No Mess, No Magic

Intuitive Outlining: How to Use Story Structure Without Feeling Trapped by It

If you've ever opened a beat sheet, stared at a plotting template, and immediately wanted to throw your laptop out a window, this episode is for you. (This is how I am lol) In this conversation, I sit down with book coach and editor Lewis Jorstad to talk about intuitive outlining—a flexible approach to story development that helps writers create stronger stories without sacrificing creativity, curiosity, or the joy of discovery. We explore why traditional outlining methods work brilliantly for some writers and completely fall flat for others, the difference between developing a story and plotting a story, and how to use story structure as a tool rather than a cage. Lewis also shares his approach to "waypoint scenes," how character motivations shape plot, and why there may be thousands of good versions of your novel! Along the way, we discuss: * Why some writers feel stuck by traditional outlining methods * The difference between plotting, outlining, and story development * How to use character motivations to create organic plot * What to do if your ideas only show up while you're actively drafting * Why perfectionism keeps writers trapped in endless outlining and revision * The "helicopter vs. forest" analogy for understanding your natural writing process (I was obsessed with this!) * How to know when you're ready to start drafting * Why discomfort is a normal part of writing—and how to tell when it's helping you grow Whether you're a dedicated plotter, a die-hard pantser, or someone who's tried both and hated both, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on finding a writing process that works for you. About Lewis Jorstad Lewis Jorstad is the editor and book coach behind The Novel Smithy, where he helps debut fiction writers turn their messy drafts into finished novels they’re proud to publish. With over eight years of experience, Lewis has edited 250+ manuscripts, written seven bestselling writing guides, and supported over 2,000 writers around the world. These days, he's on a mission to help writers embrace their brain’s intuitive way of telling stories, while also creating page-turning novels readers can’t put down. Check out Lewis's offers here: https://thenovelsmithy.com/ [https://thenovelsmithy.com/] Find Monica's website here: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/]

Writing Novels With Your Voice with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Monica talks with fiction author and educator Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about dictation, accessibility, and why writing with your voice is still writing. Sarah shares how she went from struggling with dictation for seven years to using it to draft 14 books, and now teaches other authors how to make the shift from typing to speaking their stories. Together, Monica and Sarah explore dictation as a sustainable writing tool, especially for writers with disabilities, chronic pain, ADHD, autism, screen fatigue, or anyone who feels chained to their desk. They also talk about oral storytelling traditions, why “shortcuts” aren’t cheating, the learning curve of dictation, Sarah’s DRAFT framework, and how writers can practice dictation without putting pressure on their current work-in-progress. Want to learn to dictate? Sarah us offering a HUGE discount on her Fictation Course exclusively for listeners of No Mess, No Magic. Check it out here: https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation-digital-course-coupon/?coupon=NOMESSNOMAGIC [https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation-digital-course-coupon/?coupon=NOMESSNOMAGIC] Find Sarah's freebies here: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation [https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation] Find Monica at the links below: Monica's website: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Book a Curiosity Call: https://monicahay.com/curious [https://monicahay.com/curious] Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/] Waitlist to join the Writer's Way Community: https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/communitywaitlist [https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/communitywaitlist] Takeaways * Dictation as a writing method * Overcoming challenges in dictation Practice and repetition are essential for skill development * Dictation can be a valuable tool for writers Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Friendship * 07:00 Overcoming Resistance to Dictation * 13:29 Beginner's Curve in Dictation * 21:24 The Importance of Practice and Repetition * 29:02 Tools and Techniques for Dictation * 35:22 Learning Dictation and Where to Find Resources

