Hi, I'm Zibi Owens, and this is Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books.

As a mom of four kids in New York City and a writer myself, I know all too well how short

everyone is on time, so I'm here to help.

I'm going to interview authors and writers of all types about their work, especially as it

relates to parenting and family issues. Hopefully you can listen while doing 8 million other

things and fall in love with these talented scribes in their fantastic books, essays, and songs

like I have, plus get some tips on surviving parenthood. For more about me,

you can check out my essays at zibby owens.com. Also, this episode has been sponsored by Chloe's

fruit, the cool way to eat fruit, just fruit, water, and a touch of organic cane sugar. I don't

know about you, but my kids are obsessed with Chloe's pops. I secretly

sneak the dark chocolate pops when they're not looking for a guilt-free delicious treat. Check them out

on Chloe's Fruit.com. I'm super excited to be interviewing a wonderful friend of mine today, Lee Carpenter.

Lee and I went to business school together and bonded as two writers in a sea of consultants.

Lee has since published an incredible book called 11 Days Published by Knopf and has a new book

coming out this summer. So welcome Lee Carpenter. Thank you. Thank you so much for having me.

So Lee, tell me more about your background in terms of where you grew up.

How did you end up in New York?

I grew up in Wilmington, Delaware, kind of in the middle of nowhere, with a lot of siblings, and dogs and horses. And it was a very quiet childhood. I didn't know if I would end up

in New York. I used to come here with my mother, you know, on special occasions and we would go out

for lunch or go to F.A. Schwartz or go to the bookstore, go to the theater. So I always, you know,

knew about New York. And then when I was an undergrad, I really loved to the theater and thought

maybe my future would be in the theater. And if you love the theater, you come to New York City. So I really

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