Balancing Parenthood and Creativity: A Conversation with Sophie Brickman

In this episode of the What to Read Next podcast, I enjoyed chatting with Sophie Brickman—a journalist, author, and mother of three—about her journey juggling family life and her creative pursuits. Sophie shares her inspirations, writing process, and some fantastic book recommendations. Plus, we dive into the themes behind her upcoming debut novel, Plays Well With Others, set to release on August 6th.

Sophie’s Background and Inspiration for Writing

With a background in journalism, Sophie has built her career writing for top publications and exploring real-world stories. Her move into fiction came with Plays Well With Others, a novel that dives into the highs and lows of raising young children, particularly through the satirical lens of kindergarten applications in New York City. Sophie’s goal? To capture the intense, chaotic, and hilarious side of parenting.

She blends narrative styles by incorporating elements like WhatsApp chats and newspaper clippings, echoing the bombardment of information parents experience daily. The novel isn’t just for parents, though—it’s a relatable and humorous take on the sometimes absurd expectations society places on us all.

Key Themes in Plays Well With Others

Through her book, Sophie humorously explores the pressure parents often face to control and plan every part of their child’s life. This perspective on parenting is echoed in her first book, Baby Unplugged, where she tackled the intersection of parenting and technology. Sophie highlights the importance of connection over perfection, a refreshing approach that encourages parents to let go of control and embrace the messy, unpredictable nature of raising children.

Sophie’s Writing Process

Finding time to write a novel while managing three kids is no small feat. Sophie shares her method for creating a writing routine: every morning, she heads to a quiet library to write in a distraction-free zone. This two-to-three-hour block became her creative sanctuary. The freedom of diving into fiction for the first time allowed her to experiment with humor and storytelling without pressure. Her advice for aspiring writers? Embrace the process and give yourself the freedom to try something new.

Sophie’s Book Recommendations

If you’re looking for something new to read, here are Sophie’s top book recommendations:

1. “The Best Minds” by Jonathan Rosen – A gripping memoir about a man’s relationship with his childhood friend and mental health issues.
2. “Nothing to See Here” by Kevin Wilson – A funny yet touching novel about parenting that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
3. “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” by Maria Semple – This humorous, satirical novel inspired Sophie’s own writing style and is sure to make you laugh out loud.
4. “A Thread of Violence” by Mark O’Connell – A true crime story about a sensational murder case in Ireland that’s as engaging as it is intriguing.

Each of these books speaks to a different facet of Sophie’s life and interests, from humor and satire to true crime and parenting.

How to Find Sophie and Her Upcoming Events

To stay connected with Sophie and learn more about her work, check out her website at sophiebrickman.com. You can also find Plays Well With Others through William Morrow, part of HarperCollins, with links to purchase from independent bookstores. Sophie will be hosting book events in New York and LA in the coming months, so if you’re nearby, be sure to stop by and say hello!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever found yourself balancing parenthood, creative goals, or simply the pressures of modern life, you’ll find Sophie’s story inspiring and relatable. Her insights on parenting, her humor, and her ability to capture the complexities of raising kids make her a joy to listen to. Don’t miss this episode for a deeper dive into her writing journey and her thoughts on navigating life’s unpredictable moments.