Welcome, friends.

Zibby Owens
Aug 01, 2023
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Hi! I’m so happy you’re here! Think of this as my virtual front door where I’m standing, ready to give you a hug, and usher you into a room full of like-minded people to talk about books - and life.

Who Am I and Why Should You Care?

Good question. If you love to read, write, and connect, you’re in the right place.

You might know me from all my work in the book world. I started a podcast called Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books back in 2018 which led to my (unexpectedly) building an entire media company (dubbed “the Zibby-verse” by the L.A. Times — I screamed out loud when I read that). Zibby Media publishes books, releases podcasts, hosts a book club, runs a magazine, offers author-led classes, produces retreats, and more.

I also own an independent bookstore in Santa Monica called Zibby’s Bookshop (1113 Montana Ave). Maybe you’ve seen me sitting there on the couch as you browse our uniquely-curated shelves.

Maybe you know me from the books I’ve written myself. (God, I hope so.) I wrote Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature (Little A, 2022); Princess Charming, a children’s book (Penguin Random House/Flamingo, 2022); and edited two anthologies Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology and Moms Don’t Have Time to Have Kids: A Timeless Anthology (Skyhorse, 2021). My debut novel Blank comes out March 5th, 2023! You’ll be hearing a lot about that here.

Or perhaps you follow me on Instagram. (You don’t? You should!) Or you know me personally, perhaps through one of my four kids or life in general. (I’m based in New York but spend a lot of time in L.A.)

You should care if you care about books. And come on: who doesn’t?! (Haha.)

Here’s What All of You Have in Common:

You love having a connection to books and writing, even if you don’t have time to read. You love connecting with others, emotionally. You’re nice. (If that’s not you, bye-bye.)

What You’ll Get:

  1. On Fridays:

    1. Exclusive access to “My Innermost Thoughts,” a personal essay column which will (hopefully!) make you laugh, cry, think, feel, and know that someone out there just gets it. That you’re not alone. (Usually a five or six minute read/listen. I know how busy you all are!)

    2. Exclusive access to “Obsessed,” a round-up of my picks for books, Substacks, articles, things to buy, movies, restaurants, or whatever else I’m currently shouting from the rooftops. I’m all about curation.

  2. On Mondays, you’ll receive “The Zibby Media Minute,” a quick update on all the amazing things Zibby Media is doing. It’s like the TV Guide of Zibby Media. This includes:

    1. Upcoming event notifications (add to cal!) and big deal updates.

    2. First dibs on sign-ups to retreats and author-led classes.

    3. Sneak peeks and content from Zibby’s Book Club.

    4. Updates on Zibby’s Bookshop, my independent bookstore in Santa Monica (1113 Montana Ave).

    5. Advance access to cover reveals, excerpts, and more.

    6. Links to awesome essays, book round-ups, and author spotlights on Zibby Mag.

I’m all about deepening the connections between authors, readers, and each other and sharing myself openly and authentically. This Substack is place to get all of it. Don’t miss your connection.

Of course, please also check out our wonderful websites (www.zibbymedia.com and www.zibbyowens.com) and follow @zibbymedia and @zibbyowens on Instagram (and all other platforms, but that’s my favorite).

Are you ready? Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you.