Alone At Lunch

This week we are joined by Kerri Maher. Kerri is the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller, All You Have To Do Is Call, The Kennedy Debutante, and The Girl in White Gloves. She lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts with her daughter and dog, but was born and raised in California where Summer of Love, her latest novel, is set.

In this episode, Kerri shares how personal adversity—including hip dysplasia, sobriety, and cross-country moves—shaped her into a storyteller who explores identity, resilience, and change. She discusses her latest novel, Summer of Love, set against 1967 California's counterculture. Perfect for aspiring authors and anyone navigating the intersection of adversity and ambition, this episode proves your challenges can become your greatest source of inspiration.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Malibu Rising

Daisy Jones & The Six

Follow Kerri: @kerrimaherwriter

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

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This week we are joined by Liza Tully. Liza Tully writes the Merritt & Blunt comedy mystery series, including The Forty Year Grudge, published in June 2026. She also writes dark suspense and literary fiction under the name Elisabeth Elo and Elisabeth Panttaja Brink, with novels published in six countries, a Book of the Month Club selection, and Indie Next Pick appearances. A Brown University graduate with a PhD in American Literature from Brandeis, she has worked as a children's magazine editor, tech project manager, and halfway house counselor. She lives in Boston with her husband and their dog, Fred.

In this episode, Liza shares her journey from academic scholar to novelist, revealing how her deep study of heroines in American literature shaped her character development and storytelling across multiple pen names. In this episode, Liza opens up about her creative routines, the importance of daydreaming and unstructured time, and how themes of marriage, friendship, and self-discovery weave through her work. 

Recommendation From This Episode: 

Harriet The Spy 

Lizzie McGuire

Hacks

Follow Liza: @lizatullywrites

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Emma Mills! Emma Mills is thrilled to be making her adult mystery debut with Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet. She is also the author of six YA novels and one middle grade graphic novel (The Greenies). When she is not writing, Emma can be found editing scientific manuscripts, tending to her large collection of succulents, and deep-diving into various fandoms. Emma lives in St. Louis with her dog Teddy, who is best described as a big personality in a tiny package. You can find Emma on Twitter and Instagram (@elmify) or at www.emmamillsbooks.com.

In this episode, Emma Mills shares how writing has been a lifelong passion, from sending manuscripts to publishers in middle school to balancing a science day job with evening writing sessions. She talks about the inspiration behind her novel Rachel West and the Fallen Starlet, including her love of early-2000s celebrity culture, magazines, and outsider characters finding their place. The conversation also dives into her creative background on YouTube, the role of friendship and family in her writing journey, and the high school experiences that shaped her sense of humor and perspective.

 

Recommendations From This Episode:

Can’t Hardly Wait

The Studio

 

Follow Emma: @elmify

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Edward Schmit! Edward Schmit is an author based in New York City. From theatre kid to graphic designer to creative director, he’s always exploring new ways to tell stories. A passionate mental health advocate, he’s worked in the nonprofit space for over seven years. The Open Era is his debut novel and combines three things close to his heart: queer love stories, mental health awareness, and the most beautiful sport in the world—tennis.

In this episode, we dive into a lively discussion about the joys and challenges of city life, the unexpected paths of creative careers, and the transformative power of sports and mental health advocacy. Eddie shares his journey from aspiring actor to creative director and debut author, highlighting how tennis became a pivotal part of his life. The conversation is filled with humor, personal insights, and a celebration of supportive communities and queer love stories.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Carrie Soto Is Back

Challengers

Follow Edward: @edwardschmit

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we are joined by Rachel Moore! Rachel Moore is the author of high-stakes, genre-blending novels The Library of Shadows, Us in Ruins, and her thriller debut, Safari Murder Party. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and two cats she’s violently allergic to. (The cats, not the husband.) On the rare occasion she isn’t writing happy endings, you can find her collecting dictionaries, drinking entirely too much coffee, and drifting through the library stacks.

In this episode, Rachel Moore shares her journey from growing up in Indiana to becoming a full-time author in Tennessee. She discusses her writing process, the inspiration behind her books, and the challenges of blending genres like thriller and romance. Rachel also reflects on the impact of her creative writing education and the importance of pursuing one's passions despite the fear of failure.

Recommendations From This Episode: 

Safari Murder Party

Lord of The Flies

The Most Dangerous Game

Ready Or Not

Follow Rachel: @byrachelmoore

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

Please rate and review the podcast! Spread the word! Tell your friends! 

Email us: aloneatlunch@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.