Online for Authors Episode 7-16-2024

​Badass Women: International Tales of Suspense with Author Lya Badgley

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Worth of a Ruby. Lya was born in Yangon, Myanmar. The child of Montana parents – a political scientist and an artist – she grew up in a household that encouraged critical thinking and creativity.

​Lya is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and Hugo House. Her first self-published novel, The Foreigner’s Confession, was released to good reviews in February of 2022. Her second novel, The Worth of a Ruby, launched November 2023. Badgley lives in Snohomish, Washington, and is working on her third novel set in Bosnia.

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This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Lya Badgley, author of the gripping international suspense novel The Worth of Ruby. Set in 1990s Burma (now Myanmar), the story follows Seattle chef Mallory Jones as she ventures to this politically complex country to open a restaurant - but gets entangled in a perilous hunt for a priceless Burmese ruby.

While fictional, Lya drew many elements from her own experiences living and working in Burma in the 90s, a time of immense civil unrest that continues today.

In our conversation, she shared:

• Why she chose to set her novel in 1990s Burma and how it reflects the country's current crisis
  
• Her own challenges opening a restaurant in Burma during a volatile time
  
• Which of her characters are most influenced by real people she knew in Burma
  
• Why she prefers "messy endings" over neatly tied-up happily-ever-afters
  
• A sneak peek of her next novel set in Bosnia with a mysterious medieval book at its center

"I explore within myself the legacy of colonialism and imperialism on countries around the world. I often have this backdrop of places with a history of conflict and American influence for better or worse. I want to educate a little bit with my stories but also, I don't want it to be a history lesson. I want people to enjoy the story while being exposed to themes they might not otherwise [explore]."

If you enjoy edgy international suspense that transports you to a fascinating foreign setting while probing thought-provoking themes, I highly recommend picking up The Worth of Ruby. Lya's vivid, authentic portrayal of 1990s Burma, unforgettable characters, and propulsive yet nuanced plot makes for an enthralling read that lingers long after the final page. 

You can also visit Lya's website to learn more about her and her other work. To hear my full conversation with Leah, where we discuss her writing process, love of "messy endings," and using fiction to explore complex real-world issues, listen to the full podcast episode. 

Who are some of your favorite authors who excel at immersing you in a foreign culture or historical era? Please comment below! I always love to hear about the books that transport and inspire you.

P.S. If you enjoy this podcast, would you consider forwarding this post to a friend who might also like discovering new authors? Word of mouth is the best way to support authors you believe in. Thank you for listening and sharing!

Purchase The Worth of a Ruby:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4cHbjX4
ebook: https://amzn.to/3SbimyV​

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