#98 - Audrey Goldberg Ruoff: How Failure Fueled a Debut Novel

Audrey Goldberg Ruoff knows a thing or two about living a double life—in the best way possible. By day, she’s a middle school teacher, bringing “Ms. Frizzle-level” energy to the classroom. By night (and early mornings, and stolen weekends), she’s a novelist who just released her debut adult novel, Hopelessly Devoted. This cozy, witchy rom-com blends love, humor, ghosts, and tea in a way that feels perfect for fall—and forever. In this conversation, Audrey shares the winding journey that led her from journalism to teaching to finally finishing and publishing her first book. We talk about the creative risks she’s taken along the way: querying for years, writing stories “just for herself,” and daring to put her real name on her book. From Addams Family inspiration to YA horror recommendations, to thoughtful takes on teaching, sex positivity in literature, and even the ethics of AI, this episode is full of the same warmth and wit you’ll find in her writing. 📚 Find Hopelessly Devoted wherever books are sold (support your local indie or check bookshop.org) 📸 Follow Audrey on Instagram: @audreygoldbergruoff Connect With Us: 📩 Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[e-mail]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Follow Was It Chance? on your favorite podcast platform 📱 Connect with us on ⁠TikTok⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ✨ More about Heather at her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe to her Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and more⁠⁠ EPISODE TAKEAWAYS Creativity often blooms when you finally write for yourself, not for the market. Failure—whether in writing or teaching—is inevitable, but it’s also the doorway to growth. Cozy, witchy magical realism can make our world feel “just a little bit better.” Teaching is a deeply powerful, creative profession that shapes future storytellers. Risk is choosing to show up authentically—even if it means students, editors, or the world will see the real you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices