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Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books™️
BLANK's Pub Day! Zibby chats with Julie Chavez
PUB DAY SPECIAL!!!!! Guest host Julie Chavez interviews Zibby about her debut novel BLANK. Zibby reflects on her journey to becoming a novelist (she has been dreaming of this day for many, many years!) and then delves into the book, touching on the initial spark of inspiration, the meticulous structuring of the storyline, and the importance of infusing playfulness into the writing. She also describes the challenges of transitioning from memoir to fiction and the moments of doubt she's had throughout this whole experience. Oh, and in the end, she picks a theme song for the BLANK movie... if it ever becomes one!
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(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.)
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