The Secret Library Podcast

Welcome to episode one of season eight of the Secret Library Podcast. I can think of no better guest than Katherine May who will start us in this journey of seeking wonder. Katherine is an internationally bestselling author and podcaster, most known for her book Wintering. Her newest book, Enchantment is the topic of our conversation today. We talk about looking for wonder through writing and choosing to write about topics that will change us and shift our perspectives. Happy listening!Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am really excited to have Sonal Champsee on the podcast today where we are taking her concept of writer therapy and accepting questions from The Secret Library cafe about the murky middle and discussing them. We hone in on three different questions that I think will be really relevant to you because struggling with these issues are part of what it means to be a writer. It's safe to say we both enjoyed this experiment. Dig deeper with us an enjoy Sonal's advice for making your way through the murky middle!Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show veteran Hannah Dennison is joining me this week. As the author of 17 books, I know she's no stranger to the murky middle and finding her way through it. I love having Hannah on because we really get into what it means to get stuck in the middle, the various solutions we've tried, and our successes (and failures) with NaNoWriMo. This episode will help you think about your writing process as a whole and help you recognize the writer that you are. I know you'll love this conversation! Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram @carodonahue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There will be many stories similar to yours, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put yours on the page! Today on the podcast, Danny Ramadan, author of The Foghorn Echoes, shares his 5-year experience writing his book. He'll inspire you to persevere through the murky middle - even when that includes 17 drafts! In particular, his thoughts on structure and the framework he uses to continue through the drafts is a lifesaver. Enjoy this must-listen episode.Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I've completely fallen in love with Cooper's Chase, the setting in Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club Mystery book series, so much so that my husband and I joke that is where we want to end up when we get older. With that being said, I'm so honored to have Richard on this week's episode of the SLP. He's sharing so much value on writing not only a series, but writing within the comedic crime genre. His ability to track and trust his characters is unparalleled. Still, there's something for every author in this episode. Enjoy! Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest this week is Emerson Whitney and I had so much fun recording this interview, it felt like one of those episodes where you get to play. His upcoming book, Heaven, is a powerhouse of a book that I can't recommend enough, it was as much of a joy to read as it was to talk about the process of writing it. Emerson shares how the relationships in his life have influences his writing, taking risks with confidence, and why he'll always choose autobiography. There are so many gems in this episode, listen in now!Show notes here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The romance genre is going through a revolution — more and more books include deeper storylines that people are clamoring for (and publishers and bookshops are taking note). Today's conversation with Jasmine Guillory is a real treat. She's written eight fantastic romance novels, all with engaging and relatable characters. But even with a stunning finished product, there was still a murky middle to wade through. Listen in to Jasmine's advice for reaching the end happy. Visit this episode's show notes post here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Kearney, the author of Thumbs Up: A Hitchhiking Irishman and 25,000 Kilometres from Patagonia to the Arctic, is joining me on the podcast today to share a bit about his journey of hiking from the most southern point to the most northern point of the globe as well as writing the story of it. I'm excited to bring this to you because the murky middle during both projects is very apparent. As a first time writer, Thomas has a great perspective on the process as whole. You'll hear how he worked through doubt to hold himself accountable to finish both momentous goals. Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The murky middle during memoir writing is one that deserves it's own episode because you're quite literally writing about your own life, so it can feel a bit more personal. I'm excited to have Courtney Zoffness, Sunday Times Short Story Award winner and author of Spilt Milk on the Secret Library today. She shares her decades long journey of authorship and how to stay encouraged, navigating the risk of sharing your work, knowing what material to include in your book, and more. If you're feeling unsure of your own story as an author or you're ready to tell your story, this episode is for you. Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes you start your novel without fully knowing the depth of the story that you're telling. LaToya Watkins, author of Perish, is joining me today on The Secret Library Podcast to share her writing process. I learned so much about method writing, creating multi-dimensional characters, and the journey of getting your book (and yourself!) ready for submission. Perish was such a gripping read, pulling me fully into the characters' world, so this conversation was so satisfying. If you're stuck in the draft phase and still trying to find your story, this episode will light the way to the reward that lies ahead.Read this episode's show notes here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm so excited to have SLP veteran, Chloe Benjamin on the show to kick off the seventh season of the podcast. Chloe is sharing what life has been life after the unexpected success of The Immortalists — including how she chose the topic for her next novel. We talk about the messy middle of writing and how to move through it while continuing to love your novel. Enjoy! Visit this episode's blog post here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we discuss Austria‘s approach with author and editor, Evelyn Steinthaler. Evelyn has worked for and with multiple independent publishing houses and is bringing all of that experience to our conversation today. You'll hear the journey of independent publishing abroad, the signs of a good agent, and how to stay positive amidst rejections. Enjoy!Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram: @carodonahue See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'm so excited to have another friend of the show on the podcast again this week, Mary Laura Philpott. In our conversation, you'll hear about the writing process for her second book, Bomb Shelter, which follows on the heels of her previous book, the bestseller I Miss You When I Blink. So many amazing lessons drawing from her readers, the way she positions herself in the memoir and reading widely across many genres. Enjoy!Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's easy to believe that the publishing model in the US and UK are the only models out there, given how much coverage they get. Renée Belliveau joins me on the SLP to share her publishing journey in Canada. This conversation is special not only because of Renée's insight, but because she revised her novel with the Next Draft course. Always a joy to see my students' books reach publication. Enjoy! Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram @carodonahue.Connect with Renée on Instagram @rcbelliveau. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Can you imagine writing 17 books with the same characters? Jacqueline Winspear is the queen of series writing and she's on The Secret Library podcast today to share her process of not only writing on publication deadlines, but also how she stays connected with her ensemble of characters. We touch on everything from writing in a different time period to writing through trauma. If you're looking for a new series to read or you're embarking on creating a series of your own, this episode is for you. Visit this episode's show notes page here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's easy to believe that when we send our book off to publishers that we'll receive at least one, or maybe multiple offers. But what happens when we don't hear anything besides rejection? This is a topic that needs to be discussed more because it can be really hard to deal with that feeling. Danielle Lazarin is living this experience right now, and it was a catalyst for her to write her newest essay, The Ambiguous Loss of (Probably) Not Selling My Novel. I'm excited to have her on today to talk through this really tough seasons, the lessons she's going to take with her, and how her view on publishing has changed. This isn't the easiest topic, but we've made it juicy for you. Promise. Visit this episode's show notes here.Connect with Caroline on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the best things about The Secret Library is getting to be in relationship with writers from the time their book is just an idea to getting to see it through publication. Today's guest, Melissa Fu, is one of those amazing people. Her work on her upcoming book, Peach Blossom Spring, started back in 2018 and is now about to hit the shelves in 2022. She's sharing how her agent found her, the way she stayed engaged with writing during the pandemic, and the hopes that she has for her book. This one is a joy!Visit this episode's show notes page here.Stay up to date with Caroline and the show on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It can take a lot more than courage to bring your writing to life. This week on the Secret Library, A.L. Berggren (Louise) is joining us to share a pandemic-activated self publishing journey that crescendoed with the release of her book, The Secret of Crying Minds. Visit this episode's show notes page here and connect with Caroline and The Secret Library Podcast on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'm so excited to have Kemi Nekvapil back on the podcast to kick of season six of The Secret Library Podcast. Kemi has found herself on the side of self publishing and traditional publishing. Today, she's sharing her publishing journey of her newest book, Power. We're highlighting the power of story, listening to your intuition, and more. Enjoy!Visit this episode's show notes page here and connect with Caroline and The Secret Library Podcast on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here we are at the end of season 5 of the podcast where we've focused on making a writing life. Today we're discussing the topic that has changed my life arguably the most out of everything we have talked about this season. Last week we talked about risk, so this week we have to talk about the rewards of writing. Many people say that writing is its own reward, but what if we don't feel this every time we sit down to write? That's what we're chatting about today.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep10 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we're talking about an obstacle, but also a force that you need to get comfortable with in order to take all of the steps that are necessary to build a writing life. This experience, or force, or process is getting comfortable with risks. The experience of doing something without any certainty of the outcome is necessary to look forward, learn, and believe in the possibility of growth.Visit this episode's show notes page here: www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep9 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome back, today on episode eight we are going to talk about not writing. This is a somewhat surprising topic, but I think that by the end of the episode you'll see why it's important.