72: Why Writing Should Be Easy: Moving Through Life (and a Book) Intentionally

76: The Labels We Wear: Vera Milan Gervais on Rewriting Identity and Confidence

Vera Milan Gervais: Trading Defective Labels for Your Soul-Wordz I was so excited to welcome Vera Milan Gervais, author of The Wordz We Wear: How to Show Up with Confidence and Create Your Best Life. Vera and I dove deep into her writing journey, starting with her childhood memories of hiding in books. Vera's book explores the powerful concept that words are labels—much like clothing—and that they actually affect how we show up—including our Actions, Behaviors, and Choices (she calls these the ABCs). It's amazing how simply changing just one word can transform your identity, as she did when she claimed the powerful label of "adventurous introvert". She opened up about her writing process, including how she had to step away from justifying her book with medical research and instead lean into emotion and storytelling. She calls her writing process a "patchwork quilt" that came together through interviews with 33 women. We also touched on the unique container she created for writing: dedicating five-hour blocks on Saturday and Sunday mornings while her husband plays golf—making her a proud "golf writer." I hope you enjoy this exploration of personal growth, the importance of practice over perfection, and the continuous process of becoming your best self. Key Takeaways: * Identity isn't fixed. Embrace the continuous cycle of "be, believe, become," where you embody who you're capable of becoming and leading to the next level of your identity. * Words are labels that define and confine you, just like clothes. Changing a single word (like Vera did, from "introvert" to "adventurous introvert") can change how you show up in the world. * Success is an emotion for women. Most women describe success using words like "freedom," "flexibility," or "joy," rather than traditional markers like money or power. * Confidence is an intentional practice. Choose to do difficult things to continually learn how and build confidence for the future. * Trust your instincts over research. When writing her book, Vera realized she was hiding what she wanted to say in research and had to let go of 75% of her initial draft to trust her own emotional truth. * Create a large, dedicated container for writing. Even if you're not writing the entire time, having a five-hour block of "activation time" allows for research, pondering, drawing, and moving Post-it notes. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Vera 00:51 Books and Hiding 03:31 Writer Dreams Detoured 06:37 The Spark Behind Wordz 09:47 Defective Label Shift 15:02 Themes From 33 Women 17:50 Writing the Book 24:35 Weekend Golf Writer 29:34 Coauthoring and Substack Writing 33:47 TED Talk Insights 36:07 Next Books 37:01 Tea Writing Ritual Links from today's episode: * Vera Milan Gervais's Book: The Wordz We Wear: How to Show Up with Confidence and Create Your Best Life [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1998754448] * Explore Vera's website [https://www.veragervais.com/], connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-milan-gervais/], and read on Substack [https://veramilangervais.substack.com/] Meet Vera Milan Gervais: Vera Milan Gervais [My-lan Jer-vay] is a keynote and TEDx speaker, author, award-winning businesswoman and success mentor who helps women develop confidence. Her Wordz We Wear® programs inspire women to challenge limiting labels and embrace their innate talents and leadership skills. She's an adventurous introvert who has jumped from a helicopter into the ocean, faced a Python on safari, built businesses with her husband, and explored all seven continents – despite a birth defect, multiple surgeries, and chronic pain. An entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience, Vera has been named a Woman of Distinction and twice nominated as a Woman of Influence. She's a proud mother of two who lives near the ocean in New Brunswick, Canada, with her husband Marcel and 100 pairs of earrings. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

PART 1: Start Here | Writing with the Moon Book | Ep 75

Years ago, when I heard Alex Hormozi read his entire book on his podcast, The Game, for free. I thought it was brilliant and knew I'd do it for my next book. Why aren't more authors doing this? So I'm doing it. In this episode, I begin reading Writing with the Moon aloud — in full, for free — starting with PART ONE, INTRODUCTION. I cover: * Why I wrote this book, including the declaration that felt like a confession * Using Astrology as a Writing Tool * The Sun (Yang) and the Moon (Yin) * How to Use the Moon as a Gentle Architecture to Find Your Unique Writing Rhythm Welcome to How Women Write, hosted by author, writing mentor, and founder of The Intuitive Writing School, Jacqueline Fisch. On this podcast, you'll hear how to find your writing voice, write with your natural rhythm, and use your words to grow your business and leave your mark. Grab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] Tired of writing alone? Click here. [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] Timestamps 00:00 Welcome 01:40 Introduction: A Writer Not Writing 04:15 Surrender and Finding Flow 05:55 Discovering Moon Alignment 07:50 Astrology as a Writing Tool 09:40 Faith and Celestial Wisdom 13:20 Sun and Moon Energies 20:18 How to Use the Moon as a Gentle Architecture to Find Your Unique Writing Rhythm 21:51 Moon Phase Overview Follow Jacqueline Fisch: Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/]

