Ever started researching for your novel only to get so overwhelmed by everything you learned that you couldn't write at all? In this episode, Mary introduces the "marginalia method"—a simple but powerful technique that prevents research overwhelm while making the process more fun and efficient.

Mary breaks down the two common research traps writers fall into: research overwhelm (feeling paralyzed by too much information) and research fanaticism (trying to include everything you've learned). She then shares her practical solution that keeps research manageable and actionable.

If you've ever felt stuck because your research made your story feel too complex, or if you want to make your research process more productive, this episode will give you a game-changing tool.

🎧 What you'll learn:

✅ Why starting with a "Big Question" is crucial for novel success ✅ The two research traps that stop writers from finishing their books ✅ How the marginalia method prevents research overwhelm ✅ Why constraints actually make you more creative, not less ✅ How to make research feel like a treasure hunt instead of homework ✅ The practical steps for implementing this method today

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What happens when a bestselling author annotates her own 25-year-old novel? In this episode, Mary shares what she discovered reading Ann Patchett's newly annotated edition of "Bel Canto"—and why it taught her something crucial about how we treat our past creative work and ourselves.

Ann Patchett's handwritten notes in the margins revealed something unexpected: even successful authors can be too hard on their younger selves.

Mary breaks down the three types of annotations Patchett made and shares a personal story about memoir feedback that changed how she thinks about self-compassion in writing.

If you've ever cringed at your old writing or been too critical of your past creative work, this episode offers a mindset shift that every writer needs to hear.

Want more? Apply for The Book Incubator: https://www.thebookincubator.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book.incubator/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins

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Let's settle this once and for all: Can novelists use AI ethically?

In this episode, 3x HarperCollins novelist Mary Adkins shares exactly how she's integrating AI into her writing process WITHOUT letting it do the actual writing. Mary breaks down three specific applications that genuinely enhance her productivity while maintaining complete creative control. From multi-dimensional research queries to cleaning up dictated manuscripts, she shows how AI can handle the tedious tasks so writers can focus on what they do best: the creative work. If you've been wondering how to navigate AI as a professional writer—or whether it's even worth using—this episode gives you a practical roadmap for ethical AI integration.

What you’ll learn:

✅ Why Mary chooses NOT to use AI for actual writing

✅ How to use AI for complex research queries

✅ The exact prompts Mary uses to clean up dictated scenes without changing her words

✅ How AI can synthesize key takeaways from messy brainstorming sessions

✅ Which AI platform Mary uses and why

✅ How to maintain creative control while still benefiting from AI efficiency

Resources Mentioned

• iPhone Notes app for dictation
• Claude AI
• Descript - audio/video recording and transcription
• The Book Incubator writing program https://www.thebookincubator.com/

What's Next Next week: How Mary is ethically using AI as a novelist, including post-dictation editing techniques.

Want more? Apply for The Book Incubator: https://www.thebookincubator.com/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/book.incubator/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins

Love this episode? Subscribe to First Draft Club and leave us a review! Your support helps other writers discover the show.