Boys Of Tommen Author Chloe Walsh Speaks Out | Endgames, Fandom Drama, & Writing Struggles

Boys Of Tommen Author Chloe Walsh Speaks Out | Endgames, Fandom Drama, & Writing Struggles

Tired Witches Podcast: Writing Process and Mental Health

Introduction of Guest

  • Olivia and Ashley welcome Chloe Wash to the Tired Witches Podcast, expressing excitement for the discussion.
  • The hosts mention the time difference, with Chloe being in the morning while they are at 2 AM.

Transition to Traditional Publishing

  • Chloe discusses how her writing process has changed since moving from indie to traditional publishing.
  • She finds traditional publishing slower, which is challenging for her due to her motivation as an indie author.
  • Chloe expresses frustration over the lengthy publication timelines in traditional publishing compared to her previous experience of releasing multiple books a year.

Challenges with Editing and Collaboration

  • She mentions having to cut content during editing processes in traditional publishing, feeling that some parts were trimmed too much.
  • Chloe acknowledges her own responsibility in navigating these changes and adapting to new editorial relationships.

Personal Insights on Mental Health

  • Chloe shares insights about her mental health challenges, including ADHD and mood fluctuations that affect her work.
  • She describes herself as complex and sometimes difficult to work with due to emotional sensitivity but clarifies she is not aggressive.

Creative Process Under Pressure

  • Discusses extreme productivity phases where she can write intensely followed by significant crashes into depressive episodes.
  • Reflecting on how these cycles impact both her writing output and personal life, emphasizing a balance between creativity and mental health management.

Navigating Emotional Vulnerability in Writing

  • Chloe talks about the fear associated with revisiting past experiences when writing emotionally charged material.
  • She compares dealing with negative feedback online to self-harm, highlighting the psychological toll it takes on creators.

Understanding the Impact of Online Trolling and Personal Growth

Navigating Dangerous Situations and Mental Health

  • The speaker discusses engaging in reckless behaviors, such as driving fast or self-harm, highlighting a common struggle with impulse control that often improves with age.
  • Reflecting on their journey, the speaker notes that sharing personal opinions led to positive engagement from others, contrasting the feelings of isolation experienced earlier in their career.

The Challenges of Fame and Recovery

  • The speaker describes a cycle of disappearing from public life during mental health struggles, emphasizing the need for recovery time away from social media and public expectations.
  • They express fear about sudden fame, which was unexpected and overwhelming for someone who primarily wanted to write stories for their family.

Coping with Negativity and Building Resilience

  • The speaker shares how online negativity affects them deeply; they liken their coping mechanism to hibernation when faced with conflict or criticism.
  • They recount a difficult period marked by grief after losing someone close while simultaneously trying to manage new responsibilities in writing.

Acceptance of Criticism and Personal Growth

  • Acknowledging past people-pleasing tendencies rooted in childhood trauma, the speaker reflects on learning that not everyone will like them regardless of efforts made.
  • They discuss the painful realization that despite having many supporters, there will always be detractors; acceptance of this fact has been a significant part of their growth.

The Role of Support Systems

  • The importance of support systems is highlighted; the speaker mentions feeling grateful for those who stand by them amidst challenges.

Friendship and Support in Challenging Times

The Role of Friendship

  • The speaker discusses a close friend who actively engages with their social media, expressing concern for the speaker's well-being amidst online negativity.
  • The friend reacts emotionally to the harsh comments directed at the speaker, highlighting her protective nature and humanizing the challenges faced by public figures.

Coping with Online Harassment

  • The speaker shares experiences of receiving threatening messages, emphasizing the emotional toll such harassment can take on an individual.
  • They reflect on how having supportive friends helps them cope with these pressures, illustrating the importance of community during difficult times.

Importance of Trustworthy Relationships

  • Acknowledgment that without this friend's support, they might not have returned to their work or platform; she played a crucial role in their resilience.
  • The speaker humorously notes that while some may criticize their friend, her encouragement was vital for maintaining confidence during tough periods.

Building a Support Network

  • Introduction of another close friend, Nikki, who has been instrumental in providing emotional support and practical help in managing tasks.
  • Emphasizes trust and respect as key components in friendships that provide stability amid chaos.

