How Roberta Samuels Turned a Life Pivot into a Page-Turner

How Roberta Samuels Turned a Life Pivot into a Page-Turner

From Real Things Living by Brigitte Cutshall

May 13, 2026 · 30 min · Season 7 · Episode 32

About this episode

Roberta Samuels discusses her journey of reinvention after a significant life change and her experiences as an author.

After a 30-year marriage ended, most people wouldn't buy a house alone in rural France. Roberta Samuels did and then wrote four books about it. Roberta is an author, painter, and lifelong Francophile who studied at the Sorbonne, led small-group tours through the hidden corners of France, and ultimately traded her old life for a medieval townhouse in the southwest. In this conversation with Brigitte Cutshall, Roberta shares how a COVID-era writing course unlocked a creative second act, why her mystery novels are packed with real-world issues like immigration and stolen art, and the one mindset shift every aspiring writer needs. 3 Takeaways: (1) Reinvention is a choice. (2) The richest stories come from real life. (3) Start with patience, not perfection. Inspired by art, travel, and the courage to start over? Visit https://RobertaSamuels.com to explore her books and artwork, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Reach out. She'd love to hear from you.

People in this episode

Host: Brigitte Cutshall

Guest: Roberta Samuels

Topics covered

  • reinvention
  • writing
  • life change
  • creativity
  • France
  • mystery novels

Keywords

  • Roberta Samuels
  • Brigitte Cutshall
  • writing course
  • mystery novels
  • life pivot
  • France
  • creativity
  • reinvention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sorbonne, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Books & works: four books, mystery novels

Places: rural France, southwest

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