19: The System for Writing the Book You Actually Want to Write with Jamie Varon

The System for Everything

What if your most honest, messy self is your greatest writing superpower? In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Varon, bestselling author, essayist, and creative force, to crack open what it really takes to write the book that only you can write.

Jamie has built a body of work that’s at once personal and deeply resonant—from her viral essays to bestselling nonfiction to novels. We unpack how she developed her voice over a decade of trial and error, her ritualistic approach to writing even when the ideas feel impossible, and how she navigates outside expectations while keeping her art grounded.

You’ll come away with intimate access to her creative process, permission to let your work be messy, and inspiration to keep writing even when you doubt.

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Find It Quickly:

• 01:09 - Meet Jamie
• 02:14 - System Reboot
• 04:44 - Writing Process and Inspirations
• 16:39 - Navigating the Publishing Industry
• 25:14 - Navigating Trends and Authenticity
• 26:58 - Writing Rituals and Consistency
• 28:41 - Inspiration and Creative Containers
• 31:43 - Transitioning from Social Media to Novels
• 34:19 - Embracing Personal Growth and Change
• 36:38 - The Journey of Self-Work and Writing
• 42:47 - Promoting New Work
• 44:35 - Literary Inspirations and Recommendations

Resources Mentioned:

• What Alice Forgot - https://amzn.to/41OPAJt
• Big Magic - https://amzn.to/47FqfFB
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - https://amzn.to/47FqfFB
• The Phantom Tollbooth - https://amzn.to/3VetjAZ
• The Westing Game - https://amzn.to/4mdYyY4
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - https://amzn.to/3IjBRDO
• The Happy Ever After Playlist - https://amzn.to/42sygdg

Jamie's Books

• Radically Content (Book) - https://amzn.to/46hcpGP
• Radically Content (The Journal) - https://amzn.to/4piAA0o
• The Alchemy Within - https://amzn.to/4gk6uWp
• Main Character Energy - https://amzn.to/3VeyqkQ
• Charlie Quinn Lets Go - https://amzn.to/3VKj4EC

Connect with Jamie:

• Website: jamievaron.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jamievaron
• Facebook: facebook.com/jamievaron