Overcoming Self-Doubt & Writing Bestselling Historical Fiction with Jennifer Chevalier

In this episode of the Women Writing podcast, book coach Lisa Kovala sits down with Jennifer Chevalier, debut author of the national bestseller The Winter Witch and senior producer of CBC Radio’s The House. Jennifer shares her journey of writing historical fiction, blending the real 17th-century story of the Filles du Roi (King’s Daughters) with the intrigue of European witchcraft trials. She candidly discusses overcoming years of self-doubt, finding motivation from author Louise Penny, balancing writing with motherhood and a full-time journalism career, and investing in her craft. Whether you are an aspiring author looking for practical advice on historical research, navigating substantive edits, or finding the confidence to call yourself a writer, this conversation offers inspiring insights into the creative process. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow writers! Subscribe to the Women Writing newsletter on Substack for more author interviews and writing guidance. 00:00 - Introduction to Jennifer Chevalier and The Winter Witch 01:46 - What Is The Winter Witch About? 04:08 - The Historical Inspiration Behind the Novel 07:11 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Time to Write 10:48 - Inspiration from Louise Penny & Mindset Shifts 12:54 - Investing in Your Passion & Mindset on Editing 15:10 - Inside the Novel Editing Process 17:41 - Historical Accuracy & Research Collaborations 20:07 - What's Next: Developing a Prequel/Sequel 21:55 - Current TBR List & Wrap-Up https://liisakovalawomenwriting.subst...