May 20, 2026

Writing Through Rejection with Jacqueline Lucca

31 minutes

What if 15 years of rejection was actually preparing you for your biggest breakthrough?

Ian Bowen sits down with Jacqueline Lucca, an author, artist, writing coach, and host of the Magic in the Ordinary podcast. Jacqueline opens up about the soul-crushing moment of receiving her sixth form rejection letter after 15 years of pouring her heart into a single manuscript, and how she learned to celebrate "no" as a step toward "yes."

She breaks down the ancient philosophy of Memento Mori (remember you will die) as a tool for intentional living, why vulnerability is not weakness but deep honesty, and the single most important medium you will ever create: your own life. Essential for writers, creators, and anyone stuck in self-doubt.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How a 15 year writing project taught Jacqueline the ultimate power of rejection.

2. The concept of Memento Mori and why remembering death fuels creative urgency.

3. Why your most important artistic medium is not paint or words, but you.

4. How to find your rhythm instead of rushing a ridiculous timeline.

5. The vital role community plays when facing intense self doubt.

6. How the "Let Them" mindset protects your inner identity during heavy adversity.

7. Why vulnerability and honesty are necessary parts of the human experience.

8. The striking parallels between her upcoming novel Heart and real world challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Rejection is a Stepping Stone: Every no gets you closer to a yes and helps refine your path forward.

2. Time is Limited: Use the gift of now to create and share what is currently on your heart.

3. You Are the Art: The single most important thing you will create is your own life and story.

4. Community Offers Clarity: Others can remind you of your unique strengths when you feel stuck in the dark.

5. Protect Your Peace: When people try to hurt you, step back and maintain your gentle nature.

6. Do Not Turn to Stone: Keep your heart tender and open even when intense adversity hits.

7. Embrace the Plot Twists: View difficult setbacks as exciting turns that make your story far more engaging.

8. Be Present: Do not let the minutia of everyday life stop you from thoroughly enjoying the current moment.

Timestamps:

00:11 – Meet Jacqueline Lucca: author, artist, and writing coach.

02:02 – The 15 year writing journey and facing harsh rejection.

06:38 – Memento Mori: remembering your death to live highly intentionally.

10:13 – Why you are your own most important creative medium.

12:50 – The absolute importance of finding your personal rhythm.

16:32 – Embracing total vulnerability and keeping a very tender heart.

21:27 – Using the Let Them mindset to protect your core identity.

25:21 – The real story behind her highly anticipated upcoming novel, Heart.

27:17 – What it actually means to live a truly good story.

Connect with Jacqueline Lucca:

Website: https://jacquelinelucca.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbsmisD3il3BLN2YfvD31fg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinerosegold/

CONNECT WITH IAN BOWEN:

Website: https://watchmemindset.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianrbowen/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ianrbowen

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PositivePersistence-ch8fk

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By Ian Bowen

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