What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming?
I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it.
Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, including:
- How her story shifted genres mid-process
- What finally clicked after years of rewriting
- The moment she nearly walked away—and what kept her going
- Why stories (and processes) are more malleable than we think
- How to keep writing when self-doubt creeps in
This is one of those episodes that will make you feel less alone if you’re staring at a messy draft, wondering if it’s ever going to work. Kristin’s journey is a beautiful reminder that a long revision process is not a sign of failure—it’s the path forward. And persistence? That’s the real secret.
📚 The Housewarming is out August 1, 2025, from Thomas & Mercer. Preorder wherever you get your books!
For more information, visit www.kristinoffiler.com.
00:40 – Meet debut author Kristin Offiler
01:33 – Kristin’s writing journey: from MFA to motherhood to first drafts
07:36 – Where The Housewarming began—and how it grew into something more
14:04 – The pivot: transforming a character-driven novel into psychological suspense
20:07 – How genre feedback changed Kristin’s revision process
21:08 – Stories are malleable: a lesson in letting go of “the way it’s supposed to be”
22:22 – Self-doubt, slow writing, and the comparison trap
23:37 – What experience can teach you (that no craft book can)
26:17 – Kristin’s evolving writing process (and how it saved her time)
32:06 – Balancing writing with life, parenting, and limited time
37:15 – Advice for writers: trust your idea, stay in the bubble, and don’t quit too soon
40:58 – Where to find Kristin + preorder info for The Housewarming
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