Navigating Professional Relationships

  • Discussion about professional relationships versus personal friendships within their industry; highlights how personal connections can enhance professional collaborations.
  • Mentions other supportive individuals from different circles who contribute positively to their life despite being primarily business-oriented relationships.

Loyalty and Isolation

  • Reflecting on past friendships from earlier days that remained steadfast even when facing backlash due to association with the speaker.
  • Expresses gratitude towards friends who stood by them despite personal risks involved, showcasing loyalty as a significant value.

Personal Philosophy on Friendships

  • Shares insights into their personality as a "lone wolf," preferring deep connections over superficial group dynamics.

Book Signings and Social Anxiety

The Challenge of Meeting Readers

  • The speaker expresses anxiety about attending book signings, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of meeting readers in person.
  • They describe themselves as not being socially inclined, struggling with small talk due to ADHD, preferring deeper conversations instead.

Learning from Children and Animals

  • The speaker reflects on how children teach valuable lessons about social interactions, emphasizing a preference for authenticity over superficiality.
  • They share insights on the unconditional love of animals, particularly dogs, suggesting that humans could learn from their loyalty and judgment of character.

Bonds with Pets

  • A study is referenced indicating that the strongest bond of love is between a mother and child, followed closely by that between a dog and its owner.
  • The speaker humorously notes that dogs may offer more love than husbands do.

The Connection with Cats

Personal Affection for Cats

  • The speaker shares their deep bond with cats, likening them to children and expressing protectiveness over them.
  • They mention their daughter's desire for a Savannah cat while discussing pet ownership laws in Ireland.

Family Dynamics Around Pets

  • There’s an amusing anecdote about keeping pet plans secret from the husband who is not familiar with pets but has an innate connection with them.

Memorable Pet Stories

Childhood Experiences with Pets

  • The speaker recounts their father's initial reluctance to have pets but later showing affection towards them during moments like goldfish funerals.

Heroic Acts of Pets

  • A story is shared about a childhood dog named Toby who bravely defended the home against intruders despite his small size.
  • Toby's actions are highlighted as courageous; he scared off potential robbers even after sustaining injury.

Emotional Attachments to Animals

Anticipating Loss

Concerns About Animal Death in Media

Emotional Impact of Pet Death in Films

  • The speaker expresses a strong aversion to watching animal deaths in movies, stating it ruins the experience for them. They prefer that their pet, Suki, does not die on paper.
  • A reference is made to a specific film featuring Will Smith where the death of a dog was particularly distressing, leading to a lasting negative impression of the movie.
  • The speaker emphasizes that many people have experienced the loss of a pet and finds such portrayals unnecessary and emotionally scarring.

Writing Philosophy and Character Development

  • The speaker discusses their writing approach, indicating they do not believe in easy resolutions; happiness must be earned over time.
  • They mention taking breaks between book releases to maintain mental health while acknowledging the intense fandom surrounding their work.

Personal Background and Motivation

  • The speaker reflects on their challenging upbringing and how achieving financial stability has allowed them to break generational cycles for their children.
  • They describe Hueie as an intuitive character who will face significant challenges as he navigates school life.

Representation in Storytelling

  • There’s discussion about character representation, particularly regarding Gibbsy's storyline compared to Lizzy's. The speaker feels Lizzy's experiences were easier to depict due to personal relatability.
  • They express disappointment with one particular book feeling like filler rather than contributing meaningfully to character development.

Impact of Online Harassment on Mental Health

Decision to Limit Public Exposure

  • The speaker explains shutting down Chloe Clover for mental health reasons due to overwhelming online harassment related to personal life exposure.

Consequences of Sharing Personal Life Online

  • They recount instances where personal photos were misused by online haters, emphasizing concerns for both their children's safety and that of readers' children.

Irony in Anti-Bullying Themes

  • Despite writing anti-bullying narratives aimed at discussing difficult topics openly, the speaker notes the irony that these themes have led to real-life bullying against them.

