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 grounded, encouraging conversation about following your heart and finding joy in the my...

Info on Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared Working 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 grounded, and the strategies she uses to push past fear, resistance, and the inner critic...

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 of gratitude in writing 01:33 Why gratitude matters right now 02:23 Dr...

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 finally write the story that’s been waiting for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Finding your creat...

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, you’ll get: Big-Picture Project AnalysisProfessional editorial feedback on your first 3,...

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 the power to act, choose, and change their fate. I’ll walk you through the three key ingre...

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 helped her move past perfectionism, comparison, and imposter syndrome to find joy and freedom...

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 about shifting from traditional to indie publishing, finding joy in the work again, and learnin...

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 the page. We’ll talk about the three C’s—concern, curiosity, and control of information— a...

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 rewriting is where the real magic happens. If you’re navigating your own kid lit path—or ...

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 struggling to finish, this one’s full of encouragement and practical tips! Timestam...

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 that really counts is that you keep showing up. The takeaway? Don’t let yoursel...

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 grounded when social media starts to feel like a trap. This one’s equal parts practical...

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 Spiral 01:27 The Dreaded Question 02:20 Why It Stings 03:27 Refra...

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, parents, librarians, and educators won’t want to miss the giveaway at the end: a chance to win a...

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 tools from expert book coaches and editors to support you wherever you are in your process. Let’...

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 reminders that it’s okay to: Take your timeBe frustratedCelebrate the small winsKeep going even when i...

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 your mind, and why your first draft is supposed to be messy. Whether you write fantasy or ...

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-process What finally clicked after years of rewriting The moment she nearly walked away—and what kept her g...

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 perfectionism Writing through self-doubt Revisiting your work with compassion We dive into how she approached themes like childhood anxiety, identity, and the immigrant experience with honesty and heart. Gloria also shares her path to pub...