Welcome back to the Odyssey of a Novel pod, the podcast where I sit down with self-published authors to learn all about the journey that led to their published book! I know it’s been a while, some large life events kept me from being able to record and edit more episodes, but I’m so excited to be back! On today’s episode, I chat with Sarah Razner, a Wisconsin-based writer and the author of In Name Only.
In this episode, we get to know Sarah and her debut novel, In Name Only. We discuss the horrors of revisiting early writing, the challenges of being a full-time writer, and how a story idea really takes shape. Enjoy!
Author Bio
From a young age, Sarah Razner has been drawn to stories. Growing up in Wisconsin, she spent much of her time reading. Later, when she realized the tales in her imagination did not have to remain there, she began writing and loved it so much she decided to build her career around it. Sarah graduated from Marian University with a degree in Communications and minors in English Writing and History. For almost four years, she worked as a news assistant and reporter, covering everything from local events and government to the history of Wisconsin’s prison system. For the past four years, Sarah has worked as a marketing and communications director, where she continues to have the opportunity to tell stories. Since 2019, she has been a contributor to the online magazine and writing collective, “The Prompt Mag.” In Name Only is her first novel.
Summary
In Name Only tells the story of Nathan Campbell, a son of the Campbell family- an American political dynasty akin to the Kennedys. His future is set: to succeed and smile while slowly suffocating beneath the heavy expectations of the family name, comparisons he can never satisfy, and ridicule for his true passions — art and comic books.
Starved for anonymity and autonomy, Nate becomes a server at a Fistful of Drumsticks — a movie-themed restaurant where everyone is in costume, and he is just another hidden face. There, he meets Della, who lives vibrantly, and cares little for American royalty. For the first time, he has the chance to build a life of his own, and see what it means to be Nate and not Nathan Campbell.
That is, if his parents and frenemies don’t find out.
Odyssey of a Novel podcast is a Writer on the Water Press production. Writing, editing, and producing are all done by me, Emily Elizabeth.
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