Purpose Behind Their Writing

Understanding the Impact of Alcoholism and Addiction

The Reality of Addiction

  • The speaker addresses the stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction, emphasizing the need to confront these issues openly.
  • Personal experiences shape the narrative, highlighting that negative opinions often arise from societal perceptions.
  • Authenticity in writing is crucial; memories from past experiences enhance relatability for readers.

Nostalgia and Cultural References

  • The appeal of early 2000s culture resonates with younger generations, particularly through nostalgia for Y2K aesthetics.
  • Descriptions of past beauty trends, such as heavy makeup and body glitter, evoke a vivid sense of time and place.

Social Dynamics in Youth Culture

  • Recollections of teenage social activities illustrate a carefree yet wild youth culture marked by playful competition among peers.
  • The concept of "the wall" at discos serves as a metaphor for youthful exploration and rebellion against societal norms.

Societal Changes Over Time

  • Discussion on how cultural repression influenced behaviors during the 2000s in Ireland, contrasting it with modern attitudes towards sexuality.
  • Reflecting on how social media has changed accountability; past actions were less scrutinized compared to today's standards.

Navigating Modern Challenges

  • The conversation shifts to contemporary issues like cancel culture, expressing frustration over its impact on personal freedom.

Understanding Personal Growth and Community Support

The Importance of Community Defense

  • The speaker reflects on their loyal readers who defended them against negativity, emphasizing the need to return to the community despite potential backlash.
  • They express self-awareness about their identity and how those close to them perceive their personality as lovable, highlighting the importance of genuine connections.

Spreading Positivity Amidst Negativity

  • The speaker discusses the loss of tolerance in society and advocates for spreading love, even when faced with criticism. They aim to foster a positive environment through their comic books.
  • Acknowledging past behavior, they note a shift in managing negativity on social media, contrasting it with previous experiences where they tolerated abuse without response.

Creative Journey: From Finding Bev to Broken Series

  • The speaker shares their personal struggles during adolescence that led to writing "Finding Bev," which was deeply personal but initially too daunting to share publicly.
  • They describe how entering the indie romance world inspired them creatively, leading to confidence in sharing stories after producing multiple works by 2018.

Evolution of Storytelling Concepts

  • Discussing the transition from "Wags of Rugby" to a more refined narrative approach, they explain how initial drafts lacked focus and depth regarding important themes like mental health and bullying.
  • By creating relatable characters based on personal experiences, they aimed to address significant issues such as addiction and domestic violence within their narratives.

Realism Through Personal Experience

Core Couples and Character Development

The Planned Endings of Characters

  • The speaker emphasizes that certain couples, particularly Lizzy and Huey, were always intended to end up together from the beginning of the series.
  • They express interest in exploring different perspectives in writing, highlighting how individuals can live under the same roof yet lead vastly different lives.

Character Dynamics and Relationships

  • The discussion reveals Johnny's disinterest in his social circle, showcasing a lack of awareness regarding significant events affecting his friends.
  • The speaker shares personal anecdotes about male friends who are indifferent to their female friends' lives unless it directly concerns them, illustrating a common dynamic in friendships.

Analyzing Subtle Details

  • A specific scene is referenced where characters change seats, indicating that important details are often overlooked by readers despite being present in the narrative.
  • There’s mention of Taylor Swift's song "This Love" as a thematic connection to Lizzy and Huey's relationship, suggesting that their bond was always meant to be.

Complexity of Characters

  • The speaker argues for the importance of flawed characters in storytelling; they believe that perfect characters would make narratives dull.
  • They counter claims that another couple (Huey and Katie) was destined to be together by asserting that their happiness would not provide engaging content for readers.

Writing Process Influences

  • The speaker reflects on how fan reactions can impact their writing process but asserts they ultimately remain true to their original vision despite external pressures.
  • They describe feeling like they channel creativity rather than control it fully, noting how doubt can disrupt the writing flow.

Themes of Hope and Realism

  • Personal experiences shape the desire to reach out to young readers facing challenges similar to those faced by the author during turbulent times.

