In this episode of complicated conversations we are joined by KJ Dell’Antonia. KJ is author of the instant New York Times bestseller, The Chicken Sisters, a Reese Witherspoon book club pick. She is the former editor of The New York Times Motherlode as well as the author of the nonfiction book How To Be A Happier Parent. Her second novel, In Her Boots, is out now. Listen to our spoiler-free episode and pick up your copy of In Her Boots!* We discuss Rhett Smith, aka Maggie Strong, her pen name, and what inspired her. Listen to hear what the book Eat, Pray, Love and Monica Lewinsky have to do with it! KJ shares whether she has her own inner superhero. (01:13)* A mother as the nemesis in the novel? Yes please! We discuss mommy issues and the complicated parent-child relationship. (04:23)*We talk about a scene with Rhett and Louisa and what KJ learned about how much time she considers how she appears or presents to others…what will people think? (07:45)* KJ talks about how she reconciles her different identities - lawyer, journalist and writer - and different versions of success. (11:21)* We talk astrology of course and yet another author tells us about her obsession with tarot cards. (14:56)* KJ shares what she’s loving right now and why she supports other authors so enthusiastically! (17:20)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.