Writing for Approval Is Killing Your Creativity with Rachel May

We get SPICY in this one! About Rachel: Rachel May is a published author and powerhouse coach who brings a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to writing craft, mindset, and process. As a writer with ADHD, Rachel is intimately familiar with the frustrations that traditional writing “rules” can bring—especially for writers who feel like they just don’t fit the mold. Rachel’s sessions go beyond typical craft lectures; they’re about healing writing roadblocks, creating a process you’ll actually want to stick with, and building momentum toward the book you’ve always dreamed of finishing. To check out Rachel's work, click here: https://goldenmayediting.com/ [https://goldenmayediting.com/] The conversation delves into the challenges of being a high achiever and the impact of achievement on creativity. It also explores the journey of overcoming the need for external validation and approval, focusing on self-love and self-acceptance. We talk self-love and creativity, exploring the impact of perfectionism, and the fear of failure. We also examine the influence of capitalism on creativity and the societal pressure to achieve success. Find Monica's website here: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Find Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/] Want good shit in your inbox? Subscribe to Monica's newsletter: https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/newsletter [https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/newsletter] Want to explore working with Monica? Book a curiosity call here: https://calendly.com/monicahay/discovery-call [https://calendly.com/monicahay/discovery-call] Takeaways * High achiever challenges * Self-validation and approval Self-love and creativity * Perfectionism and fear of failure Chapters * 00:00 Overcoming the Need for Validation * 25:40 Embracing Self-Love and Creativity * 36:31 Impact of Capitalism on Creativity

Self Publishing and Successful Marketing with Annie Abel

About Annie: Annie is a German-born author who now lives in the Netherlands, where she cycles through the countryside like a main character in a moody indie film—if that character were also late to school pickup and covered in cat hair. She writes romcoms full of grumps, banter, and emotional chaos, because love should come with laughter and a mild identity crisis. She lives with her British husband, two small tornadoes disguised as children, and exactly two cats. When she’s not writing or drawing, she’s watching drag and pretending her fictional characters didn’t just emotionally damage her. Find her website here! [https://annieabelbooks.com/] Annie Abel discusses her book 'Two Truths and a Lie' and her experience with self-publishing and audiobooks. She also shares insights on creative freedom, marketing, and the indie publishing community. The conversation covers topics such as marketing strategies for indie authors, staying true to one's creative vision, self-publishing advice, and managing a busy life as a writer. Anne-Marie Alcott shares insights on book launches, writing processes, and the challenges of balancing family and writing career. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creativity in the writing process. Takeaways * Creative freedom in self-publishing allows authors to take risks and write stories they want to read. * Networking and seizing opportunities play a key role in indie book marketing. Marketing strategies for indie authors * Staying true to creative vision * Self-publishing advice * Balancing family and writing career Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Book Overview * 07:55 The Audiobook Journey * 15:01 Creative Freedom in Self-Publishing * 22:20 Approach to Marketing and Networking * 31:39 Self-Publishing Advice * 37:20 Balancing Family and Writing Career

What My Mom Taught Me About Creativity (and Sacrifice)

Join this conversation with my mommyyy, Stacy Blum-Hay. What happens to creativity over a lifetime? Visit my mom's website here. [http://www.stacyhay.com/] The conversation explores the therapeutic nature of art, the influence of family on artistic pursuits, the challenge of overcoming critical self-perception, the balance between art and family responsibilities, and the impact of education on creativity. The conversation delves into the importance of education and its impact on creativity, the influence of society on creative pursuits, the challenges of pursuing creative writing, the role of art in society, raising creative children, the impact of stability on creativity, the need for support and recognition of the arts, and encouraging creativity and artistic expression. The discussion emphasizes the significance of education in fostering creativity and the societal impact on artistic pursuits. Takeaways * Art as Therapy * The Impact of Family on Art * Overcoming Critical Self-Perception Supporting creativity * The impact of education on creativity Chapters * 00:00 Art as Therapy * 09:35 Overcoming Critical Self-Perception * 17:39 Balancing Art and Family * 26:16 Creativity and Education * 31:39 The Importance of Education and Creativity * 40:19 The Role of Art in Society * 45:31 The Need for Support and Recognition of the Arts * 52:16 Encouraging Creativity and Artistic Expression