Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Tracey Garvis Graves, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international bestselling author of contemporary fiction, to discuss her new novel, Heard It In A Love Song. Tracy begins by telling us about how she wrote the book she wanted to read about how to start over again after a divorce.** Layla, the novel’s complicated protagonist, finds herself on the other side of a divorce and wondering who she is now and how she can rediscover those parts of herself she has lost. Tracey discusses her development of Layla and how she wanted to explore how women often put certain parts of themselves or their lives aside. (02:48)** Music is key in this novel. We were super impressed with the songs Tracey wrote for her fictional band, which has major Daisy Jones & The Six vibes. The title of this novel is Heard It In A Love Song, so we loved hearing how strong Tracey’s connection is to music and lyrics. Listen to hear us geek out together about Taylor Swift! (08:13).** We talk with Tracey about her use of dual-timelines to show the painful details of the end of the characters’ prior relationships. (16:00)** Heard It In A Love Song is a friends-to-lovers story that reads like a warm, slow burn. Tracey shares with us how the pandemic contributed to her choice to explore this type of romance, as well as her thoughts on happy endings (for now). (20:45)** Tracey tells us about her writing process, from outline to zero draft to first draft and beyond. Find out which of her books was the hardest to write. Her advice is to wait for the strong idea to start talking loudly.  (26:23)** Tracey shares how she finally decided to write her first novel at age 42 because she wanted something for herself. (31:45)** We finally found someone potentially more obsessed with astrology than we are! A+ for Tracey! (36:07)** Tracey shares what she’s loving right now, which includes “happy things” and TikTok! (42:28)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.com. Stay Complicated!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.