Summary

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews bestselling author Marissa Meyer. They discuss Marissa's childhood, her journey to becoming a writer, her experiences in publishing, and the impact of success on her career. Marissa shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, her writing process, and the importance of inspiration. The conversation also touches on her podcast, The Happy Writer, and her new graphic novel, We Could Be Magic, which promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.

Takeaways

Marissa's childhood imagination played a crucial role in her writing.
She started writing fan fiction at 14, which helped her share her work.
Success brings new pressures and expectations from readers.
Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for writers, even successful ones.
Inspiration can come from dreams, overheard conversations, and everyday life.
Marissa emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process.
Her experiences in publishing taught her about the behind-the-scenes work.
Balancing family life and writing can be challenging but rewarding.
Luck plays a role in success, but hard work is essential.
Marissa's new graphic novel promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Marissa Meyer
01:53 Childhood Imagination and Early Influences
05:16 Academic Journey and Literary Inspirations
08:10 The Path to Becoming an Author
10:14 Fan Fiction and Writing Beginnings
12:14 Publishing Career Insights
14:47 The Impact of Fan Fiction on Writing
17:57 The Moment of Breakthrough Success
20:52 Navigating Reader Expectations
22:02 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
23:29 Finding Inspiration Everywhere
25:34 The Writing Process Unveiled
27:21 Infusing Personal Experiences into Writing
28:41 The Joy of Being Recognized
31:53 The Impact of Motherhood on Writing
33:01 The Happy Writer Podcast
34:46 The Role of Luck in Success
37:10 Memorable Fan Interactions
38:48 Sneak Peek: We Could Be Magic