This week in The Literary Lounge, author Grace Helena Walz discusses her latest novel, Pretty as a Peach, a Southern-set story about a group of lifelong friends whose relationships are put to the test when a suspicious multi-level marketing cosmetics company sweeps through their small Georgia town.

Grace and Jennifer explore the complexities of family and friendship, what it means to be a Southern woman, and why the South continues to inspire Grace’s storytelling. Grace also shares the remarkable story behind her path to publication, including the rejections that nearly made her walk away, and the perseverance that ultimately led to her first book deal. It’s a conversation anyone pursuing a creative dream needs to hear.

In This Episode

• The inspiration behind Pretty as a Peach
• The culture of multi-level marketing companies
• Lifelong friendships, found family, and belonging
• Family expectations, secrets, and complicated relationships
• Why the South continues to inspire Grace’s storytelling
• Writing Southern women with grace and grit
• Finding the joy of writing during early motherhood
• The rejections that led to her first “yes”
• Balancing motherhood and a writing career
• What living a creative life means to Grace

Meet Grace Helena Walz

Grace Helena Walz is a former social worker who writes heartfelt book club fiction with Southern settings and characters you'll want as friends. Her titles include Southern by Design and Good Hair Days. Grace resides outside of Atlanta, GA with her husband and two children and writes in the moments between driving carpool and making grocery lists. Pretty as a Peach is her third novel.

Connect with Grace

Instagram: @gracehelenabooks

Website: www.gracehelenawalz.com

Purchase a copy of Pretty as a Peach

Books & Authors Mentioned

Dorothea Benton Frank

Southern By Design by Grace Helena Walz

Good Hair Days by Grace Helena Walz

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Jennifer Cash

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Instagram: @readwithjennifer