Podcast appearances and mentions of jane healey

Bestselling author Heather B. Moore joins Jane Healey to discuss her richly researched new novel, Julia, which explores the extraordinary life of culinary icon Julia Child. From her surprising work in the OSS during World War II to her groundbreaking cooking career that began in Paris, Moore paints a vivid portrait of a woman who found her passion later in life and never looked back. The conversation dives into Julia's love story with Paul Child, her relentless determination to publish Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and how Moore balanced fact and fiction in this biographical novel.

Bestselling author Erika Robuck joins host Jane Healey to talk about The Last Assignment: A Novel of Dickie Chappelle, her biographical novel about trailblazing war photojournalist Dickie Chappelle, who embedded with Marines and bore witness to Cold War flashpoints from Hungary and Cuba to Vietnam. They explore Dickie's fearless calling to show civilians the realities of war, her complicated personal life and refusal to be tied down, the deep archival research at the University of Wisconsin that brought her story to life, and how Erika balances fact and fiction when writing about real women in history. The conversation also dives into Erika's writing process, the strange “alchemy” of research, and a sneak peek at her next projects, including a new intelligence heroine and a Southern Gothic historical horror novel drawn from her own family's past.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey welcomes back Rhys Bowen to discuss her latest novel, Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure. Set in the South of France on the eve of World War II, the book follows Ellie Endicott as she discovers independence, friendship, and courage after being abandoned by her husband. Bowen shares the inspirations behind the novel—from a crumbling Italian villa to her reflections on “invisible women”—and dives into themes of resilience, female friendship, and personal reinvention during tumultuous times. The conversation also explores her research process, writing routines, and the challenges and joys of balancing hope with historical truth.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, host Jane Healey chats with bestselling author Juliette Fay about her new novel The Harvey Girls. Together, they uncover the fascinating, little-known history of Fred Harvey's hospitality empire, the young women who became Harvey Girls, and how this unique role transformed their independence in the 1920s. Fay shares insights into her research, character development, and writing process—while also reflecting on women's opportunities, the challenges of historical fiction, and the surprising cultural impact of the Harvey Houses across the American Southwest

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey interviews Ellen Marie Wiseman about her powerful new novel, The Lies They Told. Set in 1930s Virginia, the book follows an immigrant mother navigating the harsh realities of Ellis Island, only to uncover the devastating impact of the American eugenics movement on rural families. Wiseman shares her deep research into this overlooked chapter of U.S. history, drawing connections between past and present, while reflecting on her writing process, character development, and personal influences.

This week Andrew talks with bestselling author Jane Healey. Jane shares the incredible story of how she connected with a publisher she had long aspired to work with — and how it ultimately became her breakthrough as an author. This conversation is a powerful reminder that we hold the power to create our own opportunities when we work hard, take risks, & put ourselves out there. You'll hear actionable ideas on finding glimmers of hope in rejection, overcoming creative blocks, learning from feedback, & more. ** Follow Andrew **Instagram: @AndrewMoses123Twitter/X: @andrewhmosesSign up for e-mails to keep up with the podcast at everybodypullsthetarp.com/newsletterDISCLAIMER: This podcast is solely for educational & entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

