Shelf Life with Jodi Wilson: 'The past three years have been an intensive course in writing'
Shelf Life with Jodi Wilson: 'The past three years have been an intensive course in writing'
The author and photographer on why libraries "bolster entire communities", plus the book that helped most when she was a new mum and "really did feel like my dreams of being a writer were quashed".
Welcome to Shelf Life, a series in which I ask people I admire about their book and beauty memories.
is a writer, photographer, yoga teacher, postpartum doula, and mother of four. She is the bestselling author of Practising Simplicity - small steps and brace choices for a life less distracted, The Complete Australian Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, and the forthcoming The Complete Guide to Postpartum. She lives in a small town in Tasmania and is currently writing her first novel.Find her on Substack -
is a gorgeous, gentle read every single Sunday; I’m a paying subscriber - and Instagram.Books
How do you decide what to read next?
I read somewhere the other day that having a home library gives you the opportunity to read what you’re in the mood for; it’s all there waiting for the right moment, the right season. And isn’t that the joy of reading - finding a book that nourishes you, inspires you, satiates you, at exactly the time that you need it? We really do get caught up in the new release cycle and sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back and reach for what intuitively feels right.
I read a lot of author Q&As and I’m always intrigued by older titles that I somehow missed as new releases. Like Dirt Town, which Emma referred to so enthusiastically in your past interview and I immediately logged onto my library account to reserve it. I’ve got a really busy few months of work ahead of me so I’ll be reaching for books that are immersive; I want to be drawn into a whole new world in my downtime. I’m about to start The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo (upon your request) and Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
What’s a book that got you through a tough time, or a big life change?
When I became a mum in 2007 (I was 23), there weren’t a lot of motherhood memoirs out there and at the time, I didn’t know of (or was ready for) Rachel Cusk’s jarring honesty. But there was one book that offered such comfort and solidarity and it’s one that I still buy from op-shops today so I always have a copy on hand to gift whoever needs it. In its first print run, it was called The Divided Heart - Art and Motherhood and in the reprint it was called Motherhood and Creativity - The Divided Heart by Rachel Powers.
I’d just completed a journalism degree before I found out I was pregnant and I really did feel like my dreams of being a writer were quashed. I also had a lot of fear and creative doubt and despite my desire to write, I just couldn’t find the confidence or the headspace to persist with it. Blogging really saved me in that regard, but my creative self-belief really took a hit in early motherhood, in part due to the sheer exhaustion of those years.
But I kept that book on my bedside table for months at a time and I’d dip in and out of it when I needed to, so reassured by all the artists who spoke honestly about the domestic obstacles that prevent creative work, and the simultaneous joy of being consumed by love for your child. I felt very seen and incredibly encouraged by that book.
Do you read books more than once?
I’ll definitely dip in and out of books I’ve previously read, but generally I won’t read them front to back for a second reading. My work requires a lot of reading, I read for pleasure, and I’m a mother of four, so I have to be pretty conscious with my time.
That said, I just opened Department of Speculation for a second time and I may read it front to back because it’s both marvellous and short.
Is there a book you’re most looking forward to reading this year? It could be a new release, an old favourite, or one languishing on your TBR.
Yes, too many to count! Elizabeth Strout, Coco Mellors, Tim Winton, Catherine Newman all have new novels and I’ll be reading them as soon as they’re released.
I’m also particularly intrigued by Emily Maguire’s new novel Rapture, in which she retells the story of Pope Joan. I met Emily through
’s writing workshop and I adored her book Love Objects, which is based around the concept of hoarding. I don't read a lot of historical fiction but I’ll read whatever Maguire writes.Where do you get book recommendations from?
Everywhere (but especially author Q&As and book reviews on Instagram) and I feel like I’m well versed in book and publishing news. My publisher recently remarked that she’s never had an author ask so many questions about the industry; I’m very curious, in part because I feel like the past three years have been an intensive course in writing and publishing for me and I want to keep going.
I feel like sometimes the sheer amount of new releases can become pretty exhausting, and it’s easy to fall into a trap where you feel like you’ll never read every book that piques your interest.
