This week on “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ira sat down with Heather Ogden, the young author behind "The Betrayal" (the first in a planned series of "The Lies We Fear"). Heather shares how her debut novel—born from a spark she felt in high school after reading Orwell’s 1984—grew into the first installment of a bold new series.

In this conversation, Heather reveals how she convinced a publisher to take a chance on her story, why magic fascinates her, and how she balances world-building, action, and complex characters with the demands of school and everyday life. She talks about the challenges of writing difficult characters, drawing inspiration from psychology research, and weaving pieces of herself into every character so readers of her generation can see themselves in the story.

Heather also opens up about her creative journey—from dreaming of being a YouTuber to embracing her mother’s encouragement that her true gift was writing. With The Betray-al, she blends intrigue, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical into a gripping tale of a young girl uncovering her father’s betrayal and rewriting history itself. It’s a story crafted for entertainment, but one that leaves readers thinking long after the last page.
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