From where I’m sitting, I can see on my shelf one of the most beautiful books Penguin has ever published. It’s Tiffany Aching’s Guide to Being a Witch, and it’s how I met Gabrielle Kent, my guest on the Writers’ Gym podcast this week. I met Gabrielle through her co-writer and best friend, Rhianna Pratchett, at the launch of this wonderful thing – which stays true to the spirit and voice of Discworld while also stepping into its next generation with embracing own-voice writing for the female characters.

During launch week I also heard Gabrielle speak with Rhianna in their event at the British Library, and identified with so much of what had been important to her in emerging in life and art: making your name your own; the power of the stories we grow up with and the stories we choose to explore and choose to create, in forming our authentic identity.

(And, obviously, being a Discworld fan: appreciating here is a system of philosophy, psychology, values and ethics we love as much as we love the humour and the adventure that carries this.)

But what I find most touching of all is our conversation about our perception (and sometimes lack of perception) of success.

I’ve mentioned very lightly in the last few paragraphs ‘event at the British Library’, ‘Penguin’ and ‘Discworld’ without even starting on Gabrielle’s impressive CV of games-writing, children’s writing and academia. From where I’m standing, I see success everywhere. But, like most people I know well enough to have these conversations, it doesn’t always feel like that from the inside.

Gabrielle is an absolute delight to talk to, and I know this is an episode you’ll really enjoy. But I hope, alongside that enjoyment, you’ll enjoy giving yourself this reminder that perception of success isn’t something that just happens once you reach a certain level of… anything. It’s how we feel about ourselves today, because on the other side of the next fence we’ll still be who we are today. We’ll still have the comparison fairies buzzing around our heads, speaking in the voices of what we think other people are thinking. But self-perception is not reality and appreciating the richness of what is already here, our right to create as only we can, is where the real magic is.

Listen to The Writers’ Gym wherever you get your podcasts:

Waiting for the confidence to take your writing off the pedestal and into the gym? Stop waiting for inspiration and start stretching the muscles that make inspiration a habit.

Come and Write This Week

(If you’re not in the UK, find your timezone here.)

The Writing Room | 11am-1pm Monday 31 March
Free for everyone on my mailing list (if you’re reading this, that’s you!). No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and ten minutes’ (totally optional) chat together at the end. Click here.

Fiction and Memoir Writing | Riverside Studios | 7pm-8.30pm Monday 31 March
All the inspiration, support and techniques you need to weave initial ideas into fully realised stories. Dr Rachel’s prose-writing sessions are suitable for anyone over the age of 18. Whether you’re working on a story, novel or non-fiction, want some creative inspiration, or whether you’re intrigued by the idea of writing and want a creative outlet, this is the place to discover and develop your ideas and your voice. Click here.

Monthly Writing Workout | 6-7pm Tuesday 1 April
Take your word-count for a workout at the Writers’ Gym. Creative exercises, supportive discussion, specific tips and techniques for the writer you are. A guaranteed boost to your knowledge, enthusiasm, confidence and your word-count! Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.

Coffee & Creativity | 1-2.30pm Wednesday 2 April
Quality writing time and excellent company! Grab a coffee and have a mid-week chat, a write and then another chat with your fellow creatives. Free for members: type your discount code where indicated. Click here.

Writing Room EXTRA | 3-5pm Thursday 3 April
Members only: please check Voxer messages.

Coffee & Creativity at Olympic Studios, Barnes | 10-11.30am Friday 4 April
Grow your connections, build motivation and unlock inspiration in this creative networking event with a difference. Dr Rachel’s gently powerful facilitation provides a space to turn curiosity into creativity, wherever you are in your writing journey. Click here.

The Writers’ Gym is part of Rachel Knightley Coaching: creative confidence for life, work and art. www.rachelknightley.com

You don’t have to be a member to join a Writers’ Gym session: visit here. But if you’d like to access our weekly programme for free, and receive 30% off all our other events, ask about membership at thewritersgym@rachelknightley.com