Elise Hart Kipness knows the rush of live TV: the countdown, the red light, the adrenaline. For years she reported from press rooms and sidelines, covering everything from the NBA lockout to the U.S. Open. But when she stepped away to raise her kids, the quieter lifestyle felt overwhelming. 

What Elise didn’t expect was that silence would lead her to something new: thrillers. Today, Elise is a USA Today bestselling author whose Kate Green series takes readers deep into the worlds she once covered.

In this conversation, Elise shares what it really means to reinvent yourself midlife, how she found courage in being a beginner, and why a pause can sometimes be the doorway to a bigger purpose.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Giving up the adrenaline rush of live TV (00:00)
• The identity shift of leaving a big career (11:26)
• Writing as a way to find purpose again (19:04)
• Real behind-the-scenes details woven into her novels (25:22)
• Why reinvention can be even more fulfilling than the first act (45:01)

Tune in to learn about Elise’s journey from sideline reporter to bestselling author and the behind-the-scenes moments that fueled her thrillers. Discover the quiet courage it takes to step back, and then leap forward into something new.

You can watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ELGobEHRAYs 

For a full transcript and more, check out our blog post: https://www.lindsaycz.com/show-notes/elise-hart-kipness-14   

Check out more from Elise Hart Kipness: 

Learn more about Elise on her website: https://elisehartkipness.com/ and stay connected through her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisehartkipness/ 

[00:00:26] It's hard, like it doesn't come with everything. And then I was like, Ooh, what if I could duplicate that without having to put makeup on and do my hair?

[00:00:52] So each week I'm gonna talk with newsmakers, trailblazers in the worlds of sports, entertainment, all things, but also everyday folks, people who are talking about the real stuff that no one tends to share. Follow me at Lindsay Czarniak and be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Things No One Tells You wherever you like to listen.

[00:01:39] What I love is that she has turned a career that she had as a television sports reporter, among other places where she worked. She worked at Fox SportsNet, where she would cover different events. She turned that career after taking a break to be with her kids into this career as an author. And I did not realize that Elise really feels like this was something that was a shock, that she turned it into a full-time career, but also the success that she has had.

[00:02:26] Why should you never fall in love with a tennis player? Because to them, love means nothing. I know, I'm such a dork, but I love that one so much. I just think it's awesome. I think it's awesome and it's perfect. And I just want to thank Elise for giving me the motivation to include that one today.

[00:03:10] And I was so interested in what she shared about how you learn to be. A crime writer, a thriller, a novelist, and what are the most important parts of that are. So I really hope that you learn something from this. I know I did, and I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Elise Harkness. As much as I do, this is a real treat because not only do I.

[00:04:01] These books that you've written are compelling. They are the real deal between the time when we spoke last for an IG Live that we did, you are now a USA Today bestselling author. Congratulations.

[00:04:22] Lindsay: Great. So let's just start with, where are you right now?

[00:05:04] You have to come visit me.

[00:05:16] Elise: Yes, it's jarring. I think the thing that is the most jarring is how far I have to drive, just like to get a cup of coffee or, I mean, if I'm not making it myself, but like the distance to Starbucks really like irks me.

[00:05:39] Elise: Oh, we don't have it here. But God, I wouldn't even take it on my driveway. I love that. It's a different world.

[00:06:00] You stepped back from that and you pivoted, then eventually became this author. And I really, I would love to hear all about this, but the reason also is that right now is the time that we're talking about a close call is because this is all about the US Open, in a mystery with a kidnapping that happens with the character Kate Green, who has become this character of your books.

[00:06:29] Elise: This one has been really fun. And also, just, I don't even have words, as you can hear. I'm like, but to describe, how it's sort of taking off, like. To hit the USA Today bestseller list and to be getting like national attention and everything.

[00:07:26] And what I love about Kate is that I was able to be brave with her. She's braver than I ever was. I enjoy writing that so much, because it's very satisfying to have her stand up for things, besides investigating crimes and saving the day, but for her to be tough and stand up for things that I didn't.

[00:08:12] NBC in New York was one of them. The local affiliate is also Fox Sports, right? So can. Go ahead. Sort of,

[00:08:34] And then I had an opportunity. To work at Fox Sports Network to cover the NBA lockout. And it was just a good time was just the switch. I was covering news at a time when, I mean, and maybe it's still a time, but you know, it was always about crime. And I remember my mom being like, Your everyday is kinda depressing.

[00:09:28] I think it took a toll on me that I didn't realize. So when I went to cover sports, and it's like, even though it's not always happy, like you're still, 50% of the time you're reporting on greatness and winning, like you never abort on winning, so there was like this joy sometimes in it.

[00:09:57] Lindsay: At that point, when you were working as a sports reporter or even as a news reporter, did you have this seed planted that you wanted to, at some point, write novels?

