GiGi Meier sits down with award-winning author Patricia Leavy – a sociologist who revolutionized fiction with her term “social fiction” – for a powerful and expansive conversation. Leavy dismantles the notion of “beach reads,” arguing that depth, healing, and truth can absolutely thrive within contemporary stories. We delve into how her research background fuels her storytelling, why she publishes both fiction and nonfiction under one name, and get an exclusive look at her upcoming romance, Twinkle of Doubt.

Plus, Leavy shares her astonishing writing rhythm (including 4-week drafts!), the realities of publishing contracts and author marketing, and offers a roadmap for building a fulfilling creative life through her latest book, The Artist Academic. We also discuss arts-based research, her global teaching work, and whether her novels are mirrors or blueprints for our world.

Find Patricia here:

Website:

https://patricialeavy.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/patricialeavy/

How to find GiGi:

Website:

https://www.gigimeier.com/

Free Bonus and Deleted Scenes:

https://www.gigimeier.com/freebies

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorgigimeier

Substack:

https://gigimeier.substack.com

The Cougar Den Facebook Reader Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorgigimeier

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@gigimeier