Redefining Success with Ali Hazelwood, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Hello, Protagonists!

Welcome back to the CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY Podcast, an interview series with incredibly successful writers about how they rose out of obscurity to build fulfilling careers. With each episode, I hope you'll learn something to make you more creative, inspired, and happy!

Ali Hazelwood and Evelyn Skye, summer 2023

My guest today is Ali Hazelwood, whose latest novel, Not in Love, just hit bookshelves everywhere. She is a #1 New York Times bestseller multiple times over, and she’s also a former neuroscience professor.

But that’s not the reason I invited her here today. I chose Ali for you because she’s one of the humblest and kindest human beings I know.

Today we talk about how Ali was discovered by her agent, as well as giving up a neuroscience career to write full-time. We also dig into why she doesn’t like the label “incredibly successful.” Plus, Ali’s got some advice for anyone pursuing a creative career.

Tell us—How do you define success for yourself?

I hope you enjoy the show!¹

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Want more of Ali?

If you’ve never read an Ali Hazelwood book and our looking for something to take to the pool or beach this summer, I recommend you start with The Love Hypothesis. But they are all stand-alones and you don’t have to read her books in order. If you want the latest and greatest novel, Not in Love is on sale now.

You can learn more about Ali and all her other books on her website and Instagram.

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1 referral = I’ll send you my list of My Top 5 Must-Read Writing Resources

2 referrals = autographed bookplate + a cheerful, yellow CREATIVE.INSPIRED.HAPPY sticker, mailed anywhere in the world

5 referrals = 10-second, personalized video from me, where I say a happy hello to you (or the name of whoever you want me to record the video for)

Here’s your personal referral link:

I’m laughing because my attempt to gift a set of AirPods last week fell on its face. No one won, because referrals take longer than a few days (you invite a friend, and they need time to check out the publication before they decide to subscribe.) So I’ll tuck the AirPods thing away for maybe a future date. For now, we’ll just focus on goodies that last over longer periods of time. :)

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photo credit in intro video: Arturo Holmes/WireImage via Getty Images (Evelyn Skye attends Netflix's "Damsel" New York Premiere at Paris Theater in New York City); Erin Ashford (Evelyn at Stanford sculpture)