There’s a persistent myth that if writing feels hard, you’re doing it wrong. 

This conversation with debut novelist Charlene Wang gently dismantles that idea. We talk honestly about messy drafts, perfectionism, long revision timelines, and the quiet persistence it takes to keep going when doubt creeps in.

Charlene shares her path to publishing I'll Follow You, including years of revision, mindset shifts, and learning to trust the process even when progress felt slow. If you’ve ever wondered whether struggle means failure, this episode offers reassurance that struggle is often part of becoming the writer you’re meant to be.

Timestamps:

 01:27 Welcome + meet Charlene Wang
 02:47 Charlene’s path to becoming a writer
 05:11 Talking about I’ll Follow You
 08:22 The realities of drafting and revision
 14:43 Research and character development
 20:29 Plotting, pantsing, and everything in between
 21:38 Navigating self-doubt
 24:33 Tools for sticking with the work
 26:12 Productivity, perspective, and patience
 29:18 Becoming a writer over time
 36:26 Advice for writers in the thick of it
 38:03 What Charlene is working on now

Links mentioned

Leigh Bardugo’s Ted Talk: The Art of Discomfort

Ira Glass The Gap

Charlene’s debut novel, I’ll Follow You, is out now.

You can learn more and connect with her at charlenewangauthor.com or on Instagram @charleneshiyi

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