Amy Koppelman, author of three novels and an incredibly insightful human being, shares unfiltered advice on the creative writing process, her personal journey with depression, and the therapeutic nature of writing. They also discuss the power of six-word stories, the fascination of NYC graffiti, and the challenges of loving someone with depression.
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Quick takeaways
Love and support are crucial in overcoming depression.
Writing can be a therapeutic tool for self-expression and self-discovery.
Creativity can thrive in a supportive and nurturing environment, without the need for suffering.
Deep dives
The Power of Love and Support in Overcoming Depression
The podcast episode explores the role of love and support in helping individuals overcome depression. The speaker shares her own experience with depression and how her husband's love and support played a crucial role in her recovery. She emphasizes the importance of not only loving others but also receiving love and support in return. She encourages listeners to prioritize their relationships and cherish every moment with loved ones.
The Therapeutic Value of Writing
The podcast highlights the therapeutic value of writing as a means of expression and self-discovery. The speaker describes how she turned to writing as a form of therapy, initially writing for herself to process her thoughts and emotions. She emphasizes the freedom that writing provides, allowing individuals to express their deepest emotions and thoughts without judgment. She encourages listeners to use writing as a tool for self-reflection and exploration.
Challenging the Notion of Suffering for Art
The podcast challenges the common belief that suffering is necessary for artistic creativity. The speaker rejects the idea that one must endure pain and hardship to produce meaningful art. She believes that creativity can flourish in a supportive and nurturing environment, and that the notion of suffering as a requirement for creativity is misguided. She encourages artists to prioritize their mental well-being and seek help when needed.
The Importance of Self-Acceptance
The podcast highlights the importance of self-acceptance and being true to oneself. The speaker discusses her own struggles with self-doubt and insecurity, particularly when it comes to embracing her identity as a writer. She encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and not compare themselves to others. She emphasizes the need to love oneself and live a life true to one's own passions and values.
Finding Beauty in Life's Small Moments
The podcast reminds listeners to find beauty and joy in the small moments of life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about watching snowfall with her family and feeling immense gratitude for the simple pleasures of being together. She encourages listeners to treasure every moment and appreciate the love and connection in their lives, recognizing that it is these moments that truly make life fulfilling.
Today's guest, Amy Koppelman, is a three-time novelist (so far), mom and an incredibly insightful human being. Her latest novel is Hesitation Wounds.
Amy's second book, I SMILE BACK, was turned into a movie starring Sarah Silverman that premiered at the 2015 Sundance, Toronto and Deauville Film Festivals.
I wanted to sit down with Amy, because I was drawn in by her immediate, visceral writing voice, her willingness to explore places that might scare off many others and also because of her lens on the writing journey and on life.
In this conversation, not only does Amy share a bundle of unfiltered advice on the creative writing process, she also takes us, very transparently, into her personal journey and her lifelong dance with depression, becoming a mom and wife and author and how each affected the other.
Listen in for some insightful thoughts on traversing the creative writing process to write your best work.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why every creative writer’s process has to be their own.
Amy’s Tip: Assume that no one will read your writing. Your honesty will flow more freely to weave a more compelling story.
The six-word story Hemingway wrote to win a bet.
How using writing prompts can jumpstart your creative process when nothing else will.
How Amy uses writing as a “toilet bowl” to therapeutically express emotions.
Her method of expressing inner turmoil and using truth in her novel characters,
Her view on mental health, depression, medication and therapy.
Why comparing your work with that of professional artists isn’t a comparison at all and can lead to self-defeating tendencies.
Amy’s take on “giving yourself permission” to do something that impacts others.
Why personal suffering is NOT a core requirement for artists as many people believe.
Confronting “Imposter Syndrome” when people ask “What do you do?”
What it was like to be interviewed on air by the love of her life.