Book Stew Episode 141 - Jane Healey by WCTV

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, host Jane Healey chats with bestselling author Eliza Knight about her newest historical fiction novel, Confessions of a Grammar Queen. Set in 1960s New York, the book follows Bernadette Swift, an ambitious copy editor aiming to become the first female CEO of a publishing house—alongside her endearing Great Dane, Frank. Jane and Eliza delve into the inspirations behind Bernadette's character, including real-life editorial trailblazers, the feminist undertones of a secret book club, and writing from a dog's perspective. They also explore the challenges women faced in the workplace during the early '60s, the joys of historical research, and Eliza's meticulous writing process, all while offering laughs, heartfelt stories, and sharp writing insight.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey sits down with Susan Wiggs to discuss her moving and deeply researched novel, Wayward Girls. Inspired by the shocking true history of the Good Shepherd Institute in Buffalo, New York, the book sheds light on the hidden network of U.S. Magdalene laundries and the young women whose lives were upended there. Wiggs shares her personal connection to the story, her extensive research—including survivor accounts and archival documents—and how she crafted a fictional sisterhood of resilient characters navigating systemic repression, secrecy, and hope. The conversation also explores the creative process, challenges of writing historical fiction, and the enduring relevance of these untold histories.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey chats with Ella Berman about her riveting new novel LA Women, set in 1960s and 70s Hollywood. The book explores the complex friendship—and eventual betrayal—between two ambitious female writers navigating a male-dominated literary and artistic world. Berman reveals how her own upbringing in LA and London, her research in Laurel Canyon, and a real-life family friend who lived through the era shaped the story's vivid setting and emotional core. The conversation dives deep into the novel's dual timelines, its themes of artistic integrity, feminism, and creative freedom, as well as the bittersweet challenges of writing under deadline while raising a child. Both authors reflect on the joys and pressures of modern authorship in a social-media-driven world.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Serena Burdick joins host Jane Healey to discuss her latest novel, A Promise to Arlette. Inspired by the bohemian life of Burdick's grandmother—who was a muse to Man Ray and lived with Henry Miller in Big Sur—the novel blends art-world mystique, postwar trauma, and a rich exploration of female friendship and love. Set in both conservative 1950s Massachusetts and pre-WWII France, the story unfolds through a mysterious photograph and a buried past. Burdick and Healey delve into the research, historical figures, narrative structure, and the emotional weight of returning from war, offering listeners a deep look into the creative process behind this sweeping dual-timeline historical fiction.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey welcomes fellow novelist Camille Di Maio to discuss her new release, Come Fly With Me—a richly researched and heartfelt novel set in the glamorous world of 1960s Pan Am stewardesses. Di Maio shares the serendipitous origin of the book, penned partly on a liquor store bag in Tahiti, and describes her immersive journey into the world of the World Wings International alumnae. From training regimens and rigid stewardess rules to tales of Sophia Loren's elegance in-flight, Camille dives into the fascinating lives of mid-20th-century women with a dual-timeline narrative that blends friendship, reinvention, and mystery. Aspiring writers will also appreciate her insights on writing without outlines, editing, and getting published with humility and grit.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, host and bestselling author Jane Healey sits down with acclaimed journalist and novelist Jack Ford to discuss his newest historical fiction novel, Beyond This Place of Wrath and Tears. Inspired by the true story of trailblazing WWII correspondent Lee Carson, the conversation dives deep into the remarkable life of a fearless woman who covered major moments of the war—from flying over D-Day beaches to entering Paris before its liberation. Ford shares how Carson's legacy had nearly vanished and how her forgotten dispatches helped him capture her voice. The episode also explores Ford's creative process, the Cold War espionage twist he imagined for Carson's post-war life, and the enduring importance of historical fiction in illuminating untold stories.

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author Jane Healey sits down with novelist Alison Epstein to discuss her bold reimagining of Oliver Twist in her new book Fagan and the Thief. Epstein offers a compelling retelling from the perspective of Jacob Fagan, Dickens' infamous pickpocket, giving him a first name, a backstory, and—most importantly—humanity. They explore the novel's reclamation of a deeply antisemitic character, delve into Epstein's research process for recreating Victorian London, and unpack themes of identity, mentorship, toxic relationships, and moral ambiguity. The conversation is an insightful look at how historical fiction can be both entertaining and powerfully subversive.

Bestselling author Alka Joshi returns to discuss her newest historical fiction novel, Six Days in Bombay. Inspired by the enigmatic life and mysterious death of Indian painter Amrita Sher-Gil—dubbed the Frida Kahlo of India—Joshi weaves a rich narrative through the eyes of a fictional nurse, Sona, who cares for a dying artist and embarks on a journey across 1930s Europe to fulfill the artist's final request. With vivid research, immersive sensory detail, and reflections on identity, loss, and artistic legacy, Joshi and host Jane Healey dive deep into the novel's origins, character development, historical settings, and Joshi's creative process—including updates on her adaptation of The Henna Artist and a preview of her next novel. Jane Healey

In this episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling author and host Jane Healey sits down with debut novelist Joanna Miller to discuss The Eights, a richly imagined and impeccably researched historical novel about the first women to study alongside men at Oxford University in 1920. Joanna shares how the novel was born during lockdown, how real archives and immersive research shaped the vivid setting and layered characters, and why this untold story of female friendship, ambition, and societal change feels both timely and timeless. From her background in rhyming poetry to her creative process as a novelist, Joanna offers a heartfelt look into how history can inspire fiction—and how storytelling can reclaim forgotten voices.

New York Times bestselling author Kristina McMorris joins Jane Healey again to talk about her latest novel. In The Girls of Good Fortune, set in 1888 Portland, Oregon, Celia—a young woman of mixed Chinese and white heritage—awakens in the city's infamous Shanghai Tunnels, realizing she's been abducted and is on the brink of being shipped off as forced labor. Navigating a society rife with anti-Chinese sentiment, Celia's journey unfolds from her time as a maid entangled in a goldminers' massacre to her desperate quest to escape and protect a child left in peril. This historical novel delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the enduring strength found beneath the surface.

New York Times bestselling author Sarah Penner is Jane Healey's guest to discuss her latest novel. The Amalfi Curse is an enthralling story of secrets, shipwrecks, and sea-witches set along the Amalfi Coast that alternates between 1821 and present day Positano. Set against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance, and the untamed magic of the sea.

