⚠️ Caution: This episode of How Women Write might make you want to escape to a secluded New England cabin in the woods with walls lined with books to cozy up to a weekend of reading (and some writing, too).
I think you'll find this incredible conversation with Madeleine Eno, a book coach, editor, and ghostwriter, super delicious.
Madeleine was my developmental editor for my book Intuitive Writing, and she really helped me bring it all together and make it shine. She's got so many superpowers, from book mapping to uncovering an author's "golden thread" to understanding human design, and I'm always fascinated by her work. It was so interesting to hear how she helps people uncover the heart of their book.
Before settling into her space of writing, ghostwriting, editing, and human design, she danced around words in other creative roles before finally accepting that she was meant to claim her space in the literary world.
I loved hearing about her ghostwriting experiences and how she gets into someone else's voice while never compromising her own. I think you'll really enjoy this conversation as much as I did!
We also get to hear about the children’s book Madeleine is working on right now, and the delightful way she rewards herself after completing a challenging writing project 👀
✨ 6 Key Takeaways:
Reading fiction novels can show you all the human foils, foibles, and aspirations.
Everyone has a story, and finding your "golden thread" is key. The clearer your thread, the easier the drafting will be. Tools like human design can help, too!
The Incarnation Cross in human design can help you uncover your soul's purpose, which can help you answer the question, "What should I write?"
The better the book map, the better your draft.
Inspiration comes from everywhere: Be open to inspiration from books, nature, a simple break, or even movies (even though we writers already spend a lot of time at the screen).
Editors improve your writing. Working with an editor will push you and improve all your future writing. Editors have stretched every writer in the most powerful ways.
✅ Practices to try
Consider a book mapping session with a coach like Madeleine to clarify your book idea. (She helped me map Intuitive Writing and was my developmental editor!)
Discover how other writers and creators you admire find inspiration and try those techniques yourself.
Write for yourself first before writing for others.
If you're stuck in your writing, try changing your environment to get a fresh perspective.
Reading a poem in the morning before writing can open up your creative world.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
Jacqueline's book, Intuitive Writing: The Remedy for Writer's Block & The Secret to Authentic Communication
🎧 Related Episodes
20: The Vulnerable Writer: Orly Levy on Emotional Wellness & Creative Expression
05. Mercury Retrograde for Improving Your Writing: Review, Revise, and Repurpose
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✍️ Check out Jacqueline's personal business essays and other books on JacquelineFisch.com.
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Note: None of what you learn is health or mental health advice. For entertainment purposes only.
