NO SPOILERS in this conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kimberly McCreight discussing A GOOD MARRIAGE.*** Carinn and Kate chat about the interview highlights with Kimberly: her writing process and nuggets of wisdom for writers, her obsession with baking, our mutual love of astrology, her leaving the law to follow her true calling as a writer and, most importantly, her explorations of what makes a good marriage. (00:45)*** Kimberly tells us the story of A Good Marriage in her own words. It is part legal thriller, part domestic suspense, as well as a genuine exploration of what it means to sustain a marriage over time and the secrets couples keep and the compromises they make to stay together at whatever the cost. (7:05)*** Kate wants to know more about her complicated protagonist Lizzie and what inspired her to write her. Kimberly reveals that she is the character closest in personality to herself in a basic way, which meant she had to be aware of the blind spots when writing her. (10:05)*** Carinn recounts many of the remarkable complicated female characters Kimberly has written in A Good Marriage and Kimberly explains how character and plotting work together for her. Being a “pantser” who doesn’t outline and flies by the seat of her pants definitely doesn’t make it easy, but the result is sheer magic. (13:20)*** The book is called A Good Marriage and Kate and Carinn loved hearing from Kimberly on what makes a good marriage, what sustains it over time, what matters most, and why people don’t seem to want to talk about this subject as much as we all do! Her smart documentary style promotional trailer is a must watch and had us reminiscing about the couples on the couch in When Harry Met Sally. (20:20)*** On a podcast that celebrates complicated women as multi-dimensional humans, Kimberly couldn’t escape without being asked about any contradictions in her own personality. Her answer really resonated with us. (29:58)*** Kimberly reveals the complicated women that inspire her and how she is raising the next generation of strong, smart females. (31:54)*** Carinn needs to talk about her obsession with baking since Kimberly shares the same compulsion. They try to unpack this soothing, yet sometimes emotionally draining, hobby and what bigger purpose it serves. (35:38)*** Kate can’t bake so she wants to get back to the law and hear more about how Kimberly tried to ignore her compulsion to write for the security of being a lawyer. Kimberly speaks openly and bravely about the decision to pursue her passion, even if the road was long and hard. (41:08)*** Kimberly’s legal training is baked into her novels in such organic and analytical ways that clearly this was meant to unfold for her in the way it has (with tremendous success). (51:55)*** Carinn sheepishly floats one final question about astrology and the result is pure joy. Let’s just say we all agree to go forth and normalize astrology! (56:17)Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @popfictionwomen and on Twitter @pop_women. To do a full deep dive, check out our website at www.popfictionwomen.comStay Complicated!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.