For Women who Write

32. What if I'm not a writer?

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela challenges one of the most common beliefs aspiring authors hold: “I’m not a writer.” If you've ever felt like you aren't creative enough, talented enough, or qualified enough to write a book, this conversation is for you. Mikaela explores how limiting beliefs formed through past experiences, criticism, and self-doubt can keep women from pursuing the book that's been on their hearts for years. Through personal stories and powerful examples, she reveals why writing isn't about fitting a certain mold or possessing natural talent. Instead, it's about showing up consistently, developing your skills, and embracing the identity of someone who has something meaningful to share. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the belief “I’m not a writer” may be the biggest obstacle standing between you and your book • How past experiences can shape your identity—and how to rewrite that narrative • The difference between being a writer and feeling like a writer • Why consistency and practice matter more than perfection • How to redefine “good writing” as creating transformation for your readers • Practical mindset shifts to help you start writing with more confidence and less fear If you've been waiting for permission to write your book, this episode is your reminder that writers are simply people who write. Your story matters, your message has value, and the book you dream of writing may be much closer than you think.

31: The Right Season to Write | A Conversation with Miranda Trudeau

What does it really look like to write a book while running businesses, raising children, and managing everyday life? In this episode, Mikaela sits down with author, marketer, and entrepreneur Miranda Trudeau to talk about the honest realities of writing and launching a book. Miranda shares how she knew it was finally the right season to write her second book, No Place I'd Rather Be, the systems that helped her make progress in small pockets of time, and what it took to successfully launch the book to bestseller status. Together, they discuss balancing motherhood and creativity, overcoming imposter syndrome, building a launch strategy that feels authentic, and why defining success before you write can change everything. Whether you're still dreaming about writing your first book or preparing to launch your next one, this conversation will encourage you to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start taking the next step. In this episode, you'll learn: *  How to know if it's the right season to write a book  *  The difference between "sprint" writers and "marathon" writers  *  How to create time for writing in a busy life  *  What a successful book launch actually looks like  *  Why marketing starts long before launch day  *  How to define success for your book beyond sales  *  Why your unique perspective matters—even in a crowded market  If you've been waiting for a sign to write the book, this might be it.

30: When should you hire a book coach or editor?

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela answers one of the most important questions aspiring authors face: When should you hire a book coach or editor? Through a personal story about assembling furniture without following the instructions, Mikaela shares why having the right guidance from the beginning can save writers time, frustration, and unnecessary revisions. She explains the distinct roles of a book coach and an editor, how they support different stages of the writing journey, and why she believes coaching is most valuable at the start of the process. In this episode, you'll discover: * The difference between a book coach and an editor * Why early support can strengthen your book's foundation * Common mistakes writers make when trying to navigate the process alone * The importance of structure, strategy, and accountability * How to gain clarity and confidence in your book idea before you start writing Whether you're still exploring a book idea or already working on a manuscript, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and purpose. For more information about Mikaela's one-on-one strategy sessions, check out the links in the show notes.

29: So You Don't Know What to Write About

In this solo episode of For Women Who Write Podcast, Mikaela tackles one of the biggest struggles aspiring authors face: figuring out what to write about. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to write a book, but I don’t know what my book should be about,” or “I have too many ideas and no clarity,” this episode will help you move past the mental block and finally gain direction. Drawing from both coaching and parenting, Mikaela shares how asking the right questions can move you out of overwhelm, overthinking, and “freeze mode” and into clarity and action. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: *  The 7 powerful questions to ask before writing your book  *  How to uncover the deeper reason you want to write  *  Why anger and frustration can point you toward your strongest message  *  How to identify the problem your book is meant to solve  *  The difference between a legacy book and a marketplace book  *  How to narrow your topic so your message actually stands out  *  Why specificity matters if you want readers to find and trust you  *  How to know if your book idea has real transformation potential  Whether you’re overflowing with ideas or completely stuck, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum toward your book. Sometimes the breakthrough comes from asking better questions and giving yourself permission to explore the answers honestly.

28: Why Structure Changes Everything When Writing a Book | Interview with Kristin Haluch

In this episode of For Women Who Write Podcast, Mikaela sits down with leadership coach and strategist Kristen to talk about the real behind-the-scenes journey of writing and publishing her first book, The Mama Bear Leader: How Human Centered Leadership Can Reimagine the Way We Work. From navigating self-doubt and stop-start momentum to finding clarity through structure, Kristen shares how she went from “I think I want to write a book” to completing a manuscript that now serves as the foundation of her coaching business and speaking platform. Together, Mikaela and Kristen dive into: *  How to know if your ideas are meant to become a book  *  Why structure and outlining can completely change the writing process  *  Balancing writing with motherhood, work, and everyday life  *  Using your book to clarify your message and build your brand  *  The mindset shifts required to finally finish your manuscript  *  What it really feels like to prepare for your first book launch  If you’ve been sitting on a book idea, struggling to organize your thoughts, or wondering whether your story and expertise are “enough,” this conversation will encourage you to keep going. Because your book doesn’t just change your business — it changes you.