I’m utilising my local library a lot at the moment (if we don’t use them, they’ll lose their budgets and I honestly believe they’re such vital public services that bolster entire communities) so my ‘holds’ list is extensive, based mostly on recommendations - word of mouth and online.
Describe a recent book memory you’ll hold onto.
It’s rare to read a book, discuss it with a room full of critical thinkers/readers and then have the opportunity to speak to the author in person, but I had that experience recently with Charlotte Wood and her new novel, Stone Yard Devotional.
It’s a lesson in sparse, beautiful prose with themes and characters that get under your skin. I was simultaneously agitated by the mice and snarky humanness and also soothed and comforted by the ritualistic nature of the monastery.
After reading it, we gathered for Bri’s writing workshop to dissect it and the conversation was juicy; we were all in awe of the mastery of the writing and spoke for hours about the stylistic choices. And then Charlotte answered our questions and we were all a bit starstruck, to be honest.
I made notes and I keep coming back to them: “Trust your instinct, allow the work to come, put things together that don’t belong.”
Beauty
Which beauty product have you used longest? Why have you stuck with it, and how did you discover it?
P’ure Papaya Care Ointment because it heals any wound and I use it on anything from pimples to grazes on a child’s knee. It’s probably more in the medicinal category than beauty, but it does wonders for your lips so there’s that.
I have multiple tubes on the go - one in my handbag, one beside the bed, one in the bathroom.
How would you describe your approach to beauty?
Basic, very basic. I feel like I really missed the beauty trend train that swept in and enveloped millennials, hence I have no idea what I’m doing. Please don’t cringe at the fact that I don’t own a beauty brush; I just apply foundation with my fingers. Sacrilege! I do get my eyebrows done once a month though and always feel better for it.
Do you have strong scent memories? Could you describe one or two?
Yes, Stella McCartney. The purple bottle. I wore that religiously in my early twenties but then, as I grew older, I became more sensitive to fragrance and now if I walk through a beauty department, I get an instant headache. Anything fragranced is a big no from me; I just smell synthetic endocrine disruptors and have been known to pull air fresheners out of power sockets.
I’ll occasionally wear an essential oil blend - Kawa by Anjali Oils - but I do so sparingly because I know how many plants go into one tiny bottle of essential oil, and in no way is it sustainable.
What do you find difficult or unsavoury about beauty culture?
I’ve got two daughters (one is almost 13) so I’m very conscious about not being too critical or blindly accepting of the industry - I’m really trying to plant myself in the neutral middle. I want my girls to have fun with beauty products, but I also don’t want them to fall into a time trap where they feel like they need to spend hours a day enhancing their face.
At my age - I just turned 40 - I’ve officially entered anti-aging territory and I’m doing my best to sit graciously with my skin and my body. While I wish I was encouraged to wear sunscreen daily in my 20s (I have the freckles and sun spots to prove that I didn’t), I also can’t justify spending hours doing my face because, honestly, I don’t have the time and I’d rather be doing something else.
The past few years have really forced me to reevaluate health and beauty alongside all the standards and expectations I grew up with (90s diet culture). I was diagnosed with coeliac disease in early 2022 and I’m now a new kind of human - after 20 years of low iron, a stressed nervous system, and anxiety - I am now the healthiest I’ve ever been; I’ve got energy, a clear head, and a strong immune system.
I’m a really big advocate for eating well and I honestly believe that’s the best beauty and health advice out there… It’s definitely what I’m determined to teach my kids so they can take it with them into adulthood.
Which beauty product have you used longest? Why have you stuck with it, and how did you discover it?
It Cosmetics’ Bye Bye Undereye concealer which lasts forever (you only need to use the tiniest bit) and really does work wonders on dark circles - which I’ve always had, and I don’t think they’re going anywhere. I’m pretty sure Zoe Foster Blake recommended it so thanks for that, Zoe.
I also love Ere Perez’s beetroot lip and cheek tint because in mid-winter in Tasmania, it’s the perfect product to dab a bit of colour. And Weleda’s Skin Food, which is just the most fabulous body butter that also hydrates dry, sensitive skin like mine (I wear it at night once I’ve cleansed and applied face oil).
I use Go-To skin products and I love them, and I have tried samples of Emma Lewisham, which were superior products, but the price point is just too high for me.
Until next time,
Britt