Juliet McDaniel is the writer of funny things.I write stories about messy, complicated women who've seen some shit. I'm currently obsessed with the 1970s, Los Angeles history, witchcraft, and whatever is lurking underneath a shiny, pretty surface.
My first novel, historical comedy MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE, is coming soon to Apple TV+ as PALM ROYALE, starring Kristen Wiig and Laura Dern. I've worked as a story editor, script reader, and briefly taught English and film to college students. I'm married to one helluva great dude, and I'm the mother of cats and a very cool human child. |
Mr. & Mrs. American Pie

It's Thanksgiving 1969 in tony Palm Springs, California and
steely socialite Maxine Simmons has just learned that her
husband is leaving her for his pregnant, much younger
secretary. After a public meltdown of epic proportions, Maxine
finds herself exiled to dusty Scottsdale, Arizona.
Maxine knows there's only one thing she can do to build herself
up again: win the Mrs. American Pie pageant, awarded to the
nation's best wife and mother.
But there's a catch. To win the crown, Maxine will need to
cobble together a family of her own.
BIG NEWS: The book is being adapted as a series by APPLE TV+ as PALM ROYALE.
steely socialite Maxine Simmons has just learned that her
husband is leaving her for his pregnant, much younger
secretary. After a public meltdown of epic proportions, Maxine
finds herself exiled to dusty Scottsdale, Arizona.
Maxine knows there's only one thing she can do to build herself
up again: win the Mrs. American Pie pageant, awarded to the
nation's best wife and mother.
But there's a catch. To win the crown, Maxine will need to
cobble together a family of her own.
BIG NEWS: The book is being adapted as a series by APPLE TV+ as PALM ROYALE.
Reviews
"A gorgeously messy and misguided heroine. I love this story" - Laura Dern, actor/producer
"McDaniel's debut is the perfect blend of salty and sweet, combining 1970s culinary horrors like ham and bananas hollandaise with a motley crew of fakers learning what family really means." - Booklist (Starred review)
"Juliet McDaniel's debut novel is hilarious." - Refinery29
"A laugh-out-loud story starring an offbeat heroine you won't soon forget, Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is the comic relief you've been waiting for." - Bustle
"McDaniel has a winner with her wittily titled debut. Mr. & Mrs. American Pie mixes a riotous 1969 California with a story that speaks to today's Time's Up." - Andy Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter
"Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is nonstop fun from start to finish." - HelloGiggles
"Juicy and kooky. I loved it." - Cat Marnell, author of How to Murder Your Life
"McDaniel's debut is the perfect blend of salty and sweet, combining 1970s culinary horrors like ham and bananas hollandaise with a motley crew of fakers learning what family really means." - Booklist (Starred review)
"Juliet McDaniel's debut novel is hilarious." - Refinery29
"A laugh-out-loud story starring an offbeat heroine you won't soon forget, Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is the comic relief you've been waiting for." - Bustle
"McDaniel has a winner with her wittily titled debut. Mr. & Mrs. American Pie mixes a riotous 1969 California with a story that speaks to today's Time's Up." - Andy Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter
"Mr. & Mrs. American Pie is nonstop fun from start to finish." - HelloGiggles
"Juicy and kooky. I loved it." - Cat Marnell, author of How to Murder Your Life
Let's Get Social.
Have a burning question about beauty pageants, 1970s pop culture, or terrible foods from our not-distant-enough past? Send me an email. Or Tweet. Or Insta comment. (I'm rarely on Facebook.)
I also delight at seeing photos from your book club gatherings, or of your phenomenal pets cos-playing as Mrs. Maxine Hortence Hogarth. |
Author photo by the brilliant Dianna Gonzales of Red Baryl Portraits
Palm tree photo by Eric Muhr