The Write It Scared Podcast

Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared]. 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 Ambition 01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future Plans 02:33 The Importance of Resting 06:08 Understanding Creative Burnout 07:48 Personal Journey Through Burnout 11:48 Steps to Overcome Burnout 19:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 23:26 Conclusion and Season Two Preview Book and Resources Mentioned in the Show: Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme Atomic Habits by James Clear The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The Write Habits Creative Energy Tracker  [https://mailchi.mp/c626fce7d928/habit-tracker-for-writers] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] 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, and the emotional twists that come with the territory of trying to write your first novel. Rachael opens up about her move to New Zealand, her battles with creative burnout, and how she handles imposter syndrome. Plus, we’ll unpack some practical advice for handling self-doubt, writing shitty drafts, and learning to believe in yourself and your voice.  Join us for insights that will help you navigate the emotional challenges of writing and remind you that you’re not alone and that you are not doing it wrong! 00:18 Introduction  01:22 Meet Rachel Heron 04:08 Rachel's Writing Journey 11:31 The Importance of Story Structure 17:27 Rachel's Writing Process Today 18:42 Refining the Draft: From Messy to Polished 19:08 The Third Draft: Adding the Final Touches 19:56 Reading and Reviewing: The Final Steps 20:31 Teaching and Sharing the Process 20:53 Creating 'Unstuck': A Unique Journey 25:06 The Challenges of Writing and Creativity 30:42 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 32:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers 34:26 Current Projects and Closing Remarks   [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Guest Bio and Links Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she’s taught writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. A dual New Zealand and American citizen, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her banjo-playing wife and brick-eating dog. Books: Unstuck and Fast-Draft Your Memoir, both here [http://rachaelherronbooks.com/] Rachael Herron: Website [http://rachaelherron.com/] | Newsletter [http://rachaelherron.com/subscribe] | Bio [http://rachaelherron.com/bio/] | Patreon [http://patreon.com/rachael] Unstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness, available here [http://rachaelherronbooks.com/] now!  The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, Coming Spring 2025, Hachette Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

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, no matter how discarded it may feel. NO WORDS ARE WASTED.  Writing is a practice.  With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to slow down and appreciate our efforts.  Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your efforts and all the words you write, even the ones you delete.  00:00 Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect First Draft 01:30 Mindset Shift: Gratitude for Unused Words 02:21 Thanksgiving Reflection: Slowing Down and Showing Gratitude 03:47 Embracing the Writing Process: Practice Does Not Make Perfect, It Makes Improvement. 07:49 Encouragement for Writers: You Matter More than You Know. So Does Your Story. 09:21 Conclusion: Keep Writing and Keep Practicing Gratitude! Learn about Small-Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared  [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

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 empathy, self-compassion, and community, reminding us that acknowledging our limitations doesn’t mean we should blame ourselves.  Sandra shares practical tips on avoiding stereotypes in writing and highlights resources designed to support chronically ill writers.  You’ll be inspired as we talk about renowned authors who have faced similar challenges, and Sandra gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming workshop on creating authentic disabled characters—an effort to uplift disabled voices in the publishing landscape. Episode Highlights: 01:23 – Meet Sandra Postma   03:06 – Sandra’s Journey to Writing and Coaching   05:25 – Challenges of Writing with Chronic Illness   09:37 – Empathy, Connection, and Vulnerability   13:33 – Overcoming Internal Narratives   17:09 – Acceptance and Acknowledgement   18:37 – The Value of Your Voice   19:35 – Embracing Your Unique Voice Through Illness   21:28 – The Power of Community for Writers with Chronic Illness   24:08 – Resources and Workshops for Writing Authentic Disabled Characters   26:48 – The Emotional Load of Writing and Overcoming Bias   34:01 – Inspiration from Writers with Disabilities   35:47 – Final Thoughts and Wishes for Fellow Writers   Guest Bio and Links Links and books  mentioned in the show: How To Write An Authentic Disabled Character Workshop [https://yourstorymentor.com/workshop/] by Sandra Postma The Mighty Online Network [https://themighty.com/] Writing The Other: A Practical Approach by Nisi Shawl & Cynthia Ward Sandra Postma is a former journalist who switched from fact to fiction after discovering her own writing held the power for change. Founding Your Story Mentor in 2021, Sandra is now a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and a certified book coach. In her work as a book coach, Sandra helps writers with a chronic illness, disability or mental struggles. She helps writers embrace their unique voice and develop their story ideas into novels. Connect with Sandra on her website [https://yourstorymentor.com/] or follow her on Instagram and threads  @yourstorymentor.  [https://www.instagram.com/yourstorymentor/] Learn more about Small-Group Book Coaching for Fiction Writers with Write It Scared! [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone! In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project. Drawing from insights in Seth Godin’s The Dip, I unpack the tricky phase where doubt creeps in, and we’re tempted to abandon our current work-in-progress for something newer and shinier. I’ll share some thought-provoking questions and journaling prompts to help you figure out if you are dealing with Resistance or if it’s genuinely time to listen to the creative muse and move on to something else. Plus, I’ll point you toward some invaluable resources like Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and How to Decide by Annie Duke. Join me for a deep dive into reflection, aligning your decisions with your values and long-term goals. Whether you choose to move forward with your current project or pivot, this episode will empower you to take the next steps with confidence 00:00 Introduction to the Creative Crossroads 00:42 Facing the Creative Crossroads 01:15 Deciding Whether to Quit or Push Through 02:08 Understanding the Creative Call 03:59 Reflecting on Your Creative Path 04:43 Applying Seth Godin's 'The Dip' to Writing 05:33 The Phases of Writing a Novel 06:43 Understanding the Dip 07:37 Identifying If You're in the Dip 08:34 Facing Resistance 09:26 Journal Prompts for Decision-Making 10:11 The Skill of Finishing 11:03 Recommended Resources 11:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Learn more about Small-Group Book Coaching With Write It Scared  [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]