Episode 569: “Weirdos’ Audiobook Club” presented by Audible – Desperate Deadly Widows with Special Guest, Sheena Melwani
On the Morbid podcast, the hosts explore the collaborative writing process behind the audiobook "Desperate Deadly Widows." They dive into the novel's dynamic between a tight sisterhood of multifaceted widow characters. Listeners gain insights into the audiobook's acclaimed voice acting, which captures each widow's distinct personality, as well as intriguing plot elements like the exploration of indigenous rights against wealthy developers.
The discussion touches on the story's intriguing 1980s setting, nostalgic period details, and potential to adapt the widows' gripping mystery/thriller narrative for the screen. Listeners ponder casting possibilities for actresses to portray the unapologetically flawed yet loyal widows like Camille, Crystal, and Justine. The novel's embrace of womanhood and nuanced character arcs fuel enthusiasm for this compelling collaborative work.
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1-Page Summary
"Desperate Deadly Widows"
Kimberly Bell, Lane Fargo, Kate Holohan, and Vanessa Lilly's "Desperate Deadly Widows" intrigues audiobook listeners with its collaborative writing process, rich characters, and engaging narration.
Collaboration and Continuity
The authors carefully coordinated via extensive Zoom meetings to craft the story as a cohesive sequel to "Rich Young Widows." Each author focused on a distinct widow character to develop unique voices while maintaining a uniform narrative tone.
Acclaimed Voice Acting
Listeners praise the voice actors' ability to capture the diverse personalities of widows like the intense Camille, humorous Crystal, and cool Justine. According to Sheena Melwani, the believable vocal performances forge a strong connection with the characters.
Key Themes
A Powerful Sisterhood
Despite conflicts like Justine's clash with Crystal, the widows demonstrate an unbreakable bond of loyalty and protection. Ash Kelley notes how their shared tragedy solidifies this enduring sisterhood.
Unapologetic Womanhood
The story embraces the widows' multifaceted, flawed natures as they grow through arcs like Camille's self-reflection. Their dynamics illuminate themes of self-acceptance.
Indigenous Rights
Vanessa Lilly's indigenous heritage lends authenticity to the plot's exploration of indigenous rights against wealthy developers. Conversations like Aidan's with Camille address the issue with nuance.
1980s Setting
Nostalgic 1980s period details texturethe backdrop, with Camille encountering technological constraints of the era. The hosts playfully imagine the widows appreciating 80s excess like hair bands.
Potential Adaptation
Listeners enthusiastically speculate on casting actresses like Drea de Matteo as the brash Crystal, Reese Witherspoon as the warmCamille, and Tessa Thompson as the diplomatic Justine. The story's dynamic between the multifaceted widows could offer a compelling, fresh take on the mystery/thriller genre.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The collaborative writing process involving Zoom meetings is a modern approach where authors work together remotely using video conferencing technology like Zoom to discuss, plan, and write a story collectively. This method allows authors to coordinate their efforts, share ideas, and ensure consistency in the narrative despite being in different locations. Zoom meetings facilitate real-time communication, enabling authors to brainstorm, develop characters, and maintain a cohesive storyline for the project. This collaborative process helps in creating a seamless and unified sequel by allowing authors to contribute their unique perspectives and writing styles to the overall narrative.
- The widows in "Desperate Deadly Widows" each have distinct personalities: Camille is intense, Crystal is brash and humorous, and Justine is diplomatic and cool. The authors focused on developing these characters individually while maintaining a cohesive narrative tone throughout the story. Listeners praise the voice actors for capturing the diverse personalities effectively, forging a strong connection with the characters. The widows' multifaceted and flawed natures are explored as they navigate themes of sisterhood, self-acceptance, and indigenous rights.
- The 1980s setting in "Desperate Deadly Widows" adds nostalgic elements and contextualizes the characters' experiences within a specific era known for its unique cultural and technological characteristics. It influences the characters' interactions and choices, reflecting the societal norms and challenges of that time period. The setting also serves as a backdrop that enhances the storytelling by incorporating historical context and creating a distinct atmosphere for the narrative. The 1980s details contribute to the overall ambiance of the story, offering a lens through which the characters navigate their challenges and relationships.
- The exploration of indigenous rights in the plot involves highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by indigenous communities in asserting their rights, particularly in the face of encroachment by wealthy developers. This theme often delves into issues such as land rights, cultural preservation, and the impact of development on indigenous peoples' way of life. It aims to shed light on the complexities of these issues and provoke discussions on the importance of respecting indigenous rights and sovereignty.
- Speculation on potential actresses for adaptation casting involves discussing which actresses could portray the characters in a hypothetical screen adaptation of a book or story. This process often considers factors like the actresses' previous roles, acting styles, and how well they might embody the characters' traits and personalities. It's a common practice in the entertainment industry to generate excitement and engage fans in imagining how a beloved story could come to life on screen.