[00:10:23] But like, that's about all I found there. I wish I had because you and I have talked about that time in your life when you stepped back from your world, and when I stopped working, I was traveling a month at a time for different events.. I just wanted to be home with the kids, like I made the decision to be home.

[00:11:27] was that there was something else on the other side that I hadn't even considered. It wasn't a decision of one or the other.

[00:11:49] Elise: Yeah. Yeah. Or even more meaningful in some ways. How old were your kids at that time? I stopped when my first son was born. Literally like that. Moment, within moments I stopped, and. I think the hardest thing, and I wonder if you feel the same way, was that I was stopping the work, and more like, who was I without being an interesting reporter?

[00:12:29] Lindsay: Yeah, no, I absolutely, I think that resonates. Doing my situation now is freelance. So yes, there's a lot more downtime, and I mean, I, Neha Ru's book really like struck a big chord.

[00:13:05] Like, yeah, exhilarating. Like I, I feel lucky to have had jobs where it's like you don't necessarily feel like you're working. And some of what I love so much about what Kate Green goes through is like. The relationship that she has with her videographer, and these things that people on the inside of that industry wouldn't really know.

[00:13:55] because it is a bit, I love trying to reframe that if you're happy to be doing anything at the time where it's like, I'm lucky enough to be able to spend time, I'm raising the kids, but man, I think. And I'm curious what you think, but I know myself, I have some, Elise, and like I'm competitive and like I think that part of what probably fueled you and me to be in the field that we're in is like, you've gotta have a competitive drive.

[00:14:57] Like we're all kind of. We're a tick off, but that's why maybe, I don't know. I love that we are at least one, right? So like, so totally. I mean, my husband and I'll talk about this all the time, and he'll be like, Oh, I'm loving this time. I'm, if he's off. But then the second something happens or there's breaking news, it is like, okay, bam.

[00:15:44] Those things along the way in the career. And I also thought that it was really cool how you mentioned the fact that, like, you are taking people behind the scenes. Because in sports, one thing that I've always said is I love to have conversations with people to give them access to, to like take you back.

[00:16:21] And I think that's so cool, and that's real. Like it is, the way that you describe it is like that's it. Right.

[00:16:52] 'cause back then, like, I was splicing radio tape when I first started. No one probably even knows what that even. Means, Right. And the avid, where you can edit. For people who don't really know, like, things can be edited out of order, but when I first started, you had to edit everything, or the editors had to edit everything, in a linear way.

[00:17:42] It had like a bend in it, and it was behind the scenes, and you thought it would collapse at any moment. And that's it, it was sort of basically like a freight elevator.

[00:18:36] And here's the cup right here, and I can't see it 'cause it's in a box, but this is like really crazy. Those are the types of things that I think are really special. Yeah. They are. Well, so, okay, so you were talking about your, just stepping back, wanting time with the kids. How did it start, then, that you began the writing that would turn into these amazing novels?

[00:19:30] Four or five hours felt like an eternity, of being by myself. Like, like, like gut-wrenching, like what am I going to do? And I used to have like a really interesting career, and I was, like, creative and doing all of that. And then. I was really surprised that the thing I missed the most was writing.

[00:20:21] Duplicate that there might be other things that are exciting, but like that adrenaline rush of being on television or getting everything together and then being on television. It's hard, like, like it doesn't come with everything. And then I was like, I. Ooh, what if I could duplicate that without having to put makeup on and do my hair?

[00:21:22] He's like, I know this sounds ridiculous and superficial, but. Your hair is really messy and like, like just like the frizz. And then when I had covered Monica Lewinsky during August and Washington, and like, there were meetings about my hair being messy. Like, like why didn't anyone just tell me to like straighten my hair?

[00:22:02] So I'm like, well, what if I and my voice, like, like some people, like my voice, some people didn't like my voice. It was the thing I was most insecure about besides my hair. So, now that I've, like, told you all my, like, terrible insecurities, and then I'm like, but I felt good about my writing. So I'm like, Ooh, what if I could write an, have the best voice, have the neatest hair.

[00:22:46] I try to write in the morning. If I'm like creating the first draft, which to me is like throwing up, 'cause it's like. Getting that first draft out, but when I edit, I can kind of edit any time of the day or really from anywhere. But I never work at a desk. I might take a shower in the early afternoon and then go downstairs and work on the couch.

[00:23:10] Lindsay: I'm really a homebody. No, I love it. And I, because I actually had not thought about it through that lens, of you,l ike really. Being able to create and bring people into that world, and that sounds like really simple and strange, but it's funny 'cause when you talk about hair, I have like, my hair has never been my strong suit.

