**Podcast Summary: "The Shit No One Tells You About Writing"

Episode: "The Evolution of a Novel: Learning to Let Go"
Release Date: March 27, 2025**

Hosts:

• Bianca Marais – Bestselling author of The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
• Carly Waters – Literary Agent from P.S. Literary Agency
• CeCe Lyra – Literary Agent from P.S. Literary Agency

Guest:

• Kath Jonathan – Acclaimed poetry, short story, and novel writer with numerous award nominations.

1. Introduction to Kath Jonathan and Her Journey ([02:00] – [07:03])

The episode kicks off with Carly Waters introducing Kath Jonathan, highlighting her illustrious career and significant accomplishments. Kath's work spans poetry, short stories, and novels, earning her nominations for prestigious awards such as the Marina Nemat Award and the Puritans Thomas Morton Memorial Prize in Fiction. Carly shares a personal anecdote about meeting Kath in a creative writing class in Toronto 12 years ago, emphasizing their longstanding collaboration and mutual support within their writing group.

Notable Quote:
“It feels insane to me that it's 12 years later and here I am holding in my hand, for those of you watching on YouTube, Kath’s book. It just feels like an incredibly special moment for me.” – Carly Waters ([03:31])

2. The Genesis of The Resistance Painter ([07:03] – [15:51])

Carly delves into the backstory of Kath's novel, The Resistance Painter. She recounts the early stages of the book, initially perceived by Kath as a short story titled "The Grave Sculptor." After evolving into a longer manuscript, the P.S. Literary Agency recognized its potential as a novel. Kath explains how her background in poetry and playwriting enriched her novel-writing process, allowing her to craft a work that is both lyrically powerful and structurally dynamic.

Notable Quote:
“I thought it was writing a short story, but it turned out to be something much more profound.” – Kath Jonathan ([08:24])

3. Influence of South African Experiences on Writing ([09:31] – [12:29])

Kath opens up about her upbringing in South Africa during apartheid, discussing the subtle and overt forms of oppression she and her siblings experienced. These formative experiences profoundly influenced her writing, especially in depicting fear, underlying violence, and resilience. She connects these themes to current global conflicts, illustrating how historical trauma perpetuates into the present.

Notable Quote:
“There is a deep sadness in me because this wasn't a story that I was creating for entertainment anymore.” – Kath Jonathan ([15:51])

4. The Psychological Process of Letting Go ([15:51] – [30:05])

Carly and Kath explore the emotional and psychological challenges Kath faced while revising her novel. Initially resistant to feedback, Kath describes her transformation as she learned to trust her editors and embrace the collaborative process. This section delves into the concept of surrendering creative control to allow the story to evolve organically.

Notable Quotes:
“I do hold on to things. I do have trouble letting go.” – Kath Jonathan ([30:05])
“You have nothing to lose. Try it. If it doesn't work, you have the option of saying no.” – Kath Jonathan ([30:05])

5. Overcoming Personal Obstacles to Writing ([17:30] – [36:34])

Kath shares her personal battles with concussions and cancer, detailing how these health challenges intersected with her writing process. Despite medical advice to limit screen time and digital device usage, Kath found solace and strength in continuing to write. She credits her writing not only as a therapeutic outlet but also as a means to navigate and grow through her adversities.

Notable Quote:
“The writing helped me so much.” – Kath Jonathan ([17:30])
“Surrendering, to me, means making yourself vulnerable, being willing to open instead of closing.” – Kath Jonathan ([26:32])

6. The Editing Journey and Collaboration ([28:15] – [36:34])

Kath recounts her interactions with various editors, emphasizing the importance of finding the right editorial partnership. She describes how initial resistance gave way to mutual respect and creative synergy, ultimately leading to a more refined and impactful novel. The collaborative efforts resulted in the reintegration of key characters and the deepening of the narrative's emotional resonance.

Notable Quote:
“Once we reached that point where there was this mutual respect, everything just opened up in me.” – Kath Jonathan ([30:05])

7. Publication at 70 and Inspirational Takeaways ([36:34] – [38:00])

Carly highlights Kath's inspiring achievement of publishing her debut novel at the age of 70, challenging societal norms that often pressure writers to achieve recognition by a certain age. Kath underscores that writing is a lifelong journey, advocating for perseverance and continuous personal growth regardless of age or circumstances.

Notable Quote:
“You don't have as much time to be alive. So what have you got to lose, right?” – Kath Jonathan ([30:05])

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts ([37:03] – [38:00])

The episode wraps up with heartfelt endorsements of Kath's work and her inspiring story. Carly and Bianca encourage listeners to explore Kath's novel and her personal journey, emphasizing the valuable lessons in resilience, collaboration, and the evolution of creative work.

Notable Quote:
“It's extremely, extremely fascinating. But please get the book. It's just... It is fantastic.” – Carly Waters ([37:27])

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Embrace Diverse Writing Forms: Exploring various genres and styles can significantly enhance novel writing by introducing new perspectives and techniques.

• Trust in the Editing Process: Building a trusting relationship with editors can lead to profound improvements and unexpected directions in your work.

• Writing as Healing: Personal challenges and hardships can fuel creative expression, turning writing into a therapeutic and transformative process.

• Age is Irrelevant: Success in writing is not confined to a particular age; perseverance and passion can lead to achievements at any stage of life.

• Historical Context Matters: Incorporating personal and historical experiences enriches storytelling, making it resonate with contemporary issues and timeless human emotions.

About the Hosts and Guest

• Bianca Marais is a bestselling author who dedicates her podcast to helping emerging writers navigate the publishing industry through interviews with industry professionals and critiques of writing submissions.

• Carly Waters and CeCe Lyra are literary agents from P.S. Literary Agency who provide expert insights into query letters and manuscript evaluations, aiding writers in honing their craft.

• Kath Jonathan brings a wealth of experience as a poet and novelist, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of personal history and creative expression.

Connect with Kath Jonathan

• Website: www.kathjohnathanauthor.com
• Instagram: @KathJonathanAuthor

Final Note

This episode serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of resilience in the creative process. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, Kath Jonathan's journey offers invaluable lessons in nurturing your craft and overcoming obstacles with grace and determination.