208: A Character's Heart and Soul - Interview with Gail Honeyman

Hey there word nerds! Today I have the pleasure of hosting Gail Honeyman on the show! Gail is the author of the novel Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, which hit shelves in May of last year and made a huge splash with readers. Gail's debut novel was the star book at the Frankfurt Book Fair and was selected as an Indie Next Pick by booksellers across the country. It soon became one of the most beloved novels of 2017, catching the attention of readers worldwide, including Reese Witherspoon, who made it one of her book club picks and bought the film rights. The love for this book has not let up since its release, and it has been heralded as a must-read for summer by The New York Times, People, and TheSkimm. Independent booksellers were so excited about the book that many of them even participated in an "Eleanor Oliphant Day," touting this quirky, funny, and heartbreaking novel to their customers both in their stores and across social media. So listen in as Gail and I unpack this quirky, sometimes difficult, but always lovable character of Eleanor Oliphant, and how to craft a story that really puts readers directly into the heart and soul of a character. In this episode Gail and I discuss: Crafting a voice driven novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The learning curve of your first book. Creating empathy for an unlikable character through close first person narration. How to "feel" your way through writing and editing your novel. Building a compelling character with multiple layers. Plus Gail's #1 tip for writers. For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/208