The Write It Scared Podcast
A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel. It offers guidance and encouragement for authors navigating the challenges of the writing process. The show focuses on practical advice and support for developing storytelling skills. It is designed for writers at any stage who want to grow in confidence and craft.
Episodes
Write It Scared Summer Replay #4: Understand Story Structure and Character Arcs
The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILESFree Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine
Write It Scared Summer Replay #3 Encouragement for the Frustrated Writer
The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILESAre you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not
Write It Scared Summer Replay #2 Planning Your: Novel From Idea to Outline
The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILESDownload Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Bas
Write It Scared Summer Replay #1: Outsmart Procrastination + Other Forms of Resistance
The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILESAre you procrastinating when you want to be writing your novel? You are not alone and we can fix it! Join me on the Write It Scared podcast, w
Season 3 Finale: Writing When Life's a Shit Storm
Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4! In this season finale, the host, Stacy Frazer, shares a deeply personal writing update and reflects on what happens when life interrupts creativity. This episode explores anticipatory grief, uncertainty, creative numbness, and what courage looks like when you can't find your way forward. Stacy also shares plans for the podcast's
Turning Revision Up to 11: Sara F. Shacter on Resilience, Joy, and the Long Road to Publication
Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4!What keeps a writer going through fifteen years of rewrites, rejection, and uncertainty?Middle-grade author Sara F. Shacter joins me to talk about the long journey behind her debut novel, Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign, and how revision became less about “fixing” the story and more about uncovering its emotional heart.We discuss resili
Can We Pull More Play into Our Writing Process?
Submit Your Writing Win to the Courage Files for Season 4! Can we find more play in writing by lowering the stakes? This episode explores how perfectionism, pressure, productivity culture, and the need to “get it right” can slowly drain the joy out of creativity.I talk about where play naturally exists in the writing process—daydreaming, brainstorming, messy drafting—and why reconnecting with tho
The Fear Doesn’t Go Away After You Publish: A Conversation with MM Romance Author Alex Cross
Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! What happens after the book is finally out in the world—and all the noise starts creeping in? In this conversation, indie MM romance author Alex Cross joins me to talk about emotionally intense storytelling, publishing pressure, writer’s block, and the challenge of protecting your creativity once readers, reviews, and big expectations enter the picture.We tal
Writing Middle Grade Historical Fiction with Shafaq Khan
Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty?Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-pa
Sometimes Walking Away From a Story is What Fixes it with Author Andromeda Romano-Lax
Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here!What if the answer isn’t forcing yourself or your story harder… but trusting the process a little longer?In this episode, I talk with author and book coach Andromeda Romano-Lax about her latest psychological thriller, What Boys Learn, the messy reality of revision, and why stepping away from a draft can sometimes be exactly what your story needs.We also dig in
When You Don’t Know What Happens Next in Your Story, Try This
Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! Ever hit that point in drafting or revision where you’re not sure what should happen next? You might know the next big plot point, but the how-to-get-there part… that’s the problem. In this solo episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I break down why the answer usually isn’t inventing a brand-new conflict. More often, the next scene is already hidden inside
2 Years of Messy Growth and Trusting Her Process with Returning Guest AK Nevermore
What if your growth as a writer isn’t supposed to be neat or linear?Who says it can't be chaotic as hell? AK Nevermore, author of more than 20 titles, returns to talk about messy growth, genre-hopping, indie publishing, and learning craft by doing. We dig into fear, doubt, and even spite as creative fuel, plus why not every piece of feedback deserves your attention.If you’ve ever felt like yo
Making Smarter Author Career Decisions with Becca Syme
Submit to the Courage Files Are you worried if you’re making the right moves in your author career (ads, audio, direct sales… all of it)? This episode will help you take a breath and zoom out.I’m joined by returning guest Becca Syme to talk about how publishing has changed—and why so many writers are making decisions from pressure, fear, or misread data. We dig into insights from her new book, Dea
Remember Why You Started: Emy McGuire on Writing Through Doubt
