EP04: Why You’re Not Finishing Your Novel — with Penelope Trunk

In this episode I talk to my old writing coach Penelope Trunk about why I’m not finishing my novel - and why you might not be either. If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on an editor/writer conversation, this is it.

We unpack my 50.000 ”non-words”, the trouble with editing yourself and why building a writing desk doesn’t count as writing (even if it’s gorgeous). Penelope, in her famously blunt and brilliant style, calls me out on procrastination disguised as productivity, explains why writing groups often fail, and reminds me that writing is not planning — it’s writing.

If you’re overthinking your plot, waiting for the perfect moment, or secretly hoping your book will write itself… this one is for you.

Mentioned: Anna Karenina (a lot), The Midnight Library, Big Mouth, sailing, Scrivener (don’t) and Maxwell Perkins.

Find Penelope’s work at https://penelopetrunk.com

Subscribe to her newsletter: https://penelopetrunk.substack.com

And as always you can email me at [e-mail]