancing, her background as an editor, and potential future novels in the Maid series.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47cvXLdShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby welcomes Charles Scribner III to discuss his book and family history in publishing. Charles shares anecdotes about living in Zibby's childhood apartment, the origins of Scribner as a religious publishing house, and the fascinating evolution of the family business over 170 years. The conversation delves into memorable authors like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, the loyalty between Scribner and its writers, and what it was like to narrate his audiobook. Charles reflects on the changing landscape of publishing, emphasizing the enduring value of written words and the special experience of reading.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/48augiKShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby speaks to blogger and comedian Taylor Wolfe about her charming and touching new memoir, BIRDIE & HARLOW: Life, Loss, and Loving My Dog So Much I Didn’t Want Kids (...Until I Did). Taylor talks about the evolution of her popular blog (it all started when her English professor advised her to write every day), the challenges of managing multiple business ventures (like her lifestyle brand and graphic T-shirt shop), and, of course, her love for her dog Harlow, and how losing her unexpectedly led to a book about motherhood and grief. She also delves into her experience with stand-up comedy, the books she has read recently, and her best advice for grievers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3NAotuwShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby is joined by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Jooyoun Kim to discuss WHAT WE KEPT TO OURSELVES, an intricately crafted mystery and heart-wrenching family saga about a Korean American family in Los Angeles, their missing mother, and the dead stranger that appears in their backyard. Nancy discusses the themes of motherhood, immigration, grief, the challenge of communication between generations, and what it means to disappear, all of which tie to her novel and her real life. She also describes her path to storytelling and gives us a glimpse into the book she is working on now!Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3tzojwtShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PEN-Faulkner Award-winning author Kate Christensen joins Zibby to discuss WELCOME HOME, STRANGER, a lively, sophisticated, and emotionally resonant novel about grief, love, growing older, and the complications of family. Kate discusses her protagonist's journey through postmenopausal life, environmental gloom (she’s an environmental journalist with way too much knowledge about the food on her plate...), and the death of her problematic mother. She and Zibby also talk about anxiety (do all novelists have it?) and aging (61 is Kate’s favorite age she’s ever been!).Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/46Zbk4YShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby speaks to author Kim Coleman Foote about Coleman Hill, a remarkable, heartbreaking story of two American families whose fates become intertwined in the wake of the Great Migration, inspired by the author’s own family legend, historical record, and fervent imagination. Kim provides insights into her writing process, describing how the voices of different family members, the discovery of old photographs, and her passion for history influenced the narrative. The two also discuss themes of trauma, abuse, resilience, and the impact of migration on African-American families. Finally, Kim describes her exciting publishing journey with Zando and shares her best advice for aspiring writers. Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47ZgrTTShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Aomawa Shields joins Zibby to discuss LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS, a stunning and inspiring memoir about her life as an astronomer, classically-trained actor, mother, and Black woman in STEM. Dr. Aomawa describes how she fell in love with astronomy and acting (it involves the movie SpaceCamp and randomly auditioning for a play) and how she grappled with both career paths. She and Zibby also talk about identity, grind culture, the pressures of productivity, and the importance of rest and community. Finally, Dr. Aomawa shares her best advice for aspiring writers.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/47Toe5LShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Kimberly Shannon Murphy, one of the most successful stuntwomen in Hollywood, about GLIMMER: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, HOPE, AND HEALING, a raw and honest memoir about surviving her traumatic childhood, marked by sexual abuse at the hands of her grandfather. Kimberly reflects on how her professional choices have been influenced by her past experiences. She also discusses the healing process, the importance of acknowledging pain, and the impact of family dynamics on her trauma. Despite the challenges, Kimberly's story is one of resilience, emphasizing self-worth, love, and hope. She plans to adapt her memoir into a film and continues to find peace and gratitude in life.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3uV4fFeShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews bestselling author Sonali Dev about LIES AND OTHER LOVE LANGUAGES, a tender and compelling novel about three women navigating families, friends, careers, and the web of secrets that ties them together. The story is set against the backdrop of a surrogacy arrangement and delves into themes of motherhood, fear, loss, and the impact of DNA testing on relationships. Sonali discusses the diverse voices and perspectives of her characters, her writing process, her travel experiences, and her love for cooking. She also shares her excitement about her upcoming book, which centers around a woman's journey of self-discovery after finding a lost ring.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3GACPXUShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zibby interviews Wendy Walker about AMERICAN GIRL, an exquisitely rendered small-town thriller about a 17-year-old autistic girl who becomes embroiled in a murder case in rural Pennsylvania. Wendy describes her protagonist's character development, highlighting her unique perspective and exceptional analytical skills. She also discusses her past experiences, including aspirations to become an Olympic figure skater and working in a sandwich shop. Finally, she talks about her upcoming projects and offers advice to aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of continuous skill development and understanding reader engagement.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3uRUpnIShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Check out the Z.I.P. membership program—Zibby’s Important People! As a Z.I.P., you’ll get exclusive essays, special author access, discounts at Zibby’s Bookshop, and more. Head to zibbyowens.com to subscribe or upgrade and become a Z.I.P. today!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for more about today's episode. (Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.