Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lili Weigert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lili, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
There are definitely days when writing comes easier than others. Sometimes it has to do with my mood or what else I have going on in my life, but usually it’s more about what I’m working on. When I’m having a hard time figuring out what I’m actually trying to say, how to explain something that’s complicated, or — and this happens a lot — getting stuck on how to move my story forward with natural transitions, I’ll find myself dreading the work.
When I feel that way, I try to pay attention to what’s really holding me back. Then I try to break it down and start chipping away at the issue in smaller increments.
My cousin (who is a German fiction writer) once told me there are two options for writing — you either commit to a certain number of pages or an amount of time each day. The number of pages scared me, but the time commitment has worked well. When I’m ready to work, I set my timer for one hour. During that hour, I commit to what I’m writing that day. If I’m having trouble actually writing, I’ll do something else that’s connected to what I’m trying to write. Maybe I’ll do some research on a certain time period or look at images or videos that have a connection to my story. When a particular idea or paragraph just isn’t coming, I’ll spend the time reworking another part of the story. When I’m really stuck, I know it won’t help to force it.
Usually, when my timer goes off I’m so engrossed in the work that it startles me. And often I’m not ready to stop, so I’ll continue for as long as I can.
I’ll share another piece of advice from another writer friend that helped me: For a first draft, “Write it down don’t write it right.” It can feel very freeing to put your thoughts down without worrying about finding the perfect word or grammar and at the very least, you’re moving the story forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been a freelance writer for many years. I used to say that I wrote about whatever someone paid me to write about but my favorite topic was architecture & design. Then I started to pitch articles that were exclusively about architecture & design, and started to say that I was an architecture & design writer. It was a critical shift in my career. Once I put myself out there with a specific focus, I started getting more work. I even started getting assignments without having to pitch.
The more architecture & design writing I published, the more confidence I had in my voice and perspective. Just over a year ago, I pitched a story to one of my local magazines (Marin Magazine) about ADUs. It was the first time in my life when I knew with 100% certainty that they’d want the story. ADUs in Marin were everywhere. It was too timely and pertinent a story for them to pass on. And I was right, they asked for a feature. https://marinmagazine.com/homes/backyard-building-why-adus-are-a-popular-choice-for-marin-homeowners/
After writing the article, I felt even more confident about the interest in ADUs which emboldened me to pitch ADUs as a book. Last fall I got a book deal from Princeton Architectural Press. It’s due this September and will come out in September of 2025. I have big plans to extend the book into museum exhibits and other media outlets.
Then, just about a month ago, I was approached by Chronicle Books (who in the meantime had acquired Princeton Architectural Press) to write another book! I don’t want to say exactly what it’s about yet, but it’s another architecture book. It’s been a long time coming, but I’m feeling like I’ve honed my passions and skills and I’m finally doing work that I love without spending most of my time pitching ideas into the abyss.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
When I first got my book deal, I was overwhelmed by the enormity of the project. I had a year to work on it, but I was concerned that I’d squander my time and procrastinate. My editor had given me a series of loose deliverable dates and check-ins, but I knew that it was up to me to organize my time and figure out how to get everything done. I realized that I needed help — I needed support and someone besides myself holding me accountable.
Then a friend sent me information about a three-month “incubator” program. https://www.thehivery.com/incubator
It was specifically for women who were starting something new or in some type of transition. The timing was perfect. I spent three months working on my book surrounded by 18 women who were working on their projects. We trusted each other and encouraged each other. When one of us was stuck or needed help, the others would offer support and resources. For me, it was all about accountability. Just knowing I had a network who believed in me made all the difference. I was able to create a timeline and schedule. It was overly ambitious and I didn’t meet all the deadlines, but I was productive and optimistic.
The incubator is technically over, but the support and the confidence that group gave me will take me through this project and into the next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://liliweigert.com
- Instagram: @liliwrites
- Facebook: @liliweigert
- Linkedin: @liliweigert
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