74: When Criticism Cuts You Off at the Knees: Finishing Your Memoir Anyway — with Rose Hurst

Rose Hurst on Memoir Writing, Self-Publishing, and Overcoming Overeating I absolutely loved this conversation with Rose Hurst, author of the new memoir, I Ate Everything But the Napkins: How I Overcame Overeating. Rose's story is truly a testament to the idea that the path you think you're on might not be the one that leads to your most meaningful work. Rose and I dove into the incredible story behind her 2026-released memoir, which spans her life from a sheltered upbringing on a farm in Canada to working in the Arctic, and then an unexpected journey to Australia, where her overeating began. She shares how she accidentally discovered the root cause of her compulsion: the fear and anxiety of being so far from home. It's a powerful conversation about finding your way back to your native country, your native self, and healing through writing. Rose also walks us through the challenges of moving from freelance magazine writing to publishing a full-length book, including why she chose self-publishing—and the endless, unexpected tweaks involved in the process. We discuss the criticism that nearly made her quit (and did, for over a year!), the sheer vulnerability of sharing your deepest life memories, and why sometimes you just have to let your imperfect work go. Key Takeaways: * Rose accidentally started her memoir while taking a writing course in 2020, proving you don't always need a grand plan to begin your most important work. * The memoir covers Rose's adventurous, non-linear life, including working in the Arctic and meeting her first love, who she met while working at a bank in Yellowknife, and how she overcame overeating. * Another writer told Rose she should cut her memoir by a third, a devastating criticism that led her to put the draft away for over a year. * Rose's favorite writing ritual involves doing her diary from the day before, followed by "Future Scripting," which she says has been better than antidepressants. * Book marketing advice: If you're sick of hearing yourself talk about your book, say it three more times, because not everyone is hearing your message. * Rose's advice for memoirists is to be prepared for the vulnerability of reliving your memories and to understand that you don't have to publish it—you can write it purely for yourself. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Rose and Her Memoir 00:57 The Memoir Class 02:01 Yellowknife Arctic Adventures 04:52 On Overeating 06:06 Why Australia Triggered Food 08:23 Daily Writing Habits 09:15 Self Publishing Choices 12:30 Endless Book Production Tweaks 17:03 Short Form Writing Adventures 18:19 A 50 Word Story 19:20 Book Marketing Marathons 21:48 Substack as Fuel 22:45 Letting The Book Go 24:42 How Rose Celebrates 26:30 Memoir Vulnerability Advice 33:31 Finishing And Farewell Links from today's episode: * Rose Hurst's book: I ATE EVERYTHING BUT THE NAPKINS: HOW I OVERCAME OVEREATING: A Story of Adventure, Lost Love, and the Consequences [https://www.amazon.com/ATE-EVERYTHING-BUT-NAPKINS-Consequences/dp/1805419498/] * Rose Hurst's Substack: Memoirist in the Museum [https://rosehurst431.substack.com/] Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

73: It's a Release, Not a Launch: The Truth About a Self-Published Author's Book Birthday