Understanding Friendships and Trauma

The Dynamics of Friendship Among Troubled Youth

  • The speaker discusses how individuals with trauma often gravitate towards each other, suggesting that shared experiences create a bond among friends.
  • Reflecting on personal experiences, the speaker preferred friendships with those who had similar struggles rather than "perfect" peers, highlighting the need for inclusion and understanding.
  • The discomfort of sharing traumatic experiences with those from stable backgrounds is emphasized; finding solace in friends who understand is crucial for emotional comfort.
  • The idea that people drawn together by shared hardships can help heal one another is presented, particularly in contexts like addiction recovery where mutual understanding fosters connection.

Storytelling Choices: Teen Pregnancy Narrative

  • A discussion about character development reveals that Joey's storyline involving teen pregnancy was intentional, as he needed a child to establish his own identity separate from family influences.
  • Personal anecdotes about teen parenthood are shared, illustrating the prevalence of such situations in the speaker's life and community, countering claims that these narratives are unrealistic.
  • The impact of media representations (like "Teen Mom") on societal perceptions of teen pregnancy is noted; it suggests a shift in attitudes toward young parents over time.

Realities of Young Parenthood

  • The speaker recounts their experience growing up during a time when teen pregnancies were common, emphasizing how this reflects real-life scenarios rather than fictional exaggerations.
  • A contrast between successful relationships formed through early parenthood versus those that fail due to poor choices highlights the complexity of young parenting dynamics.

Challenging Stereotypes Around Parenting

  • It’s argued that having a baby does not signify the end of a story; instead, it marks the beginning of new challenges and growth opportunities for couples.

Exploring Character Development and Gender Dynamics in Storytelling

The Impact of Upbringing on Character Traits

  • The speaker discusses the parallels between characters Joey and Huie, emphasizing how their different upbringings—poverty for Joey and wealth for Huie—shaped their personalities.
  • Both characters exhibit loyalty, independence, and a protective nature towards their families despite contrasting backgrounds.
  • The speaker reflects on how Joey could have been like Huie had he experienced a different upbringing.

Gender Perception in Characters

  • A comparison is made between the societal reception of male and female characters, highlighting that complex male characters are often romanticized while female counterparts face vilification.
  • The discussion points out the double standards in how morally gray male protagonists are celebrated while female characters with similar traits are labeled as villains.

Societal Expectations of Women

  • The conversation touches on the challenges women face in society, including being labeled as "too emotional" or "too rigid," regardless of their behavior.
  • A reference to a monologue from the Barbie movie illustrates the impossibility for women to meet societal expectations without criticism.

Parenting Challenges in Modern Society

  • The speaker shares personal experiences about raising children, particularly focusing on instilling values in sons while also nurturing a strong daughter amidst societal pressures.
  • There’s an acknowledgment of differing personality traits among siblings, reflecting on how these traits influence parenting approaches.

Collaborative Writing Experiences

  • Discussion shifts to collaborative writing efforts with Nikki; differences in writing styles (pantser vs. plotter) create challenges but also opportunities for growth.
  • The speaker expresses concerns about maintaining high standards when working with others and acknowledges difficulties in collaboration due to differing creative processes.

Future Writing Projects

Exploring Writing and Emotional Impact

The Evolution of Writing Style

  • The speaker reflects on their writing journey, noting a significant change in style from earlier works, which they describe as "very amateur."
  • They emphasize that personal enjoyment of stories often outweighs the quality of writing, sharing how they appreciate books based on vibes rather than technical skill.

Guilty Pleasures in Storytelling

  • The speaker discusses their love for romance stories set in Asia, expressing enthusiasm for dramatic plots and character arcs.
  • They recount a particularly intense scene involving a terminally ill woman and her husband, highlighting the emotional engagement these narratives evoke.

Emotional Engagement with Stories

  • The speaker describes how deeply invested they become in these stories, feeling strong emotions even when listening to AI-generated narrations.
  • They mention using these narratives as an escape during tough times, finding solace in the extreme situations faced by characters.

Music's Role in Writing Process

  • The discussion shifts to the importance of music in the speaker's writing process; they use Spotify to create playlists that help link scenes together.
  • They explain how music alleviates anxiety associated with social media interactions while providing inspiration for their writing.

