Hi, Mandi! Tell me about your new book: 40 is the New F-Word. Is it your first book?

Yes, this is my first book. I actually wrote it as a screenplay first, with my screenplay partner, Vionnette. And then, when the writer strike happened, I said, “Hey, let’s make it into a book!” 

I saw that this book is inspired by true events. Do you want to speak to that?

This book is inspired by the last eight years of my life, and inspired by some people that have been in my life, who are incorporated into the story, but it is a fictional biography. 

How important are Meg's friends in this story? 

Meg’s friend group is really supposed to capture the importance of great friendships, and show how they can carry you through the hard times and the fun times, and demonstrate just how important a good support system is.  

Meg deals with a number of challenging things in this book, including panic attacks, social and relationship changes, and physical illness. How do you view the connective tissue between all of those difficulties?

This story is all about how, as women, we deal with many challenges — from divorce, to dating, to being a parent, to medical issues, the workforce, friendships — and all of that has an effect on our mental health and our physical health. 

Meg has a life-altering diagnosis that she has to navigate in the book. She has to decide whether or not to get a double mastectomy, which is very difficult for her. And you get to go on that journey with her as she’s wrapping her head around the possibility of losing her breasts.

What is the main thing you want readers to take away from 40 is the New F-Word? What's the most important thought or feeling you hope people will be left with?

I really wanted to write a story that resonates with a lot of people. It’s funny, it’s sexy, and it’s relatable. I especially hope it lets women know they’re not alone in this journey of finding self-love. It's a book that will have you laughing, tearing up, getting pissed off, and even getting those little flutters in your pants! Ha ha. The sex scenes are great, but not over the top. I just want readers to get into the story to feel all the feels! 

And don’t forget to listen to the music! There's a playlist on the back. It really gives that extra special something that helps you connect to the character even more! 

We’ve had wonderful feedback from so many women already, and it is the best feeling when what you want people to get out of it they’re getting out of it. That’s the biggest compliment of all.

Sara Quinn is the Editor in Chief at Tumbleweird and serves on the board of Tri-City Area Gaming. She lives with her amazing spouse (Brendan), and her doggos (Jewel and Ruby). Sara makes art, writes stuff, reads A TON, and plays a lot of video games. 💜