How I Write Elif Shafak: How to Write a Novel | How I Write
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Dec 26, 2025 
Elif Shafak, a celebrated novelist and president of the Royal Society of Literature, shares her enchanting approach to writing. She discusses the magic in ordinary objects and how to write with soul while avoiding 'fake wonder.' Elif reveals her nocturnal writing routine, complete with heavy metal for focus. She emphasizes playful storytelling, character complexity, and the sensory details that bring scenes to life. Additionally, she reflects on the importance of freedom in creativity and the unique expressions found in different languages.
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Everyday Life Is Naturally Enchanted
- Life blends magic and reality, so separating them creates false dualities.
- Elif Shafak argues her work reflects the continuous mixture of wonder and sorrow in everyday life.
Write Without Anticipating Reactions
- Follow your intuition and write from the heart rather than anticipating reactions.
- Elif Shafak warns that worrying about readers or editors during drafting stifles creativity.
Keep Continuity Over Strict Schedules
- Maintain continuity: read, take notes, research, and write even without fixed schedules.
- Carve flexible time for writing and shift sessions between day and night as life demands.