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep8 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Over the past few weeks of this podcast, I've been able to reflect a lot on my own writing life. Because of that, I've begun to realize I can't talk about making a writing life without including the impact of Coronavirus and the pandemic, so I want to share my story of what happened in 2020 because it illustrates the way many of us have shifted around writing in the past couple of years.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep7 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome back to the Secret Library! Today we'll be covering the relationship between teaching and building your own writing life. Teaching is one of the most frequently suggested jobs for writers, so it deserved its own discussion. There are major advantages for writers who teach, and also quite a few challenges. Let's explore.Visit this episode's show notes page here: www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep6 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today I'm bringing in today's theme as a pair: boundaries and burnout. These two obstacles in the creative writing life have a cause and effect relationship. Boundaries can be an obstacle, but are also an essential protector.Visit this episode's show notes page here: www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep5 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to episode four, in which we're moving on to the concept of creative fuel. Writing is not so different from driving a car or an athlete running — it'll only continue while there's fuel to burn.Visit this episode's show notes page here: www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep4 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today we're talking about the third obstacle that I faced when constructing a writing life over the past number of years. This one is a little bit less concrete than the ones we've looked at before — it's mindset (the way you think about yourself as a writer and how you think about your writing). This one is difficult to nail down, but it's so important.Visit this episode's show notes page here: http://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep3 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today on the podcast we're going to talk about one of many obstacles I've faced while trying to put writing at the center of my life. This obstacle is one that I hear the most about from other writers, which is time — managing time, having enough time, spending the time you want on writing. This is the perpetual complaint. My mantra for years and years was, "If only I had more time, I could get more writing done." Let's dive in.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to season 5 of The Secret Library Podcast, Making a Writing Life. This season is a little bit different because each episode will be a solo show. In the past, I've wrapped up the seasons with a solo show, and I began to notice that there was more that I wanted to share that I couldn't fit into one episode. So, each episode this season will be a new topic centering on obstacles that we all face as writers and creative when it comes to making time for our writing. I'll share the solutions that I've found in hopes that it inspires you to find what works for you, too. For now, I'll ask what are the dreams that you have for your writing? Then, we'll dig deeper as the season continues.Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/s5-ep1 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How does visibility change your relationship to writing? How much of your process do you make public? How soon do you share your work after it's written? We've explored these and other questions this season and today I'm wrapping things up with our final solo episode.It's my continual dream to make this show more visible. If this or any other episode inspires you, please share it with a friend and review a show wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you, thank you for being a part of The Secret Library.Visit today's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/caroline-donahue-s4-ep9 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We didn't expect to share this panel as an episode. But it was so incredible that I couldn't resist.In this heartfelt conversation, I chat with seven writers who completed novel drafts in 2020. We cover all the things that held them back, what they believed was possible for themselves as writers before 2020, and what they see in the future for their writing now. There's laughter and tears, from the panel as well as the audience. I couldn't be more impressed with and inspired by this group. Happy listening!Visit today's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/panel-replay-s4-ep8 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mia P. Manansala won multiple awards for her writing before her first novel sold. She wrote a book she was proud of, found an agent, but that book hasn't yet sold. She persevered, writing a different novel, teamed up with a new agent and happily, Arsenic and Adobo comes out this May.How did she stay motivated through this multi-year process? Community played a huge part. As a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-20 mentor, Mia hasn't had to go it alone along the way. In this episode, we discuss the role of food in her book (yum!), what