Often called a writer’s writer, Paula Saunders joins us today with her second novel, Starting From Here. The sequel to The Distance Home, this coming-of-age story is semi-autobiographical, sparked by Paula’s own life experiences.

Like the author, protagonist Rene left home at a young age to pursue dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Set in the 1970s, Rene finds herself vulnerable in a predatory world, facing situations she’s ill-equipped to deal with – from cult like mentors and sexual exploitation, to industry predators and heartbreaking betrayal.

We discuss the writing of Starting From Here, including character development, challenges, favorites, and how the author defines creativity. Paula shares how writing this novel helped her view her own mother differently. And, we question, with 50+ years of assumed progress since the seventies, have times really changed for young women of today?