SHARE YOUR COURAGEOUS WRITING MOMENT to the Courage Files for Season 4 and Win a Free Edit What happens when the dream you’ve carried for years starts to feel too heavy?Author and performer Emmy McGuire joins me to talk about the long road to her debut thriller, No One Aboard—a chilling mystery about a family and crew vanishing at sea—and what it took to keep going through rejection, burnout, and
Episode 100: Celebrating Writer Wins + Introducing The Courage Files
SHARE YOUR COURAGEOUS WRITING MOMENT SUPPORT THE PODCASTWe made it to Episode 100! And we are celebrating with a brand-new segment to the podcast called the Courage Files, which will launch in Season 4 (September 2026) This new segment is all about your writing wins—big, small, messy, hard-won, or quietly brave—because one of the most powerful antidotes to doubt is hearing that other writers are s
How to Reset Your Writing Goals (A Gentle Q1 Check-In for Writers + Personal Writing Update)
We’ve reached the end of the first quarter of the year, and this is a perfect moment to pause and ask a far more useful question than “What did I accomplish?”Is the way I’m approaching my writing actually working for me right now?In this short solo episode, I share a gentle, guilt-free Q1 reset and reflection questions to help you course-correct, plus a behind-the-scenes look at my own writing pro
How to Write Horror That Truly Unsettles with Author Nicole M. Wolverton
Want to write fear that actually gets under a reader’s skin—not just jump scares on the page? Start with what unsettles you.Horror and thriller author Nicole M. Wolverton joins me to discuss why discomfort can be more powerful than terror, how writing from your own fears creates unforgettable stories, and why horror can be deeply empowering during difficult times. Nicole is also very candid about
Bitching About Writing: A Cathartic Necessity
Writing can be hard, lonely work. Talking about the struggle can release pressure and help you get back to the page—but only if you’re sharing with the right people.I talk about why feelings aren’t facts, how isolation keeps writers stuck, and how to build a small circle of writing trust that you can lean into when you feel stuck.Timestamps 00:00 Writing Struggle + Isolation 01:44 Listener Questio
Writing with ADHD: Practical Strategies to Finish Your Novel with Nicole Bross
If you’ve ever told yourself you’re lazy, undisciplined, or just “bad at finishing,” this episode might reframe everything.In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I talk with book coach and editor Nicole Bross about how ADHD impacts a writer’s mindset, motivation, and process—especially for those diagnosed later in life. We unpack the shame spiral so many writers fall into, why traditiona
What Literary Agents Look for in a Query Letter (with Ann Rose)
If you’re querying—or even thinking about it—this episode is going to change how you approach your pitch.In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I sit down with literary agent and author Ann Rose to talk about what actually makes a query stand out. (Spoiler: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It has to be clear.) We dig into hook, stakes, market realities, why “Dexter meets Legally Blonde” wor
From 197 Rejections to a Book Deal: Querying, Revisions & Finding the Right Agent with Author Carmela Dutra
What do you do after 197 rejections … for the same book?Well, if you’re author Carmela Dutra, you keep going.In this episode, Carmela shares the real story behind her debut cozy mystery, A Murder Most Foul—from querying too soon and rewriting extensively to finding the right agent after nearly 200 nos. We talk about saggy middles, tense slips, brutal feedback, and what it takes to rebuild a manusc
How to Build Stakes Into Your Novel so Readers Stay Engaged
Blog Post on Stakes with Examples If your story feels flat or like it’s not going anywhere, check your stakes!Today, we break down what stakes really are, why “just make it worse” isn’t helpful advice, and how to create meaningful consequences for your characters that keep readers emotionally invested.We’ll talk personal, relational, and thematic stakes—and how to pressure-test them so your story
On Revision Magic and Not Quitting with Author Kate Broad
What does it really take to build a successful novel? Kate Broad discusses leaving her romance author career to write literary fiction and how her debut novel, Greenwich, required multiple drafts and rewrites. She shares what it's like to scrap early drafts, rebuild the story from the ground up, write complex characters that are hard to like, and what she tells herself when the writing feels
Writing Sex Scenes Without Cringe: What Actually Works in Fiction
How do you write a sex scene that readers actually read and not just skim? That’s what today’s episode is all about! Author Accelerator certified book coaches Stacy Frazer and Jennifer Larkin team up for an honest conversation about writing sex in fiction—without cringe.Stacy and Jen discuss when sex scenes belong in a story, how explicit they need to be, and how to write intimacy that deepens cha
Should You Self-Publish Your Novel? A Conversation with Libby Waterford
