Embracing Your Messes
Award-winning sci-fi and fantasy author, poet and teacher Fran Wilde shares how failure fuels growth and stories have the power to transform
Have you ever felt stuck by the weight of perfectionism? Like every misstep was proof that you weren’t meant to succeed? Award-winning author Fran Wilde knows this feeling all too well, but instead of letting it stop her, she turned failure into a tool for creativity.
During our conversation, Fran shares her journey from hesitant writer to bold creator, weaving stories that transform. Her words remind us that our greatest breakthroughs often come from life’s messiest moments.
The Magic in the Messes
Fran’s philosophy is simple yet profound: messes aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities. Throughout her career as a writer, Fran has learned that the imperfections and iterations of a project often hold the seeds of its brilliance. She shared stories of making her own Nebula Awards gown during the pandemic and transforming an early short story idea into her upcoming novel, A Philosophy of Thieves. Fran reminds us that failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a vital part of the journey.
“The magic is in the messes. If you mess up, you can fix it. And once you fix it, you’ve learned something.”
Curiosity: A Tool for Growth
When life gets hard, Fran turns to one powerful question: “I wonder what will happen next?” It’s a mindset she credits with helping her navigate challenges and unlock creative potential. Whether facing the blank page or navigating the complexities of technology, Fran’s curiosity fuels her perseverance. This perspective isn’t just about creative work; it’s about reframing obstacles in life to uncover unexpected opportunities.
“Curiosity is the most important thing. Constantly being curious, constantly asking, ‘What can I learn?”
Pitching Perfectionism for Iteration
Fran wishes our culture embraced iteration more deeply, especially in the arts. As a teacher, she sees students paralyzed by the fear of making mistakes. Fran encourages them—and us—to dive into the process, trusting that the act of fixing what’s broken is where growth happens. Whether crafting a story or navigating a personal challenge, the iterative process is how we level up.
“Maybe pitch perfectionism for iteration. Once you fix it, you’ve learned something.”
Storytelling That Transforms
Great stories, Fran believes, don’t just transform their characters—they transform their audiences. Her approach to writing is to connect deeply with readers, creating a space where they, too, can evolve. This philosophy extends to teaching, where she asks students why they tell stories and why they read them, sparking transformative reflections. Stories, she says, are memory aids and problem-solving tools that help us make sense of the world.
Humanity and Technology
As a former programmer, Fran brings a unique lens to the intersection of humanity and technology. In her upcoming novel, she explores what it means to maintain our humanity in a world of extreme privilege and technological advancement. This tension is something we grapple with daily, whether as creators, parents, or consumers of technology. Fran challenges us to use storytelling as a way to navigate these ethical dilemmas and reimagine our future.
“How do you maintain your humanity in the face of wealth that lets you build a fantasy world inside a not-so-fantastical reality?”
Fran Wilde’s story is a powerful reminder that life isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing it as part of the journey. From the magic of making messes to the transformative power of curiosity, Fran’s insights invite us to reframe our struggles and rediscover our creativity. Her words linger long after the conversation, challenging us to step into the unknown with boldness and courage.
Learn more about Fran’s work on her website or Patreon, connect with her on Instagram, Facebook or X, and keep an eye out for Fran’s upcoming novel, A Philosophy of Thieves, coming this year.
