The Moment We Knew We Had to Write
from The Women Are Plotting Hosted by Etienne Rose Olivier, Jane Gari, Heidi Willis
Every writer has an origin story—and this is ours. In the premiere episode of The Women Are Plotting, authors Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari share the personal journeys that led them to become writers. From childhood imaginations and unforgettable books to inspiring teachers, unexpected career paths, and the moments they realized writing wasn't just something they enjoyed—it was something they needed to do. The conversation explores where creativity comes from, how life experiences shape the stories we tell, and why every writer's path is unique. Along the way, the hosts discuss overcoming self-doubt, finding their voices, and the lifelong love of storytelling that continues to fuel their work today. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a lifelong reader, or simply curious about what inspires people to create, this episode offers an honest, funny, and heartfelt look at the beginnings of three very different writing journeys. Topics include: How each of us discovered our love of writing Childhood influences and favorite books The people who encouraged our creativity Finding your unique writing voice Overcoming doubt and embracing the creative process Why every writer's journey is different Send us Fan Mail Email us at [email protected], and find us on all the socials. Be safe and be excellent to each other.
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What this episode covers
Every writer has an origin story—and this is ours. In the premiere episode of The Women Are Plotting, authors Etienne Rose Olivier, Heidi Willis, and Jane Gari share the personal journeys that led them to become writers. From childhood imaginations and unforgettable books to inspiring teachers, unexpected career paths, and the moments they realized writing wasn't just something they enjoyed—it was something they needed to do. The conversation explores where creativity comes from, how life exp...
Chapters
- 0:00 Cold Open
- 0:26 Welcome & Etty Introduces Herself
- 1:24 Jane Introduces Herself
- 2:09 Heidi Introduces Herself
- 3:11 Etty's Fun Fact About Ray Bradbury
- 5:07 Jane's Fun Fact About Writer's Block
- 8:11 When Should You Share Your Work/Get Second Opinions?
- 9:15 Etty & Heidi Recommend Outlines
- 10:23 Jane Has a Concept of a Plan...
- 11:16 Jane Found the Power of Storytelling As a Child
- 13:19 Storytelling With Barbies
- 13:50 Jane Moves From Oral Stories To Written Ones
- 16:39 Etty's Circuitous Route To Writing Novels
- 23:27 Heidi's Writing Origin Story
- 25:48 Jane Uses Life Experience To Write Fiction
- 27:51 How Ideas Are Born -- #NoUnicorns
- 30:27 Elizabeth Gilbert & Big Magic -- The Muse Moves On...Maybe
- 32:33 Etty's Memoir - Thank You For Leaving Me
- 33:31 What Etty's NEXT Memoir Will Be About
- 36:57 Heidi's Multiverse of Romance Novels
- 38:05 Write For Yourself, Edit For An Audience in Mind
- 39:07 Sign Off & How To Reach Us
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