Content Release Strategy

Writing with Emotion and Music

The Role of Emotions in Writing

  • The speaker emphasizes that their writing process is heavily influenced by emotions, acknowledging it may not be the most stable or productive approach.
  • They mention receiving criticism for sharing snippets of their work, as others believe it reveals too much about the story.
  • A specific song, "Wicked Twisted Road," is highlighted for its relevance to a character's journey, showcasing how music can enhance storytelling.

Integrating Music into the Writing Process

  • The speaker expresses a desire to curate music for scenes in their books, indicating that they often envision songs while writing.
  • They clarify that it's not about planning scenes around songs but rather aligning characters' vibes with the music that resonates during writing sessions.

Non-linear Writing Approach

  • The author describes starting books by writing random scenes and sentences without following a strict order, likening it to assembling a jigsaw puzzle later on.
  • They note linking scenes together as they write to ensure continuity and avoid forgetting important elements for future chapters.

Challenges of Emotional Writing

  • The speaker acknowledges that emotional states affect their writing; bad days lead to darker themes while good days inspire lighter content.
  • They discuss the difficulty of publishing longer works due to printing costs, which can limit what they want to express in their stories.

Considerations for Future Works

  • There’s contemplation about potentially releasing novellas or bonus chapters from unreleased material but with an emphasis on not monetizing cutscenes unfairly.

Reflections on Writing and Reader Engagement

Personal Experiences with Reading and Writing

  • The speaker shares nostalgic memories of being a child, feeling overwhelmed by the joy of reading books quickly, yet struggling with the emotional aftermath of finishing them too soon.
  • They recount their experience of financial hardship before attending university, relying on free eBooks and charity shop finds to satisfy their reading appetite.
  • The speaker expresses a belief that readers who purchase physical copies should have access to bonus content, highlighting their current ability to afford such extras while acknowledging not all authors share this privilege.

Thoughts on Past Work and Future Projects

  • When asked about revisiting "Seven Sleepless Nights," the speaker admits feeling critical of their earlier work, expressing a desire to create new scenes without committing to lengthy novels.
  • They suggest that these new writings could be shared through a blog or website, indicating an interest in engaging with fans in different formats.

Social Media Presence and Fan Support

  • The speaker discusses plans for returning to social media, particularly Facebook, as they feel more comfortable with it compared to newer platforms.
  • They emphasize the importance of maintaining emotional boundaries online while still wanting to connect meaningfully with readers.

Encouragement for Fans

  • In response to fan support inquiries, the speaker stresses delivering quality books as their priority and appreciates reviews as valuable feedback from readers.
  • They express gratitude for existing support but encourage kindness among fans regarding differing opinions about books.

Navigating Online Interactions

  • The speaker acknowledges the challenges of facing criticism online but highlights how positive interactions can motivate them during tough times.

Understanding Mental Health Representation in Literature

The Importance of Relatability in Characters

  • The speaker reflects on the lack of relatable characters during their teenage years, particularly for Irish teenagers facing mental health crises.
  • They emphasize how mental health was a taboo topic until recently, sharing a personal anecdote about stigma within their community.
  • The speaker advocates for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages acceptance and understanding of those with mental illnesses.

Personal Experiences and Healing Through Literature

  • Acknowledges the generational differences in dealing with mental health issues, citing their grandmother's Catholic upbringing as a source of stigma.
  • Discusses the transformative power of literature for younger generations, allowing them to heal their inner child through relatable stories.
  • Highlights that all characters have flaws and differing opinions but can still unite, promoting a message of friendship despite differences.

Anticipation for Future Books

  • A question is posed about which chapter or scene from "Boys of Tommen" should be reread to prepare for future books; the bridge scene between Joy and Lizzy is recommended due to its significance.
  • Discussion around the title of an upcoming book leads to speculation about its meaning, indicating ongoing engagement with fans regarding plot developments.

Author's Emotional Connection to Writing

  • The author shares insights into their writing process, revealing how deeply they connect emotionally with their characters and storylines.
  • They express that readers often experience similar emotional spirals while reading as they do when writing intense scenes.

Debunking Fan Misconceptions

  • The author addresses misconceptions regarding character relationships, confirming that Liz and Hugh were always intended to be endgame characters.