New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester joins Jane Healey to talk about her latest novel. The Mademoiselle Alliance tells the remarkable true story of Marie-Madeleine Méric, a glamorous Parisian mother who defied convention to become the leader of the largest spy network in Nazi-occupied France. From daring car rallies in Morocco to covert operations across Europe, she risked everything for freedom, resilience, and an unexpected love that bloomed in the shadows of war.

Elize Hooper joins Jane Healey on the podcast again to discuss her latest novel. The Library of Lost Dollhouses is dual-timeline historical fiction about a mysterious collection of dollhouses that reveal the secrets of the women who once owned them. Spanning the course of a century, The Library of Lost Dollhouses is a warm, bright, and captivating story of secrets and love that embraces the importance of illuminating overlooked women.

Emily Critchley joins Jane Healey on Historical Happy Hour to talk about her latest novel. The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a haunting tale of ambition, betrayal, and family secrets set in 1938. When lonely boarding school student Gillian Larking is drawn into the glamorous yet shadowed world of her enigmatic roommate Violet Claybourne and her family estate, Thornleigh Hall, she discovers a sinister reality beneath its grandeur. Entrapped by the sisters' dark manipulations after a tragic accident, Gilly must navigate loyalty, deceit, and her own survival in a choice that will forever alter her destiny.

For our last Historical Happy Hour of 2024 Jane takes any and all questions you have about any of her books, the writing life, my pets - anything! We discuss authors our readers like to see in the coming year. Jane also shares a little sneak peek about her upcoming Cold War era novel, The Women of Arlington Hall, coming July 2025 and available for pre-order now.

Marjan Kamali joins Jane Healey to talk about her latest novel, The Lion Women of Tehran. From the nationally bestselling author of the “powerful, heartbreaking” (Shelf Awareness) The Stationery Shop, a heartfelt, epic new novel of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran.

Kimberly Brock joins Jane Healey to talk about her latest novel, The Fabled Earth. Southern mythology and personal reckoning collide in this sweeping story inspired by the little-known history of Cumberland Island when a once-in-a-century storm threatens the natural landscape. Faced with a changing world, two timelines and the perspectives of three women intersect where a folktale meets the truth to reveal what Cumberland Island has hidden all along.

Tracey Enerson Wood is Jane Healey's guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, Katharine, the Wright Sister. It's a vibrant historical novel about the unsung hero behind the groundbreaking aeronautical achievement of Wilbur and Orville Wright: their sister. Perfect for fans of Marie Benedict and Fiona Davis it reveals the story of one of the most consequential women to ever live and the incredible, courageous choices she made so that others might fly.

Tosca Lee joins Jane Healey to discuss her latest novel. Inspired by true stories, The Long March Home is a gripping coming-of-age tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of unrelenting hope. International Book Award Winner in Historical Fiction.

Emily Bleeker is Jane Healey's guest to talk about her latest novel When We Chased the Light. A Hollywood legend. A legacy of secrets. An epic and emotional novel about forgiveness, fame, family, and truly unconditional love by the bestselling author of When We Were Enemies.

Lynda Cohen Loigman, the bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters is Jane Healey's guest again on the podcast to talk about her latest novel, The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. This novel follows Augusta, a retired pharmacist, as she reconnects with her first love and reflects on her past, including her childhood experiences with her aunt, a woman with a deep knowledge of herbal remedies and a seemingly magical touch.

Donna Jones Alward is Jane Healey's guest to talk about her new novel, When the World Feel Silent. A story of loss, hope and redemption against impossible odds… 1917. When tragedy strikes in Halifax Harbour, nothing for nurse Nora Crowell or war widow Charlotte Campbell will ever be the same again. Their paths will cross in the most unexpected way, trailing both heartbreak and joy its wake…

Greer Macallister is Jane Healey's guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, The Thirteenth Husband. It's the story of scandalous heiress Aimee Crocker, who lit up the Gilded Age tabloids with her devil-may-care attitude and worldwide adventures.

New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams is Jane Healey's guest on Historical Happy Hour to discuss her new novel, Husbands & Lovers. Husbands & Lovers blends a contemporary love story with a fascinating, mysterious past.When single-mom Mallory Dunne receives the phone call no parent ever wants to receive – her son Sam is in kidney failure after ingesting a poisonous mushroom at camp – she must face the two biggest secrets of her life in order to save him: Monk Adams, Sam's biological father, a charismatic, famous singer/songwriter she has not spoken to or seen since the summer Sam was conceived, and Mallory's adoptive mother's mysterious family history. Her genealogical search crosses decades and continents, transporting her to a world of espionage and political intrigue in 1950s Egypt.

It is not night at the museum, sorry! Today we are talking about The Animals at Lockwood Manor by Jane Healey (not the shoes) and all the spooky, sapphic and sexist drama of World War II. Don't worry, they are more than just gal pals.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/book-cult--5718878/support.

