Romance author Joss Richard joins us this week to talk about what happens when something that's lived quietly inside you for years finally asks to be shared.

We talk about the leap from corporate to a creative life, how writing fan fiction became her quiet training ground, and the months of 5 a.m. mornings that led to It's Different This Time — a story that began in the Notes app on her phone and turned into a USA Today bestselling debut.

It's a conversation about creative permission, evolving dreams, and what it looks like to follow the thing that feels most true to you, even when it asks you to let go of the plan you thought you had.

A quick update: since we first aired this episode, Joss's debut has continued to be beloved by many, and Let's Kiss and Tell — her follow-up — releases this August, with a book tour to follow. We're bringing this conversation back as a reminder of where it all started.

Her debut novel, It's Different This Time — a New York-in-the-fall, Nora Ephron–style second-chance romance — is out now wherever books are sold.

We talk about:

• Our cross-country drive with our rescue dogs (and how friendship sometimes sneaks up on you)
• Fan fiction 101, "shipping," and why writing for yourself changes everything
• The moment she realized she wanted to create her own characters
• Starting It's Different This Time in her phone's Notes app, then writing the rest before work each morning
• The practical and emotional side of leaving a full-time job
• Redefining success when the goalpost keeps moving
• Why romance is serious storytelling — about love, loss, and everything in between
• The truth that what's meant for you might just be what you never thought was possible

If this episode leaves you thinking about the part of yourself that's been waiting to be seen — share it with someone who might need to hear it, or leave a review so others can find it too.

Connect with Joss Richard:
📚 Pre-order Let's Kiss and Tell
🎟️ Get Tickets for the Let's Kiss and Tell BOOK TOUR!
📚 Order It's Different This Time
✨ On Instagram → @joss.richard
🌐 On her website → https://www.jossrichard.com/

Connect with The Truth Is:
🎥 Watch the full conversation on YouTube
📸 Follow on Instagram → @thetruthispodcast

Credits
Hosted by Kathryn Flaschner
Video Production & Editing by Anton LaPlume
Music by Will Savino
Visual Identity by Sarah Gainer & Jonathan Bush
Advised by Natalie Tulloch