Character Development and Perspectives in Storytelling

Introduction to Character Dynamics

  • The importance of introducing characters when the audience is invested in the story is emphasized. Characters like Johnny and Shannon are seen as manageable entry points.
  • The contrast between younger, innocent characters and more seasoned ones highlights their growth potential throughout the narrative.

Planned Relationships and Character Arcs

  • Liz and Hugh's relationship was always intended, evident from indie covers that reflect their connection. Their dynamic suggests inevitable conflict due to differing contentment levels.
  • The author expresses a fascination with multiple perspectives in storytelling, noting how different viewpoints can reveal deeper layers of character experiences.

Importance of Dual Points of View

  • Transitioning from Shannon’s perspective to Joey’s reveals complexities within their household dynamics that were previously unnoticed.
  • Understanding Hue's internal struggles requires his point of view; without it, readers may misinterpret his actions or reservations regarding Liz.

Emotional Conflict in Characters

  • The author anticipates exploring Hue's emotional battle between logic and desire in future narratives, particularly regarding his relationship with Liz.
  • This tension between head versus heart creates compelling character development opportunities.

Side Characters' Impact on Narrative

  • A discussion about side characters reveals Gibsy as an unexpected standout who evolved significantly during writing, influencing other characters’ depth.
  • Gibsy’s emergence as a prominent figure showcases how side characters can unexpectedly enrich the main storyline.

Future Exploration of Gibsy's Character

  • There is anticipation for revealing Gibsy’s true self in upcoming books, suggesting that previous portrayals only scratched the surface of his complexity.
  • The author looks forward to delving into Gibsy's psyche, addressing denial and relationships that shape him beyond initial impressions.

Notable Friendships Within the Series

Character Development and Healing in Giby's Story

The Importance of Masks

  • The discussion begins with the concept of characters wearing "masks" to hide their true selves. Giby is noted for having a particularly strong mask, unlike other characters who have cracked under pressure.
  • There is anticipation for Giby's next book, where he will confront unresolved issues and grow as a character, indicating a significant shift in his emotional journey.

Clara's Journey

  • Clara has been following Giby her whole life, adopting his coping mechanisms. She struggles with processing her own emotions and experiences, particularly regarding her father.
  • Clara must learn to accept her sheltered upbringing and find independence from Giby. This includes recognizing that it's okay not to be perfect or "messed up."

Self-Acceptance and Growth

  • The conversation emphasizes the need for Clara to love herself more deeply. Her decisions often reflect external influences rather than personal desires.
  • It’s suggested that both characters need to separate temporarily for healing; this separation could force them out of their comfort zones.

Flashbacks and Past Trauma

  • Healing Seven will focus on present events without delving into flashbacks of Giby's past due to his inability to process those memories yet.
  • The narrative reveals that Giby feels emasculated by his past trauma, which complicates his understanding of himself and his sexuality.

Parallels Between Characters

  • A humorous scene involving Lizzy hints at deeper themes within the story while showcasing character dynamics.
  • A theory emerges about Brian the Cat being a metaphorical representation of Mark, suggesting subconscious parallels between characters created by the author.

Conclusion: Anticipation for Future Developments

Don't Run That Website: Clarifying Misconceptions

Misunderstandings About the Website

  • The speaker clarifies that they did not choose the images or content on a specific website associated with Tommen, emphasizing their lack of involvement in those decisions.
  • They mention receiving a percentage from merchandise sold through the site but do not have direct knowledge of sales figures or operations, indicating a disconnect between them and the merchandise management.

Merchandise Deal Insights

  • The speaker confirms they receive monthly checks related to merchandise sales but reiterates that they are merely the face of the brand and not involved in its day-to-day operations.
  • They express concern about ensuring fair compensation for their name's use, highlighting their limited interaction with the merchandising team.

Character Inspirations and Muses

Sources of Inspiration

  • The speaker discusses their original muses for character development, revealing that rugby players inspired them while being cautious about naming individuals due to growing recognition.
  • They draw parallels between characters and real-life personalities from popular media, such as comparing Lizzy to a character from "Outer Banks."

Media References

  • A discussion arises about a Spanish film titled "My Fault," which one participant recommends watching, showcasing an interest in diverse storytelling mediums.