In this bonus crossover episode of Historical Happy Hour, bestselling British novelist Kate Thompson, bestselling author and host of the popular From the Library with Love podcast, and Jane Healey interview each other. They discuss their mutual passion for historical fiction, focusing on their recent World War II novels. Kate Thompson talks about her book The Wartime Book Club and shares the fascinating history and story behind it, while Jane Healey delves into her novel, Goodnight from Paris, highlighting the true story of WWII Resistance fighter and Hollywood actress Drue Leyton. Jane and Kate  explore their writing processes, the balance between fact and fiction, and their  research techniques. 

New York Times bestselling author Erika Robuck is Jane Healey's guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, The Last Twelve Miles. It's based on the true story of two brilliant women on two sides of the law: Coast Guard Cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman and South Florida Rumrunner Marie Waite. Fans of Robuck's women in intelligence novels and her Key West set HEMINGWAY'S GIRL will enjoy this catch-me-if-you-can-style fusion.

Bestselling author Brooke Lea Foster joins Jane Healey on the podcast to talk about her latest novel, All the Summers In Between. Set in the dual timelines of 1967 and 1977, All the Summers In Between is at once a mesmerizing portrait of a complex friendship, a delicious glimpse into a bygone Hamptons.

New York Times bestselling author Erika Robuck is Jane Healey's guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, The Last Twelve Miles. It's based on the true story of two brilliant women on two sides of the law: Coast Guard Cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith Friedman and South Florida Rumrunner Marie Waite. Fans of Robuck's women in intelligence novels and her Key West set HEMINGWAY'S GIRL will enjoy this catch-me-if-you-can-style fusion.

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Barr is Jane Healey's guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, Goddess of Warsaw, a riveting historical saga spanning six decades taking readers from Warsaw to Hollywood, following a legendary screen actress with a dark secret about her life in the Warsaw Ghetto. It's an enthralling tale full of deception, lust, revenge, betrayal, and sacrifice.

New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry joins Jane Healey on the podcast to discuss her new novel, The Secret Book of Flora Lea. When a London woman discovers a rare book with connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood in the English countryside during WWII are revealed. As she embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening past wounds, her career and future hang in the balance.

Jane Healey  welcomes bestselling author Martha Hall Kelly  to talk her latest novel, The Golden Doves. Two female spies, bound together by their past, risk everything to hunt down an infamous Nazi doctor in the aftermath of World War II—an extraordinary novel inspired by true events from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

Jane Healey  welcomes acclaimed author Jennifer Ryan to discuss her latest novel, The Underground Library. When the Blitz imperils the heart of a London neighborhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to save the community's beloved library in this heartwarming novel based on true events. 

Bestselling authors Janie Chang and Kate Quinn join Jane Healey to discuss their new novel, The Phoenix Crown, a thrilling and unforgettable narrative about the intertwined lives of two wronged women, spanning from the chaos of the San Francisco earthquake to the glittering palaces of Versailles. 

Jane Healey welcomes bestselling author, podcast creator and award-winning journalist, Jo Piazza to discuss her latest book. The Sicilian Inheritance is a multigenerational mystery and adventure about a woman who returns to Sicily to claim her family's land and is threatened by the same forces that murdered her greta grandmother a hundred years earlier. It is an adventure filled with food, wine, gorgeous landscapes and just the right amount of kicking the patriarchy's ass.

Jane Healey welcomes New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, Allison Pataki, is our guest! Join us to discuss her new novel, Finding Margaret Fuller. This is an epic reimagining of the life of Margaret Fuller—America's forgotten leading lady and the central figure of a movement that defined a nation.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah  joins Jane Healey to talk about her new novel, The Women.From master storyteller Kristin Hannah, bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds, comes the story of a turbulent, transformative era in America: the 1960s. The Women is that rarest of novels—at once an intimate portrait of a woman coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided by war and broken by politics, of a generation both fueled by dreams and lost on the battlefield.

Debut author Avery Cunningham  joins Jane Healey to talk about her new book, The Mayor of Maxwell Street. This tells the story of an ambitious Black debutante and aspiring journalist enlists the help of a low-level speakeasy manager to identify the head of an underground crime syndicate in the dangerous world of Prohibition-era Chicago.

Bestselling author and host of Historical Happy Hour discusses her latest novel, Goodnight from Paris.

Bestselling author Gill Paul joins Jane Healey to talk about her new book, A Beautiful Rival. This stunning new novel reveals the unknown history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned not only decades, but also broken marriages, personal tragedies, and a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.

Bestselling author Ariel Lawhon joins Jane Healey to talk about her new book, The Frozen River. From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.

