The Bibliotherapists Ep #24: Sarah Knight says stop f*cking scrolling

This week we’re talking to Sarah Knight, 47, a bestselling self-help author, editor, and professional truth-teller who’s made a career out of saying the things most of us are thinking but are far too polite to admit out loud (especially us Brits).Sarah is the author of the No F*cks Given Guides series, known for helping millions of readers care less about what doesn’t matter and focus on what does.But behind the bold titles and boundary-setting philosophy is something much calmer and nerdier, a lifelong relationship with books and words.Sarah joined us from her home in the tropical Dominican Republic to tell us about her marital book club, her social media diet, her love of a murderous twist as therapy, and her love of sam baker full stop (anyone else want in on our fan club?!), as well as the realities of writing - and reading - for a living.One of my very favourite things is for it to be time to go to bed so I can start reading my book.* Sarah KnightIn this conversation, we explore how reading has shaped Sarah’s life from childhood through to her career as an editor and author, and how she had to consciously reclaim reading for pleasure after years of doing it as a job.We also went deep into her writing process… from building books around outrageous titles, to writing at speed, to the messy, humbling reality of trying something new when also grappling with a new chapter of life (hello, fiction. hello, perimenopause. 👀).If you’ve ever struggled to focus on reading, lost the joy in it, or wondered how writers actually write when life is life’ing… this one’s for you.(and you can read all about Sarah’s latest life adventures, black eyes and moving dramas in her recent newsletter HERE).🎧 Listen Now(also available wherever you get your podcasts).✨ IN THIS CONVERSATION✨ Reading as therapy, not productivity: Sarah reads every single night, not to learn or self-help herself, but to quiet her mind and switch off from the noise of the world.✨ Why she protects her reading time fiercely: From setting app limits on her phone to quitting platforms that drain her, Sarah practices her own boundary-setting advice to make space for books.✨ The downside of reading for a living: After years of editing hundreds of manuscripts, she lost the ability to read for pleasure… and had to consciously find her way back.✨ How her bestselling book idea came to her: Inspired by The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying, Sarah realised she’d been “decluttering her mind” and turned that insight into a global bestseller.✨ The reality of writing books (it’s not romantic): From writing entire books in weeks to wrestling with a 385-page novel that isn’t working, Sarah shares the full spectrum of the writing experience.📖 Sarah’s Reading List(and you can see ALL of our guests book picks so far at our Bookshop.org shop)Written by Sarah Knight:* The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k* Calm the F**k Down Journal* Grow the F*ck UpBooks that shaped her:* The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo (the spark behind her first bestseller)* A Prayer for Owen Meany by John IrvingCurrently reading:* The Hunter by Tana French* Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica BrodyRecent reads & recommendations:* Good People by Patmeena Sabit* Adult Braces by Lindy West* It’s Not Her by Mary Kubika* Whidbey by T Kira Madden* Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson* Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden* A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage by M K Oliver* Best Offer Wins by Marisa KashinoMore from Sarah🖥️ Join Sarah’s brilliant newsletter here on Substack: The No F*cks Given® Newsletter.📺 Sarah Knight InstagramAbout The BibliotherapistsThe Bibliotherapists is hosted by Tanya Lynch therapeutic journalling coach and founder of Ease Retreats and Toni Jones founder of The Shelf Help Club.Each week, we speak to a writer or creative about:* The books that shaped them* How reading supports their wellbeing* Their writing practice and reading habits* How they use Substack as part of their creative ecosystemWe believe words heal. And we love asking other word nerds questions that get beneath the surface (as well as taking a tour through their book shelves).New episodes will be recorded live on Substack every week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thebibliotherapists.substack.com