This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by author Anna Johnston to discuss her new novel, When Lemons Give You Life, a charming and heartwarming story that will lift your spirits, remind you to appreciate the time you have, and leave you believing in the power of forgiveness and second chances.

Anna and Jennifer talk about writing older characters whose lives are still filled with possibility, the connection between food and memory, LGBTQ+ representation in aged care, and how Anna’s own experience working with older adults has shaped both of her novels.

This is a conversation filled with warmth and hope that will leave you thinking differently about aging. It’s also a beautiful reminder to appreciate the people we love while we still have time with them, to lead with kindness, and remain open to the second chances life can bring.

In This Episode

• The connection between food & memory
• The LGBTQ+ experience in aging & aged care
• Balancing humor with heavier themes
• Pivoting from medical school to aged care
• The importance of writing older characters
• How Anna’s grandfather inspired her debut
• Navigating imposter syndrome while writing book two

Meet Anna Johnston
Anna Johnston lives by the beach in Melbourne with her husband and daughters. She left medical school to develop an award-winning cooking program for older widowed men before following her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home, where she worked as the activities coordinator. She is the author of the international bestseller The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife.

Connect with Anna
www.annajohnstonauthor.com
Instagram @annajohnstonauthor

Books
Books mentioned in this episode:

• When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston
• The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

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Jennifer Cash

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Instagram: @readwithjennifer