The Pep Talk We All Need
Let Chelsea Martin talk you out of being a perfectionist
Happy Friday, Bleeders!
I'm in Minnesota this week, semi-successfully trying to take a break from work and reconnect with my fam before my brother's wedding this weekend. When I have a tough time unplugging, I try to remember: You have to live your life because, ultimately, art is a reflection of life.
This week's guest is Chelsea Martin and she's the epitome of balance.
It's reflected in several of her responses, and it really resonated with me because she's also incredibly prolific, so obviously, that mindset is working out for her.
I adore indie queens like Chelsea. I love her "just do it" approach to publishing. We chatted about how to balance perfectionist tendencies with being productive and putting out a lot of work, how to deal with a shitty publisher, the joys of having a good agent, and more.
Here’s a lil preview from the interview in reference to her essay collection Caca Dolce:
"I think even in college, I was trying to write about my relationship with my dad and all the weird things he did to me, and I was always trying to fictionalize it and make it something else, and it just never worked. And I just couldn't let it go; I just kept trying. So eventually, I was like, I'm just going to write an essay. I'm just going to get it out cleanly and truthfully. And then once I did that, it felt over for me, which was a very just freeing feeling because I was so wrapped up in it, and I had such a hard time with it for years."
Where I write:
I ask each guest to give us a peek behind the scenes. This is Chelsea's window spot. I love the art; it seems apropos.
Episode links:
🏃♀️ Follow Chelsea on Instagram @chelsea_martin_ and Twitter @_chelsea_martin.
🛒 Preorder Chelsea's upcoming novel Tell Me I'm An Artist.
💻 Check out Chelsea’s website for more on all her work.
🎧 And, of course, pop in those earbuds and listen to Chelsea Martin on Striking the Balance Between Prolific & Perfectionist on your favorite podcast platform.
I’ll send out a slew of articles when I’m back from vacay, but in the meantime, here’s a compilation of unlikeable ladies from literary fiction to snack on:
Until next time, HAPPY BLEEDING!
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️
Where do you fall on the prolific vs. perfectionist spectrum, and how do you nudge yourself towards the center?
Let’s connect on social media! I’m at @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.