[00:24:10] I was like, and my hair was like down here at the time, maybe, but like, it just was never great. And they were like, we either want you to cut it really short, like a pixie cut, or we're gonna give you extensions. And I was like, say no more. I'm your girl. And so they, I actually. To their credit, they took me to New York and had me get extensions for this show that I was doing.

[00:24:51] But, isn't that crazy? And also, when I came back from the Olympics, it's right, that first weekend was when I met my future husband, and so he met me with the hair extensions, which, so thank you NBC, but yeah, so I totally relate. The other thing, one other thing that you just made me think about is in your book, I do, I love the detail that you write with is really striking and I think really interesting for anybody who also is not into a certain sport that you're writing about because it's very real.

[00:25:45] But like DC, which is a bigger market, you didn't, so you'd just all be meeting in the makeup room with like all the men and women anchors. That was doing studio before you went on air, and everyone's there doing their thing, and God bless you if you aren't decent at that.,

[00:26:07] 'cause I remember I covered, I covered the fires for News 12 Long Island. The pine barren fires, and we slept over in the truck. And then the next day I had to go into a seven 11 with my hair dryer. I brought my hair dryer and didn't go into the bathroom of the seven 11, but they let me plug my hair dryer in at the counter just to make my hair somewhat neater.

[00:26:55] Lindsay: Yes. And I, yeah, for a lot of people, I think that's kind of the first experience in the professional work setting. And so I actually think that relates to any field is like, I don't know about you, but when I started as a reporter, I also was news. And I was in Jacksonville, Florida, and I was paired with a photographer, videographer whose name was Mike Ru.

[00:27:48] He was really gruff in a lot of ways. But he also likes it in that way, kind of sets boundaries for me to kind of learn around. I mean, he would do things like the police would get upset 'cause he would cross the police tape sometimes. And I'm like, what are you doing? Likeme, little Pollyanna was like, What are you doing?

[00:28:21] I didn't realize until I really got into those jobs in local sports, where you realize that like, wow, this is really much more of a lifestyle relationship, where you've gotta either really like the person you're with or find a way to kinda. Make it work, right?

[00:28:46] I mean, and if you're stuck on the road with someone who just doesn't like you for whatever reason, 'cause I feel like I'm pretty likable. And, so it of course was their fault, right? Like, absolutely was their fault. I, that was hard. I mean, there were times I called my, call my husband crying, there were times I found other reporters who were in the bathroom crying because of their photo, and.

[00:29:21] Lindsay: I know, I was gonna say photo and then I'm like, I don't know. But yeah, they're called videographers.

[00:29:39] And I'm like, but that's what I had to do to get along with the videographers. Like they all are, cursing and this and that. And I was like, and you gotta fit in. Like, so that was my way of, I don't know if you had that too, but like there was a lot of like, that kind of talking.

[00:30:22] I just think there are certain jobs where they are. They're highly competitive, a nd you learn different things around that too. I really think you do. Like, and you kind of just said it like as a woman in a sports department, or you just learn how to exist and navigate, and then being at a place too, eventually, where there are more women in sports.

[00:31:21] Elise: Well, thank you for saying that. And it really is, so the first time I wrote it and my first book is Lights Out. I wrote it just like a reporter. So I wrote the who, what, when, where, and why, and it was really boring because there was no suspense, and I found I needed to. Take, go to school. I like school.

[00:32:06] And then I got more specific. I took classes at Gotham Writing Workshop, and it's fun now 'cause I'm teaching thriller and mystery writing at Westport Writers workshops. So it's like, that's full circle. I love teaching there. It's amazing. And I know that's your hometown, so. Yeah. Yeah. That is so cool.

[00:32:50], I joined organizations and I went to conferences and just kept working at it, and every year it got a little better. And eventually, I went to one of those conferences, which is called Pitch Fest. It's like speed dating with agents. Yeah. And, I found my agent there, who's amazing, Liza Fle, who, indirectly, I think, is how we met our mutual friend, actually.

[00:33:50] Like when we're reporters, we're always like, okay, I have an hour. I need the soundbite, I need that soundbite. It's like a puzzle to put the story together. And my brain felt much emptier when I wasn't doing the writing. And so I liked that I had a place to go in my quiet moments as opposed to obsessing about.

[00:34:25] Lindsay: And a structure.

[00:34:28] Lindsay: So what, do you remember a moment where it was like, it went from being something that felt more like a hobby to, oh wow, okay, this might get picked up, or I might be able to publish this.

[00:35:05] So I'm kind of gobsmacked that this happened, but I think I always wanted it to be serious, just because Sure. Like, we're probably built the same way, like, wanting to do that. If I was gonna dive in, I wanted it to be. Na, just a hobby. And I guess when I thought I was getting there, my husband read it, and he's like my biggest beta reader.

