In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Ariel Sullivan to discuss her powerful debut novel, Conform. Ariel opens up about writing through postpartum depression and the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing how those experiences shaped her characters and themes. The conversation explores female strength, societal pressure, and resilience, as well as the layered storytelling that makes Conform resonate with readers. Ariel also teases an upcoming prequel that expands on the world she’s created, offering fans a deeper look into her evolving literary universe.

What We're Talking About...

• Published under Jenna Bush Hager’s imprint, Thousand Voices, the book highlights powerful storytelling from diverse and authentic voices.
• Inspired by Ariel’s own experiences with postpartum depression and the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Conform captures the emotional reality of resilience and self-discovery.
• The novel explores complex themes—including choice, love triangles, and societal expectations—through characters who challenge traditional roles.
• Ariel stresses the importance of creating flawed, human characters with both light and shadow, making them deeply relatable to readers.
• The story’s setting and character dynamics mirror real-world social pressures and modern issues surrounding identity and belonging.
• Ariel wrote much of the book in short, chaotic bursts during her children’s nap times, offering a candid look at balancing motherhood and creativity.
• Conform serves as a gateway into the fantasy genre for readers who love grounded, character-driven stories.
• The book’s characters are written to evoke empathy and spark emotional connection, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and values.
• Ariel also shares details about an upcoming prequel, which will dive deeper into the history and mythology of the world introduced in Conform.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating a Debut: Ariel Sullivan's Journey

02:59 The Inspiration Behind 'Conform'

06:10 Writing Through Struggles: Postpartum and COVID

08:53 The Creative Process: From Idea to Trilogy

11:57 Character Development: The Complexity of Choices

14:58 Themes of Female Strength and Societal Expectations

18:05 Exploring Relationships: Love Triangles and Family Dynamics

20:54 The Impact of Fantasy on Real-World Issues

23:54 Layered Storytelling: Engaging Readers on Multiple Levels

26:54 Looking Ahead: The Future of Ariel's Writing