Double episode from interviews recorded live at The Whitby Hotel!

Bestselling author Camille Pagán joins Zibby to discuss her moving new novel, Dog Person, a witty story narrated by an aging rescue dog determined to help his grieving owner find love again, inspired by Camille Pagán’s own experience with loss, grief, and the extraordinary emotional intelligence of her beloved dog. Camille opens up about the personal tragedy that shaped the book, the research behind how dogs perceive human emotions, and the healing power of writing through grief. She and Zibby also dive into publishing culture, pseudonyms, romance novels, difficult characters, and the vulnerability of being a writer. Plus, Camille shares the surprising story of how she became a “dog person” herself — thanks to one unforgettable rescue dog.

Novelist Kerry Clare discusses her witty and deeply thoughtful new novel, Definitely Thriving. Inspired in part by the work of Barbara Pym, the novel follows Clemence, a woman rebuilding her life after blowing up her marriage and deciding — finally! — to prioritize her own desires over everyone else’s expectations. Kerry and Zibby talk about writing funny, complicated women, the joy of eccentric side characters, and the role bookstores, friendships, and neighborhoods play in shaping identity and community. They also dive into the pressures women face around “having it all,” the idea of thriving versus optimizing, and why following your appetite — emotional, creative, intellectual — can be its own act of rebellion.

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