Nov. 25, 2025

The Writer’s Rollercoaster: Author, Editor and Writing Instructor Betsy Thorpe Talks About Finding Your Path in Writing, the Role of an Editor, and Embracing the Emotional Journey

The Writer’s Rollercoaster: Author, Editor and Writing Instructor Betsy Thorpe Talks About Finding Your Path in Writing, the Role of an Editor, and Embracing the Emotional Journey

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is a literary professional who helps countless other writers express their ideas and get their work published. Betsy Thorpe has worked with both big name authors at prestige publishing houses to indie writers trying to breakthrough.

Betsy Thorpe joins host Holly Hughes for an insightful conversation about all things writing. Betsy talks about her journey to becoming a writer, how a good editor can shape a story, the emotional core of storytelling and the business of writing and publishing.

So many of us listening and watching this podcast have something to say, and we bet that most of you have thought about publishing a book at one time or another. But what goes into writing and publishing at that level? How do you turn an idea into it’s finished form? And how do you ask for help along the way?

Today’s guest on The Holly Hughes Podcast is a literary professional who helps countless other writers express their ideas and get their work published. Betsy Thorpe has worked with both big name authors at prestige publishing houses to indie writers trying to breakthrough.

Betsy Thorpe joins host Holly Hughes for an insightful conversation about all things writing. Betsy talks about her journey to becoming a writer, how a good editor can shape a story, the emotional core of storytelling and the business of writing and publishing.

Connect with Besty Thorpe online at betsythorpe.com. Buy a copy of her book, The Writer's Roller Coaster: Survival Strategies for the Wild, Emotional Ride to Publication here.

Get your copy of Holly’s book, Real Not Perfect: How to Become Your Happy, Authentic Self.

Sign up for Holly’s email newsletter here.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Creative Life

02:35 The Duality of Creativity

05:00 The Journey to Becoming a Writer

11:19 The Role of an Editor

19:09 Navigating the Publishing World

25:42 Finding Balance in Creativity

30:00 Writing Quirks and Techniques

34:50 Capturing Moments on the Page

35:00 The Emotional Core of Storytelling

37:54 Navigating the Publishing Journey

39:54 The Pragmatism of Writing

42:58 The Challenge of Criticism

46:05 Earning a Living as an Author

48:47 The Role of Introverts and Extroverts in Writing

51:58 The Impact of Social Media on Writers

56:03 Overcoming Obstacles in Publishing

59:53 The Emotional Journey of Writing and Publishing