Interview with Amy Meyerson

Below, you’ll find out about her upcoming novel, her favorite local outdoor spots, and the book series that sparked her love of reading — it’s one of my beloved childhood favorites too!

Amy Meyerson on Philadelphia

What is your connection to the Philly area, and if you went to school here, where?

I grew up in Philly and Lower Merion and attended Friends’ Central School.

What is your favorite restaurant in the Philly area?

 Oh, that’s a tough one. Hymie’s is always our first stop in town. We love it so much that I wrote it into my book that takes place on the Main Line, THE IMPERFECTS. Otherwise, we like to go downtown to the Oyster Bar and Reading Terminal. We love taking the kids to Hopes, too. I feel like most of my favorites from high school have closed down (RIP Delancey Street and Yangming)

What is your favorite hidden gem in the area?

Sadly, I don’t think I know any hidden gems anymore.

What is your favorite memory of this area?

Since I spent all of my formative years in the area, there are too many to count. I will say that, since becoming a parent, it’s been really fun to revisit places from my youth. My kids are obsessed with the Please Touch Museum and the Academy of Natural Science. We like taking them to Saunders Woods too.

What do you love most about the Philly area?

Since moving to LA, I’ve really come to appreciate the history of my hometown. I don’t necessarily mean the obvious stuff, like Independence Hall or the Liberty Bell. I just appreciate how old the Philadelphia area is and how its history is woven into the fabric of the city and the suburbs.

Amy Meyerson on Reading

What sparked your love of reading?

Honestly, it was probably The Babysitters’ Club. That’s the first series I remember really loving.

What are some of your favorite reads?

I’ve always loved Margaret Atwood, Jennifer Egan, Ann Patchett, and similar female authors, but my taste has skewed more commercial as I’ve gotten older. Still, when people ask me my favorite read, I usually say Away by Amy Bloom or Atonement by Ian McEwan, depending on my mood.

What is the last book you read and love?

It hasn’t come out yet, but right now I’m reading What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown and am blown away by it. It’s a slow burn in the best way and feels incredibly timely in its commentary on tech and AI. I also really loved Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker and was surprisingly moved by From Here to the Great Unknown. I’m not normally a celebrity memoir person, but it’s a great audiobook.

Where is your favorite place to read?

On the couch with the record player on.

What’s on your nightstand?

Broken Country and Vantage Point.

Amy Meyerson on Her Job

What inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Even before I fell in love with reading, I fell in love with writing, which is terrible to admit because reading is probably the most important part of developing as a writer. I have memories of being in second grade, seated on my parents’ bedroom floor on their typewriter (yes, a typewriter!), writing stories. It took me until college to feel comfortable sharing my work and until my second or third book to confess, “I’m a writer,” when people ask what I do. Since I live in LA, I usually say, “I’m a novelist,” which feels horribly pretentious, but otherwise, people assume you work in Hollywood.

What is your favorite part of your job?

There are two parts—first, I love the community. When I sold my first book, I had no idea that I’d gain a whole new set of friends along with my new career. In addition to so many amazing writers, I’ve also gotten to become close with booksellers, librarians, and bookstagrammars (like Jackie and Kirsten!). It’s an incredibly supportive, friendly, and fun community. Second, on the more writerly side, I’d have to say seeing your final cover for the first time. For me, it’s the moment where the book feels real. The hard work is done, and from there, it’s all celebration.

Can you tell me about your new book?

Yes! I have a new book coming out on October 28, called THE WATER LIES. It’s a departure from my other titles and my favorite book yet. It’s set along the canals in Venice Beach. I’ve been calling it a mom thriller because it’s about two moms— one of a woman who drowned and the other of a toddler who might know what happened to her—who are determined to uncover the hidden connection between their children while solving the murder that everyone else assumes was an accident. You can find out more about it here, as well as see the cover and add it to your TBR.  

What is the biggest challenge you face as an author?

Probably self-doubt. As a writer, it’s easy to get in your own way. Every stage has its own set of doubts, so you persevere through one only to confront the next. But that’s why holding the finished book in your hands is so rewarding—it’s a sign you conquered not just the blank page but your own insecurities.

What is the most surprising thing about being a writer?

While I always tell my students to think of the reader as they’re drafting, I’ve found actually having readers to be the most surprising part of being a writer. You never know how a book will resonate with people, and I’m so thankful for the type of reader who reaches out to tell me they’ve connected with my book. Every time, I’m heartened by it. It’s surreal to think that there are people who, without ever meeting me or my parents or my sister-and-mother-in-law (my full-time publicity team), picked up my book and found something of themselves on the page. I’ll be forever grateful for that part of the experience.

Amy Meyerson on the Great Coffee/Tea Debate

And most importantly, coffee or tea? Tell me your go-to order!

During the day, coffee. Always. If I’m out, I like an almond milk latte, but I have a milk frother at home and often prefer to make my own coffee. I always keep fresh mint in the house to make a cup of mint tea to unwind for the night. I add a fair amount of honey so it doubles as dessert.

Epilogue

I’ve enjoyed all of Amy Meyerson’s books over the years and can’t wait to read her latest book when it comes out later this year! Have you read any of Amy Meyerson’s books?