Ep. 140 - Amy Koppelman: Write Something That Doesn't Suck

Unique Process

Amy Koppelman shares her unique writing process, which involves a blend of freehand writing and literal cut-and-paste techniques. She describes how she writes without a daily routine, capturing thoughts and emotions as they come, and later revisits her work with scissors and tape to create cohesive narratives 1. Amy emphasizes that the best writing resonates with readers by articulating feelings they may not even be aware of, providing a sense of understanding and connection 2.

I think all of us, whether we're writers or carpenters or teachers, we just want to be heard and understood.

--- Amy Koppelman

This approach allows her to explore deeper truths and emotions, making her work both personal and universally relatable.

   

Balancing Act

Balancing writing with family life presents challenges for Amy Koppelman, who admits to not having a strict daily writing routine. She prioritizes her family, often writing in fragmented sessions, which can range from a few paragraphs to several pages 1. Despite the lack of routine, Amy perseveres by focusing on the act of writing itself, pushing through fears and uncertainties to ensure her voice is heard 3.

You constantly, as a writer, have to beg to be heard and insist upon it.

--- Amy Koppelman

Her determination highlights the importance of persistence in the creative process, regardless of personal or external obstacles.