Melissa
asked
Taylor Jenkins Reid:
What have you learned about your writing between publishing your debut and now your latest novel?
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hi, Melissa! I've learned a lot in the past five years and the honest -- but unsatisfying answer -- is that a lot of the things I've learned I didn't even realizing I was learning. I look back on my expectations of publishing, my understanding of genre, my relationship to readers, and I see that all of those things have been refined and/or rewritten in my mind somewhere along the way.
I've found that my personal growth, when it comes to my career, has been nuanced and has evolved slowly over time. Small changes or insights have snowballed into me having a completely different perspective years later.
But that's a very vague answer! So in the effort of specifics I will say that the biggest thing I've learned is that you have to write what you love and you have to speak your mind. Some people will love your work and some people will hate your work. But the criticisms I've gotten for the things I have the most conviction about don't bother me nearly as much as the times I compromised when my gut told me not to.
My time in publishing has pushed me to become more and more myself -- and I'm much happier for it.
I've found that my personal growth, when it comes to my career, has been nuanced and has evolved slowly over time. Small changes or insights have snowballed into me having a completely different perspective years later.
But that's a very vague answer! So in the effort of specifics I will say that the biggest thing I've learned is that you have to write what you love and you have to speak your mind. Some people will love your work and some people will hate your work. But the criticisms I've gotten for the things I have the most conviction about don't bother me nearly as much as the times I compromised when my gut told me not to.
My time in publishing has pushed me to become more and more myself -- and I'm much happier for it.
More Answered Questions
Ashley
asked
Taylor Jenkins Reid:
So I am kicking myself for not picking up your books years ago! I started with Maybe in Another Life, recently finished One True Loves, and am about the finish Forever, Interrupted. You're writing is incredibly relatable! I am anxious to pick up The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, as I have heard soo many good reviews. I was wondering if you are in the process of working on anything new?
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