Step back in time with Jane Healey, the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of 'The Secret Stealers.' In her latest historical novel, 'Goodnight From Paris,' we're transported to Nazi-occupied France. Here, an American film star embraces her most dangerous role, weaving a tale of loyalty and resistance, inspired by the true story of real-life Hollywood actress Drue Leyton. Jane is also the host of Historical Happy Hour, a monthly webinar and podcast featuring premiere historical fiction authors and their latest books.  Goodnight from Paris on Amazon and Bookshop.org Find the recommended books, the author's social media links, and the video version of this episode at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.BestofWomensFiction.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ All books featured on the podcast are listed in The Best of Women's Fiction List at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠amazon.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ashley's author website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.AshleyHasty.com

Jane Healey is the #1 Washington Post bestselling author of The Secret Stealers, The Beantown Girls, The Saturday Evening Girls Club, and the new book Goodnight from Paris.  Healey shares her journey as a writer and how she got her first book published after facing rejection from 70 agents. She also discusses the importance of having a day job while pursuing writing and the different pathways to success in publishing. Healey talks about her writing process, marketing strategy, and how she aims to publish one book every two years.  Are you an aspiring writer struggling to get published? In the latest episode of the Work From Home Show, bestselling author Jane Healey shares her journey to becoming a published novelist. Here are 5 lessons we can learn from her experience: Perseverance is key: Jane faced 70 rejections before getting her first book deal. She didn't give up on her dream, and neither should you. Have a day job: Writing can be a tough industry to break into, so it's important to have a steady income while you work on your craft. Jane worked as a product manager while pursuing her writing career. Consider different publishing options: There are different pathways to success in publishing, including self-publishing and traditional publishing. Jane won a crowdsourced publishing contest called Kindle First, which led to her dream editor offering her a publishing deal. Writing can happen anywhere: Jane has been known to write in skating rinks and school pickup lines. While she now has a home office, sometimes she needs to leave the house to focus on the first draft. Marketing is key: Jane invests in a publicist and uses social media to promote her books. She is also grateful for the support of readers and libraries in the New England area. So, keep these lessons in mind as you pursue your writing career. And don't forget to check out Jane's books, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores. Happy writing! Introduction [00:00:01] Introduction to the podcast episode and the hosts. Jane Healey's background [00:01:03] Discussion of Jane Healey's background and her journey as a writer. Working in tech and pursuing writing [00:03:05] Discussion of the benefits of working in tech while pursuing writing as a side hustle. Different pathways to success in publishing [00:05:09] Discussion of the different pathways to success in publishing, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and independent publishing. Jane Healey's path to getting published [00:06:18] Discussion of Jane Healey's path to getting her first book published, including submitting manuscripts to agents and participating in a crowdsourced publishing contest. Discovering the Contest [00:08:40] Jane Healey talks about how she learned about the contest that helped her get her first book published. Different Paths to Publication [00:09:05] Naresh Vissa and Jane Healey discuss the various ways authors can get their books published. Writing Process and Location [00:10:08] Jane Healey shares her writing process and where she prefers to write. Frequency of Book Releases [00:12:46] Naresh Vissa and Jane Healey talk about the ideal frequency of book releases and how it affects marketing. Marketing and Promotion [00:15:04] Jane Healey discusses the role of her publisher, publicist, and social media in marketing and promoting her books. Web: www.janehealey.com   TRANSCRIPT Speaker 0 (00:00:01) - Forced to work from home by your employer laid off or feeling depressed at home. Do you wanna make money working from anywhere? We'll show you how to do it from your couch. It's time for another episode of The Work From Home Show coming to you from their homes in Austin, Texas, and Tampa, Florida. Here are your hosts, Adam and Naresh. Speaker 1 (00:00:28) - Hey everybody. Welcome to the Work From Home Show. Shout out to all our homies, homeboys, homegirls, home Trans, all the work from Homers out there. I'm Naresh Bisa. Today we have Jane Healy on the show. She is the number one New York Times and Washington Post bestselling author of The Secret Steelers, the Beantown Girls, the Saturday Evening Girls Club, and the new book Goodnight from Paris. Jane Healy, thank you so much for joining us on the Work from Home Show. Speaker 2 (00:00:59) - Oh, thank you so much for ha having me. I'm so happy to be here. Speaker 1 (00:01:03) - So are you a f would you characterize yourself as a full-time fiction writer Speaker 2 (00:01:08) - Now? I am, yes. Yeah, I wouldn't care for, you know, the first 10 years I was doing this, I wouldn't characterize myself as that. But yes, now I am. Speaker 1 (00:01:15) - Well, let's talk about those first 10 years, . Did you work a full-time job and do this on the side? Obviously it makes sense now for you to be full-time because you