Apr 25 2024 51 mins 7
Jeff Zentner discusses the inspiration for his emotional adult debut romance novel Colton Gentry's Third Act, which celebrates food, music, and second chances.
Celebrated young adult novelist Jeff Zentner returns to our space to discuss his transition from writing young adult books to his surprising new release—a romance debut for adults called Colton Gentry's Third Act.
We discuss the critical differences between writing for adults and young adults, the romantic book that inspired Jeff's plot, and the feedback Emily Henry provided to shape his romance scenes.
Jeff also talks about the emotional impact of his writing on Gen-Z readers and the connection he has found through his school tours across the country.
Be sure to stick around to the end to get Jeff's second chance love story recommendations!
To accompany today’s show, I have a Second Chance Romance Novels book list to celebrate 19 beautiful new beginnings and second chances.
Meet Jeff Zentner
Jeff Zentner is the author of New York Times Notable Books The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days, Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee, and his forthcoming debut for the adult market, Colton Gentry's Third Act and a YA novel in verse, Sunrise Nights, coauthored with Brittany Cavallaro.
Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the Muriel Becker Award, the International Literacy Association Award, and been longlisted twice for the Carnegie Medal.
He’s a two-time Southern Book Prize finalist; and was a finalist for the Indies Choice Award. He was selected as a Publishers Weekly Flying Start and an Indies Introduce pick. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. Before becoming a writer, he was a musician who recorded with Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, and Debbie Harry. He lives in Nashville.
Colton Gentry's Third Act is his adult debut romance.
Mentioned in this episode:
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19 Second Chance Romance Books for Summer (NEW BOOK LIST)
Colton Gentry’s Third Act by Jeff Zentner
In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
The Kennedy Ryan Phenomenon: Inclusive Narratives with Heart
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Blood, Bones & Butter by Gabrielle Hamilton
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Happy Place by Emily Henry
One Day by David Nicholls
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro
Hello Girls by Emily Henry and Brittany Cavallaro
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