Novelist Jody Gehrman's secret sauce for writing almost anything!

If you attended my last happy hour with John W. Evans, you might be wondering if it’s all downhill from here. John was so astoundingly open and generous—accessible, yet profound—who could possibly go up to bat next? Jody Gehrman, that’s whom.

One of the nicest and most charming people you’ll meet, Jody has written twelve novels across multiple genres. Some, like Summer in the Land of Skin, tell poignant family tales. (Don’t judge the book by the publisher!) Others, like Babe in Boyland and Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, are fun YA romps. But Jody can pivot from hilarity to chills. Watch Me was applauded as a riveting, page-turning, psychological thriller. And The Girls’ Weekend promises another dose of delicious suspense when a few female friends’ reunion turns into a crime scene.

Twelve novels should not be possible from someone who looks as young as Jody. But prepare to be even more surprised. Jody has also found the time and energy to write many award-winning plays, and at least one screenplay that I know of. In this time of Covid when so many of us are blocked, she is busy writing away.

Which made me think: there must be something that makes all this possible—some insight that can be applied across genres and media to boost such productivity and success. Jody’s secret sauce for writing anything, that’s what I’m after.

Find out what that sauce is (three actionable ingredients!) in this video of our conversation.

For those of you who didn’t make it to my conversation with John W. Evan’s, here’s a little more gold: the link to the video.

One last opportunity—actually, two: Some of you have heard me say that this is the year to sign up for writers’ conferences like the New York Pitch Conference. Courtesy of Covid, this is your chance to meet representatives from some of New York’s top commercial publishers without having to invest in airfare or hotel rooms. If you’re ready to jump on this chance, applications for the next conference, September 17-20, are still being accepted here.

If you need help preparing your pitch, I offer six-week generative Pitching Toolkit Workshops. I’ll guide you step by step in a supportive group environment, and you’ll emerge with your hook, your elevator pitch, your query, and your synopsis. To find out more, fill and submit the form below.

I hope you’ll make use of all these opportunities. In any case, I wish you happy writing!

Shirin