Podcast Summary
Sharing behind-the-scenes stories and answering fan questions about their new book in a special Office Ladies podcast episode: Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey reflect on releasing their book and share fun facts about the town where it was printed, Willard, Ohio, known for its strong work ethic and community events.
Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey, two best friends and former co-stars on The Office, are sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and answering fan questions about their new book in a special podcast episode. They are currently in New York City for the book launch and were inspired to share the experience with their Office Ladies podcast audience first. During their discussion, they reflected on the idea of releasing a book into the world and letting it go, as well as sharing fun facts about the place where their book was printed - Willard, Ohio. The town, founded in 1874 and named after Daniel Willard, the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, has a population of around 6,000 and is known for its strong work ethic and progressive local government. Willard is also the site of various community events, such as honoring hometown heroes and the Downtown Spring Festival.
A Visual Treat for 'The Office' Fans: The authors' new book, 'The Office BFFs', is filled with personal stories, photos, and surprises for fans, including an audiobook with cast member voices and a worldwide release.
The authors of "The Office BFFs" are excited to share their book filled with personal photos, memorabilia, and stories about the beloved TV show "The Office." The book contains 336 pages and 440 photos, making it a visual treat for fans. The audiobook version includes fun surprises like songs and voiceovers from cast members like Creed Bratton, Rainn Wilson, and Jennifer Garner. The book will be available in various English-speaking countries and will be translated into other languages. Jennifer Garner, who became a fan of the show during the pandemic, contributed to the audiobook with an exclusive interview. The authors are currently on a book tour, including appearances on late-night shows and a live event in New York City.
Two authors come together to create a beautiful and meaningful work: Authors with different motivations and experiences collaborate on a book project, filled with excitement and appreciation for the teamwork involved, resulting in a proud and shareable final product.
The authors, despite having different motivations and experiences, were thrilled to collaborate on their book project. While one had always dreamed of writing a book, the other was initially reluctant, but they eventually came together to create a beautiful and meaningful work. The process, which included planning a book tour, designing the layout virtually, and answering questions from fans, was filled with excitement and appreciation for the teamwork involved. The authors also shared their personal experiences of growing up with a love for writing and their unique perspectives on the writing process. The result is a book that they are proud to hold in their hands and share with their audience.
Staying committed to long-term goals: Persistence and determination can help you achieve your goals, even if the journey takes longer than expected. Don't give up and keep pushing forward.
Persistence and determination can lead to the realization of long-term goals, even if the journey takes longer than anticipated. The speakers, Jenna and Angela, shared their experience of brainstorming potential projects together, including the idea of writing a book. Though they initially put the idea aside, they revisited it during a garage cleanout and eventually wrote a proposal, which took eight months. However, the actual writing process took an additional three years. Despite the lengthy timeline, they didn't give up and eventually published their book. The conversation highlights the importance of staying committed to your goals and not getting discouraged by the time it takes to achieve them.
Navigating the Writing Process with a Partner: Writing a book requires focus and support from a partner. Find a routine and lean on each other through the ups and downs.
Writing a book involves tough decisions and requires a strong partnership. While some may find inspiration in sunsets or rituals like morning reading and journaling, others may need the quiet of evening hours and a strict routine to stay focused. Regardless of the specifics, what's essential is having a teammate who can help navigate the ups and downs of the writing process. The authors in this discussion shared their experiences, from the anxiety of making a decision to the importance of having a routine, and how they support each other through it all. And let's not forget, snacking is a must!
The Importance of Non-Writing Writing in the Process: Research, gather inspiration, and keep ideas flowing through various means to enhance your writing, even if they don't immediately turn into words on the page.
Writing involves more than just putting words on a page. The process includes extensive research, brainstorming, and gathering inspiration from various sources. Anne shared her experience of writing a book with a friend, where they exchanged ideas through emails and messages. She spent hours going through old emails, journals, and photos to uncover every detail that could add depth to her writing. This non-writing writing is an essential part of the process. Lee, Anne's husband, who is a writer, director, also emphasized the importance of thinking and imagining as part of the writing process. He creates stories from scratch by taking walks, listening to music, and having ideas come to him in the shower. The writers' advice for those who get stuck halfway through a book is to keep gathering information and ideas, even if they don't immediately turn into words on the page. The writing process is a continuous cycle of research, inspiration, and creation.
Sharing the creative process with a trusted friend: Having a trusted friend to provide feedback and support during the creative process can help overcome self-doubt and boost confidence. Early drafts may not be perfect, but the learning curve and unique perspective of a collaborator can lead to a better final product.
