Q&A on The Magnolia Story,
from Chip & Joanna Gaines
So, why write a book?
Chip: Well, we’ve been considering it for a long
time. Fans of the show were really interested in
knowing more about our story—where we started,
how we started… even how we met. And the more
we considered it, the more excited we became about
the possibility. And we’re glad we did. The whole
process was just fun, from the initial writing all the
way down to recording the audiobook. We loved it.
What was the writing process like for you two?
Chip: It was like reliving all the memories we’ve
stored up over the years all over again. I think we
were both surprised at how many details we both
remembered! Most things felt just like yesterday.
Jo: We both had an equal part in writing this book,
but I’ll be honest, Chip surprised me with how
much he loved the whole process. I’d wake up to
find him sitting on the porch making copy edits at
6 a.m., or call to talk something over and get his
voicemail, only then to get a quick text, “Working
on the book! Call you back in ten.” It was fun for me
to see him really take to it.
What do you think will surprise readers the most in
The Magnolia Story?
Jo: Our first date story! Most may be surprised by
how much Chip did not sweep me off my feet in
the very beginning. But, of course, he did get there.
Eventually.
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What memory had you forgotten until you started
writing the book?
Chi