Big Ben Kennedy welcomes best-selling author Erin Palmisano, broadcasting from New Zealand, for an episode filled with laughter, memories, and a deep dive into the stories behind her novels. As lifelong friends, their conversation weaves together themes of writing, home, family, travel, and the power of food—both on and off the page.

Reconnecting Across Continents

Erin Palmisano might live halfway across the world now, but for both her and Ben, Maryland will always be home. The episode kicks off with them catching up on childhood memories in Maryland, the chaos of relocating, and how those foundational years shaped the characters and settings in Erin’s books. Their banter quickly reveals a natural chemistry, drawing the listener in with the feeling of joining a lively phone call between old friends.

Writing During Lockdown: How a Challenge Became a Bestseller

Erin’s writing journey is hardly typical. After working for years in hospitality, she finally had the time and stillness to write when the world shut down in 2020. She participated in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a 30-day challenge known for helping thousands of writers (and future authors) get their stories out of their heads and onto the page.

Her debut, The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna, began as a planned travel memoir but quickly evolved. Sitting at her desk, surrounded by old travel blogs and letters, she realized that the world needed escapist fiction rather than a recounting of “the way things used to be.” The result: a light-hearted, food-filled, and transportive novel that has resonated with readers around the globe.

Curious about Erin’s creative process and how food, location, and friendship play a role in her stories? Check out this author interview with Erin Palmisano about The Secrets of the Little Greek Taverna.

Food, Travel, and the Heart of Each Book

As both an author and restauranteur, Erin knows that food is never just about eating. Her novels—set in dreamy locations like Greece’s Naxos and a fictional Chesapeake Bay village—use restaurants and family tables as a central setting for connection and healing. These places always seem to be under threat, echoing real-life struggles faced by hospitality workers worldwide.

Food culture is front and center in both her writing and her life. Erin and her partner Dan run restaurants in New Zealand, and her love for food, wine, and travel is constant inspiration. From LA’s Sunset Strip to coastal New Zealand, she chases both flavor and story.

Secrets of Maiden’s Cove: Home Again, Heart Again

Where her Greek novel takes readers far from home, The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove brings them right back to the shores of Maryland. The story explores what it means to return after seeing the world—how childhood friends reconnect, how grief shapes new paths, and why the local crab shack becomes the soul of a community.

Real moments with her childhood best friend and the memory of her father influenced this heartfelt story. Through loss, memories, and the power of gathering, Erin shows how even a small, imagined town on the Chesapeake can feel like home for anyone.

For a spotlight and reader reactions, see this feature on The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove.

Friendship, Family, and Finding Magic in Everyday Life

Both novels are held together by strong female friendships, ensemble casts, a touch of magical realism, and a consistent affection for quirky hospitality settings. Erin revisits memories, like mermaid swimming with cousins and long summer nights, showing how nostalgia and imagination mesh to drive her stories.

Her writing also honors family: her late father is immortalized in the crab shack subplot, and her collaborative editing experience with her childhood friend Andrea made writing both a deeply personal and community-driven act.

For a closer look at what inspires Erin and how she balances the worlds of fiction and hospitality, this Q&A about The Secrets of Maiden’s Cove gives insight straight from the author herself.

The Power of Nostalgia: Snacks Abroad, Missing Home

The episode wouldn’t be complete without a classic snack break. Erin and Ben reminisce about white cheddar popcorn, ranch dressing, American holiday staples, and why being an expat means you crave foods you never cared about before. For them, sharing snacks is about sharing memories—and every bite brings back a piece of home.

Writing, Editing, and The Road Ahead

Writing is just the start. Erin speaks candidly about the editing process—how editors push her to refine character voices, minimize unnecessary laughter, and let the story truly shine. Her books, published now in several countries, are stand-alone stories but share recurring themes of healing, friendship, and saving beloved spaces in changing worlds.

With her third and fourth books in production, Erin continues to balance the demands of restaurant life and the creative ups and downs of storytelling. Her advice is simple: write what you love, keep going through the hard parts, and enjoy the journey.

Where to Find Erin Palmisano and Her Books

Ready to explore the worlds Erin Palmisano has created? You can find her books wherever major books are sold, including Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Target, and Walmart. Digital readers can access them on Kindle, with some titles available on Kindle Unlimited.

Stay connected and discover more about her life as an author on her official website or follow her on social media @authorerinpalmisano for updates and book news.

Conclusion

From the wilds of Greece to the humid heat of Maryland summers, Erin Palmisano’s stories celebrate family, food, and the journeys that shape who we become. Whether you’re chasing your own creative spark, feeling a wave of homesickness, or just need a good escapist read, her novels deliver comfort and adventure in equal measure.

And next time you bite into a bag of white cheddar popcorn, remember: every flavor tells a story.

More episodes over on the blog!