How Acclaimed Debut Author Austin Taylor Writes

How Acclaimed Debut Author Austin Taylor Writes

From The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, and Neuroscience by Kelton Reid

July 16, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

Austin Taylor discusses her debut novel and experiences at Harvard and Stanford.

Acclaimed debut novelist Austin Taylor spoke with us about the pressure cooker of Harvard life, studying AI law in the heart of Silicon Valley, and the inspiration behind her debut set in the biotech startup world of NOTES ON INFINITY. Austin Taylor graduated from Harvard University in 2021 with a joint degree in Chemistry and English. She is currently pursuing a JD at Stanford Law School as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar, with a focus on generative AI, copyright, and authorship. Her debut novel, Notes on Infinity, was named an Oprah Daily “Best Summer Read,” a Zibby Owens’ “Summer Read,” a Goodreads “Hottest Debut of 2025,” and is inspired in part by her undergraduate studies, peers, and lab work in Harvard’s chemistry department. Booklist wrote of the book, "With a trajectory that echoes that of Elizabeth Holmes’ Theranos, Taylor's debut provides an insider's glimpse into the high-stakes Ivy League climate and the potentially devastating personal consequences for those caught up in ambition beyond their abilities." Austin is also a private pilot, a registered Maine guide, and a bassist. [Discover The Writer Files Extra: Get 'The Writer Files' Podcast Delivered Straight to Your Inbox…

People in this episode

Host: Kelton Reid

Guest: Austin Taylor

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Harvard University, Stanford Law School, Oprah Daily, Zibby Owens, Goodreads

Books & works: NOTES ON INFINITY

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