What if I don't know how to rest?

What if I don't know how to rest?

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the question, “What if I don’t know how to rest?” Many writers live with a constant sense of being behind. Claire unpacks why this feeling persists even when we work harder, and how fear-based productivity patterns can make genuine rest feel unsafe. Using the Enneagram, Claire examines the beliefs that keep each type pushing past their limits, and offers practical ways to identify what kind of rest you actually need. If you’ve been struggling with chronic exhaustion, this episode provides a framework for building a healthier relationship with rest. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * Why feeling perpetually behind is often a mindset problem, not a productivity problem * How unrealistic expectations create chronic stress and burnout * The fear-based beliefs that keep each Enneagram type overworking * How to identify whether your head, heart, body, or soul is exhausted * How five-minute breaks can become the foundation for deeper, more sustainable rest Resources Mentioned * Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC [http://books2read.com/WIC] * Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com [http://liberatedwriter.com] Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: * Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. * Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. * Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

What if I keep taking on too much?

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explains the deeper patterns behind chronic overcommitment, and the internal wounds that drive us to take on more than we realistically can. Claire breaks down the distinction between having too much to do (often due to systemic pressures) and taking on too much (a pattern driven by fear and unconscious beliefs). Using the Enneagram, she explores how each type overextends themselves, and why letting go can feel unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * The difference between systemic overload vs. self-driven overcommitment * How overworking can be a form of emotional overcompensation * The concept of antisocial vs. pro-social effort in your author life * How guilt can show up when you start breaking old patterns * Why disappointing others can be necessary for growth Resources Mentioned * Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC [http://books2read.com/WIC] * Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com [http://liberatedwriter.com] Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: * Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. * Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. * Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Special announcement - Liberati registration

Claire announces open registration for her author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and register by May 22nd at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati [http://www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati]. Happy Writing!

What if I struggle with community?

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores why building and maintaining community can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable skill for authors who want a sustainable career. From the push-pull tension between individual needs and group dynamics to the deeply ingrained patterns that make connection difficult, Claire breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when we “struggle with community.” Using the Enneagram, she highlights the unconscious behaviors that can quietly sabotage relationships—and how to begin shifting them. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, avoided author groups, or only reached out when you needed something… this episode offers a compassionate but honest look at what it takes to build real, mutually supportive connections. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * Why community is becoming an essential skill for authors (not just a “nice to have”) * The hidden cost of trying to “go it alone” in your writing career * Why community must be built before you urgently need it * The difference between connection and extraction in author relationships * How the tension between self vs. others shows up in every community * Why avoiding conflict actually weakens connection * How ego (your protective armor) interferes with meaningful relationships * Why accountability is an act of care—not punishment Practical Reflection Questions * Do I tend to prioritize my needs or others’ needs in community? * Where do I avoid conflict instead of engaging with it? * Do I only seek connection when I need something? * What patterns might I be bringing into relationships unconsciously? Resources Mentioned * Write Iconic Characters Claire’s guide to using the Enneagram for character development → books2read.com/WIC [https://books2read.com/WIC] * Liberated Writer (Website) Coaching, courses, and resources for authors → liberatedwriter.com [https://liberatedwriter.com] Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform—it helps other authors find the show Share this episode with a writer who’s navigating community challenges Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life Your support helps keep these conversations going—and supports a more connected, sustainable writing community. Happy writing!

A special announcement: The Liberati

Claire announces her upcoming author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and join the waitlist at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati [http://www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati].