Kristin Harmel, ‘'The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau’ – The Girlfriend Author Interview (January 2026)
30:01
In this Girlfriend Book Club author talk, executive editor and moderator Shelley Emling interviews bestselling novelist Kristin Harmel about The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. Harmel explains how real resistance-era jewel theft helped inspire Colette’s morally complex story, and shares the unusual research she did to write convincing sleight-of-hand scenes (including studying magician videos). She also discusses the most emotionally difficult moments to write, why she chose to portray late-in-life love, and what keeps drawing her back to World War II as a setting for stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Harmel opens up about her writing process as a detailed outliner, the long road of adapting books for film and TV, and her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer—plus her message about the importance of annual mammograms. The conversation wraps with what she’s working on next (Meet Me in Paris) and her recent reading recommendations.
In this Girlfriend Book Club author talk, executive editor and moderator Shelley Emling interviews bestselling novelist Kristin Harmel about The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau. Harmel explains how real resistance-era jewel theft helped inspire Colette’s morally complex story, and shares the unusual research she did to write convincing sleight-of-hand scenes (including studying magician videos). She also discusses the most emotionally difficult moments to write, why she chose to portray late-in-life love, and what keeps drawing her back to World War II as a setting for stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Harmel opens up about her writing process as a detailed outliner, the long road of adapting books for film and TV, and her experience being diagnosed with breast cancer—plus her message about the importance of annual mammograms. The conversation wraps with what she’s working on next (Meet Me in Paris) and her recent reading recommendations.
Most Recent Similar Videos
-
AARP North Carolina: Advancing ADUs and Aging in Place
3:29
AARP North Carolina celebrates the passage of legislation expanding ADUs, helping families stay connected while aging in place.
-
Why Your Vote Matters for the Future of Social Security
1:03
As you learn about candidates, plan your votes, and head to the polls, are you thinking about Social Security? AARP’s Nancy LeaMond explains why you should be.
-
Sally Hepworth, “Mad Mabel” – The Girlfriend Author Interview (September 2026)
27:56
Join Shelley Emling and author Sally Hepworth for an exclusive look at the monthly book club pick, 'Mad Mabel', and the inspiration behind its characters.