Having a trusted friend or collaborator to provide constructive feedback and support during the creative process can help overcome self-doubt and boost confidence. Sarah and Jenna shared their experience of writing a book together, emphasizing the importance of having someone to bounce ideas off of and the understanding that early drafts may not be perfect. They also highlighted the importance of knowing that there will be a significant learning curve and that the finished product will be vastly different from the initial attempts. Their conversation-style book, which rotates between their perspectives, will offer deeper insights into their friendship story and provide a unique reading experience.
A personal and intimate look into Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey's experiences filming The Office: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey's new book is a scrapbook of their time on The Office filled with never-seen photos and memories. They enjoyed writing about award shows and Hollywood parties but disliked the time crunch and pressure of revisions.
Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey's new book, "The Office mates: Great Wisdom and Friendship from the Women of Dunder Mifflin," is a deeply personal and intimate look into their experiences filming "The Office." They describe it as a scrapbook of their time on the show and their friendship, filled with never-before-seen photos and memories. They particularly enjoyed working on the chapter about award shows and Hollywood parties, which they wrote together over video call sessions. Their favorite part of the process was reliving these moments and sharing them with each other and their families. However, they disliked the time crunch and pressure of revisions, as well as the initial blank page when starting a new chapter. Overall, the book offers a unique and candid perspective on the making of a beloved TV show and the enduring bond between two friends.
Collaborative efforts brought rich memories to the book: The book 'The Office: The Dunder Mifflin Scranton Years' was made possible by the contributions of show's production team and cast, unearthing hidden details and emotional moments.
The creation of the book "The Office: The Dunder Mifflin Scranton Years" was a collaborative effort, not just from the authors but also from the people involved in the show's production. Details that went unnoticed for years, like Angela's picture with a donut, were discovered during the final pass. Emotional moments, like recalling her father's presence at the Emmys, were revisited with the help of photos and memories shared by colleagues. The authors emphasized the importance of relationships and the willingness of others to contribute in bringing back vivid memories. These collaborative efforts made the book a rich and meaningful representation of the show's behind-the-scenes experiences.
Friendship's ups and downs lead to growth: Friendships face challenges, but overcoming them leads to deeper connections and personal growth
The authors' friendship, which is the focus of their book, has had its ups and downs. They've had periods of drifting apart, such as when one was a new parent and the other was not. However, they've always found their way back, and these challenges have made their friendship richer. They've also relied on each other during difficult times, with one often serving as a sounding board for the other's frustrations. They've drawn on various sources, including old emails and journals, to write their book and have been grateful for the support of their manager and others in their village. Every friendship encounters bumps in the road, but the authors believe that getting through them leads to growth and improvement.
Unexpected challenges in friendships during parenthood: Be present and attentive in relationships during life's major transitions to avoid misunderstandings
Becoming parents and navigating friendships during that time can bring about unexpected challenges. The authors shared their experiences of real and fake pregnancies while working on "The Office," which led to confusion and a shift in their friendship dynamics. During one instance, Jenna was telling a long story about her cat when Angela dropped a big news - she was pregnant. However, due to the timing and circumstances, Angela's announcement was initially overlooked. This incident highlights the importance of being present and attentive in our relationships, even during life's major transitions. Additionally, the authors' experiences also demonstrate the unpredictability of the entertainment industry and how it can impact personal life events.
Hiding Angela's pregnancy on The Office set: The cast and crew came together to support Angela during her pregnancy, illustrating the unique dynamics and camaraderie on set.
The creators of "The Office" went to great lengths to hide Angela's pregnancy during filming, using props like oversized bouquets of flowers to conceal her belly. The experience brought the cast and crew closer together, with everyone being protective and supportive of Angela. At the same time, Jenna was celebrating her birthday in a less conventional way, illustrating the different paths their lives were taking. The dynamics of Lee and Josh, the best friend spouses, were described as excellent and they meshed well. However, writing the book together deepened their bond as they were the only two people who truly understood the behind-the-scenes experiences.
Friends and Family as Book Editors: Valuable relationships with friends and family can significantly improve your work and inspire personal growth. Keep an open heart to build and maintain friendships throughout life.
The speakers shared stories of how their friends and family, specifically Lee and Josh, played crucial roles in helping them write their book. Lee's editing skills and ability to provide valuable insights transformed their work, while Josh's technical expertise helped them overcome challenges. The speakers emphasized the significance of these relationships and how they inspired them to continue building friendships throughout their lives. The book itself is a celebration of friendship, both on and off the set of "The Office." The speakers encourage readers to keep an open heart and never underestimate the potential for meaningful friendships to emerge at any stage of life.