How Author Freida McFadden Writes Multiple Books a Year

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There’s a reason Freida McFadden is always adding to fans’ TBR lists.

The author of The Housemaid is incredibly productive, often publishing several books each year. This year alone, she’s released Dear Debbie and The Divorce, which came out in May. It seems she’s simply very skilled at managing her time and getting a lot done, especially considering she’s also a doctor!

In an interview with TopMob News, she shared that she writes first drafts very rapidly. She prefers to fully commit to her work, explaining that she can’t work on something a little at a time. Instead, she dives in completely, shutting out everything else until the draft is finished.

That robust release schedule, however, all comes down to the editing process.

McFadden explained that after finishing the initial draft – a process that typically takes several weeks – she spends a long time editing. She admitted she could easily work on editing for another year, but she prefers to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.

With two jobs and two children to raise alongside her husband, she isn’t worried about taking on another writing project.

Being both a mother and a doctor has really trained me to handle a lot at once,” she explained. “I often receive edits for one book, finish those, and then immediately start on another. I’m always prepared for the next challenge, and honestly, I thrive when I’m working hard and staying busy.

In fact, she’d rather be navigating a busy schedule.

McFadden admitted she felt panicked when she left her job at the hospital. She wondered what she would do with her time and quickly signed up for numerous classes, fearing she’d be bored. She explained that she thrives when she’s busy and juggling multiple activities.

She realized she had to prioritize. “Trying to be a full-time doctor while also writing and gaining momentum as an author was overwhelming,” she explained. “It was simply more than I could handle.” Despite that, she sometimes misses working in the hospital.

Juggling multiple books at the same time can be tricky, especially when details start to overlap. However, as McFadden explained, similar plot points sometimes appear in books that are released close together, even if they were written far apart. It’s often just a matter of coincidence when these overlaps happen.

She admitted that she could only focus on so much, explaining, “Sometimes things just run together when you’re juggling a lot.”

While her books are certainly exciting, the plots cover a wide range of scenarios. For example, in The Housemaid, we follow ex-convict Millie as she explores the Winchester home, and in The Inmate, nurse practitioner Brooke unexpectedly encounters her ex while working at a maximum-security prison. This variety is intentional.

She explained that she wanted to enjoy her career change from doctor to writer. Having left her medical job to pursue writing, she was determined to keep the work engaging and prevent it from becoming tedious. To do this, she actively seeks out new challenges, pushes her boundaries, and tackles projects that require in-depth research, always striving to grow and expand her skills with each new endeavor.

Fortunately, her mom, who usually reads early versions of her work, and her husband are always willing to brainstorm with her.

I frequently brainstorm with my husband. He’s great at helping me work through ideas. When I’m stuck, I’ll talk to him, and he’ll playfully challenge me – he can’t resist! – but simply discussing it with someone really helps me clarify my thoughts.

She’s found incredible success thanks to the support of her loved ones. Her books have become bestsellers, and now her stories are captivating audiences on the big screen. A prime example is The Housemaid, which has earned over $350 million since its theatrical release in December and is now available to rent or buy digitally.

I’m so thrilled to hear that we’re getting more of this story! I was completely hooked the first time around, and it’s amazing news that Sydney Sweeney, Michele Morrone, and Paul Feig are all returning for the adaptation of The Housemaid’s Secret. Knowing how much the author, McFadden, enjoyed working on the first film makes this sequel even more promising – I can’t wait to see what they create!

Some authors haven’t been pleased with adaptations of their work, either because they differ too much from the original or don’t feel quite right. I’m fortunate, though, because the adaptation of my work really captured the essence of the story.

The movie The Housemaid, which came out in theaters on December 19th, is now available to rent or buy digitally and on demand. And McFadden’s new novel, The Divorce, will be available in bookstores in May. Check out more new book releases in the meantime!

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With shows like Traitors and the 50th season of Survivor gaining popularity, now is the perfect time to read a novel set in the competitive world of reality television. The story centers on Luke, a former contestant on the show Endeavor who also happens to be a stay-at-home dad. He’s returning for the show’s 20th season and must face the painful events of his original appearance, as well as the reasons that brought him back into the demanding world of reality TV. The novel jumps between Luke’s past and present, revealing the tragedy and heartbreak that define his journey.

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Lexi left her life as a member of the British royal family to start a new life in Australia. But everything changes when she learns her father and brother have passed away, making her the heir to the throne. Now, unexpectedly back in the royal world she tried to escape, Lexi must navigate her duties, deal with her complicated family, and ultimately decide if she wants to be queen.

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A surprising turn of events shatters the fragile peace Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey have found after the experiences in The Last Thing He Told Me, launching them on a journey that could bring lasting calm—and finally reunite Hannah with her husband, Owen.

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Maggie O’Farrell returns with her latest novel, a longer version of her 2020 short story “Saint.” It centers on Petra, a writer who withdraws from public life after a film based on her book receives negative reactions. Hoping to rebuild her career and personal life, she becomes fascinated with a detective, a connection that quickly becomes complicated and could lead to even bigger problems than she’s already facing.

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If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you might enjoy Future Saints. This band is struggling after losing their manager, and they have one final opportunity to achieve success. Record executive Theo is brought in to help, and everyone clashes as they try to create an amazing album – or fall apart in the process.

Release: Jan. 20

Four years after releasing her candid memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette McCurdy, known for her role in iCarly, is back with a new book. Her debut novel, Half His Age, tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl who begins a relationship with her teacher.

Release: Jan. 27

Get ready for a compelling story about death and its consequences. The author of Lincoln in the Bardo introduces us to a wealthy oilman who, after dying, is guided towards the afterlife by a companion. Along the way, they both must face the impact his life had on others and the world.

Release: Feb. 3

Natalie has a troubling past – every one of her former partners has mysteriously died. Now, her current marriage to James is falling apart, and the secrets she’s kept hidden are starting to surface. To make matters worse, she’s battling a dark force within herself. The Exes is a captivating and fast-paced book that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Release: Feb. 3

Years after the death of actress Susan Bliss, her grown children are still grappling with the contrast between her famous television image and the mother they lost when they were young. The story jumps between Susan’s career in the 1980s and how each of her children has dealt with her death and the impact she had on their lives.

Release: Feb. 17

Writing can be incredibly challenging, and Peggy and Drew, a family living on a canal boat, are facing that reality. When Peggy’s writing career begins to flourish, Drew struggles to cope, and his reaction pushes them towards isolation. This creates growing distance between them, ultimately leading to a significant separation.

Release: Feb. 17

The author of The House of Eve delivers another captivating historical novel. This story weaves together the lives of three individuals: Ozzie, an African American soldier who finds love with a German woman after WWII; Sophia, a young woman in the 1960s who discovers a family secret; and Ethel, dedicated to caring for the children of mixed heritage left behind in post-war Germany.

Release: Feb. 24

This touching story portrays the friendship of Vernice and Annie, two girls navigating childhood in the segregated South. Though they initially connect through similar experiences – both raised without mothers – their lives take different turns as they grow older. Despite the challenges and disappointments they face, their friendship remains strong.

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2026-02-15 14:18