have all these New York Times and Washington Post bestselling books. But walk us through those first 10 years, how you got started, how you got your first book published. Speaker 2 (00:01:34) - Yeah, so, um, I was actually, um, back in the day I was a product manager in high tech, believe it or not. I was a, I was a whole different thing. And then, um, my daughters were born, uh, they're 19 and 16 now. And so I pivoted to doing, um, freelance writing with, so I would really, I was working from home actually doing whatever anyone would pay me for. So it was a lot of, I did a lot of magazines and journals and things like that, but also a lot of private client work. Um, but I'd always wanted to write novels. And my first novel, the Saturday Evening Girls Club is actually came from an article I wrote for Boston Magazine about, um, about the group and the pottery that they, um, that they made. And so that I worked on the Saturday Evening Girls Club, um, novel in the fringes of my life, I like to say, for about 10 years. And, um, and you know, the first time out I just, I tried to get it published. I got a, like, I don't know, I stopped counting at 70 rejections, I think , I don't even know. Um, but then in 2017, um, I finally got a break and that novel came out in 2017. Speaker 1 (00:02:39) - So your first book was published in 2017? Speaker 2 (00:02:42) - Yes. Speaker 1 (00:02:43) - And you, so that means you've come out with almost a book every two years if, if I'm not mistaken, correct. 20, Speaker 2 (00:02:50) - It's, that's exactly right. Yes. Yeah. Speaker 1 (00:02:52) - Okay, cool. So your background, you said you worked in tech. Is your background in business or technology, is that like what you did after college? Tell us a little bit more before you started working and how you ended up working in tech. Speaker 2 (00:03:05) - Yeah, that, you know, um, it, it was a, I, I'm from Boston, Boston area. There's a lot of tech companies. It was kind of a boom when I first got outta college. So, um, you know, and I knew, you know, I've always wanted to write novels, but I didn't know anyone who got outta college and just started writing novels and paid off their student loans and were able to move outta their house and, you know, all of that. So, um, so, you know, there was a lot of tech jobs and I always tell young people who wanna be, you know, who wanna write novels, I said, I always say, don't count out tech because, um, you know, you need to make a living. And tech, you know, the tech field always is always looking for good writers, good communicators, you know, and, and it's, it's fascinating. You know, there's always new technology is fascinating and changing all the time. So I, I always tell people like, don't, you know, don't rule that out because you can make a living and, and also pursue your dream of fiction on the side. Speaker 1 (00:03:57) - Yeah. And when, when you got started, there wasn't self-publishing, now you have self-publishing available, correct? Mm-hmm. , I, and, and of course you're not a self, you're New York Times Washington Post bestseller list. So you, you have your own publisher, you, you have your own agent most likely. But now it, it's easier. And we've done a few episodes in the past about how we recommend that you work a job, you work in tech, you work from home, and you do this on the side. And that's what I've been doing. I've, I've published five books, uh, self-published. Speaker 2 (00:04:32) - Oh, awesome. Speaker 1 (00:04:33) - Yeah. Through through my publishing company. Uh, and I'm a technical writer. I write mostly business, non-fiction, e-commerce technology. Speaker 2 (00:04:41) - Oh, okay. So we have that in common. Yep. Speaker 1 (00:04:44) - . Yeah. Not a whole lot of, of, of fiction though, but, but I think the important takeaway is, like you said, there are a lot of aspiring authors out there, especially fiction authors. Yes. And if you think you're just gonna quit your job and write a book or graduate from school and, and write a book, our recommendation is work that product manager work, work wherever. Yes. And, and write the book on the side. Speaker 2 (00:05:09) - That's absolutely right. Um, we're, you know, yeah, work with work the fiction as a side hustle for a while. And I, and I think you brought up an important, important point. We're in a really interesting time in publishing. Um, there's many different pathways to success now with, with independent publishing, self-publishing, traditional publishing, and um, you know, cuz I've had some friends who, you know, for years tried to get an agent, tried to get published, tried to get, you know, get that publishing deal and, um, a couple of them have broken out. One of them is a romance writer and she decided to self-publish. Um, and she put three books out, um, and had a very strategic marketing plan along with it, social media. And she's crushing it. She's crushing it as a self-published romance author. And I'm so thrilled for her. So that, you know, there's more than one path to success in publishing now. And it's, it's, it's evolving all the time. Speaker 1 (00:06:01) - So the, the important question that many people are wondering and people who do want to go the traditional route, cause it's very hard to go the traditional route. How did you get that first deal? Did you just submit manuscripts to publishers or did you meet an agent somewhere? Speaker 2 (00:06:18) - Yeah, so my path, again, there's a lot of different paths. I was, you know, the first time out w with those 70 rejections I mentioned , those were all from agents, you know, I mean, I think the traditional route you usually think of, like, you get the agent first, then you, you know, the agent shops your book to publishers and hopefully you get a, a publishing deal out of that. Um, so that didn't happen for me. I, you know, I, I wrote