Jenny Milchman is the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of five novels. Her work has been praised by The New York Times, New York Journal of Books, San Francisco Journal of Books, and many more. She has earned spots on multiple “Best Of” lists, including PureWow, POPSUGAR, The Strand, Suspense, and Big Thrill magazines, and has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness. Four of her novels have been selected as Indie Next Picks. In addition to her novels, Jenny’s short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Most recently, her piece on book touring was included in the Agatha Award-winning collection Promophobia. Jenny is launching a new series with Thomas & Mercer, introducing psychologist Arles Shepherd, a character who fights to save the most vulnerable children while battling her own inner demons. The Usual Silence is the first book in that series which will be published on October 1, 2024. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her family. In this episode, Jenny Milchman shared insights into her journey from a psychotherapist to a successful author. Milchman’s latest novel, “The Usual Silence,” delves into the suspenseful world of child psychotherapy, drawing from her professional background. As she explained, her career in psychology significantly influenced her writing, providing a unique depth and realism to her characters and plots. This transition wasn’t straightforward; it took Milchman over two decades and multiple rejections before her work found its audience. Her perseverance is a testament to the importance of determination and passion in the creative process. And a lot more, so make sure to check it out. Connect with Jenny Milchman Facebook X Instagram Amazon Link Other Books by Jenny Milchaman Show Notes In this podcast interview, Alan Petersen speaks with Jenny Milchman about her latest suspense novel, “The Usual Silence,” which delves into the psychological background of psychotherapy with children, a field Jenny worked in before starting her writing career. Jenny shares how her experiences as a psychotherapist influenced her writing, particularly a case involving a violent five-year-old that inspired her to write suspense novels. The conversation highlights Jenny’s journey to becoming a published author, including the numerous rejections she faced before her eighth manuscript was finally accepted, thanks to the intervention of a respected author. Jenny also discusses the significance of true crime podcasts in her latest book and how she integrates tough, real-life subjects like trauma and abuse into her novels while ensuring the characters ultimately find some form of triumph. She reflects on her unique writing process, which involves collecting ideas in a filing cabinet and writing without a strict outline.
