56: Research, Historical Novels, and Helen Gurley Brown with Park Avenue Summer Author Renee Rosen

Summary: We spoke with Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer from Penguin Random House, about her process, her amazing research, and what she wishes writers could know about what it's like after book six. Pitched as Mad Men meets The Devil Wears Prada, the story features a young woman who, just after arriving in NYC from her small hometown, secures a position working for the inimitable Helen Gurley Brown at Cosmopolitan. Renee shares insights from her many years as a published author--the winding road she took, the reviews she received, and the things she learned along the way. We're particularly fond of how she describes retracing her character's steps, literally, and how she got inside the apartment where she would have lived, and found the bus stop where Helen commuted each morning. We also talk about the specific choices on her first page, which bring readers right into the world she's created.  We also learn her super powers--creating perfect salads and power washing--and, yes, the recipe is in the show notes.  We hope you enjoy.    NBS (Nice Big Salad) Recipe Big bowl of mixed greens (I prefer the Spring Mix) ½ Avocado diced Fresh Basil (about 10 good size leaves) torn into smaller pieces I medium shallot minced ½ cup hearts of palm ½ cup red or yellow beets diced ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved Top with feta or goat cheese Toss, chop and serve with the dressing of your choice, although I rarely use salad dressing because it’s just so good the way it is!