Love Triangles and Character Dynamics

Preferences in Fictional Relationships

  • The conversation shifts to preferences regarding fictional love interests, with one participant expressing support for Team Jeremiah over other characters.
  • They critique character names like "Belly," discussing how it affects their perception of romantic situations within stories.

Embracing Controversy in Storytelling

  • The speaker expresses admiration for authors who tackle complex love triangles and controversial themes in literature, appreciating bold narrative choices.

Future Plans for Book Series

Upcoming Releases

  • A question arises about future book releases; the speaker reveals plans for three more books set during high school before transitioning into college years.

Discussion on Character Development and Future Books

Cliffhangers and Resolutions

  • The speaker expresses a dislike for unresolved cliffhangers in stories, emphasizing the importance of character resolutions. They appreciate that Johnny and Shannon's storyline has a satisfying conclusion, allowing readers to feel content with their current happiness.

Future Story Arcs

  • There is a discussion about potential future storylines, including an exploration of characters during their college years. The speaker mentions wanting to show growth alongside the audience as they age from 15 in 2005 to relatable experiences in 2025.

Insights on Audience Connection

  • The speaker aims to create relatable narratives that reflect the evolving lives of characters like Joey as they transition into adulthood. This connection is seen as vital for maintaining reader engagement over time.

Upcoming Releases and Information Sources

  • A question arises regarding what can be revealed about upcoming books. The speaker hints at significant developments but remains vague about specifics, indicating excitement among fans for new content.

Social Media Engagement

  • The speaker confirms that updates regarding release dates and titles will primarily be shared through Instagram and their website. They acknowledge the mental health benefits of using social media while also valuing direct engagement through their website.

Upcoming Book Details

Next Installments Revealed

  • It is disclosed that Lizzy and Hueie's book will be next, followed by another book featuring Claire. These are positioned as pivotal entries in the series, with Lizzy's story being particularly plot-driven compared to previous character-focused narratives.

Series Structure and Reading Experience

  • The conversation highlights how different reading orders can enhance the experience of engaging with the series. Readers have multiple ways to approach the narrative, likening it to assembling a jigsaw puzzle where each piece contributes uniquely to understanding the whole story.

Closing Thoughts on Reader Feedback

Importance of Honest Critique

  • The speaker emphasizes the value of honest feedback from readers, stating that expressing dislikes is crucial for authentic engagement with literature. They commend those who share constructive criticism as brave contributors to discussions around storytelling.

Gratitude Towards Supporters

Chloe's Exciting Music Journey

Introduction and Anticipation for New Music

  • The speaker expresses gratitude to Chloe for her time, highlighting the excitement surrounding her new music release and the seasonal vibe of fall.
  • There is an expectation for playlists inspired by Chloe's upcoming music, emphasizing a return of "witchy vibes" associated with the season.

Nostalgia and Hopes for Reunion

  • The speaker shares a desire for Chloe and Lindsay to reunite musically, reflecting on their past collaborations and social media interactions that hint at rekindled connections.
  • Excitement builds as the speaker plans to purchase Chloe's new record upon its release, hoping it will lead to a tour that revives their iconic love story.

Inspiration from Past Performances

  • The speaker reveals personal inspiration drawn from watching live performances from the 1980s, particularly "The Chain," indicating a deep emotional connection to these moments in music history.
Video description

