In our new series, Debut Discussions, we're asking debut authors to tell us their story -- not only the story in the novel they wrote -- but the journey they took to hold that book in their hands. On today's episode we welcome Ashley Tate to discuss her debut, Twenty-Seven Minutes, a gripping thriller about what happens when grief becomes unbearable and dark secrets are unearthed in a hometown that is all too giddy to eat it up.

Ashley shares how she has always been attracted to dark, beautiful writing even as young and voracious reader; how grief acted as the inciting incident for writing this novel (as well as a very meaningful discussion with her now writing partner @ashleyaudrain); why she wanted to write about themes of dysfunctional family trauma and being taken for granted/unseen; the twist she held onto for 15 years until it found a way into this novel; her writing process, persevering path to publication, and incredibly wise advice for us all!

Listen now to @ashleytateauthor’s story wherever you get your podcasts. Twenty-Seven minutes is out now -- buy it, read it, and share it (in other words, make a debut author’s dreams come true!).

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