Episode 14: Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestseller

Barbara Conrey, author of Nowhere Near Goodbye

Key Topics: Barbara chats about the real life inspiration for her novel, point of view changes along the way, and what she’s read recently.

Interview Notes

Barbara is one of the best supporters of other authors, and we chat about the great reception for her novel, her pride in being a well-received debut over 70 (it’s never too late!), and the origin story for novel, which came from hearing a friend’s granddaughter had GBM (Glioblastoma). People she knew dying from GBM broke Barbara’s heart and she created a fictional character, Emma, who would make it her life's work to solve this horrid disease.

But as with any great fiction, things are not simple for Emma, the main character in NOWHERE NEAR GOODBYE and she struggles with the conflict between her desire to marry and raise a family and her drive to solve GBM.

We also talk about a point of view change from earlier drafts (and when her editor told her 50% of the book had to go!). And I congratulate Barbara on her success- her novel already so many great 5 Star Goodreads reviews!

Barbara shares her latest reads; THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SAM HELL, by Robert Dugoni which she describes as a beautifully written story and the latest novel by Chris Bohjalian THE RED LOTUS and how Barbara has read every single one of his books. She also fan girls a little about how supportive Chris is of other writers.