Counterarguments
- While the authors coordinated to maintain a uniform narrative tone, some readers might find the voices of the characters inconsistent due to having multiple authors.
- Praise for voice actors is subjective, and some listeners may not feel as strong a connection with the characters.
- The portrayal of an unbreakable bond of loyalty and protection among the widows could be seen as idealistic and not reflective of the complexity of real-life relationships.
- Embracing the widows' multifaceted, flawed natures is commendable, but some readers might feel that certain character flaws are not adequately addressed or resolved.
- The theme of self-acceptance is important, but it could be argued that the story doesn't fully explore the consequences of the widows' actions.
- While Vanessa Lilly's indigenous heritage may lend authenticity, some may argue that the exploration of indigenous rights could be more comprehensive or central to the plot.
- The 1980s setting might be nostalgic for some, but others could find it alienating or feel that it relies too heavily on stereotypes of the era.
- Technological constraints of the 1980s are an interesting detail, but they might be used inconsistently or inaccurately within the story.
- Speculation on casting for an adaptation is speculative and may not align with the vision or preferences of all fans of the audiobook.
- The fresh take on the mystery/thriller genre promised by the dynamic between the widows might not be as innovative as suggested, as the genre is already diverse and has many similar narratives.
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Discussion and analysis of the Desperate Deadly Widows audiobook
"Desperate Deadly Widows," a sequel to "Rich Young Widows," garners attention in the audiobook community for its multifaceted characters and engrossing narrative voice acting.
The audiobook serves as a sequel to the Rich Young Widows title
Listeners are encouraged to first engage with the original title, "Rich Young Widows," to better grasp the sequel's characters and plot developments. The continuity between the two books offers a more enriching experience for the audience to follow.
The authors uniquely collaborated to write the separate characters
Written by Kimberly Bell, Lane Fargo, Kate Holohan, and Vanessa Lilly, "Desperate Deadly Widows" is a unique collaboration where each author is responsible for a different character's perspective. This distinction contributes to the vivid individuality of the characters, which listeners can discern once aware of the authors' method.
The authors' dedication to maintaining a cohesive tone throughout the narrative is exemplified by their extensive Zoom meetings. These sessions ensured that each perspective meshed well with the others, despite being penned by different authors.
The voice acting performances were highly praised
The audiobook's success owes much to the voice artists who brought the characters to life, capturing their unique personalities. From Camille's intense flaws to Crystal's humor, the voice artists allowed listeners to visualize the characters vividly.
Sheena Melwani highlighted that listeners would want to connect with these widows thanks to the believable portrayal of their personalities, revealing a strong performance by the voice actors.
Key themes explored in the story
The powerful bond of sisterhood among the widows, even through conflict
The story explores the formidable bond of sisterhood among the widows, showcasing their solid support for each other. Incidents like the conflict between Crystal and Justine, and Meredith's unwavering resolution to protect her friends, underscore the themes of loyalty and mutual protection.
Ash Kelley interprets the connection between the women as one forged through shared tragedy, maintaining that their sisterhood endures despite moments of strife.
The widows' unapologetic, multifaceted nature as strong, flawed women
The book does not shy away from depicting its protagonists as complex individuals. Growth ...
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Discussion and analysis of the Desperate Deadly Widows audiobook
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The authors of "Desperate Deadly Widows" collaborated uniquely by assigning each author responsibility for a specific character's perspective. This approach allowed for distinct character voices and perspectives within the narrative. Regular Zoom meetings were held to ensure coherence and consistency across the different character viewpoints. The collaboration method aimed to create a cohesive storyline despite the characters being written by different authors.
- The authors held extensive Zoom meetings to ensure consistency in the narrative tone and character perspectives throughout the audiobook. These virtual sessions allowed them to discuss and align their writing styles, maintaining a seamless flow in the story despite each author handling different characters. The collaborative effort in these meetings aimed to create a cohesive listening experience for the audience by harmonizing the diverse viewpoints presented in the book. Through these discussions, the authors could synchronize their storytelling approaches and maintain a unified voice across the various character arcs.
- The voice actors in the audiobook brought the characters to life by embodying their unique trai ...
Counterarguments
- While the unique collaboration of authors can add depth to characters, it may also lead to inconsistencies in the narrative voice or character development.
- Extensive Zoom meetings to maintain a cohesive tone might not always translate to a seamless experience for the listener if the authors' styles are too distinct.
- High praise for voice acting performances is subjective and may not reflect the opinions of all listeners, some of whom might find the performances lacking or not fitting with their interpretation of the characters.
- The connection listeners feel to the characters might be influenced by their own experiences and biases, and not everyone may relate to or sympathize with the widows.
- The portrayal of sisterhood, while powerful, could be seen as idealized and not representative of the complexity of real-life relationships, which often include more nuanced conflicts and resolutions.
