This week I’m talking with Amy Shearn, the award-winning author of the critically-acclaimed novels “Dear Edna Sloane,” “Unseen City,” “The Mermaid of Brooklyn,” and “How Far Is the Ocean from Here.” Amy’s newest novel is “Animal Instinct,” which follows a 40-something newly divorced woman re-entering the dating scene and reconnecting with her desires during the social isolation of COVID lockdowns. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly called it "delightful and hilarious,” which I can co-sign–despite its pandemic backdrop, which might sound like it could be stressful, this is a book I look forward to reading each night because I know it will take my mind off my worry du jour and give me a lot to think about while also being a ton of fun.
Amy has nearly twenty years experience as an editor for digital publications, has published hundreds of essays for places including New York Times’ "Modern Love" column and The Rumpus, and she currently works one-on-one with writers as an editor and writing coach.

We covered:
- Her really insightful take on how loving reading as a kid can lead to wanting to be a writer (I hadn’t thought of it in this way before)
- The mix of calling and coercion that got her to think beyond writing novels to also penning personal essays
- Making the shift to freelancing as an editor, teacher, and book coach (and away from working for a publication for her primary income source)
- Matching your writing goals to the time you have available (as someone who needs to work full-time, whether as a freelancer or an employee)
- How to keep yourself accountable to your writing goals when you don't have a deadline
- Using a 50-50 parenting agreement post-divorce as an "every other weekend writing retreat"

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).

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No Excuses: 7 Changes for Success | Episode 293