keeps her motivated, and her passion for writing fiction that includes the experience of the Filipino diaspora culture. I am thrilled to introduce Mia as the final interview of Season 4: The Visible Writer.Visit today's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/mia-p-manansala-s4-ep7 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What a gift I have for you this week! We began this season by questioning the need to be online in order to be visible, and now we discuss another view. Nikka Karli is a source of powerful inspiration and truth, which she chooses to write about and share online. In this conversation we talk about connecting the magic of your creativity, honoring it, and protecting it from the impulse to work for an algorithm, rather than your own internal knowing. I was totally flying with inspiration after this chat and I know you will be, too. It's with huge joy that I bring you this episode with Nikka Karli.Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/nikka-karli-s4-ep6 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

While it was a joy to speak with Raynor Winn when she first came on the podcast to discuss The Salt Path, her bestselling memoir, this episode has me even more excited.Why? Because this memoir covers the period after walking the path, and takes us all the way through Raynor's experience writing the Salt Path, getting it published, ans the often terrifying prospect of having to tell people she was a writer. What a gift to follow this story through the part most writers don't share, and to discuss her experience in depth. This book is a must-read for memoirists, and anyone who ever feels a bit wobbly answering the question, “what do you do?” with, “I write.”Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/raynor-winn-s4-ep5 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Maria Busqué had an idea for a book that she knew her students and followers would LOVE. In September, when she knew the best chance to sell it was as a holiday gift. Despite pandemic challenges and never having published a book before, Maria tells the story of how she published a book she's proud of on an incredible timeline. Furthermore, in this episode you'll learn about a publishing model I had never considered: one that lets you get your book out in the world NOW, while still preserving the possibility to publish traditionally later. This episode is a MUST LISTEN.Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/maria-busque-s4-ep4 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Claire Harnett-Mann is a brilliant poet and author, and I couldn't be happier to introduce her to you as the first D2D alum with a publishing deal. in this conversation, we look at how Claire chose the press she went with, her thoughts around getting a Masters in Creative Writing, and what it's like to be able to include "forthcoming" with the title of her novella in her bio.We often hear from those years and years ahead in the process of putting work out in the world. I'm so grateful to hear Claire's story right at the beginning of her fiction publishing journey. Happy Listening!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/claire-harnett-mann-s4-ep3 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It was such an honor to speak with Natalie Goldberg, whose work I've admired for years. In discussing her most recent book, Three Simple Lines, I was struck again and again how beautiful it was that haiku masters, many writing centuries ago, are still able to touch our lives in the present.Natalie shares her passion for haiku and and how she transformed her love and curiosity about such a revered form of poetry into this book. How beautiful that many choices to make stories visible and share personal moments in the world lead to this conversation. I can't wait for you to listen.Visit today's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/natalie-goldberg-s4-ep2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As writers, we often prefer hiding away in our private worlds, but eventually we need to share our work to make the impact we dream of. But... this doesn't look the same for everyone.Since so many writers are taught that visibility in writing = social media, I invited Alexandra Franzen back on. A writer with numerous books to her name, she doesn't participate in any social media, because it doesn't work for her.We'll be asking lots of questions this season, so you can work on becoming visible in a way that fits for you. Our first important question: what does success look like for YOU? Can't wait for you to listen to this powerful conversation. Happy listening!Visit today's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/alexandra-franzen-s4-ep1 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Throughout this season, I've been amazed at the depth of these discussions. I originally planned for a less intense season this go-round, given the year we've all had, but this topic refused to stay on the surface of things.Wrapping up another theme, in this final solo episode on The Nourished Writer I share many of the discoveries I've made throughout this wild ride of a year. What's kept me inspired, motivated, and engaged in writing — it's all here.What's the Boat Explosion Principle, you may ask? You'll just have to listen up and find out...Thank you for another incredible season and for all the kind messages everyone has sent about the season. If you haven't yet done so, it would mean the world if you left a rating and review for the show. It makes a huge difference and helps us reach more listeners. Happy holidays, and here's to blue skies ahead in 2021!