another manuscript that we'll never see the light of day. And then I took the Saturday Girls Club out like a year later and was like, you know what, I'm just gonna give this one more try. And I started putting my agent list together. But at the time there was, um, there was this contest, um, this Kindle first contest, um, and it was, it, it's no longer, it was only up for like a year, but basically it was like a crowdsourced publishing contest where you could, you'd put your manu, you'd submit your manuscript to this website. Speaker 2 (00:07:12) - It was run by Amazon. Um, and, um, people would vote for it whether they thought it deserved to be published or not. But I knew that I, I put it up there because I knew that agents and editors were also checking out that mm-hmm. that contest for pro projects. And I actually said when I put it up there the night before, I said, I'm really just doing this cuz I want Danielle Marshall from Lake Union Publishing to, to see it on there and offer me a publishing deal. And my husband was like, and I were just laughed like, yeah, sure. Like that's a pipe dream. And so I put it up on Kindle first and um, 30 days later I found out that I won. Now there was multiple winners on that contest. Um, was Speaker 1 (00:07:53) - This voting based? Speaker 2 (00:07:54) - Yeah, it was vote people voted for your PR on this website, um, as to whether you deserved a publishing deal. And it was an e-book publishing deal, which was not what I wanted either, but I was like, I have nothing to lose this manuscript. Speaker 1 (00:08:07) - Yeah, you gotta start somewhere Speaker 2 (00:08:08) - Sitting on my computer, . I might as well try. Um, so I, I I wanted the real deal, but I'm like, whatever, I'll give it a try. I'm just, you know, all the angles. And, um, so I won that. But then two days later, um, Danielle Marshall from Lake Union Publishing, um, de my dream editor actually called me and said, um, you know, we wanna publish the Saturday Women Girls Club. Speaker 1 (00:08:34) - That's awesome. And, and Speaker 2 (00:08:36) - Yeah, it was wild. Speaker 1 (00:08:37) - How did you find out about this contest? Speaker 2 (00:08:40) - Um, you know, it was, as you probably know, like I'm on a lot of writers, you know, writer inbox, different platforms, different groups and um, and people were talking about it and, um, on social media and everywhere else. And so that's, that's how I first learned about it. And, you know, it, it was only out, out and up there for like a year. But, um, but uh, it was long enough for for me to get on there and for Danielle to find my project. So that was amazing. Speaker 1 (00:09:05) - I think it's great because we've interviewed, we continue to interview a lot of number one New York Times bestselling authors and everyone has their own unique story as to how they got that first deal. We've never heard this before where you got it through a contest. We've had people who said they self-published a book, did really well, the, they sold the rights. We've had people say, you know, I just submitted a manuscript and, and boom, they liked it. Yeah. And we've had people like you who, or we haven't had, you're the first one who said, you got you, you got your foot in the door or your feet in the door through a contest. Speaker 2 (00:09:41) - Yeah, it, yeah. And that's, that goes to show you, um, there's many different paths to publication I should mention too, like I am, um, Amazon charts bestselling author, author number one on Kindle and, um, Washington Post bestselling, but not New York Times. I, I wanna just correct that just to, to let you know, I'm not sure if that, if you, you, you might have, uh, been given that detail wrong. Speaker 1 (00:10:02) - Well I'm sure your next book or the book you will eventually make the New York Speaker 2 (00:10:07) - Times . That's right, yeah, Speaker 1 (00:10:08) - That's the home and how much your books have. So I mean, your bulk books have sold super well. So do you write from home or do you have an office or what, what's your writing process? Speaker 2 (00:10:17) - I write, um, you know, I was with the Saturday Evening Girls Club cuz I was writing it between other writing projects and in the fringes of my life, I, I've, I can write pretty much anywhere including like skating rinks and school pickup lines and everywhere else. Um, I do have a home office now, which is nice. And I, I'm actually, we have a basement office cuz my husband's often working from a home now, like a lot of people. Um, so I'm in the basement hiding from my pets and people. Um, but yeah, I, I can work anywhere. Um, sometimes getting the first draft down is the hardest for me. I think it's the hardest for a lot of people and, um, I, I find it's better if I leave the house and I put my headphones on and I go somewhere where I don't have to be interrupted by laundry and other things . So, um, so the first draft I often have to like go somewhere quiet. Um, and just like the focus and the concentration, um, is better when I'm not at home. Speaker 1 (00:11:12) - So when you're at the skating rinks, pickup lines, are you writing on your phone or are you actually taking a laptop with you and like writing Speaker 2 (00:11:19) - The car? Oh yeah, yeah. Usually a laptop. Although, um, you know, sometimes, especially now if I'm like working on a new project and I mean, I'm, I'm, I will sometimes like dictate into my phone more than type, cuz I mean, I feel like I just, my fingers aren't small enough for that . So yeah. So yeah, I will all I'll, I'll sometimes dictate into my phone, um, you know, just so I won't just, so I won't forget frankly, like later on, um, if I'm, if I'm walking or running or in the car or wherever, Speaker 1 (00:11:50) - That's pretty impressive because I, I do a lot of writing on my phone, but to do it at random places, like pickup lines and, and