A Conversation with Holly Varni Part 2 – RWLJ146

From Read with Laura Joy by Laura Joy Lloyd

November 14, 2025 · 38 min

About this episode

Holly Varni discusses the importance of respecting older generations in storytelling and the nuances of writing fiction that diverges from popular trends.

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-2-rwlj146/ Release date: November 14, 2025…

People in this episode

Host: Laura Joy Lloyd

Guest: Holly Varni

Topics covered

respect for older generations
friendship across differences
storytelling
writing against popular demand
fiction

Keywords

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

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Moonberry Lake, Wren Island, Pixabay