#217: Dawn O'Porter — Finding Your Voice, Writing as a Loyal Companion, Writing Memoir Without Exposing Others, and Success Beyond the Bank Balance

Dawn O'Porter, a best-selling novelist and memoirist, shares her journey through writing, food, and personal growth in a recent interview. O'Porter, known for her works such as "Paper Airplanes" and "The Cows," discusses her latest memoir, "Hungry Eyes," which explores her lifelong relationship with food and the pivotal moments that shaped her identity. She reflects on how cooking has served as a source of comfort and connection throughout her life, particularly following the loss of her mother at a young age.

Throughout the conversation, O'Porter emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing. She reveals that her initial foray into fiction was driven by a desire to express her childhood experiences, and she encourages aspiring writers to trust their instincts rather than conform to external expectations. O'Porter also discusses her writing process, which includes producing a "skeleton" draft that she later fleshes out, allowing for creative freedom and spontaneity in her storytelling.

As she navigates the challenges of writing, O'Porter acknowledges the emotional toll it can take, particularly when facing self-doubt and external pressures. However, she finds solace in the supportive communities she builds, both in her personal life and among her readers. Ultimately, O'Porter aspires to a future where she can focus solely on writing and cooking, highlighting the joy and fulfillment these passions bring her.

Novelist, memoirist and broadcaster Dawn O'Porter on trusting her own voice, writing the book she had to get out of her system, drafting without a plan, protecting the people in her food memoir Hungry Eyes, and measuring success by what you create rather than what you earn.