It's a summer of sport, and I am here for it! Ashton Politanoff is here to talk to me about his novel, DAD HAD A BAD DAY (Daunt Books) Ashton's novel is an articulate exploration of masculinity, its patiently crafted unraveling narrative, and its loyal homage to the sport of tennis. Here's some fun facts about Ashton. Ashton Politanoff is a frequent contributor to NOON, edited by Diane Williams. He is a former Division I tennis player, and his childhood coach was Robert Lansdorp, who is credited with coaching Pete Sampras and Maria Sharapova. Politanoff’s first novel, You’ll Like It Here, was published in 2022 by Dalkey Archive Press. He is an English professor at Cypress College, and lives in Los Angeles. In the episode, we'll be talking about (im)perfect role models and father figures, the challenges of writing about your passion, how to write narrative tension, and yes, of course, and tennis. A reading list of books Ashton mentions in this episode are available to buy here: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/july-s-reads-2026?&new-list-page=true&bkshp-astro=t Get exclusive subscriber benefits from the Rippling Pages Patreon and become a Page Rippler! https://patreon.com/RipplingPagesPod?utm_medi Chapters  – 1.15 – Pete Sampras and Maria Sharipova? – 2.10 – watching Wimbledon – 4.15 – Who is Ned and why tennis? – 5.45 – setting a novel in a tennis club – 7.40 – Did Ashton feel like he had to write this novel – 10.15 – Ned's relationship with his son.  – 11.50 – Tough challenges of writing sons – 15.10 – fathers and sons and sports. – 17.45 – Ashton's own tennis career – 19.30 – different fraternal and paternal relationships – 20.30 – Rippling Pages Bookshop – 21.45 – Writing key smalls scenes – 27.00 – Writing tension – 32.25 – Ned's relationship with his wife. – 37.30 – Writing about tennis! –