Celebrating Ordinary Time with Annie B. Jones

Listen to this episode from FictionMatters Podcast on Spotify. In today’s special podcast episode, I’m joined by independent bookstore owner, podcaster, and debut author Annie B. Jones. Annie has been a favorite follow and a trusted source for book recommendations for me for years and I was thrilled to get the chance to read an early copy of her debut book Ordinary Time: Lessons Learned While Staying Put back in December. In this memoir in essays Annie reflects on her experiences staying: staying put, staying faithful, and staying herself. If you’re familiar with Annie’s work, it will come as no surprise to you that her memoir in essays is filled with wisdom, intention, and an earnestness. If you’ve yet to meet Annie, I hope this serves as a welcoming introduction to her thoughtful nature.In this conversation, Annie and I talk about her behind the scenes perspective on the book creation process from the vantage point of a bookstore owner turned author. She also shares delightful stories about how American Girl Magazine shaped her writing career and how getting out of her comfort zone in a line dancing class prepared her for upcoming life changes. Of course I couldn’t let her leave without sharing book recommendations, and she graciously brought five new summer books she’s already read and loved.I loved this conversation because just like in her essay collection, Annie has a unique gift for noticing and giving meaning to the little things and while not being afraid to get vulnerable about the big things. I hope you enjoy listening and be sure to get your copy of Ordinary Time, out tomorrow, April 22nd.Purchase Ordinary Time: The Bookshelf | Bookshop | Libro.fmBooks Mentioned:* I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott* Bittersweet by Shauna Niequest* Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequest* I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequest* Take Good Care of the Gardens and the Dogs by Heather Lende* Here for It by R. Eric Thomas* Flashlight by Susan Choi* Trust Exercise by Susan Choi* Among Friends by Hal Ebbott* The Paper Palace by Miranda Crowley Heller* The Dinner by Herman Koch* The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley* A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhirst* Blessings and Disasters by Alexis OkeowoGet more book recommendations from Annie by subscribing to her Instagram. Keep up with book news, bookstore happenings, and more behind-the-scenes scoop on Ordinary Time by following Annie’s podcast, From the Front Porch. To hear more, visit fictionmatters.substack.com