Picture a storyteller who turned the quirks of modern relationships into laugh-out-loud, heart-tugging tales—meet Laura Zigman! This American novelist, once a New York book publicist, burst onto the literary scene with her bestselling debut, Animal Husbandry, a witty take on love that sparked the chick-lit craze. With a knack for blending humor and heartache, Zigman’s semi-autobiographical novels capture the messy beauty of life.
Now living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Zigman continues to charm readers with her sharp observations and relatable characters. From novels to ghostwriting and even animated web series, her creative spark shines across mediums, making her a versatile voice in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Laura Zigman
Born on August 11, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts, Laura Zigman grew up in nearby Newton, where she often felt like an outsider. After earning a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a publishing certificate from Harvard, she dove into the bustling world of New York City’s book industry. For a decade, she worked as a publicist for prestigious publishers like Knopf and Vintage Books, rubbing elbows with authors while quietly nurturing her own writing dreams.
Moving to Washington, D.C., for a quieter life, Zigman penned her debut novel, Animal Husbandry, during stolen vacation moments. Published in 1998, it became a bestseller and was adapted into the 2001 romantic comedy Someone Like You, starring Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd. This success marked her shift from publicist to celebrated novelist, setting the stage for a career defined by wit and resilience.
Laura Zigman’s Unforgettable Stories
Zigman’s novels are like a good friend’s candid confessions—funny, poignant, and deeply human. Her debut, Animal Husbandry, follows a TV producer unraveling a failed romance by comparing men to bulls chasing new mates. Its clever animal metaphors and urban heartache made it a chick-lit cornerstone. Dating Big Bird (2000) tackles the ticking biological clock with humor, as a marketing director weighs motherhood with a reluctant partner and even considers Big Bird as a quirky sperm donor.
Her later works dig deeper. Piece of Work (2006), inspired by Zigman’s publicist days, follows a stay-at-home mom thrust back into PR to manage a diva actress. Separation Anxiety (2020) is a hilarious yet tender portrait of a writer navigating a crumbling marriage and middle-aged limbo, optioned for a TV series by Julianne Nicholson. Small World (2023), her sixth novel, explores sisterhood and grief through two divorced sisters reckoning with their past, earning praise for its emotional depth.
Zigman’s style blends breezy humor with raw vulnerability, often drawing from her own life—breast cancer, writer’s block, and family loss shape her narratives. Her characters, flawed and relatable, navigate love, loss, and reinvention, resonating with readers who see themselves in her stories.
Why Laura Zigman Matters
Laura Zigman’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. Her novels, often dubbed chick-lit, transcend the label with their sharp social commentary and emotional heft. By weaving personal struggles into universal themes, she’s carved a niche for readers seeking both laughter and catharsis. Her influence extends beyond fiction—she’s ghostwritten bestsellers like Eddie Izzard’s Believe Me, contributed to The New York Times, and created the animated series Annoying Conversations, showcasing her creative range.
Despite setbacks like writer’s block and commercial flops, Zigman’s comeback with Separation Anxiety and Small World proves her staying power. Her side gig, Talk Therapy for Your Writing, helps stuck authors, reflecting her generosity and grit. Zigman’s legacy is one of resilience, humor, and heart, inspiring readers to embrace life’s messiness.
- Born: August 11, 1962, in Boston, Massachusetts
- Key Works: Animal Husbandry, Dating Big Bird, Separation Anxiety, Small World
- Notable: Recipient of a Yaddo residency; ghostwriter for Eddie Izzard’s bestseller
Snag Separation Anxiety or Small World and dive into Laura Zigman’s witty, soulful world—your heart will thank you!