- The depiction of the widows as unapologetic and multifaceted might not resonate with all readers, who could perceive the characters as either too flawed or not sufficiently developed.
- The theme of growth and self-acceptance is a common trope that might not be executed in a way that feels fresh or innovative to some readers or listeners.
- The fight for indigenous rights against wealthy real estate developers, ...
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Collaborative writing process behind the book
The book in discussion is a product of a unique collaborative writing process undertaken by four authors who managed to craft the story in an impressively short twelve-week timeframe.
The four authors wrote the book in an impressively short 12-week timeframe
Through rigorous coordination and joint effort, the authors composed the book by holding extensive Zoom meetings wherein they meticulously divided character responsibilities and shared thoughtful feedback with each other.
They divided character responsibilities and provided feedback to each other
Each author concentrated on a particular character: Kim penned Camille, Lane crafted Meredith, Kate brought Justine to life, and Vanessa contributed Crystal. During heir Zoom meetings, which spanned hours, the authors immersed themselves in perfecting the narrative voice and ensuring the actions and dialogues were true to each character. Their conversations helped shape the characters in a way that each would react authentically in the context of the story.
The collaborative approach resulted in a cohesive, uniform narrative
Such an immersive process resulted in a narrative that was described as surprisingly cohesive and uniform, despite having multiple authors. Their ability to work in unison granted the book a consistent tone throughout, which is a notable achievement given the number of people involved in the writing process.
The authors drew inspiration from classic shows like Desperate Housewives
In their creative process, the authors drew parallels to the classic television show "Desperate Housewives," mirroring the camaraderie and drama that defined the series.
The widows' dynamic mirrored the camaraderie and drama of that series
Ash Kelley ...
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Collaborative writing process behind the book
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The four authors each focused on developing a specific character in the book: Kim wrote for Camille, Lane for Meredith, Kate for Justine, and Vanessa for Crystal. They individually crafted the personalities, actions, and dialogues of their assigned characters, ensuring consistency and depth throughout the narrative. This division of character responsibilities allowed each author to delve deeply into their character's psyche and motivations, contributing to the overall richness and authenticity of the story. By concentrating on distinct characters, the authors brought a diverse range of perspectives and nuances to the book, enhancing the depth and complexity of the interactions within the narrative.
- The contrast between the book's authenticity and typical soap operas lies in the depth of interp ...
Counterarguments
- While the 12-week timeframe is impressive, it could be argued that a longer period might have allowed for deeper research and refinement, potentially leading to a richer narrative.
- Dividing character responsibilities among authors can lead to a cohesive narrative, but it might also risk limiting the depth and complexity of characters since each is seen primarily through one author's lens.
- A cohesive, uniform narrative is an achievement, but it could also be critiqued for potentially lacking the variety and contrast that might come from a more varied authorial approach.
- Drawing inspiration from shows like "Desperate Housewives" can be effective, but it might also lead to derivative elements within the book, reducing its originality.
- While the dynamic of the widows may mirror the camaraderie and drama of "Desperate ...
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Themes and setting of the 1980s-era story
The story unfolds against the backdrop of the 1980s, which serves as a unique historical canvas both highlighting a pivotal era and contributing to the narrative's authenticity.
The 1980s backdrop provided an interesting historical context
The 1980s setting lends a distinctive flavor to the story, treating readers to a nostalgia-tinged experience. Subtle period details emerge through the narrative, like the mention of characters confronting situations without the convenience of modern technology such as cell phones. Recall the scene where Camille approaches a yacht, and the reader is subtly reminded of the era by the implications of the technological limitations of the time.
Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart reflect on the cultural ethos of the 1980s with playful banter about the characters’ possible adoration for hair bands like Poison, conjuring images of sweatsuits and a liberal use of hairspray, elements emblematic of that lively decade.
A key theme was the fight for indigenous rights against encroaching development
One of the story's central themes is the struggle for indigenous rights in the face of relentless development encroaching on sacred land. Alaina Urquhart underscores this aspect of the story, empha ...
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Themes and setting of the 1980s-era story
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Hair bands like Poison were a prominent subgenre of rock music in the 1980s known for their flamboyant style, big hair, and catchy, anthemic songs. Bands like Poison were characterized by their glam rock image, which included spandex, leather, and heavy makeup. They were part of the larger glam metal movement that dominated the music scene in the 1980s. Poison, in particular, was known for hits like "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" and "Talk Dirty to Me."
- "Sweatsuits" in the context of the 1980s typically referred to matching sets of loose-fitting, comfortable clothing made from materials like cotton or polyester. These outfits were popular for casual wear and exercise during that era, often featuring vibrant colors and sometimes adorned with logos or designs. Sweatsuits were a fashion staple in the 1980s, reflecting the relaxed and athletic style trends of the time. They were commonly worn for various activities, from workouts to everyday leisure wear.
