Summary
In this episode of The Impact Code, host Brett Hollenbeck engages with acclaimed author Jill McCorkle, exploring her insights on storytelling, the themes of regret and resilience, and the influence of fairy tales on modern narratives. Jill shares her creative process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in writing and the need to balance profound themes with relatable experiences. She offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to embrace freedom in their first drafts and to understand the complexity of human emotions in character development. In this conversation, Jill McCorkle discusses the complexities of the creative process, the importance of embracing failure, and the evolution of her writing style. She reflects on the challenges of engaging both long-standing and new readers in a digital age, the influence of place on her narratives, and the significance of character development. Jill emphasizes the need for balance in storytelling and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision amidst the pressures of the publishing industry.

Takeaways

• All the work leading up to that moment is necessary and worthwhile.
• Characters often confront their regrets, shaping their narratives.
• Fairy tales serve as moral lessons and emotional touchstones.
• A positive ending is about recognition and acceptance.
• Writing requires a balance between the mundane and the profound.
• Truth in writing can be liberating and transformative.
• Understanding opposing perspectives enriches character development.
• The creative process is a journey of discovery.
• Aspiring writers should avoid self-censorship in early drafts.
• The human experience is complex and multifaceted. 
• Embracing failure is essential for artistic growth.
• Doubt can hinder creativity, but letting go can lead to beauty.
• The evolution of character development is crucial for depth.
• Place significantly influences emotional landscapes in narratives.
• Navigating reader expectations requires understanding personal growth.
• Artistic vision must be preserved despite publishing pressures.
• The creative process is a journey of continuous learning.
• Characters should be multi-dimensional to resonate with readers.
• Finding balance in storytelling is a daily challenge.
• Stories reflect universal human experiences and emotions.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Creation
03:04 Exploring Regret and Resilience
05:58 The Influence of Fairy Tales
08:52 Balancing Profound Themes with the Mundane
12:08 Tapping into Truth in Writing
14:49 Understanding Characters and Perspectives
17:59 Advice for Aspiring Writers
27:53 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth
31:54 Navigating Reader Expectations in a Digital Age
36:37 The Evolution of Character Development
42:47 The Influence of Place on Narrative
49:56 Staying True to Artistic Vision in Publishing

Connect with Jill:

• Jill on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jill.mccorkle
• Jill's Website | https://www.jillmccorkle.com/ 

This episode is brought to you completely free by Tower Community Bank! Check us out!

• Website | https://www.towercommunitybank.com/
• Virtual Bank | https://virtual.towercommunitybank.com/
• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/towercommunitybank/
• Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/TowerCommunityBank

Connect with Brett:

• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/bahollenbeck/
• Email | podcast@towercommunitybank.com

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