Behind the Scenes of My Intentional Book Release Week My fourth book, Writing With the Moon: Daily Practices to Unlock Your Voice, Write with Flow, and Align With the Power of Astrology, is officially out in the world, and I'm taking you behind the scenes of my release week. I intentionally refer to this as a book "release" — or a "book birth day" — rather than a "launch." A launch feels like carelessly hurling something out, but a release is intentional, like an exhale. I kept my release day intentionally light and spacious. It started like a regular Tuesday with a trip to the gym, where I was reminded that just showing up (to exercise or to write) can lead to unexpected flow and surprising results. I sat with my book and oatmeal in the sun and realized I hadn't done any journaling specific to the release, so I quickly wrote about my biggest vision for the book. I cleared my to-do list during a Co-Writing & Chill session with studio members, then celebrated with a relaxing pedicure, veggie sushi, and funny TV with my family. This book felt light and easy to write because I had lived the material for five years and tested it with my clients and community over two years, allowing it to unfold rather than forcing the process. I know writing a book does not have to be a struggle. If you've already ordered the book, thank you! And if you have the book, an Amazon review would be wonderful — early purchases and reviews really help a self-published author like me with visibility and rankings. Key Takeaways: * Choose the energy for your book release day intentionally — you're nurturing sacred work over time, not forcing a high-pressure launch. * Get out of your own way and show up to write because, once you start moving, the words often pour out … sometimes in surprising ways. * Journaling about your biggest vision for your book is a crucial step for aligning your energy with your work. * Writing a book doesn't have to be a struggle — the process can unfold while feeling light and easy. * Support a self-published author by ordering early and leaving an Amazon review, which is vital for visibility and ranking ;) Links From Today's Episode: * Order Writing with the Moon and get the Bonus Bundle [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] * Writing with the Moon on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736554263] * Join The Intuitive Writing Studio to live the book [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] Timestamps 00:00 Book Release Behind-The-Scenes 00:40 Release Not Launch 01:22 Books are Like Babies 02:25 A Low-Key Release Day 02:38 Gym Lesson On Showing Up at the Page 03:43 Future State Journaling 05:04 Release Day To-Do Sprint 06:29 A Cozy Celebration 08:37 Why This Book Felt Easy 10:13 Bonuses Reviews And Thanks Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive W [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com]https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] https://drive.google.com/open?id=18RlMLg_CRv65b0DTtr1Vf_BAhc6y1t24P1jfult8zbYWriting Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

72: Why Writing Should Be Easy: Moving Through Life (and a Book) Intentionally

How I Wrote and Self-Published Writing with the Moon My fourth book, Writing with the Moon, is launching, and I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into the real process. Self-publishing is a lot like owning a business — you plan what you can, and then you let the rest go. This project was a slow-writing one, but not in a draining way. Writing with the Moon documented not just a writing process, but a process for living — moving through the world by following the moon and my energy. I started writing in March 2024 on the first day of Aries season, the real New Year's Day. The process came together quickly: I worked on one sign at a time as the moon traveled through it, drafting from the new moon to the full moon, often in 30-60-minute slices. I kept the writing clean by tuning out research and other astrologers' voices — I wanted it to be truly mine. After the initial draft, I tested the material daily with my writing community, the Intuitive Writing Studio, through daily voice memos and monthly live workshops. Writing this book was easy and fun, which proved to me the difference that working with my body's energy makes, a major personal growth shift since I drafted Unfussy Life nearly 10 years ago. Publishing involves many moving pieces, like hiring an editor, a proofreader, and a cover designer, and getting physical proofs — all totally worth the time. I can't wait to hear how you use this book and what it inspires you to write. Key Takeaways * Writing with your energy and unique rhythm creates a much easier, more joyful process compared to pushing through burnout. * The book was drafted by writing about each of the 12 zodiac signs as the moon traveled through them. * To keep your work "clean," intentionally tune out outside voices and research during the initial, quick, surrendered first draft. * Self-publishing requires aligning many pieces — editors, cover designers, and physical proofs — and can be prone to minor tech issues — roll with them. * Strategically choosing an astrological launch date — and how I landed on a Tuesday during the waxing moon to use the moon's light as a "spotlight" to support the project's growth. Links From Today's Episode: * Join The Intuitive Writing Studio to live the book [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Order the Writing with the Moon [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] & get the bonus bundle Timestamps 00:00 Book Launch Peek 01:36 Moon Guided Writing 03:03 Drafting Without Noise 04:19 Testing With Community 06:50 Self-Publishing On Amazon 09:19 Launch Month Surprises 11:28 Astrological Release Timing 14:56 Next Book Tease 16:19 Book Bonuses And How To Claim 18:08 Final Send Off Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]