Self-publishing isn’t a shortcut nor a consolation prize. It’s a publishing model that works well for some writers and not at all for others.Today, I’m joined by Libby Waterford, a prolific romance author and self-publishing educator with more than twenty books published across pen names.We break down what self-publishing actually involves: the costs writers don’t always anticipate, the level of c
How to Figure Out What the Hell Your Character Wants
“What does my character want?” Sounds like a simple question—until it isn’t. If you’ve ever struggled to figure out the difference between your character's wants and needs, been confused by the language of conscious goals and unconscious goals or desires, this episode is for you! Today, we simplify things so you never get confused again! We look at how goals create momentum on the page to in
Embracing the Struggle: A Conversation with Author Charlene Wang
There’s a persistent myth that if writing feels hard, you’re doing it wrong. This conversation with debut novelist Charlene Wang gently dismantles that idea. We talk honestly about messy drafts, perfectionism, long revision timelines, and the quiet persistence it takes to keep going when doubt creeps in.Charlene shares her path to publishing I'll Follow You, including years of revision, minds
Writing Dystopian Stories with Hope and Representation with Ivette Diaz
What happens when you stop trying to make your story palatable—and start making it true?Today, I'm joined by author Ivette Diaz for a powerful conversation about writing hopeful dystopian stories, the importance of representation on the page, and choosing integrity over marketability. We talk about writing through hard seasons, navigating self-doubt, and why community—not competition—is what
Facing the Fear of Being Judged for What You Write + Setting 2026 Writing Intentions
Draft It Scared Group CoachingReal Talk: Writer to WriterAre you afraid of being judged for what you write? You’re not alone. Me too. And in this episode, I get personal by sharing my writing updates, how publishing a short story felt exposing, and how I’m learning to navigate the fear of being seen for what I write.We also talk about changes to the podcast and setting writing intentions for 2026
Critique Partners & Traditional Publishing: What You Need to Know with Gabrielle K. Byrne
Draft It Scared Group Coaching Open For Enrollment–Apply Here!If you’ve ever questioned how to find the right critique partner—or survive traditional publishing—this episode will feel like a deep breath.Fantasy author and book coach Gabrielle K. Byrne joins me to talk about building healthy critique relationships, navigating the realities of publishing, and learning to let go so you can fall back
A 3-Day Book, a 30-Year Book, and Everything In Between with Author Susan Sloate
What if you wrote one book in three days… and another in thirty years?That’s the creative range of today’s guest, Susan Sloate, and trust me—this conversation will make you breathe a little easier about your own writing timeline.In this episode, Susan and I get real about the messy, magical parts of the writing life: panic, procrastination, emotional landmines, unexpected breakthroughs, and the qu
The Magic of Writing Cozy Mysteries with Iris Applewood
Don’t believe you’re cut out to be a writer? Think again. Cozy mystery author Iris Applewood talks about how personal challenges and a whole lot of curiosity shaped her path to writing cozy mysteries and what she’s learned about the genre.We explore the creation of her magical town, Serenity Falls, how community is a character, and discuss what to do when your “whodunit” isn’t so clear. It’s a gro
Writing Rom-Coms and Outsmarting Your Inner Critic with Regency Romance Author Kate Archer
Info on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredWorking on a rom-com? This conversation with bestselling author Kate Archer is packed with craft insights and the best mindset support!We get into what makes humor land, how to keep your characters authentic, and how to keep conflict fresh in a genre built on familiar beats.Kate also shares how she built her writing life, the routines that keep her g
How a Gratitude Practice Can Reset Your Writing Life
Could a gratitude practice be the reset your writing life needs?Gratitude can shift your mindset, ease the pressure you put on yourself, and bring you back to the heart of why you write. You’ll hear how a simple practice helped me reconnect with my creative life, why it matters specifically for writers, and a challenge to help you create your own writing gratitude list.Timestamps: 00:00 The power
Proof Writing Dreams Have No Expiration Date: A Conversation with Jean Ende
In this episode, I chat with debut author Jean Ende, who published her first novel, Houses of Detention, at seventy-nine. Jean shares what inspired her to start writing, how she mined her family history for fiction, and what she’s learned about persistence, rejection, and finding community along the way.It’s an honest, uplifting reminder that it’s never too late to chase your creative dreams or to
Special Announcement: Black Friday Book Coaching Sale
Special Offer: Mini-Blueprint Strategy Session Author Accelerator is running a Black Friday Book Coaching Sale, and I’m one of 80 certified coaches offering a limited-time Mini Blueprint Strategy Session to help 100 writers get unstuck before the year ends.If you’ve been spinning your wheels or second-guessing your story, this session is designed to help you find clarity and momentum. For $299 USD
