A Modern Day Epistolary (3 Minutes with Author J. Marie Rundquist)

The first time I read an epistolary novel, I remember being in absolute awe of any author who could tell an entire story using only letters and no narrative prose. J. Marie Rundquist, my guest on this week's episode of 3 Minutes with the Author, has accomplished just that with her debut novel All I'm Asking. We had a chance to talk about the challenges of that style of writing as well as about her most recent release, AS THOUGH YOU WERE MINE.

WATCH NOW as J. Marie and I enjoy a quick chat about her writing process, her favorite part of being an author, and what she's working on next!

About AS THOUGH YOU WERE MINE

Julie Mercer donated her eggs to help her brother and sister-in-law conceive via in-vitro fertilization, never expecting a few years later, she would have to take full responsibility for those children after they lose their parents in a car accident.

Julie never wanted kids of her own, and now she suddenly needs to make room in her small apartment for four-year-old twins who thrust additional challenges at her as they work through their grief and trauma. With Lucy throwing intense tantrums and Mikey not talking at all, Julie doubts her ability to raise her niece and nephew as her own.

When Grant, the twins’ uncle–and also their biological father–shows up at her door, he says he wants to help, but is he sincere? Or does he have a hidden agenda to fight for custody? With her family also questioning her role as guardian and her job on the line in the face of an inflexible boss as she deals with the sudden life changes, Julie must determine whether her brother and sister-in-law really did make the best decision by entrusting their kids to her.

 Up next, my interview with screenwriter and debut novelist Marion McNabb.