Kristen Arnett Unpacks Florida, Fiction, and Finding Your Voice

Each book has its own trajectory and process… The things that are meant for you come to you.” – Kristen Arnett

Bestselling author Kristen Arnett joins Uncorking a Story to talk about her latest novel, Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One, a book about a queer birthday clown navigating art, grief, and life in Central Florida. We dive into her writing journey, the importance of place in storytelling, and how her background in library science influences her work. Plus, we discuss clowns, wrestling, Stephen King, and the wild ride of being a full-time writer.

The Origin Story. Kristen’s journey from childhood writing to bestselling novelist. The Florida Effect. How the state shapes her work and why she calls herself a “place writer.” Clowning as Art. The inspiration behind Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One and what she learned researching clowns. Writing Without a Net. Why she never outlines her books and how each novel has a unique process. Overcoming Rejection. The reality of publishing and advice for aspiring writers. Stephen King & Horror Influences. How growing up on banned books and horror fiction shaped her storytelling. Pop Culture & Wrestling Parallels. What clowns and professional wrestlers have in common.

Buy Stop Me If You've Heard This One