From Dramatically Quitting Writing to a Major Two-Book Deal: Rachel Hochhauser on Lady Tremaine

Kelton wraps up her Rewilding winter class and launches something new—a free monthly writing practice called the Murmuration—while Krisserin confesses she's started a secret new project (2,400 words and counting, but she's not telling us what it is). Both hosts are taking a beat from their main manuscripts, and this week's interview is the perfect reminder of why stepping away can be the most important part of the process.Then they're joined by Rachel Hochhauser, author of Lady Tremaine, a reimagining of Cinderella from the perspective of the so-called evil stepmother. Rachel shares how the idea struck her in a hospital waiting room during her husband's health crisis—a season of sacrifice that made her see the "villain" with entirely new eyes. She opens up about writing a first novel in grad school, querying unsuccessfully for years, dramatically walking away from writing, and then returning to draft Lady Tremaine in just seven months. The conversation covers her preemptive sale to St. Martin's Press, the surprising depth of copy editing, defending her book's carefully calibrated romance against market pressure, and the reality of two-book deals (hint: it's not a salary). Plus: the Bridgerton timing is almost too good, and Kelton coins the pitch "hawks and hotties."Find Rachel Hochhauser:Website: rachelhochhauser.comInstagram: @hochhauser Book: Lady Tremaine from St. Martin's PressBooks Mentioned in This Episode: Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeerUprooted by Naomi NovikPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenH Is for Hawk by Helen MacdonaldLight Years by James SalterWrite to us: [email protected] us:Instagram: @penpalspodTikTok: @penpalspodYouTube: @PenPalsPodSubStack: penpalspod.substack.comFollow Krisserin and Kelton:TikTok: @krisserin, @keltonwrites Instagram: @keltonkin, @keltonwritesKelton's Substack: ShangrilogsKrisserin's Substack: krisserin.substack.comMusic by Golden Hour Oasis Studios