How to Give Your Character Agency and Why It Matters
Ever get feedback that your main character feels flat, reactive, or like things just happen to them? That’s because they lack agency, one of the main ingredients in narrative drive — the force that makes readers keep turning the pages and engage with the story. In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, we’re digging into what real agency looks like on the page and how to give your characters
From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak
Struggle to believe your work is good enough? Yeh. Me too. We all do. Ever wonder what it takes to write in a language that isn’t your first—and still sound like you?In this episode, I sit down with writer and book coach Karmen Spiljak to talk about what it really means to write without borders. Karmen shares her journey from Slovenia to indie publishing in English, and the mindset shifts that hel
How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career
What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with fantasy author Michelle Miles, who’s done exactly that.Michelle pulls back the curtain on the realities of indie publishing—how to manage burnout, balance creativity with deadlines, and build systems that let you keep writing for the long haul. We talk
Narrative Drive: The Secret to Story Momentum and Reader Engagement
If you’ve ever worried your story feels flat or stalled, this one’s for you. Today, we’re digging into one of the trickiest but most essential tools in your writer’s toolbox: narrative drive. This is the force that makes your reader lean in, turn the page, and stay invested in your character’s journey.I’ll break down what narrative drive actually is, why it matters so much, and how to wield it on
Messy Girls Changing the World with Kid-Lit Author Ali Terese
Today I’m chatting with middle-grade and YA author Ali Terese, author of Free Period and Vote for the G.O.A.T. Ali shares her journey to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing for kids, and the joy of tackling tough topics with humor. We discuss current word count trends in middle-grade literature, working with critique groups, connecting with librarians and educators, and why rewr
From Quitting All Together to Finishing: How Bruce Buchanan Wrote His Debut Fantasy Novel
Feeling like giving up on your novel?Don’t. In this episode, I talk with fantasy author Bruce Buchanan about how he went from years of false starts to giving up entirely to finally publishing his debut novel, The Blacksmith’s Boy. Bruce shares what finally broke through his mental blocks, how community kept him going, and the role of process in quieting doubt and imposter syndrome. If you’re strug
You Don’t Need a Literary Background to Write Your Novel
Today we’re busting one of the sneakiest myths out there: that you need a literary background to write a great novel. Spoiler—you don’t. In this episode, I share a story from a coaching call, plus my own late start as a novelist, to remind you that credentials matter far less than persistence, passion, and the willingness to keep learning by doing. Writing skills can be learned—but the only thing
Mining Everyday Life for Storytelling Gold with Christine Ma-Kellams
Debut author Christine Ma-Kellams talks about her novel The Band, a story that mixes psychology and K-pop. We dig into how real-life experiences can shape your fiction, what it takes to move through self-doubt, and why chasing perfection is the fastest way to stall your draft.Christine shares her perspective on trusting your subconscious, embracing the chaos of the writing process, and staying gro
Reframing the Dreaded “How’s Your Book Coming?” Question
Nothing cuts quite like that dreaded question: “So… how’s your book coming?” In this episode of Write It Scared, I dig into why it stings, how to answer without spiraling, and how to reframe it into an empowering moment. Because progress isn’t about speed or polish—it’s about staying true to what you value and what you’re making meaning of in your creative life.Timestamps: 00:00 The Writer’s Spir
Stan Yan on Writing Graphic Novels, Creativity, and Authentic Storytelling
Award-winning graphic novelist Stan Yan joins me to talk about his debut late middle-grade graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang (out September 30, 2025). We dig into his creative journey, the highs and lows of publishing, and what it really takes to bring a graphic novel to life.Stan also shares how embracing authenticity fuels his storytelling—and why representation matters. Plus,
Season 3 Kickoff: 8 Prompts to Set Effective Writing Intentions and Goals
In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about what it means to set intentions for your writing life—without the pressure of perfection.I’ll walk you through eight prompts to help you set meaningful goals, reflect on what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and move into the next season of your writing with more clarity and less self-doubt.You’ll also hear about the Polished Page Pack—a free bundle of t
Season 2 Wrap-up: Reflections, Encouragement, Permission.
