Memoir Nation
Write What You Know, featuring Betsy Lerner
Apr 14, 2025
Join author Betsy Lerner, a publishing veteran with over 30 years of experience, as she dives into her debut novel, *Shred Sisters*. She discusses the blend of personal experiences and fiction, noting how Freud would enjoy analyzing her inspirations. Betsy offers pragmatic marketing strategies for aspiring authors and reflects on how mental health and familial ties influence storytelling. With insights into the publishing industry, she encourages writers to embrace their narratives, proving that authenticity is at the heart of compelling storytelling.
45:46
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Quick takeaways
- Betsy Lerner's integration of her personal experiences with mental illness in her novel Shred Sisters highlights the complexities of family dynamics and stigma in mental health.
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of strategic marketing efforts for authors, including building personal connections and leveraging social media platforms for wider audience engagement.
Deep dives
The Importance of Writing What You Know
Writing what you know can be a guiding principle for many authors, particularly in the realm of fiction. This approach allows writers to draw upon their personal experiences to create authentic and relatable narratives. The discussion highlights that while this advice is common, it should not be taken literally; authors can infuse their knowledge of human emotions and conflicts into diverse settings and characters. This exploration of personal experience versus creative fiction emphasizes the complexity of navigating one’s own life in their writing.
