
About this episode
Joe Haddow hosts debut novelists Fran Fabriczki and Sam Beckbessinger for a discussion on their new books and writing inspirations.
Joe Haddow welcomes two more authors to the Book Off studio - for a war of the words! This week, he's joined by debut novelists Fran Fabriczki and Sam Beckbessinger, who discuss their new books, writing processes and inspirations. They talk about Los Angeles (the loves / the hates), wry humour, peri menopause, forging anger into stories and legendary mums. We also get some pretty great book recommendations too. THE BOOK OFF 'The Book Of George' by Kate Greathead VS 'We Have Always Lived In The Castle' by Shirley Jackson Here's a little more info on our guest's books: 'Femme Feral' by Sam Beckbessinger EVER FELT READY TO HOWL? Hyper-competent start up CFO Ellie is 46-year-old and like most women, is already juggling too much. Daughter's not talking to her, husband's not listening to her, and she's got a promotion coming up at work. It's an inconvenient time to be beset by mid-life symptoms: coarse hair in new places, hot flushes, insomnia, losing time . . . finding bloodstains on all her clothing, howling at the moon. Her doctor diagnoses perimenopause. But it's another 28-day cycle that's taking hold. One involving fur, and teeth, and a not insignificant amount of rage. Suddenly…
People in this episode
Host: Joe Haddow
Guests: Fran Fabriczki, Sam Beckbessinger
Topics covered
- writing processes
- book recommendations
- mid-life challenges
- humor in literature
- parenting
- female empowerment
Keywords
- debut novelists
- book discussion
- Los Angeles
- perimenopause
- humor
- book recommendations
- female protagonists
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Book Of George, We Have Always Lived In The Castle, Femme Feral, Porcupines
Places: Los Angeles
More episodes of Book Off!
- Tayari Jones and Lily King · June 12, 2026 · 44 min
- Ava Glass and Anna Mazzola · June 5, 2026 · 48 min
- Sarah Hilary and Sabine Durrant · May 22, 2026 · 54 min
- Jane Harper and Claire Douglas · May 14, 2026 · 50 min
- Jessie Burton and Katy Hessel · April 9, 2026 · 55 min
- Tanya Sweeney and Alex Kadis · March 27, 2026 · 1h 3m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Book Off! podcast page.