Getting to Know Debut Novelist Tara Badstubner
We are thrilled to welcome debut novelist and writer Tara Badstubner to the Big Blend Radio family! Tara will be joining us on a variety of shows throughout the year, but today we kicked things off with a fun, fast-paced "Getting to Know You" 10-questions interview.
While our next chat will dive deep into the heart of her writing, we couldn't resist a sneak peek at her highly anticipated debut novel, Every Room Remembers, which releases on September 25, 2026 (available for pre-order now). Set in the gorgeous, historic town of Beaufort, South Carolina, the novel offers a uniquely moving perspective on grief, love, and healing. Rather than focusing solely on the partner left behind, readers experience the story from both the living widow, SJ, and her deceased husband, Wyatt, who is watching from a liminal state.
Watch the Big Blend Radio “Getting to Know You” Podcast Episode or listen/download the episode on Podbean, and enjoy the conversation highlights below.
10 Fun Facts & Highlights from Our Chat
A Taste for Design: Like her protagonist SJ, Tara comes from a family of women with a deep love for interior design, which beautifully translates into the rich, subtle details of her settings.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: If she were to welcome you into her home, you can guarantee the smell of classic chocolate chip cookies in the oven. Her absolute dream meal? Chicken piccata with plenty of lemon and an artichoke on the side.
Spirit Animals & Book Elements: Tara’s personal spirit animals have evolved from a wolf to an owl, but it's a fox that plays a significant role on the cover and throughout the pages of her book.
Jukebox Jam: To match the Spotify playlist she crafted for the novel, Tara chose the timeless track "Stand By Me" (specifically a beautiful newer version) to spin on our virtual jukebox.
Pure Bliss: When she steps away from the keyboard, Tara finds happiness in exploring new cities, visiting bookstores and art museums, cooking, and going to the ballet.
The Bucket List: Over the next few years, Tara is focused on establishing her writing career—including a second novel already in the works—and taking dream trips to Italy and London's Portrait Gallery.
Dream House-Sitting Gig: As a little girl, she was captivated by the grand summer homes of Newport, Rhode Island. If she could travel back in time to house-sit, she'd sneak away to explore the Vanderbilt home and chat with the history makers.
The Million-Dollar Giving Tree: If gifted a million dollars to change the world, Tara would split it between supporting foster youth aging out of the system and animal conservation efforts, like protecting whales.
A Certified Tree Hugger: Tara loves trees and spoke passionately about the ancient "witness trees" that hold the energy of our history. She would even preserve tree seeds in a 500-year time capsule.
Rainy Day Speakeasy Order: You won't find her ordering a cocktail. If she sneaks behind the hidden bookcase in the Big Blend library, her dream order is a gourmet hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon on a rainy day.
Follow Tara to keep up with her upcoming summer e-book release, look at her beautiful "witness tree" posts, and get updates on the official book launch:
Website: https://www.tarabadstubner.com/
Socials & Writing: Follow her journey on Instagram.
Pre-order Note: Every Room Remembers is published by Sibylline Press and officially hits shelves on September 25, 2026. Look out for the e-book version dropping earlier this summer!