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/caroline-donahue-s3-ep14 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I hadn't planned to have Sarah on this season, since we've had so many episodes together, but when it came time to wrap recording, it felt wrong. We came to this episode without notes, without a specific topic other than to explore what was nourishing each of us as writers at this point in time.As we come to the final weeks of the madness that has been 2020, Sarah and I also explore what our goals have been for writing at this point, and how our metrics for success have changed.This is one of the richest conversations I've had about writing recently, and I'm delighted we went ahead and recorded anyway. This is a chance to reflect on what writing means to us, as we look back over a year of writing under unprecedented circumstances. It's also a chance to consider what we want writing to be for us going forward. Enjoy this final interview for season 3. Next week, we wrap with a solo episode to conclude for 2020.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/sarah-selecky-s3-ep13 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I must confess: I was dying to post this episode the second we finished recording it.Many of you have heard me recommend Helen's helpful YouTube videos as well as her encouraging online presence overall. I loved these videos and suggestions so much this year, and they were a delight to my audience as well.And yet, there was a price to pay to create at the pace Helen was setting. This week, we look at the pros and cons of maintaining a prolific online presence alongside your writing practice. Helen shares generously about her thought process and the results of experimenting with stepping back from the online world for a time.As we get closer and closer to the holidays, the boundaries we choose to set around being online are ever more important. How visible to we want to be, and at what cost to our creativity? The need for rest and recuperation is so important, and we explore all of the pressures and benefits we gain as writers from sharing our journey.I so look forward to the conversation that I expect this episode will generate- these questions don't get answered in a day, but we can all benefit by reflecting on them together.Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/helen-redfern-s3-ep12 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This summer, I started challenging writers to get out the fancy notebook they've been saving and start writing in it. We called it #fancynotebookchallenge, and it felt like a fun and silly way to make writing a special occasion. But as I dug further, as has been the case with many topics this season, there was a lot more to it.Mark + Fold has long been one of my favorite stationers, and their diary is how I plan my week, every week. When I found out Amy would be celebrating 5 years of Mark + Fold this week, I knew we had to get into the deeper levels of the tools we use to write. From the sustainability of the product to the value we place on ourselves and our writing, taking your tools seriously is a profound act of nourishment for your writing. Let's get into every writer's favorite topic: stationery! Enjoy- this was a blast to record and create for you.Visit today's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/amy-cooper-wright-s3-ep11 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Amie McNee has been speaking up about the creative process for years.She's boosted many of us with her gentle-yet-fierce handwritten messages on instagram, where she shares as @inspiredtowrite. I adore Amie's work, and when she put out an episode debunking hustle culture on her podcast, Unpublished, I knew she was a must for this season.Amie and I could have done a whole season rather than just one episode. It was such joy to chat with her about the approach to creativity we both promote, that of taking smaller steps more regularly. Being kind with yourself and not asking so much that you feel doomed to fail. Her approach is to believe success is not only permitted, but inevitable if you keep moving forward.We also look at the importance of journaling, something she has used to transform her entire relationship to creativity, letting go of stories that told her that her dreams weren't possible. This episode is a huge shot of motivation, but on your own terms.Have been busting to share this ever since we recorded. Enjoy!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/amie-mcnee-s3-ep10 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Has there been another title this fitting to the moment released this year?I doubt it. And how perfect that it was decided years in advance, as a favorite saying of Jacqueline's father's during the hard times after the second world war. Reading this memoir, and discussing it with Jacqueline, was a wonderful reminder that we can get through so much more than we think.As a fan of the Maisie Dobbs series, reading this memoir felt like a tour of the author's life, seeing all the events that inspired plot lines in her novels. It is satisfying to spy them as you read. But this is also an extraordinary story of a childhood that spanned huge changes in society and a family grappling with the world lurching ahead. It was the perfect read for this year.And once again, what a treat to speak to Jacqueline, a woman who dreamed of being a writer all her life, but didn't publish her first book until her forties- obviously that's a story after my own heart... happy listening!