EPISODE · Apr 9, 2025 · 53 MIN
Author Interview: Olivia Waite
from Shit We've Read · host Laura Benson, Jason Rico, Brittney Wong, Bella Romero, and Emma Skies
In this special author interview, Jason and Laura sit down with Olivia Waite to talk about her beautiful new novella, MURDER BY MEMORY—a “sci-fi ode to the cozy mystery, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective.” Listen in as Olivia shares how Star Wars unexpectedly led her to read her first romance novel, and reflects on the ways grief continues to shape her writing. She also opens up about which childhood memory she’d most love to recover, and makes a case for why the novella is the perfect length for impactful storytelling.Oh—and did you know a glass brain was found among the victims of Mount Vesuvius? Olivia did, and that’s just the start of the incredible things she wants to share with you.You can grab your copy of MURDER BY MEMORY now wherever books are sold! Other books mentioned by Olivia in this episode: All Fired Up by M.K. England Discworld by Terry Pratchett Imperial Radch Trilogy by Ann Leckie Warrior’s Woman by Johanna Lindsey Babel by R.F. Kuang Murderbot by Martha Wells Guest:Olivia Waite writes queer historical romance, fantasy, science fiction, and essays. She is the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review. When the birds are propitious, she sends out the Oliviary: a newsletter full of news, recommended reads, and intriguing content curated from niche corners of the internet. She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary. You can find her at
What this episode covers
In this special author interview, Jason and Laura sit down with Olivia Waite to talk about her beautiful new novella, MURDER BY MEMORY—a “sci-fi ode to the cozy mystery, helmed by a formidable no-nonsense auntie of a detective.” Listen in as Olivia shares how Star Wars unexpectedly led her to read her first romance novel, and reflects on the ways grief continues to shape her writing. She also opens up about which childhood memory she’d most love to recover, and makes a case for why the novella is the perfect length for impactful storytelling.Oh—and did you know a glass brain was found among the victims of Mount Vesuvius? Olivia did, and that’s just the start of the incredible things she wants to share with you.You can grab your copy of MURDER BY MEMORY now wherever books are sold! Other books mentioned by Olivia in this episode: All Fired Up by M.K. England Discworld by Terry Pratchett Imperial Radch Trilogy by Ann Leckie Warrior’s Woman by Johanna Lindsey Babel by R.F. Kuang Murderbot by Martha Wells Guest:Olivia Waite writes queer historical romance, fantasy, science fiction, and essays. She is the romance fiction columnist for the New York Times Book Review. When the birds are propitious, she sends out the Oliviary: a newsletter full of news, recommended reads, and intriguing content curated from niche corners of the internet. She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary. You can find her at
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Author Interview: Olivia Waite
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