Here’s part two of my interview with Jane Roper, author of the novel “The Society of Shame,” which is a finalist for the Thurber Prize in American Humor, and a memoir, “Double Time: How I Survived and Mostly Thrived Through the First Three Years of Mothering Twins.”

Today I'm talking with Jane about what I call inner stuff, the thoughts, ideas, and attitudes that affect your work.

- How reading her own work used to be embarrassing, and how she got over it

- Feeling like the worst person in the MFA program

- When your inner critic tells you your work is shallow

- The quotes she’s written on Post-It notes that are hanging above her desk and help talk her through crises of confidence

- Feeling like the silliest person in the room

- Letting go of the idea that one day you’ll “make it” and then everything will flow

- Realizing there’s no award for doing things perfectly and letting go of that drive to be a super-achiever

- How letting go of some body issues also freed up her work self

Connect with Jane at janeroper.com.

For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.

Thank you for listening!

And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

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[Jane Roper, inner stuff]: Permission to screw up + feeling like the worst person in the MFA program Ep 1186

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