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/jacqueline-winspear-s3-ep9 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I'm so grateful to welcome Greta Solomon back to the show. With her bright approach to life and incredible insight into the writing process, I always love to have writers who also teach and coach on the show.Greta and I had such an exciting conversation about taking good care of ourselves and how to stay connected and inspired as part of my Write Free course this past summer, and it didn't feel fair to keep that insight just in the class. Greta and I caught up again this fall to debunk the myth of "the real writer," share what nourishes us, and to talk about what is needed to stay inspired.She's the bright spot we need right now, and her advice is the best I can imagine sharing this week. Happy listening!Visit this episode's blog post here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/greta-solomon-s3-ep8 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's entirely possible that I've recommended Emily and Amelia Nagoski's book Burnout to every student I've had in the last 18 months. As someone who's experienced burnout in a number of contexts, I was no stranger to the topic, but this book was an excellent resource for anyone finding it hard to separate from writing after a tough scene, writing about painful subjects, or struggling creatively in general. Now that we're headed toward the end of the year we've had, I was happy dancing around the house to be able to speak to Emily directly about the subjects in the book and how they apply to writing and the madness that has been 2020. This is essential listening, just as the book is essential listening. Get ready, because Emily Nagoski has insight that can transform your life, but not in the way you might expect. Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/emily-nagoski-s3-ep7 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Tana French finished her last book in February 2020As we discussed, this was a brilliant stroke of luck, finishing right before everything turned upside down. However, this isn't the first time she's written through challenging times. Her challenge has also been dealing with the darker aspects of human nature through each of her novels, so we got down to specifics about how she writes dark stories without getting dragged down.Character is a central part of her process, so those thinking about character development at the moment will want to put this episode at the top of their queue. She's an absolute delight, and I can't wait for you to hear this episode. Enjoy! Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/tana-french-s3-ep6 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If we want to write, we must learn to ask for what we need.Thankfully today's guest, Kemi Nekvapil, has written a beautiful book called The Gift of Asking to help us with this often challenging task. In addition to learning how to speak up, how to choose ourselves, and to ask for what will allow us to write, Kemi shared generously in this episode from inside the experience of working on her third book. We explored the role of both fear and vulnerability, and how to take care of ourselves when sharing very personal material. This was one of the hardest episodes to wrap up that I've ever had — I would have happily kept talking with Kemi for many more hours. Enjoy this very special episode, once I hope inspires you to ask for what you need so that you can feel nourished as you write.Visit this episode's blog post here for additional resources: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/kemi-nekvapil-s3-sp5 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Earlier this year, Rachael Stephen taught a workshop called The Story ToolkitIn this presentation, she thoughtfully did away with one of the biggest hassles most writers face: how do I keep track of my ideas? Sometimes being a nourished writer isn't just about what you take in, it's about how you store what you put out.Rachael is also an expert in The Plot Embryo, an outlining method that I've fallen in love with through her teaching. In this episode, we explore the various containers our work exists inside of, including our minds.We go deep into how to save our brainpower for the most important tasks, why brainstorming is the answer to almost everything and how to let a project go when it isn't serving you anymore.If you've ever searched frantically for that little note you wrote that one time all over your house, this is your episode. Happy listening!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/rachael-stephen-s3-ep4 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esmé Weijun Wang was the second-ever guest on this podcast.Her novel, Border of Paradise, had recently come out to great acclaim and we had a delicious discussion about fiction and taboo.In the years since, she‘s written an equally lauded book of essays, The Collected Schizophrenias, which explores the complex constellation of this illness and her relationship to it.Esmé has also worked to build community and courses for those writers who are, as she puts it „ambitious with limitations.“ I've had many people write in asking about achieving writing goals when health is a factor. I knew immediately who I wanted to speak to.I hope that this conversation supports anyone currently living with limitations and that you feel as nourished as I did, speaking with Esmé.Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/esme-weijun-wang-s3-ep3 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We often avoid talking about money when we talk about writing. I have loved Sarah Von Bargen for years, as her blog Yes and Yes has been an ongoing source of inspiration and insight around nurturing yourself without blowing all your savings. Being a nurtured writer involves introspection that we excavate with gusto this week: what do you really enjoy doing? How can you reward yourself in a way that's meaningful and affordable? What does it take to be happy and fulfilled as a writer?This episode will leave you saying yes and yes about nurturing your writing self and building habits that lead to happy creating. Enjoy!Visit this episode's show notes page here: https://www.secretlibrarypodcast.com/episodes/sarah-von-bargen-s3-ep2 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.