“You have to protect that time because no one's going to protect it for you, and no one's going to give it to you. Only you can give it to you.”

On this episode, I’m joined by my long-time friend, novelist Myla Goldberg.

In 2000, Myla found breakout success with her best selling debut novel, Bee Season. Myla walks me through the novel’s journey — how it landed in the hands of a literary agent’s assistant and went on to become a major motion picture.

We also discuss the importance of self-discipline, which Myla has in spades. Where does it come from, and is it really necessary if you want to become a successful novelist?

Finally, Myla explains the difference between nurturing her readership and building a client list for her private writing workshops, and how she does both without using social media.

More from the episode...

How did the massive success of Bee Season warp Myla’s expectations for the future, and what was the key pivot she had to make years later?
Myla describes her regimented routine for balancing writing, teaching, being a parent and partner, and the importance of setting boundaries around her creative time.
Why Myla compares her creative cycle to that of a 17-year cicada.
The illusion of instant success: “You don't really see all the painful hours and days and years it took to get to that level of mastery.”
Myla talks about the importance of putting yourself out there, and how she deals with rejections from publishers and potential clients.
The three benefits of an MFA degree, and why Myla has no regrets about not getting one.
Myla explains how having an income source separate from her writing has given her more artistic freedom.

More from our guest

Myla Goldberg is a bestselling novelist whose books have been named finalists for the National Book Critics’ Circle award, the Carnegie Medal, the Hemingway Foundation/PEN award, the NYPL Young Lions award, and the Barnes & Noble Discover award. She writes and teaches in Brooklyn. Myla is best known for her debut novel, Bee Season, a breakout success that was eventually adapted into a major Hollywood film starring Richard Gere. You may have also heard about: Feast Your Eyes, The False Friend, and Wickett’s Remedy.

Connect with Myla Goldberg

https://mylagoldberg.com/

https://twitter.com/mylagoldberg

https://www.instagram.com/myla_goldberg/?hl=en

Additional Links

“Song for Myla Goldberg” by The Decemberists

Creative Writing Bootcamp on Skillshare

Raport - opowieści arabskie Jana Natkańskiego S01E03