[00:35:56] That's awesome. Was he talking about lights out or close call, or which one didn't light out like he, he just didn't? Yeah. And he meant it as a compliment, but I was like, so then I call like four people and I'm like, am I funny? And they're like, yeah. I'm not funny, but like my dad is a silly dad jokes person.

[00:36:41] Lindsay: And so in this one with the close call, the US Open, you said you grew up.

[00:36:49] Elise: Yes, I did. I live, I grew up in Great Neck on, on Long Island, and so, I don't know, we were a half hour without traffic, maybe even less to Flushing Meadows, and it was the event, that and a Billy Joel concert were the events. Yeah. That we would go to and so on.

[00:37:53] 'cause as a crime fiction author, it's a little different. And I'm there with my younger son, Ryan, and we're on the outer courts, which, so good at those early days, you get to watch those like really interesting matches on the outer courts. And I see something on the concourse. And Ryan, I rush out.

[00:38:32] And I'm like, this would be such a good place to hide a body. Oh my God. 'Cause like, I mean, it, yeah. So that's how I look at things now. And like, we're at Arthur Ashe Stadium and he's looking down at the court and I'm looking at the wires with the cameras. I'm like, well, what if someone sabotaged one?

[00:39:12] Lindsay: like much more like a Serena and Lily, or like really beautiful.

[00:39:37] Lindsay: How did you learn, like what, was the advice that you got about, like, something that's really critical to do when you're writing crime fiction in terms of making it?. Believable in a way that it really hooks the readers because I started with it, but I really meant it. Like, I have certain authors that I adore because I really love the way that they write.

[00:40:14] Elise: Am I right? Yeah, I think it is. I think that people can be drawn into a story and then feel very dissatisfied if the ending doesn't make sense and if it happens too quickly. And I think that people who read crime fiction often read it a lot, read a lot of books. So they're very discerning about each story. I think, and that was frankly my developmental editor, 'cause they're phenomenal developmental editors at Thomas and Mercer, they're always like, slow down the ending.

[00:41:26] Stephen King talks about how your most important moments in a book, even if they're seconds long, should be slow. And then the moments are less important. It should be quicker.

[00:41:52] Elise: Yeah, I, well, without like giving too much away in it. Yeah. Close call. When Kate realizes who the person is, who is the kidnapper, I moved from her just realizing who it was and being outside the location where it happened to, going into the location where that person was, and being the one to confront them, and then having like a sort of physical scene.

[00:42:55] So happens to me. That's okay. Where we are. Yep. Right. Like, me too. Oh, I, people don't believe that. There's someone I remember who was editing, they're like, people don't lose cell surface in Greenwich. I'm like, oh yes, they do. Like that, I didn't fudge. And then you slow down the moments of walking in the woods, and what are the leaves?

[00:43:31] Lindsay: or it with the, the,

[00:43:38] I think if I were gonna put a word to it, it's the thing that I completely. Didn't understand when I first started, which is building suspense, and it's something I talk a lot about in my class now. How do you build suspense, and then the opposite of that? I think what a writer leaves out of the story is very important, and how you pass the time.

[00:44:18] like that's really boring. But you do want them to go from one interesting point to the other. And actually, I looked at other people who wrote in the present tense, whether it was in my genre or not. Just for example, how to go, Hunger Games, that's written in the present tense.

[00:44:54] Lindsay: That is so awesome. There is, there is so much more that we could talk to you about, Elise.

[00:45:22] Elise: I think that if the next book, if I do another Kate book, 'cause we're talking about whether I'm gonna start a new series, and that kind of thing. But what comes into my brain, and you'll totally get this, is spring training for baseball because it's a different atmosphere. It's so relaxed.

[00:45:53] Lindsay: I love that. I think that's amazing. Thank you.

Thank you for having me.

Thank you for being here. Do you have any picks for the US Open that you wanna share? Now? I'm putting you on the spot.

[00:46:17] Alright. But I can't give that away. Yeah.

[00:46:23] Lindsay: No, thank you so much for joining, and we will talk again very soon, but congratulations on everything and also lights out being picked up, with the rights so that this can become a bigger, that we're watching on our TV screens and in the movies.

[00:46:55] And I mean, what a perfect example of someone who did one thing, decided to embrace the fact that she knew that she wanted time with her kids, and then. Coming into this entirely new career is super fulfilling. I love how she connected those dots. And I also wanted to mention, because we didn't get to talk about this with Elise, but the fact that Lights Out, which was the first crime thriller novel that she released, has been optioned by Universal and Mary J. Blige’s production company, for you know.

[00:47:45] I hope that if you enjoy this episode that you will like, subscribe, leave a review, please, and we can't wait to see you next time on Things No One Tells You. Thanks. Thanks so much for joining me. I can't wait to see you back here next week. Please don't forget, follow and subscribe to things no one tells you.