Listen "Ep 140: Writing Tips from Bestselling Author Jane Hamilton"
Episode Synopsis
Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!Most authors have as big a stack (if not bigger) of abandoned drafts as they do books that actually make it into the world. Jane Hamilton—bestselling author of The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World and two-time Oprah Book Club pick—is refreshingly open about that reality.Her newest novel, The Phoebe Variations, took nearly a decade to finish. Not because she was “blocked,” but because finding the center of a story often means writing and tossing out entire versions until one finally lands. “I wrote probably seven distinct novels before I got to what it is now,” she told me.She talks about putting “Spanx” on her drafts while acknowledging the boxes of pages she’ll likely never read again. As I always say, those pages weren’t wasted; they were the stepping stones to the book she ultimately wrote. “I just have to make it the best failure I can,” she says, “and in doing so I get to the next place.”For writers who may also feel stuck (*raises own hand), her perspective is freeing. Writing isn’t mechanical. It’s unpredictable and sometimes maddening. But it's always a process of discovery.Whether you’ve read Jane’s work for years or are just meeting her now, this conversation is a candid look at the messy road to great storytelling.🗞️ The Damn Good "Can't Stop Writing" FormulaGrab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow: 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook.com/chapterone ✍️ You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time). No incense, inspirational playlists, or fancy mantras. Just a clear, doable plan to get your nonfiction or memoir draft written in 33 days. 👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?Grab my 25+ done-for-you email templates, book launch graphics, and book promo tools designed to help nonfiction, memoir, and fiction authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy. 🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates Your readers are waiting! Let's get your book published! PublishAProfitableBook.com/Publish (use code AUTHOR25 for 25% off!)Support the show****** Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. Available wherever podcasts are available: Apple PodcastsSpotify YouTube Let's Connect! InstagramWebsite Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] comThe podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth
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