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

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.

27: The Exact Questions I Use as a Book Coach to Help Writers Find Their Book Idea

In this live coaching session, Mikaela sits down with nervous system coach and mom of two, Shena Black, to help her narrow down her book idea. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the book-writing process as Mikaela coaches Shena through clarifying her book idea, identifying her message, narrowing her audience, and building a transformational framework designed to help overwhelmed moms experience more peace, presence, and confidence in motherhood.

26: How to Know What Book You’re Meant to Write

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to write a book… but I don’t know what to write about,” this episode is for you. Today, Mikaela walks you through the powerful questions that help aspiring authors move past overwhelm, overthinking, and mental blocks so they can finally gain clarity on their book idea. Drawing from parenting psychology, coaching principles, and years of experience helping women write and publish books, Mikaela explains why asking the right questions can unlock creativity and move you out of “freeze mode” and into action. In this episode, you’ll learn: * Why your “why” matters more than you think * How anger can actually point you toward your message * The problem/solution framework behind compelling nonfiction books * How to know if your book idea will work in the marketplace * Why specificity matters when choosing your topic * The key question that helps determine whether your book has a clear transformation Whether you have too many ideas, no ideas, or you’re simply unsure what direction to take, this episode will help you uncover the message you’re truly meant to write. Plus, Mikaela shares practical exercises and journal prompts you can use immediately to gain clarity and confidence in your next step as an author. Join us for a workshop [https://www.mikaelamathews.com/workshop] here!

25: Book Marketing for Women Who Hate Marketing

Marketing can feel uncomfortable for so many writers. You finally finish the book . . . and then realize people actually need to know it exists. In this episode, Mikaela sits down with marketing strategist and publishing partner Miranda Trudeau to talk about what marketing really is—and what it isn’t. Together, they unpack: • Why marketing feels “icky” for so many women • The mindset shift that changes everything • How to think about marketing as leadership and service • Why relationship-building matters more than algorithms • Social media, Instagram, Threads, and whether you actually need them • How to market your book without becoming someone you’re not • What makes a strong bestseller launch • The practical steps authors should take before launch day This conversation is honest, encouraging, and deeply practical for writers who want to share their work confidently without sounding pushy or performative. Marketing is simply helping the right people find the message they’ve already been looking for.

24: How to Write a Bible Study or Devotional

Have you ever felt called to write a Bible study or devotional but were not sure where to start or how they are different? In this episode, I break it all down for my faith-based writers. We dive into the key differences between devotionals and Bible studies, what readers expect from each, and how you can structure your content to truly impact lives. I walk you through how to create a clear transformation for your reader, choose a focused theme, and build a strong outline that keeps your writing intentional and effective. Whether you are writing for busy moms, women navigating loss, or anyone seeking deeper faith, this episode will give you practical steps and clarity to move forward with confidence. If you are ready to finally bring your Bible study or devotional to life, this episode is for you.