Episode Summary
This week, Jeniffer and Chad Thompson welcome bestselling author, editor, and publishing veteran Christine Pride to discuss her solo debut novel, All the Men I've Loved Again. Christine shares the real-life inspiration behind the story, her journey from editor to author, the power of lifelong friendships, and what it means to trust yourself—in love, writing, and life.
The conversation explores second-chance romance, coming-of-age experiences that continue well into adulthood, the realities of publishing, and why writers need both resilience and community. Christine also offers valuable advice for aspiring authors and shares insights into her collaborative work with co-author Jo Piazza.
Whether you're a reader, writer, or hopeless romantic, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart.
In This Episode:
- The inspiration behind All the Men I've Loved Again
- Why Christine was compelled to turn a personal experience into fiction
- Creating Cora: writing a character searching for love, identity, and belonging
- The importance of friendship as a central love story
- How childhood experiences shape self-confidence and relationships
- Writing authentic coming-of-age stories across multiple decades
- The nostalgia of the 1990s and pre-social media relationships
- Co-writing bestselling novels with Jo Piazza
- The differences between collaborative writing and solo authorship
- What editors really want from aspiring writers
- The value of trusted readers, critique partners, and developmental feedback
- Why writers must learn to trust their instincts
- Publishing myths, realities, and industry misconceptions
- Christine's coaching, retreats, and resources for writers