What if writing could transport you to a state of deep meditation? Bestselling author and editor Jill Santopolo (The Light We Lost, The Love We Found) joins Dara Levan to reveal how her creative process is a form of zen, the surprising way she uses "bets" to hit word counts, and how she compartmentalizes her life as a writer and publisher. In this deeply personal episode, Jill shares the real-life heartbreak that inspired her iconic novel, her biggest fear as a mother, and the profound lesson about seizing the day that she learned from sudden loss. Discover the truths in fiction, learn to silence your inner critic, and find out why you should never journal if it feels like a chore. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and living a life without regrets.0:00 - Intro0:22 - Welcoming author Jill Santopolo0:57 - The emotional resonance of Jill's novels2:06 - How Jill compartmentalizes her many roles3:09 - Writing as a zen-like meditation practice5:02 - Using fiction to escape and cope7:48 - The struggle with journaling9:18 - Letting go of parenting "shoulds"11:19 - Baking and running for joy12:19 - Jill's background in music and theater14:20 - The "road trip" method of writing20:05 - Why the first draft is messy24:51 - The truth behind the fiction31:30 - Jill's biggest fear revealed32:12 - Going skydiving and taking risks39:12 - OutroRESOURCES:Jill Santopolo's Website: https://www.jillsantopolo.comJill on Instagram: @jillsantopoloJill on Facebook: Jill Santopolo AuthorThe Light We Lost by Jill SantopoloThe Love We Found by Jill SantopoloThe Sparkle Spa Series by Jill Santopolo

Overcoming Creative Blocks and the Power of Word Counts with Jill Santopolo

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