Zoë Foster-Blake, a successful entrepreneur and author of 17 books, shares her insights on the writing process. She discusses how her upbringing influenced her creativity and the balance of writing with parenting and business. Listeners learn about effective time management strategies, the challenge of intertwining fiction with real-world ideas, and the emotional sacrifices involved in writing. Zoë emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity in a demanding life, providing practical advice for aspiring authors to embrace their passion.
Establishing a structured writing schedule of 90-minute sessions significantly enhances productivity while balancing parenting responsibilities.
Incorporating business lessons into fictional storytelling provides readers with both entertainment and valuable entrepreneurial insights in an innovative way.
Deep dives
Making Time for Writing
Creating a structured approach to writing is essential for balancing responsibilities as a parent and a novelist. Setting specific time slots for writing, especially during the daytime when children are at school, allows for focused productivity without overwhelming distractions. Aiming for short, manageable writing sessions of around 90 minutes helps maintain momentum and makes the process feel less daunting. As deadlines approach, the intensity of writing increases, showing that dedicated time management can lead to effective creativity.
Integrating Fiction and Business Insights
Blending fictional storytelling with practical business lessons offers a unique reading experience that caters to both entertainment and education. The author’s intention to convey valuable business knowledge without crafting a traditional nonfiction book showcases an innovative approach to writing. By using a character whose journey parallels her own business experiences, the narrative effectively communicates essential entrepreneurial insights within an engaging storyline. This duality not only enriches the fictional world but also serves to benefit readers who may be aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Challenges of Writing
The writing process often involves navigating personal sacrifices, particularly in terms of family time and mental well-being. As the author dedicates significant time and energy to crafting a novel, they sometimes find themselves feeling disconnected from their family life. Additionally, the demands of writing can take a toll on physical and mental health, emphasizing the importance of time management and self-care. By managing their writing commitments, the author strives to ensure that the pursuit remains joyful rather than an overwhelming burden.
How does a hugely successful entrepreneur and parent find the energy, creativity and time to write a novel? Zoë Foster Blake tells Bridie Jabour how she makes the most of 90 minutes and where she starts You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
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