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Show notes: Go to coach and mentor Fiona Fenwick's transcript.
Fiona summarizes the wisdom from two popular books on writing: Dorothea Brande’s classic Becoming a Writer and Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird.
Drawing on her own experiences as a coach and writer, Fiona transforms the knowledge in these books into six essential lessons.
Lesson one: Mindset over innate talent. Brande and Lamott emphasize that while talent is helpful, the writer’s mindset—openness, curiosity, and resilience—shapes a successful writing life.
Fiona discusses ways to cultivate a grow a, growth-oriented mindset, including daily affirmations, self-compassion, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning. She shares anecdotes from her coaching practice, illustrating how writers who focus on mindset are better equipped to navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the creative process.
Lesson two: The power of routine. Fiona highlights how Brande advocates for establishing a consistent writing schedule, treating writing as a daily practice rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.
Lamott’s advice is to take things “bird by bird”—one small step at a time. Fiona offers tips for building sustainable routines, such as setting realistic goals, creating a dedicated writing space, and using rituals to signal the start of a writing session. She addresses common obstacles, like procrastination and perfectionism, and suggests gentle strategies for overcoming them.
Lesson three: The fear of failure. This is a challenge that plagues writers of all levels. Drawing from Lamott’s candid discussions about “shi**y first drafts,” Fiona reassures listeners that imperfection is not only acceptable but necessary.
She encourages writers to embrace the messy, uncertain early stages of writing, reminding them that every published work began as a rough draft. Fiona shares exercises for quieting the inner critic and building confidence, such as freewriting, journaling, and celebrating small wins.
Lesson four: Honesty in writing. Both Brande and Lamott stress the importance of authenticity—writing truthfully about one’s experiences, emotions, and observations.
Fiona discusses how vulnerability on the page can create powerful connections with readers and foster personal growth. She offers guidance on navigating the discomfort that often accompanies honest writing, including setting boundaries and practicing self-care.
Lesson five: The emotional challenges writers face. Fiona acknowledges that writing can stir up difficult feelings—self-doubt, frustration, even grief. She draws on Brande’s advice to treat writing as both a craft and a form of self-discovery, and Lamott’s encouragement to keep writing even when it’s hard.
Lesson six: Have a supportive writing community. Both Brande and Lamott highlight the importance of connecting with other writers for encouragement, feedback, and inspiration.
Fiona shares her own experiences with writing groups and online communities, offering suggestions for finding or creating a circle of supportive peers. She discusses the benefits of sharing work, giving and receiving constructive feedback, and celebrating each other’s successes.
Fiona weaves these six lessons together, and the central message is: nurture your unique creative voice, or, as Brande called it, your “writer’s magic.”
She encourages you, as a writer, to trust yourself, embrace imperfection, and find joy in the writing process. By drawing on the wisdom of Brande and Lamott, Fiona offers a roadmap for writers seeking inspiration, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Find Fiona at Fionafenwick.com.