"Sometimes the biggest adventure isn't falling in love—it's learning to believe in yourself."

Becky Larson Bloom didn't publish her first novel until later in life, after years of encouragement from family and friends who believed she had a story to tell.

In this uplifting episode of Author Conversations, Becky discusses the inspiration behind her debut novel, New Beginnings, and explains why it's about far more than romance.

At its heart, the book explores identity, vulnerability and the courage to embrace life's unexpected opportunities.
Becky reveals how personal experiences, dreams and regrets quietly shaped her fictional characters, and why genuine love should help us become better versions of ourselves rather than rescue us from ourselves.

She also reflects on finally becoming a published author in her late sixties, fulfilling a promise inspired by her late mother-in-law, and why it's never too late to pursue a lifelong dream.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary romance, women's fiction or simply looking for encouragement to begin a new chapter in your own life, this conversation is a reminder that some of life's most meaningful journeys start much later than we expect.

📖 Featured Book New Beginnings by Becky Larson Bloom
🌐 Episode page:
https://www.author-conversations.com/becky-larson-bloom
📚 Book:
https://amzn.eu/d/02k3ppzl
Inspiration:
Read our blog post on writing your first novel in your 60s: Blog link

In this episode
• Publishing a first novel later in life
• The inspiration behind New Beginnings
• Finding yourself before finding love
• Writing characters with vulnerability and hope
• Personal experiences that shaped the story
• Why self-discovery matters as much as romance
• Following lifelong dreams at any age
• Turning encouragement into action
• The realities of writing a debut novel
• Why it's never too late to begin again

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction
01:14 Why Becky finally wrote her first novel
04:03 Publishing later in life
06:28 The inspiration behind New Beginnings
10:41 Finding yourself before finding love
15:02 How personal experiences shaped the story
19:34 Writing believable relationships
23:18 Trust, vulnerability and emotional growth
27:56 Why new beginnings can happen at any age
32:12 The challenges of writing a debut novel
36:21 What Becky hopes readers take away
39:02 Advice for aspiring writers
41:08 Where to find New Beginnings


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Every book has a story beyond its pages.

In Author Conversations, broadcast journalist, presenter and newsreader Chris Dabbs sits down with the writers behind some of today’s most fascinating books to uncover the research, experiences and ideas that never made it onto the printed page. 

Featuring bestselling and emerging authors from around the world, each episode goes beyond the blurb to explore the real stories behind the writing.

From untold historical discoveries and groundbreaking scientific research to personal journeys, business insights, faith, true crime and the human experience, every conversation is designed to inform, challenge and inspire.

Drawing on more than two decades of professional interviewing across radio, television and digital journalism,
Chris creates thoughtful, in-depth conversations that give authors the time and space to tell the stories that matter most.

Whether you’re searching for your next great read, fascinated by the creative process or simply enjoy intelligent, long-form conversations, Author Conversations offers a unique opportunity to discover the people, ideas and experiences behind remarkable books.

Real authors. Real stories. Real conversations.