Libby Tanner grew up in a small town in Northern California that would be quaint and charming in a fictional novel, but felt small and suffocating as a teenager. Yes, she left as fast as she could, and yes, she misses it very much.

In college Libby earned a degree in Communications. She wishes she would have studied creative writing instead of playing it safe, but also remembers she had student loans to pay off.

Since living abroad in Italy and living abroad in Chile, Libby speaks a nearly useless combination of Italian and Spanish that is understood by neither Italians nor Spanish-speakers.

She is the mother of four sweet hooligans and is married to the world’s sexiest accountant (the world’s only sexy accountant?).

The story she wrote in sixth grade, Jane Bond: A Date with Danger, received rave reviews from her parents, an A- from her teacher, and a “this is fine, I guess,” from her older brother. Her debut novel, Better Than Gelato, will by published by City Owl Press June 17, 2025.

Just another glamorous day as a writer!

Okay, fine. I don’t actually wear an evening gown to write. This is a bit more representative of my day.

Libby’s Journey

  • Libby has loved stories since she was a kid. When she wasn't cutting her own bangs or stealing glasses from senior citzens, she was reading and writing stories.

  • A few years ago Libby wrote her first full-length novel, Better Than Gelato. And yes, part of it was written on a cruise ship, for the simple reason that Libby feels most inspired when she has unlimited access to shrimp cocktail.

  • In 2023 Libby landed literary agent Katie Monson of SBR Media, and then danced around the kitchen like an absolute lunatic.

  • In 2024 Libby signed her first publishing deal with City Owl Press. The kitchen dancing progressed from lunatic to wild banshee. Her children were scared.

Libby’s Favorite Things

Travel

At sixteen Libby spent a semester abroad in Italy, and fell in love with travel. She has spent the last several decades plotting and scheming to squeeze in as many trips as possible. Some highlights include hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, visiting the Great Wall of China, riding a camel in the Sahara desert, making out in front of the ruins in Petra and exploring the Amazon rainforest.

Libby’s most recent scheme began fall 2024 when her four kiddos started virtual school and the family entered a new and glorious era of travel.

Food

Libby loves food the way some people love 90s trends- unabashedly, obsessively, and with reckless abandon. When she moved to Italy she gained 30 pounds in 30 days. And yes, she did bend over and split her Levis in the middle of a pizzeria (but kind of rude of you to bring it up).

Libby loves junk food, street food, and homemade comfort food. She is constantly impressed with food’s ability to make everything better. Lame party? Serve some delicious food! Long road trip? Grab some sweet and salty snacks! Funeral? Smuggle a panini in your purse! (but eat it discreetly, because you’re not a monster).

Books

Unlike skinny jeans and Libby’s eighth grade boyfriend, books are there for you no matter what. Good days and bad. Holiday chubby or summer slim. And just like an all-you-can-eat buffet, there’s something for whatever you’re craving.

If you want to be whisked away to a tropical island with a diabolically attractive marine biologist, there’s a book for that. If you want to cry your eyes out because life is fleeting and unfair, there’s a book for that. If you want to exact revenge on your husband for his years of philandering, there’s a book for that. (But maybe also you should talk to a professional about some of those feelings?)

There are stories and characters for every personality, mood, and season of life. Now you just need a great hiding spot to enjoy them all. Libby suggests the laundry room. No one ever looks there.