- The characters in the story are linked to the struggle for indigenous rights through their interactions with the indigenous heritage of one of the characters, Vanessa Lilly. Vanessa's background and experiences influence the narrative's exploration of indigenous rights issues. The characters engage in discussions and actions that reflect the importance of respecting and protecting sacred indigenous sites. Vanessa ...
Counterarguments
- The 1980s setting, while unique, may not resonate with younger audiences who did not live through the era and may find it harder to connect with the period details.
- Nostalgia for the 1980s can sometimes overshadow the narrative, potentially leading to a story that relies too heavily on its setting rather than its plot or character development.
- While the absence of modern technology like cell phones is historically accurate, it may be used as a convenient plot device to create tension that could be resolved with today's technology, which might seem contrived to some readers.
- The cultural references, such as hair bands and fashion trends, might be seen as stereotypical or superficial representations of the 1980s, failing to capture the full complexity of the decade.
- The theme of indigenous rights, although important, might be perceived by some readers as being included to serve current political or social trends rather than as an organic element of the story.
- The authentic ...
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Casting and visuals for a potential adaptation
As listeners propose their dream casting for an adaptation of a story involving widows, a dialog emerges about actress options for the multifaceted characters, each bringing her unique energy to the roles.
Listeners proposed various actress options to portray the widows
Ash Kelley and the other podcast hosts express their thoughts on who would be the best fit for the widows, emphasizing the actresses' ability to portray the characters' complexities.
Drea de Matteo as the brash, no-nonsense Crystal
Ash Kelley suggests Drea de Matteo of "The Sopranos" fame for the role of Crystal, encapsulating her as a scrappy and brash character with the toughness needed for the role. The hosts seem to agree that Matteo's portrayal could bring out the vibrant and action-driven personality of Crystal.
Reese Witherspoon as the warm but determined Camille
Sheena Melwani envisions Reese Witherspoon as Camille, citing Witherspoon's inherent warmth and determined image as ideal for the character. The suggestion implies that Witherspoon's experience could lend an authentic feel to Camille's caring yet resolved nature.
Tessa Thompson as the collected, diplomatic Justine
Alaina Urquhart champions Tessa Thompson for the role of Justine, citing Thompson's ability to balance toughness with softness. Thompson's energy is seen as a perfect match to represent Justine's calm, cool, collected, and diplomatic character.
The vibrant, multifaceted personalities of the widows lend themselves to a compelling adaptation
The hosts explore the notion that the depth of the widows' characters can bring a fresh and engaging angle to the mystery/thriller genre, with their dynamic group relationship and individual backstories.
The group dynamic and 1980s setting could create a fresh, compelling take on the mystery/thriller genre
The podcast ho ...
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Casting and visuals for a potential adaptation
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Drea de Matteo played the character Adriana La Cerva in the TV series "The Sopranos." Adriana was the girlfriend of Christopher Moltisanti, a main character in the show, and she was involved in the mob lifestyle depicted in the series. Matteo's portrayal of Adriana was known for its depth and complexity, showcasing her acting range in a challenging role.
- The dynamic group relationship of the widows in this context refers to the interactions, connections, and shared experiences among the four women who are widows. Their bond, forged through their common status as widows and their individual personalities, creates a complex and supportive network that influences the story's development. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative as the widows navigate challenges together, showcasing how their relationships with each other impact their individual journeys within the storyline.
- The 1980s setting as a backdrop in the context of the potential adaptation provides a specific time period for the story to unfold, influencing the overall atmosphere, fashion, technology, and cultural elements depicted in the narrative. This setting can add depth and nostalgia to the storytelling, shaping the characters' experiences and interactions within the societal norms and historical context of that era. The 1980s backdrop may introduce unique challenges and opportunities for the characters, influencing their decisions and behaviors in ways that reflect the time period's distinct characteristics. The cultural and historical context of the 1980s can enhance the audience's understanding of the widows' world and the challenges they face, offer ...
Counterarguments
- While Drea de Matteo is known for her tough character in "The Sopranos," some might argue that typecasting her as the brash Crystal could limit the character's depth or the actress's range.
- Reese Witherspoon, while having a warm image, may not be everyone's choice for Camille, as some might feel her previous roles are too closely associated with a different type of character, potentially affecting audience immersion.
- Tessa Thompson might be seen by some as too contemporary or stylized for the role of Justine, and they might prefer an actress who has a more classic or understated approach to match the character's diplomatic nature.
- The idea that the widows' vibrant personalities are suitable for adaptation could be met with skepticism by those who believe that the nuances of literary characters often get lost in the translation to screen.
- The assertion that the widows offer a fresh angle to the mystery/thriller genre might be challenged by those who feel that the genre is already saturated with similar character dynam ...
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