skating rinks, especially fiction where like non-fiction, I feel you can go back reference, verify, if you forget something, it's EAs but fiction, you just have to write whatever in, in the moment. You have to write in the moment. Yes. Which makes it a lot harder because if you're in a pickup line and then you get interrupted by somebody who you're picking up and then it's like, that's, that thought is kind of gone. Speaker 2 (00:12:26) - . Yeah, yeah, exactly. It's not easy, but, but that's exactly why I, you know, like I said, sometimes I'm dictating, sometimes I'm, you know, whatever, whatever works right to get, to get the story down . Speaker 1 (00:12:39) - So are, are you planning to write more books maybe one every two years moving forward? Is that the long-term plan? Speaker 2 (00:12:46) - That is the long-term plan. I, I, you know, frankly with the amount of research, um, historical fiction requires, I, I don't think I could do it faster than that. I'm really in awe of, of writers who can, um, some writers can crank out a book a year. I just, that's just not, that's not how I work. I mean, just from just coming up with the i an idea that I think is compelling and fresh and new and, uh, you know, lesser known history, whatever it is, um, that takes time. And then research to see if there's enough there, there, um, to, you know, I like to use history and research as a jumping off point for stories. So, um, so yeah, the, the process, it takes me longer than, um, than some people, but, um, but you know, it, it works for me. So I'm ho uh, that's my plan is hopefully every other year, Speaker 1 (00:13:32) - I think once every two years is more than enough. And f from a marketing perspective, I just think if you're coming out with so much with one a year, e every book is gonna, essentially can cannibalize the previous book. Uh, whereas if you come out, you know, once every two years, once every three years, you can really focus on that book that comes out, promote only the, um, that's just how I feel from, from a market. I, I think it's overkill because we have interviewed authors who come out with one book a year, even two books a year. Yes. And, and you just lose track. When I read their, their titles, they're like, oh no, that was my book from six months ago. I just came out with one last week. And it's like, oh, uh, okay. And then, and then they'll promote their next book that's coming out in like three months after that. And it's like, this is, this is overkill. You know, why don't we just stick to one book? Speaker 2 (00:14:21) - . Yeah. I, I, I kind of tend to agree I, unless maybe, um, like I said, my friend, my friend who writes romance, like the, that market, um, those readers are hungry for, for at least a book or two a year. I, but yeah, for anything else, like I, I feel like this is enough and I don't want people to get sick of me , frankly. Like, I don't wanna be on your show next talking about another book, you know, so, so yeah, I, I agree with you. I think I, I think the pace of this, um, feels right to me. Speaker 1 (00:14:51) - And is it your publisher who's doing the marketing? Like you have a huge following, you're selling a lot of copies, you have a fan club, is it them or did you do anything on your own to develop your, your readership? Speaker 2 (00:15:04) - Yeah, you know, it's funny, it's a little bit of everything. Um, my publisher's super supportive. They do a lot of marketing. Um, but I also, um, have a publicist that I, I decided to, you know, invest in myself. I, um, I do a lot of social media, but I, I've tried to balance that. I, I've pulled back a little bit from that, frankly, because I think the most important thing is the work, you know, is, is due in the, is is writing quality books and, and if you spend too much time on social media, you don't have enough time for writing. Um, but yeah, I mean, I think it, I I think the hustle in publishing in in is real. And, um, and I, I've really been blessed with, um, you know, I have a, I have some really wonderful readers who have become friends over the past six years, and, um, and that's been terrific. I also have a lot of really supportive libraries in the New England area. So I'm, I'm doing a lot of talks at different libraries and bookstores, a lot of, some really great independent bookstores. Um, so that's, that's been really fun too. And, and, and they've been super supportive. So I'm, I'm really blessed in that way. Speaker 1 (00:16:09) - Jane Healy, thank you so much for joining us on The Work From Home Show. Check out her books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, wherever books are sold. She is a number one Washington Post bestselling author of The Secret Steelers, the Beantown Girls Saturday Evening Girls Club, and her new book, which is on the, the stands right now. Goodnight from Paris. The website is jane healy.com. Healy is spelled H e a l e y Jane healy.com. Jane Healy, any final thoughts you'd like to share with our listeners or anything else you want to promote? Speaker 2 (00:16:48) - No, thank you so much. This has been a great conversation. I, you know, I, I feel like, um, you know, I didn't realize your background was a, as a writer as well, so it's always fun to talk to other writers about process and, and you know, where you're at with all of that. So it, this was a great conversation. Thank you. Speaker 1 (00:17:05) - No, thank you Jane. It's been a pleasure. To Wal our listeners, check us out at work from home show.com. That's www.workfromhomeshow.com. If you have any questions for us or comments, email us hello at work from home show.com. That's hello work from home show.com. Follow us on social media, we're on Twitter, we're on Facebook. Leave uss a review on whatever podcasting platform you use, iTunes, tune in Stitcher, et cetera. And until next week, keep on working from home.