What Jeff Zentner Brings to the Romance World

Jeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry's Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry's Third Act. We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff's plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes. Jeff also talks about the emotional impact of his writing on Gen-Z readers and the connection he has found through his school tours across the country. Be sure to stick around to the end to get Jeff's second chance love story recommendations! To accompany today’s show, I have a Second Chance Romance Novels book list to celebrate 19 beautiful new beginnings and second chances.Meet Jeff ZentnerJeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Books The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, and his forthcoming debut for the adult market, Colton Gentry's Third Act and a YA novel in verse, Sunrise Nights, coauthored with Brittany Cavallaro.Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the Muriel Becker Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and been longlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist; and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville.  Colton Gentry's Third Act is his adult debut romance.Mentioned in this episode:Joining the Patreon helps this show remain independent and on air for $5 a month. You will gain access to our 2024 MomAdvice Book Club, the FULLY BOOKED buzzy new release show, exclusive author interviews, music playlists, and more! Download Today's TranscriptJoin the 2024 MomAdvice Book Club Book19 Second Chance Romance Books for Summer (NEW BOOK LIST)Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff ZentnerIn the Wild Light by Jeff ZentnerThe Serpent King by Jeff ZentnerThe Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with HeartKitchen Confidential by Anthony BourdainBlood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle HamiltonSweetbitter by Stephanie DanlerSerpent King tattooNormal People by Sally RooneyHappy Place by Emily HenryNormal PeopleOne Day by David NichollsThe Idea of You by Robinne LeeBefore Sunrise TrilogySunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany CavallaroHello Girls by Emily Henry and Brittany CavallaroThe Best Jeff Zentner BooksConnect With Us:Connect with Jeff Zentner on his Website or InstagramConnect with Amy on Instagram, TikTok, or MomAdviceGet My Happy List NewsletterGet the Daily Kindle Deals NewsletterBuy Me a Coffee (for a one-time donation)