Hey, book enthusiasts! In this week’s column, I bring you an exclusive peek into the creative process behind Zibby Owens' debut novel, BLANK. Ever wondered how a frustrated writer facing an impossible deadline mirrors our own quests for change? Or how the vibrant settings of Beverly Hills and Santa Monica shape the narrative? Join me as we delve into the complexities of Pippa Jones, the novel's relatable protagonist, and uncover the inspiration behind her innovative idea to revolutionize the book world. So, grab your literary map and let's explore the gems hidden within the pages of BLANK together. And don’t forget to use the hashtag #jensjewelsinterviews on social media. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Jennifer Vido: Congratulations on your debut novel! What inspired you to explore the theme of a frustrated writer facing an impossible deadline for turning her life around?
Zibby Owens: I was trying to think of a novel to write myself when my son suggested I hand it in blank. A lightbulb when off and I was like, “Yes! That’s a brilliant idea.” But having the deadline to turn her life around is a metaphor. We’re all under the gun to change things in our lives in time to enjoy them.
Jen: Pippa Jones is a complex and relatable character. Can you share some insights into how you developed her personality and the challenges she faces?
Zibby: This may sound unsatisfying, but I got to know Pippa more and more as I wrote the book. I knew who she was, but once I put her into situations, I could see how she would respond. Also, there’s definitely some me in Pippa, too!
Jen: Pippa's innovative idea to revolutionize the book world is captivating. As a publisher, how did your professional experiences shape this creative concept, and were there any real-life instances that inspired or influenced this aspect of the story?
Zibby: Well, I’ve realized that so many fabulous books get lost because they don’t get the attention they deserve. And they’re just as good if not better than the biggest books of the year. The industry itself is set up to promote certain titles more than others. I don’t think that’s fair, and I wanted to shine some light on things that readers might not know.
Jen: The novel immerses readers in diverse settings, ranging from Beverly Hills hotels to Brentwood and Santa Monica bookstores. Given your ownership of a bookstore, how did your connection to these locations influence the decision to include them, and how did they shape the overall narrative?
Zibby: I had so much fun writing about L.A. I wrote most of the book away from L.A. and missing it, so I just wrote places I could easily travel to in my head and where I thought others might enjoy visiting, too. L.A. is a character in the book, too. It deserves celebration!
Jen: Pippa's relationship with her publisher is a key element in the story. Can you elaborate on the dynamics between Pippa and her publisher and how it contributes to the unexpected plot twists?
Zibby: Pippa is entirely beholden to the whims of her publisher and sometimes that doesn’t always go so well. Authors can feel terrible about that. I wanted to really push the limit on the lack of boundaries and show someone standing up for themselves. Luckily, I have a fantastic publisher myself.
Jen: Humor appears to be an essential element in your novel. How did you balance the comedic aspects while addressing deeper themes such as family, friendship, and self-discovery?
Zibby: That’s just how I see things. It’s how I go about day-to-day life, trying to find some humor even in the darkest times. It just came naturally to write it this way. But then things happen where there don’t seem to be any laughs left. And those times needs to have some air to breathe, so to speak.
Jen: The theme of reinvention and self-discovery is a powerful one. What message or insight do you hope readers (and authors) take away from Pippa's journey?
Zibby: I hope readers know that it’s never too late. That they need to trust the voice inside themselves that knows that they something in their lives is off and to realize that yes, they can do something about it. It’s never too late.
Jen: Let’s switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Please tell us about your epic book tour!
Zibby: Haha. I’m excited to go all over the country talking about BLANK but also connecting with readers and authors and bookstores which is central to my entire company and our mission. My tour is an excuse to turn our mission into reality.
Jen: What’s on your TBR stack?
Zibby: About 8,000 books I need to prep for my podcast, although I’ll be changing the format soon to really engage readers and highlight great books.
Jen: What’s the best way for readers to stay connected with you?
Zibby: Follow me on Instagram and also sign up for my Substack newsletter. Plus, sign up for the Zibby community newsletters, too!
Jen: Thank you for stopping by to chat about your debut novel, BLANK. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Zibby: Thanks!! There just might be something else coming soon.
A wife, mother, and frustrated writer faces an impossible deadline for turning her life around in a hilarious debut novel about family, friendship, success, and exhilarating self-(re)discovery.
Pippa Jones is a fortyish former literary sensation who fears she will be a one-hit wonder. After the follow-up book she was almost done writing, Podlusters, had to be tossed (it ended up sharing a plot and title with superstar author Ella Rankin’s summer blockbuster!), she couldn’t write a thing. Months of staring at a blank page made her confidence vanish like a one-night stand. When she finds out that she has only five days left to finish (or rather, start) or repay an advance she’s already spent, Pippa has a brilliantly original idea. Okay, fine, her twelve-year-old son came up with it as a joke, but Pippa and her teenage daughter approved.
Pippa’s not only going to make a bold statement, but she’ll change the book world while she’s at it! Can she pull it off? At this point, she doesn’t have a choice.
When Pippa’s publisher gets intimately involved, it unlocks a series of plot twists she never saw coming. From the courtyards of posh Beverly Hills hotels and Malibu mega-mansions to Brentwood and Santa Monica bookstores, Pippa races against time—in her used Volvo—and discovers more about her career, marriage, family, friends, and herself than she ever could have dreamed up.
Women's Fiction Contemporary [Little A, On Sale: March 1, 2024, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781662516696 / ]
Zibby Owens is the author of Blank: A Novel, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, and Princess Charming, a children's book, and is the editor of two anthologies. A frequent contributor to Good Morning America, Zibby has been called "NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer" (Vulture).
Creator and host of the award-winning daily podcast Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, Zibby is the co-founder and CEO of publishing house Zibby Books, owner of Zibby's Bookshop, an indie bookstore in Santa Monica, CA, and creator of "the Zibby-verse" (L.A. Times) community of book lovers, for which she offers retreats, events, classes, a book club, and more.
A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Zibby lives in New York with her four children ages 9 to 16 and her husband, Kyle Owens, Co-President and Founder of Morning Moon Productions. Follow her on Instagram and Substack where she tells it like it is.
Jennifer Vido writes sweet romances set in the Lowcountry filled with southern charm and hospitality. In between chapters, she interviews authors for her bi-weekly Jen’s Jewels column on FreshFiction.com. Most mornings, she teaches an arthritis-friendly water exercise class for seniors before heading to the office to serve as the executive director of a legal non-profit. A New Jersey native, she currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two rescue dogs and is the proud parent of two sons who miss her home-cooked meals. To learn more, please visit her website.
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