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Sep 2024
1h 3m

Jill Mansell: “I'm on book 37, and I sti...

Alice Draper
About this episode

Jill Mansell shares her journey as a writer, from her early experiences with rejection to becoming a bestselling author. She talks about the challenges of finding an agent and receiving rejections from publishers. Despite the setbacks, she persevered and found success with her unique style of writing. 

Jill discusses the fear and anxiety she still feels with each new book, as well as the joy of connecting with readers and making a positive impact on their lives. In this conversation, Jill discusses the importance of constructive feedback and incorporating diverse perspectives into her writing. She shares how she creates rich and colourful characters by drawing inspiration from people she knows and combining different aspects of their personalities. Jill also talks about her writing process, including her preference for writing with fountain pens and her daily word count goals. 

She explains why she chooses not to include explicit sex scenes in her romance novels, the challenges of coming up with new ideas after writing 37 books, and the desire to have her books adapted into movies or TV series.

For anyone listening, you can order a copy of Promise Me, as well as Jill’s other books, on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/g83pZ26 

I will also be giving away a copy to a listener who subscribes and reviews the podcast. You just need to email screenshots to media@hustlingwriters.com.

To find out more about Jill Mansell and her books, visit: https://jillmansell.co.uk/ 
Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillmansell/

A special thanks to our partners, who I highly recommend getting in touch with. If you are looking for a book writing coach to get your manuscript out there, I recommend working with: Lindy Pfeil, Author and Memoir Coach, website: lindypfeil.com 

Emily Tamayo Maher, Author & bestselling author in women’s spirituality, website: meaningmethod.com.

 Tracy Stewart, book mentor and developmental editor, author, and ghostwriter, website: freshlypress.com

 Javacia Harris Bowser, host of a community for female writers, bloggers, and entrepreneurs, website: seejanewritebham.com

 Freelance writers, you are going to want to get your hands on Amber Perry’s guide, 250+ nonfiction publications that pay, so people can start pitching right away. Here’s the link:⁠https://amber-petty.newzenler.com/f/250-places-that-pay-for-your-writing-forever35

 If you are interested in exploring hybrid publishing, I highly recommend getting in touch with Nick Courtright, CEO of atmospherepress.com

If you’re looking for a brain / neuro trainer, check out Paula Echeverri, website: neuromomceo.com


Chapters:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Jill's Early Writing Experience

02:25 Jill's Journey from Rejection to Success

10:23 Transitioning from a Full-Time Job to a Full-Time Novelist

17:16 Dealing with Rejections from Publishers

21:55 Life Changes After Finding Success with Hachette

25:10 Navigating Fear and Anxiety in the Writing Process

28:19 The Power of Positive Impact on Readers' Lives

29:02 The Power of Constructive Feedback in Writing

31:03 Incorporating Reader Suggestions into Writing

33:04 Creating Rich and Colorful Characters

36:33 Drawing Inspiration from Personal Experiences

37:00 Writing Process and Daily Word Count Goals

38:21 Writing with Fountain Pens: A Source of Joy and Inspiration

41:49 The Story of the Lost First Manuscript

43:35 The Importance of a Writing Community

48:03 Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

51:43 Challenges of Generating New Ideas

55:42 The Desire for Book Adaptations

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