Picture a Chicago storyteller who turned a penny-tiled floor and a viral blog into a literary sensation—meet Emily Belden! This 31-year-old novelist has carved a niche in contemporary fiction with her witty, relatable tales that blend romance, humor, and the sizzling world of fine dining. From her bestselling memoir to her TV-bound stories, Belden’s voice feels like a chat with your best friend over cocktails.
The Making of Emily Belden
Born and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, Emily Belden honed her storytelling chops at Creighton University, earning a journalism degree. After a stint in advertising, she started a WordPress blog, Total E-bag, chronicling her Chicago adventures—dates, dramas, and all. A viral post about tiling her bedroom floor with 60,000 pennies (all heads-up for luck!) landed her on The Today Show, sparking her path to authorship. Her entrepreneurial spirit and knack for authentic narratives set her apart.
Emily Belden’s Unforgettable Stories
Belden’s debut, Eightysixed: A Memoir about Unforgettable Men, Mistakes, and Meals (2014), transformed her blog into a bestselling memoir. It’s a hilarious, heartfelt dive into her twenties, blending romance and culinary escapades with a Sex and the City vibe. Her first novel, Hot Mess (2018), published by HarperCollins’ Graydon House, follows Allie Simon, a woman navigating love with a recovering addict chef in Chicago’s high-stakes restaurant scene. Critics praised its razor-sharp wit and vivid foodie backdrop.
In 2019, Husband Material hit shelves, exploring a millennial widow’s unexpected journey through grief and love. Belden’s style—conversational, emotionally raw, and laugh-out-loud funny—makes her stories resonate with readers craving authentic characters. Her work, now being adapted into a TV series titled All of the Nope, showcases her ability to craft narratives that leap off the page and onto the screen.
Why Emily Belden Matters
Emily Belden’s impact lies in her ability to capture the messy, beautiful chaos of modern life. Her stories resonate with millennials, especially women, navigating love, career, and self-discovery. By blending humor with heartfelt moments, she’s redefined contemporary fiction, making it accessible and relatable. Her journey from blogger to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers to embrace their unique voices and take creative risks.
- Born: 1994, Elmhurst, Illinois
- Key Works: Eightysixed (2014), Hot Mess (2018), Husband Material (2019)
- Notable Achievement: Featured on The Today Show for her 60,000-penny floor
Snag Hot Mess or Eightysixed and dive into Emily Belden’s deliciously witty world of romance and resilience!