Online for Authors Episode 8-6-24

​Secrets and Lies: Your Biggest Mistakes Do Not Define You with Patti Frye Meredith

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Patti Frye Meredith, author of the book South of Heaven. Patti’s debut novel came out late in life and for her, that's right on time. She could not be happier. After living all over over the South—Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana—she and her husband, Lee, have settled back in Chapel Hill with their Springer Spaniel, Maggie. Nothing could be finer.

Listen to the Audio Version

Watch the Audio Version

I'm so excited to share my latest podcast episode with you, featuring the delightful Southern fiction author Patti Meredith. Patti and I had such a blast chatting about her debut novel, South of Heaven, and diving into the themes of family secrets, personal redemption, and the quirks of living in the South.

In South of Heaven, estranged sisters Fern and Leona grapple with the fallout when long-buried secrets from their troubled childhood come to light. Patty does an incredible job exploring how even the closest families can harbor hidden pain, and how it's never too late to make amends and forge a new path forward. Plus, there's a surprising side plot involving an emu farm that will have you chuckling!

During our conversation, Patti shared so many words of wisdom that resonated with me as both a reader and writer:

• "We're not the worst thing we ever did. You're not the worst mistake you ever made."
• "I want people to come away with the thought that there's always another chance."
• "It's a gift to live in a way that you give people a break. We all go out there and do things that we think to ourselves, boy if I could change that I would."

Patti and I also bonded over the writing process, from drawing inspiration from real life (apparently her preacher likes to sit in different congregation members' seats to pray for them!) to the importance of carving out creative space away from the demands of home. I could definitely relate to sometimes needing an "Airbnb writing retreat" to really focus.
​
If you're a fan of Southern fiction, character-driven stories, or just excellent writing, I highly recommend giving South of Heaven a read. And if you've already devoured it, consider inviting Patti to your book club - she loves connecting with readers and is happy to pop in for a chat, virtual or otherwise! You can reach out to her via her website, pattimeredith.com.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the episode, the book, or your own experiences with family secrets. 

Happy reading and listening!

Purchase the paperback: https://amzn.to/4chzxpV
Purchase the ebook: https://amzn.to/3Acoxgh

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.