Ep 141: From Fantasy to Memoir with Betsy Cornwell

Write the Damn Book Already

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions!

Maid meets Under the Tuscan Sun!

Betsy Cornwell built her career writing young adult fantasy, but her newest book tells an entirely different story. In this episode, Betsy opens up about her memoir, Ring of Salt, which chronicles her escape from an abusive marriage and her creation of a sanctuary for single-parent artists.

At the center is the Old Knitting Factory in western Ireland, a historic building she transformed into a childcare-inclusive residency. What began as a crowdfunded dream became both a physical refuge and a symbol of resilience, reshaping her creative life.

Betsy also shares wisdom about the writing process itself. Teaching creative writing at the University of Galway, she knows firsthand how perfectionism derails authors and offers that waiting to write or release a book until it’s guaranteed “good” is like refusing to give birth unless you know the baby will be perfect.

This is an episode for anyone wrestling with the voice that says “not good enough.” Ring of Salt releases September 30th.

✍️ You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time).

No incense, inspirational playlists, or fancy mantras. Just a clear, doable plan to get your nonfiction or memoir draft written in 33 days.

👉 https://www.publishaprofitablebook/writethebook
WANT TO SELL MORE BOOKS (WITHOUT THE SELF-PROMO CRINGE)?

Grab my 25+ done-for-you email templates, book launch graphics, and book promo tools designed to help nonfiction, memoir, and fiction authors build buzz and drive sales, without feeling pushy.

🎉 CLICK HERE to access to the templates

Support the show

Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry.
Available wherever podcasts are available:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube

Let's Connect!
Instagram
Website

Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com
The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores.
To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

פרקים

1. Meeting Dara the Incredible Agent (00:00:00)

2. From Fantasy to Memoir: A Writer's Journey (00:06:11)

3. The Old Knitting Factory Project (00:11:21)

4. Writing Through Domestic Abuse (00:19:51)

5. Perfectionism: The Writer's Biggest Obstacle (00:30:05)

6. Letting Go of Good and Bad (00:39:20)