20 Questions is a Q&A interview series with authors, musicians, and everyone in between, celebrating experiences both shared and individual in the messy game of being human.
“I think connecting with a story helps us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s such an exquisite relief to realize that you’re not as alone as you might think.” Stephanie Booth has an M.A. in English from the University of New Mexico and a M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College. Along with freelance writing, she has been a content writer for digital health startups, contributing editor at the long-gone but still-missed Teen People, an advice columnist for Teen, and helped with casting MTV’s award-winning documentary series True Life. Stephanie’s beautiful debut novel, Libby Lost and Found, was published this fall and she joins me on 20 Questions to talk all about it.
What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to be a writer?
When I was about three, my grandfather would use his letter opener to very carefully slice his business stationary into quarters, then staple the pieces together to make “books” for me to fill. I remember standing by his desk in awe, watching him do this. I adored reading and thought libraries were magical places, so I desperately wanted to create my own books.
What time of day are you most inspired?
Early morning for sure. 4:30 is my ideal get-up time when I have momentum on something I’m writing.
Favorite book of all-time?
I don’t think I can articulately answer this! I have so many favorites for very different reasons. Some books I love because I was obsessed with them as a kid, like the Betsy-Tacy series or James Herriot books. Other books I love because they made me feel seen, or provided escape when I desperately needed it. There are also lots of books I can’t stop thinking about because they were so meticulously crafted and almost broke my brain. (Or my heart.)
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Is peanut butter a vice? It has a lot of protein, so I don’t know if it qualifies. But as my family will tell you, I do put it on a lot of foods which maybe aren’t supposed to have it. If that’s not a vice, I would say… people-pleasing.
One movie that will always make you cry?
Anything animated. I couldn’t even finish Wall-E or Finding Nemo when my kids watched them. They were too traumatic for me.
What’s the most challenging part of writing for you?
Starting something new. It’s a lot like running. For the first mile, everything hurts, and your brain is trying to trick you into stopping. But if you can persist through the self-doubt and distractions, everything starts to get easier. For a short time, at least.
The best book you’ve read in the last year?
I think that would have to be James by Percival Everett.
How would you characterize your debut novel Libby Lost and Found?
I think it’s really about the stories we tell ourselves, and how the narratives that loop in our heads can either sabotage or save us. And also, about the power of books themselves — how intensely we can love fictional characters and how those imaginary relationships can nurture us, and seed our real lives, in unexpected and lovely ways.
The last series you binge-watched?
Nobody Wants This. And I am always bingeing Gilmore Girls.
The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad: “Brake as little as possible when you’re driving. You won’t need to brake if you’re going the right speed.” This actually applies to a lot of different situations in life.
If you could have one writer, dead or alive, to compose your obituary, who would it be and why?
I’m going for a writer and comedian — Aparna Nancherla — so everyone can laugh while they’re reading it.
One song that you will never be sick of?
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears for Fears. It makes me feel like I’m in the third act of a movie and something really good is about to happen.
Laptop or desktop?
Laptop!
How would you describe the importance of storytelling in an age of social isolation?
I think connecting with a story helps us feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s such an exquisite relief to realize that you’re not as alone as you might think.
What’s your current read?
I just finished The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue and absolutely loved it. Next up is Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner.
Which character in Libby Lost and Found is closest to your heart?
I hope it’s not a cop-out to say all of them! Except maybe Baron McBroom.
You’re stuck on a long flight. Which world-famous musician would you want sitting next to you and why?
I love this question. I actually don’t like to talk on flights. I love to just read or watch old episodes of Seinfeld, so I’m going to pick a musician who probably wouldn’t want to talk to me either… maybe Stephen Malkmus.
Favorite quote of all-time?
I have notebooks full of favorite quotes. But here’s one about writing that I think about a lot. It’s from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, when she was interviewed in The New York Times last year: “You have to write something that is more dangerous, more honest, more unusual and more provocative… Honing the uniqueness of whatever you do is your best chance.”
As a writer and artist, what would you say is the best way to rest or decompress?
Taking really long walks. When I’m stuck, this gifts me with a beautiful illusion that I’m still moving forward.
What can we expect to see next from you?
I finished a second novel which I’m describing as “bonkers from Libby in a whole different way.” And I began my next next project, which is a sloppy mess but I’m curious enough to be along for the ride!
Follow Stephanie Booth on Instagram and buy her debut novel Libby Lost and Found wherever books are sold.
Jeffrey Reads 