The final episode of Season 2 is a love letter to all fiction writers.We’ve covered nearly 30 episodes this season, from character arcs to worldbuilding to the emotional ups and downs of putting your work into the world. Before we break for summer, I wanted to leave you with something real: a mix of reflection, encouragement, and a few favorite moments from this season’s guests.You’ll hear reminde
Worldbuilding and the Power of “What If” with Fantasy Author A.M. Deese
Grab my free Worldbuilding Simplified guide. Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the Elements series, how she builds layered magical worlds, and what it really looks like to write through fear, doubt, and procrastination.We dive into the challenges of writing a dynamic fantasy series, how to track all your world details without losing
How to Trust the Process and Stick with Your Story with Author Kristin Offiler
What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming?I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it.Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, including:How her story shifted genres mid-processWhat final
Letting Go of Perfectionism and Portraying Anxiety in Middle Grade Fiction with Gloria Huang
If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you.Gloria Huang, author of the stunning middle grade fantasy Kaya and the Ocean, joins me to talk about:Letting go of perfectionismWriting through self-doubtRevisiting your work with compassionWe dive into how she approached themes like childhood anxiety, identity
Finding the Right Writing Community For You
Details on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredToday, I’m getting personal about one of the biggest game-changers in my writing life: finding the right writing community.We’re talking about why community matters so much (especially when the writing gets hard), how to figure out what kind of group actually supports your goals, and why patience is essential, especially if you’re newer and not qu
Writing Brave with Brooke Adams Law
In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Adams Law—award-winning author, book coach, and founder of the Writing Brave Movement—for a heartfelt conversation on writing with emotional honesty and trusting your inner voice. Brooke gets real about her own writing journey, from rejection to publication, and offers encouragement for navigating perfectionism, procrastination, and the creative wounds that ke
How to Choose the Right Point of View For Your Novel
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Point of view is one of the most important craft decisions you’ll make as a writer—and one of the easiest to get tangled up in. In this episode, we’re breaking down what POV actually is, why it matters, and how to use it with intention.You’ll learn:The pros and cons of first, second, and third person POVWhat terms like “third person limited” and “close”
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story with Gina Kammer
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Win Book Coaching Sessions + More Prizes!This week is all about writing fantasy and building magic systems! We cover:What a magic system is designed to doThe difference between soft vs. hard and low vs. high magic systems (and why knowing the difference matters)Practical ways to ground readers in the familiar, even when your world is totally newStrategie
How to Use Genre to Structure Your Novel
Grab Your Free Ticket to The 2025 Spark To Story Summit (MAY 27-29)Struggling to figure out where your story is going? In this episode, we break down how understanding your content genre can give you a built-in structure for your novel, shaping your plot, character arc, and emotional payoff. We’ll explore the difference between marketing and content genres, explain why genre is more than just a sh
Learning to Dance with Self-Doubt as a Writer with Amy L. Bernstein
Have you ever felt like self-doubt was holding your writing dreams hostage? Oh friend, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I had an incredible chat with the wonderful Amy Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears and Finding Inspiration.We got real about the ways self-doubt creeps into our creative lives, and how—even though it's
One Year Anniversary + Writing, Perimenopause, Procrastination, and Giving Yourself Grace
ENTER THE 1 YEAR Anniversary Celebration to WIN a FREE 90-MIN PLOT STRATEGY SESSION!DOWNLOAD "THE WRITE MINDSET" FREE WORKBOOK from Write It Scared!Writing is challenging enough without beating ourselves up along the way, right? In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m getting personal—celebrating the podcast’s one-year milestone (woohoo!) and opening up about a topic that des
Building Your Author Platform Without the Overwhelm with Nicole Meier & Gretchen Schaffer of Bookworks.co
Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m chatting with two industry experts, Nicole Meier (multi-published author and book coach) and Gretchen Schaffer (marketing and PR strategist), the brilliant team behind Bookworks.coNicole and Gretchen break do