Boys of Tommen fans ...this is the interview you’ve been waiting for. We sit down with Chloe Walsh, bestselling author of the Boys of Tommen series (Binding 13, Keeping 13, Saving 6, Redeeming 6, Releasing 10), for a raw, unfiltered conversation about: Endgame reveals for Lizzie & Hughie (always endgame!) The future of Gibsie, Claire, and other The pain of writing Joey’s story (Saving 6, Redeeming 6) Playlist drops, release date speculation & BookTok chaos The struggles of publishing schedules vs. indie writing freedom Fandom drama, parasocial relationships & why author respect matters Chloe shares how the Boys of Tommen grew from Irish rugby inspiration to a global romance phenomenon, while opening up about her writing struggles, ADHD, burnout, and the cost of telling these deeply personal stories. Whether you love Releasing 10, still cry over Joey Lynch, or are deep in Lizzie, Hughie, Gibsie, Katie & Feely theories...this interview is packed with fandom tea, behind-the-scenes insights, and Chloe’s most candid reflections yet. 👉 Don’t miss out: Subscribe & join the Tired Witches Podcast coven for more bookish deep dives, theory breakdowns, and fandom chaos. #BoysOfTommen #ChloeWalsh #Binding13 #Keeping13 #Saving6 #Redeeming6 #Releasing10 #LizzieAndHughie #Gibsie #KatieAndFeely #BookTok #BookTube #RomanceBooks #BookishDrama #TiredWitchesPodcast #readstories 📌 Subscribe here → https://www.youtube.com/@TiredWitchesPodcast?sub_confirmation=1 📌 Follow us on Instagram: @TiredWitchesPodcast 📌 Follow us on TikTok: @a_girlandhercats and @archivesofashley 0:00 - Chloe Walsh Interview 0:37 - Writing Process: Indie vs. Traditional Publishing 2:12 - Mental Health Struggles & ADHD in Writing 7:09 - Dealing with Online Hate & People-Pleasing 11:20 - Nostalgia: Writing Teens from the 2000s Era 12:24 - Chloe's Support System & Team 18:22 - Social Anxiety, Oversharing & Trauma Bonding 20:42 - Love for Animals: Dogs, Cats & Pet Stories 26:32 - No Dog Deaths in Tommen (Suki Lives!) 27:10 - Future Plans: College Years & Mental Health Breaks 31:01 - Anti-Bullying Message & Irony of Fan Backlash 32:13 - Setting in 2005: Authenticity & Y2K Vibes 35:06 - Wild 2000s Teen Memories: Discos & "Beat the Flapper" 37:23 - Returning to Social Media: Taking Back Power 39:12 - Series Evolution: From "Finding Bev" to Boys of Tommen 44:06 - Planned Couples: Liz/Hugh Endgame Confirmed 48:00 - Fan Influence: Does It Change the Writing? 50:20 - Trauma Realism: Why Friend Groups Have Shared Pain 53:29 - Assigning Issues: Teen Pregnancy & Joey/Aoife 57:58 - Character Parallels: Joey vs. Hughie Upbringings 59:19 - Misogyny in Fiction: Complex Women vs. Morally Gray Men 1:01:23 - Raising Kids: Strong Girls & Boys in Society 1:02:07 - Collaborations: "The Irish Man" with Nikki 1:03:40 - Revisiting Older Series: 13th Street & Carter Kids 1:04:09 - Guilty Pleasures: Trashy Reels & AI Stories 1:08:20 - Writing with Music: Spotify Playlists & Scene Vibes 1:13:39 - Timeline Writing: Jigsaw Scenes & Emotional Flow 1:15:48 - Bonus Content: Free Novellas & Cut Scenes 1:18:27 - "Seven Sleepless Nights": Future Possibilities 1:19:26 - Chloe's Clovers 2.0: Fan Community Dreams 1:20:24 - How Fans Can Support Upcoming Releases 1:21:57 - Reread Rec: Joey/Lizzie Bridge Scene for Prep 1:27:18 - Next Book Tease: T10 Title Brainstorm 1:28:52 - Debunking Theories: Lizzie/Hughie Always Planned 1:32:36 - POV Magic: Why Dual Perspectives Matter 1:34:35 - Side Characters Evolving: Gibsie's Surprise Rise 1:36:52 - Favorite Friendships: Hugh/Liz, Johnny/Gibsie 1:38:43 - "Healing 7" Scoop: No Flashbacks, Masks Off 1:41:25 - Brian the Cat Theory: Subconscious Mark Parallel? 1:44:42 - Merch, Muses & Website Debunks 1:47:54 - Character Muses: Rugby Players & TV Inspirations 1:48:48 - TV Chat: "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Teams 1:50:29 - College Years Announced: Post-High School Jump 1:53:20 - Final Disclosures: BOT7-9 Order & Plot Twists 1:57:02 - Closing: Gratitude, Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac Dreams