Exit Plan: Writer

EP10: Writing Your First Action Adventure – with Michelle Jensen

What does it take to write a female-led action-adventure novel inspired by Xena, Buffy and Indiana Jones? Travel blogger and debut novelist Michelle Jensen talks about creating a strong female protagonist, researching real history and mythology, finishing a first draft, editing over several years, and querying literary agents. We also discuss bad editor experiences, cutting word count, and the reality of turning a first novel into a publishable book. You can find Michelle at https://www.travelherstory.com and sign up to recieve news about her book at https://www.travelherstory.com/deferring-death Summary In this conversation, Dajana and Michelle discuss the journey of writing a novel, the challenges of travel blogging, and the importance of creating strong female characters. Michelle shares her experiences with research, editing, and the publishing process, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on her writing journey. They explore the balance between writing and other responsibilities, the monetization of blogs, and the realities of the writing industry. Keywords writing, travel blogging, novel, female characters, publishing, editing, querying, storytelling, adventure, creativity

EP09: The Writing Advice Nobody Gives You – with Lori Puma

What do most writing craft books leave out—and how can you avoid getting stuck mid-draft? In this episode of Exit Plan Writer, I talk with developmental editor and story coach Lori Puma, author of the free ebook What Fiction Craft Books Left Out. Free to download here: https://loripuma.com/craft-books-skip Lori shares why genre fiction authors (romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller) struggle with missing guidance, how to build a strong story foundation, and why antagonists are the secret to page-turning plots. We also dig into my own work-in-progress, with Lori giving live coaching on character arcs, conflict, and how to avoid a “Frankenstein” draft. If you’ve ever wondered what a developmental editor really does—or how to take your messy middle to a finished, reader-hooking novel—this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t find in traditional craft guides. You can find Lori at www.loripuma.com And me at www.exitplanwriter.com

EP08: Update – Writing While Back at the Day Job

An update to experiment number two. How exactly is writing going now that I’m back at the day job? In this episode I discuss the sacrifices one has to make to obtain the things we want. I reflect on what I learned during my hiatus from work now that I can compare the two situations properly. Tune in to listen to why I feel unstructured time is important.

EP07: What Top Authors Actually Earn & the Cash Flow Dilemma

In this solo episode, I share the money lessons from my first 8-week experiment of ditching the day job to focus on writing. Running a writing business is still a business, and cash flow matters more than I first realized. I talk honestly about the “cash flow dilemma,” what it really takes to fund creative work, and why pretending money doesn’t matter only leads to stress later. I also pull back the curtain on what six-figure authors like Joanna Penn, Sasha Black, and Rachael Herron are actually earning, and how they combine multiple income streams—from book sales to nonfiction, courses, and Patreon. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an author entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to make writing sustainable, this episode gives you a grounded look at the financial side of a creative life. Email me at Podcast@exitplanwriter.com or go to my Substack https://exitplanwriter.substack.com

EP06: A Writing Life at Sea – with Paul Trammell

A story about leaving everything and building a writing life on board a sailboat. In this episode I interview author and sailor Paul Trammell to talk about creativity, solitude, writing routines, and how he’s built a multi-stream writing life from the sea. Mentioned in this episode: * Paul Trammell’s website [https://www.paultrammell.com/] and books [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9V9T8K4] * Dream Chasers and Eccentrics podcast [https://www.paultrammell.com/dream-chasers-and-eccentrics] * Offshore Sailing and Cruising podcast [https://www.paultrammell.com/oscpodcastshownotes] * Paul’s books The Gold Box, Until They Bury Me, and On a Belt of Foaming Seas Keywords: writing routine, author productivity, writing on a sailboat, how to write on the road, self-publishing tips, distraction-free writing, AI and writing, author life, sailing author, writing podcast, creative process. You can find me over on Substack [https://exitplanwriter.substack.com/] or write me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com