What happens when a tech magnate demonstrates a time machine at a Las Vegas convention… and it actually works?
That’s the thrilling (and terrifyingly plausible) premise of Catherine Mayer’s new novel, TIME/LIFE. But this book isn’t just about time travel—it’s about love, grief, and how technology and populism are reshaping the world around us.
We sat down with Catherine for a conversation that was part deep dive into her writing process, part exploration of activism and grief, and entirely fascinating.
This interview was originally available exclusively to our paid Substack subscribers—they tuned in live, asked their questions directly, and got to watch two weeks ahead of the public. But now, for the first time, it’s live on YouTube for everyone.
🎥 Watch it at the bottom of this page.
📚 About TIME/LIFE
Described as “Multiplexly brilliant” by William Gibson and “a book of timeless beauty” by Elif Shafak, TIME/LIFE reimagines H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine for our turbulent 21st century.
At its core is Dory Silver, a journalist flung into a strange and dangerous future, desperate to get home to her dying partner. Along the way, the book wrestles with themes of memory, mortality, and the unintended consequences of our tech-driven lives.
It’s poignant, funny, and fiercely intelligent—much like its author.
BUY IT HERE!
🗨️ What We Talked About
In this episode, Catherine opens up about:
✨ The emotional and political inspirations behind TIME/LIFE.
✨ How her experiences with grief shaped the novel’s heart.
✨ Her journey from TIME Magazine editor to novelist and activist.
✨ Why writing (and reading) matters in a post-truth, AI-driven world.
✨ What she learned about resilience through creativity.
We also explore her activism—co-founding the Women’s Equality Party, curating festivals, and standing for European elections, and how all of this interweaves with her writing.
This is more than an author interview, it’s a conversation about how we live, love, and fight for change.
💥 Sponsored by Amazon KDP
If Catherine’s journey inspires you to tell your own story, now’s the perfect time. The Kindle Storyteller Award 2025 is open! And there’s a £20,000 prize up for grabs.
📖 Enter your book here:
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✍️ Be Part of These Conversations
Paid Substack subscribers got to see this interview live, ask Catherine questions in real-time, and watch two weeks before the public release. Want in on future exclusives?
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🎥 Watch the full Catherine Mayer interview on YouTube now:
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