Zibby Mag

As a New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, Emily Giffin is no stranger to book lovers! Her novels are filled with flawed but lovable characters navigating the emotional complexities of life. Here, she shares more about her writing process and favorite books.

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How would you describe your books?

Relationship and character-driven stories that focus on empathy and exploring the “gray areas” in life.

You’ve written so many books! Do you have a favorite? Which book would you suggest people read first?

The easy answer is Something Borrowed, my first novel, but I’d also suggest All We Ever Wanted or Where We Belong.

Favorite place to write?

A small mother-in-law suite that we’ve converted into an office. It has a ton of natural light and overlooks our backyard, so I can watch my kids and dogs play while I work.

Who’s your first reader?

My mother. A former librarian, she’s always been my biggest supporter and instilled in me a love of books from a very early age.

The best praise you’ve ever received?

Whenever I’m told that my books have made a real difference to people. It never gets old hearing that one of my stories helped someone through a rough time—or somehow inspired someone.

People might be surprised to know that…

I am a HUGE college basketball fan! I was a student manager at Wake Forest during the Randolph Childress/Tim Duncan years, and have been following the sport since I was a young girl (starting with the Virginia Cavaliers in the early 80s—Ralph Sampson was a hero of mine and is now one of my closest friends!).

What’s a bookstore you love?

A Cappella Books is a favorite here in Atlanta, and I also love Mitchell’s Book Corner and Nantucket Bookworks as well. So many great indies out there!

What do you like to do for fun?

Go on long walks with my dogs, Hank and Dolly, binge-watch lighthearted, heartwarming TV shows (“Schitt’s Creek” is a fave!), read (of course), and keep up on the latest political and royal news.

What’s the most fulfilling part of being an author?

Having an opportunity to interact with readers, whether in person at book signings and events, or virtually over social media. Writing can feel like such a solitary exercise, so it’s always gratifying to get to know the people who actually read my books.