Zibby Owens talks about 'Blank,' the Hamptons, more

Water Mill-based author, podcaster, bookshop owner, and publisher Zibby Owens is known as a disruptor in the publishing industry, as is Pippa Jones, the protagonist in her new bestseller "Blank" (Little A, $28.99). A comedic journey that takes on the book world, the rollicking novel follows Pippa’s struggles with motherhood, marriage and career, a balancing act about which Owens knows plenty.

She spoke by phone about the fun of writing fiction, the definition of success and her changing relationship with the literary Hamptons.

You’ve written a memoir and a children’s book, edited two anthologies, and now your first novel. Why choose a novel now?

Well, this was not the first novel I’ve written — it is at least my sixth! But this is the first novel I’ve published. I first wrote a novel years ago and was devastated when it did not sell. I was so gutted that I didn’t try to write fiction again for another decade. I wrote a few more over time that I didn’t even try to sell and yet I knew I had a novel in me and just hadn’t found my way to it.

Your main character, Pippa, turns in a completely blank draft of her new novel to her publisher, at the suggestion of her son. This started as a joke, but she commits to it. You started Zibby Books last year. How did your new role as publisher influence "Blank"?

This novel was in part inspired by the things I’ve learned from being a publisher, as well as the things I’ve learned from interviewing more than 1,800 authors at this point [on the "Moms Don’t Have Time to Read" podcast]. There was a lot I didn’t know — I’d never worked in publishing before I started a company — and I was surprised by what I learned. As a lifelong reader, I pulled the curtain back and wanted to share those things with the reading public, especially about the marketing of books and the way the success of certain books is predetermined. Part of what I hope the book leaves readers with is a new understanding of what they are consuming and why so they can be more discerning consumers. I want people to discover more books.

You are a prolific nonfiction writer. How was writing fiction different?

Personal essay is so much easier for me. I can write nonfiction anywhere, anytime, no matter what. In a crowded waiting room with kids? No problem! With fiction, I had to find days when I had nothing else to do, clear a big swath of time. This is not good for production because I never have time. Right now, I’m struggling with my next novel that’s due in July. It requires a muscle I haven’t developed as much, like going on a run but I’m totally out of shape. I can get there, but I have to stop and breathe, red-faced. Nonfiction is like the Stairmaster—much easier.

How have your book ventures changed your relationship with the Hamptons?

My family has been in the Hamptons for a very long time, back when it was just houses surrounded by potato fields. I’ve watched the evolution of the Hamptons over time and mourned the loss of some beloved institutions, like Barefoot Contessa and the Village Shoe Store, but I love it just as much. As I’ve gotten into the book world, I’ve become more familiar with the literary Hamptons scene, which I enjoy. I went to the East Hampton Library Authors Night for years as a consumer, then as a sponsor, and now I’ll be coming for the second time this summer as an author. I’ve gotten to know the local booksellers, which has been wonderful. And I am working on a partnership to curate a library at Canoe Place Inn; we did a reading retreat there last year and I just love it. I have gone back to stay with my kids even though it is just around the corner from my house in Water Mill.

As a publisher and author, do you have any advice for new writers trying to break into the industry?

One way I think about measuring success is in the connection you make with your readers. Always focusing on trying to sell more copies will drive you nuts. Now, I’m not saying I don’t try to do that, but it feels like taking my eye off the ball. Connecting with readers is the whole point; when we just focus on the numbers, we forget about the magic.