She's So Lucky – Episode Summary: "How to Follow Your Creative Calling with Tia Williams"

In this inspiring episode of "She’s So Lucky," host Les Alfred sits down with the iconic New York Times bestselling author, Tia Williams, to delve into her remarkable journey of creating her own luck in the literary world. Released on April 1, 2025, this episode is a treasure trove of insights, discussions, and actionable advice for aspiring writers and creative women alike.

I. Tia Williams' Journey: From Beauty Editor to Bestselling Author

Les Alfred begins by exploring Tia Williams' unconventional path from a successful career in beauty editing to becoming a celebrated novelist. Tia shares that her dual passions for fashion and fiction were evident from a young age, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors.

Tia Williams [06:03]: "There was never really a pivot. I've always done both at the same time."

Tia recounts her early years working with prominent magazines like Glamour, balancing her editorial responsibilities while nurturing her dream of writing romance novels. This seamless integration of her professional and creative pursuits underscores her commitment to her passions.

II. The Writing Process: Planning, Plotting, and Overcoming Blocks

When discussing her writing methodology, Tia identifies herself as a plotter—a meticulous planner who outlines her stories extensively before writing. This approach not only streamlines her creative process but also accommodates her chronic migraine condition, allowing her to maximize productive writing periods.

Tia Williams [20:57]: "I do a ton of research. I make sure there aren't any loose ends or plot holes."

Les and Tia delve into strategies for overcoming creative plateaus, emphasizing the importance of having a structured plan. Tia's disciplined approach serves as a valuable blueprint for writers seeking to harness their creativity effectively.

III. Adaptations: Bringing Stories to the Screen

A significant highlight of the conversation is Tia's experience witnessing her novel, "The Perfect Find," being adapted into a Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union. She describes the surreal feeling of seeing her characters come to life on screen and the emotional impact of watching her story resonate with audiences at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Tia Williams [15:59]: "It was one of the highlights of my life as a writer."

Additionally, Tia shares exciting news about "Seven Days in June" being adapted into a limited series by Amazon, highlighting the expanded narrative possibilities that a series format offers over a single film.

IV. The Impact of "Seven Days in June" and Other Works

"Seven Days in June" is celebrated as a gateway book that has reawakened many readers' love for romance, including Les. Tia attributes its success to its dual identity as both contemporary fiction and a romance novel, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Tia Williams [19:59]: "Reese's Book Club pick for June of 2021... gave it a huge boost."

The book's selection by influential book clubs played a pivotal role in its widespread acclaim, illustrating the power of such platforms in elevating an author's reach and impact.

V. New Endeavors: YA Book Inspired by Her Daughter

Expanding her literary repertoire, Tia introduces her upcoming young adult novel, "Audrey and Bash Are Just Friends." Inspired by her own daughter, Audrey, the book explores the complexities of teenage friendships and personal growth. Tia emphasizes the authenticity of Audrey's character, credited to her daughter's invaluable input.

Tia Williams [36:17]: "Audrey is inspired by her 1000%."

This new venture not only showcases Tia's versatility as a writer but also her dedication to creating relatable and genuine characters for younger audiences.

VI. Advice on Following Your Creative Calling

Throughout the episode, Tia Williams imparts wisdom on pursuing creative passions despite challenges. She discusses the necessity of embracing imperfect beginnings, drawing inspiration from literary giants like Toni Morrison.

Tia Williams [47:46]: "You just have to let it be bad and not be hard on yourself because it's never gonna be great the first time."

Tia also touches on the importance of taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone to unlock true creative potential, encouraging listeners to prioritize their dreams even amidst uncertainties.

VII. Overcoming Perfectionism and Embracing the Process

Addressing common creative struggles, Tia speaks candidly about dealing with perfectionism and the fear of producing subpar work. She advocates for the value of the "shitty first draft," emphasizing that initial imperfections are stepping stones to refined masterpieces.

Tia Williams [46:40]: "Allowing yourself the freedom to write poorly opens doors that you would not imagine, truly."

This perspective serves as a comforting reminder for creators to prioritize progress over perfection, fostering a healthier and more productive creative process.

VIII. Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Les Alfred and Tia Williams reflect on the importance of community, perseverance, and staying true to one's creative vision. Tia's journey from a corporate beauty editor to a full-time author exemplifies the transformative power of following one's passion and creating one's own luck.

Les Alfred: "If you really love something, just do it too."

This episode not only celebrates Tia's achievements but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women striving to realize their creative dreams against all odds.

Notable Quotes:

• Tia Williams [06:03]: "There was never really a pivot. I've always done both at the same time."
• Tia Williams [20:57]: "I do a ton of research. I make sure there aren't any loose ends or plot holes."
• Tia Williams [15:59]: "It was one of the highlights of my life as a writer."
• Tia Williams [19:59]: "Reese's Book Club pick for June of 2021... gave it a huge boost."
• Tia Williams [36:17]: "Audrey is inspired by her 1000%."
• Tia Williams [47:46]: "You just have to let it be bad and not be hard on yourself because it's never gonna be great the first time."

Takeaways:

• Integrated Passions: Tia's ability to balance her career in beauty editing with her writing aspirations highlights the importance of nurturing multiple passions simultaneously.

• Structured Creativity: Adopting a plotter's approach can enhance productivity and provide a roadmap during creative endeavors, especially when facing personal challenges.

• Embracing Imperfection: Accepting imperfect beginnings is crucial for creative growth, allowing for continuous improvement and innovation.

• Leveraging Opportunities: Tia's success underscores the significance of seizing opportunities and leveraging platforms that amplify one's work.

For those looking to follow their creative calling, Tia Williams' journey offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategic planning, and the unwavering pursuit of one's dreams.