3 Revision Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How to Avoid Them!)
Download your step-by-step self-editing guide with checklist here! Revision can feel like staring into an abyss. Where do you even start? What if you mess up your story? I get it—the revision stage can feel pretty overwhelming. But in this solo episode of Write It Scared, I'm here to help you tackle it head-on.I'll walk you through three big revision mistakes I've personally made (m
Dual POV’s and Writing Despite Rejection with Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible.In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025. Alexandria generously shares the highs, the lows, and all the mes
Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study with Katniss Everdeen
Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what that means.I know—a “flat” arc might sound boring, right? But trust me, flat arcs can be i
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz
If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive into how writing short stories can help you:Stay creatively engaged between big projectsSharpen your storytelling and character workPlay with structure
How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad
Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-deception, and slow-burning transformation, and when do
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to
Planning Your Novel: From Idea to Outline
Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics Summit hosted by Emma Dhesi and we discuss practical strategies for planning and outlining your novel in a way that works for you. The highlights:📌 The fundamentals of storytelling—character, conflict, plot structure, and theme📌 Why mindset matters and h
Poli-Fi Author, Michael Fedor on Writing, Rewriting, and Never Giving Up
Writing a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-winning independent author, to talk about the long, winding road to publishing his debut novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, a political science fiction thriller with deep themes and sharp commentary.Michael shares:✨ How an idea from two decad
Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc
The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real. This character starts with potential, but instead of rising to the occasion, they spiral downward—deeper into moral corruption, delusion, or even self-destruction.The Falling Arc is one of th
Tips on Writing Historical Fiction with Author Susanne Dunlap
What does it take to bring history to life on the page? In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed historical fiction author, writing mentor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse.Susanne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She went from earning a PhD in music history to publishing her first novel at 50, and now she has 14 novels to her name! We chat a
Essentials of Crafting Negative Character Arcs + Deep Dive into the Disillusionment Arc
Not every character’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions.In this episode we do an overview the negative character arcs and then focus on the specifics of the Disillusionment Arc.Unlike positive arcs where characters grow and overcome their flaws, disillusionment arcs are about painful realizations. These characters start believing in something—an ideal, a sy
Valentine’s Special! Crafting Authentic Romance with Trisha Jenn Loehr
FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It ScaredLove is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach. Together, we’re diving headfirst into the art (and heart) of writing authentic romance.We’re unpacking everythin
On Wise Productivity and Building Positive Character Arcs
Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE.Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management.I kick things off by sharing some eye-opening insights inspired by Oliver Burkman’s 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a must-read for anyone rethinking how to make the most of their time (spoiler: it’s not about doing more).
Learning to Say No to "Mom Guilt" with Author MK Pagano.
In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I discuss overcoming guilt as a parent pursuing creative passions and introduce M.K. Pagano, the author of 'Girls Who Burn,' who shares her journey to becoming a published writer. Our conversation highlights the challenges of balancing writing with parenting, dealing with setbacks such as losing an agent, and the importance of community sup
Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs
Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot.I'll share insights on developing authentic characters so readers will empathize with them and want to know more.We'll chat about different character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—and how understanding these can en
Unlocking Your Characters with Michele Regenold
In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants and needs, and identifying their fears. Michele introduces her character development tool 'Interview for Insight,' which aids writers in gaining a
Easing Into 2025 and Setting Smarter Writing Goals
If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals! Remember to practice patience and persistence and incorpor
Overcoming Creative Burnout, Embracing Rest, and Season One Wrap Up
Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered. Thank you to all the guests and listeners! So much good stuff to come in 2025!00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of Creative Ambition01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future
Dear Writer, You're NOT Screwing This Up with Author Rachael Herron
Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey. We dig into story structure, the ups and downs of writing and revising,
Encouragement for the Frustrated Writer
Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript. Remember, every word contributes to your growth
Writing With and About Chronic Illness and Disability with Sandra Postma
Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? If so, this episode is for you. Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chronically ill person, emphasizes the importance of e
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