A Conversation with Holly Varni Part 1 – RWLJ145

From Read with Laura Joy by Laura Joy Lloyd

November 7, 2025 · 37 min

About this episode

Holly Varni discusses themes of respect for older generations and the art of storytelling with Laura Joy Lloyd.

Holly Varni, author of the beloved Moonberry Lake series, joins Laura Joy Lloyd to discuss why older generations deserve more respect on the page, how befriending someone unlike ourself can be helpful, the beauty of letting a story unfold in its own time, why it feels like a calling to write fiction that goes against popular demand, and more. More about Holly Varni: https://www.hollyvarni.com/ Moonberry Lake books by Holly Varni: https://www.hollyvarni.com/hollys-books/ Moments from Moonberry Lake podcast: https://www.hollyvarni.com/moments-from-moonberry-lake/ About Laura Joy Lloyd Laura Joy Lloyd writes uplifting contemporary stories set on Pacific Northwest islands. Through an innovative style she calls interactive serialized fiction, Laura invites readers to influence many of her projects in real time as she writes. Laura also enjoys swimming, knitting, keeping company with creatives, and organizing whatever feels messy. Wren Island books by Laura Joy Lloyd: https://laurajoylloyd.com/books/ More fun stuff from Laura Joy Lloyd: https://laurajoylloyd.com/ Episode website: https://laurajoylloyd.com/a-conversation-with-holly-varni-part-1-rwlj145/ Release date: November 7, 2025…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Joy Lloyd

Guest: Holly Varni

Topics covered

respect for older generations
friendship
storytelling
writing fiction
Moonberry Lake series

Keywords

Holly Varni
Moonberry Lake
fiction writing
storytelling
respect
friendship
Laura Joy Lloyd

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Holly Varni, Laura Joy Lloyd

Books & works: Moonberry Lake