[Amy Shearn, inner stuff]: Writing to your one, true reader–and not putting stock in what your harshest critics say + doing ‘enough’ to promote your work Ep 1198

Amy Shearn, award-winning author of five novels. Her latest book, “Animal Instinct,” is about a 40-something newly divorced woman rediscovering her desires during the height of the COVID pandemic, and doing so both through her interactions with actual live humans and an AI chatbot she designed to compile all her favorite parts of actual live humans and none of the annoying, boring things–it’s such a fun, thoughtful read. Amy also teaches creative writing and works one on one with writers as an editor and/or book coach. In this part of our interview, I ask Amy about the squishier side of writing–the thoughts, ideas, and beliefs that shape your view and your work. We covered:- Reconciling the sensitivity and openness required to be a writer and the need to have a thick skin in order to share the work you so lovingly create- Why a three-star review is actually a sign of success- How teaching writing has helped her view her own inner critic differently- How to feel like you’ve done ‘enough’ to promote your work–even if that’s very hard to quantify- Her definition of a work’s success–that it has taken on a life of its own- The best moment of her writing life that happened just last weekend!- What she’s no longer afraid of now that she’s 45-½- Why there is no formula for creativity Connect with Amy on Instagram @amyshearnwriters, Substack @amyshearn, or at amyshearnwriters.com. For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com. Thank you for listening! And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices