74: When Criticism Cuts You Off at the Knees: Finishing Your Memoir Anyway — with Rose Hurst

74: When Criticism Cuts You Off at the Knees: Finishing Your Memoir Anyway — with Rose Hurst

Rose Hurst on Memoir Writing, Self-Publishing, and Overcoming Overeating I absolutely loved this conversation with Rose Hurst, author of the new memoir, I Ate Everything But the Napkins: How I Overcame Overeating. Rose's story is truly a testament to the idea that the path you think you're on might not be the one that leads to your most meaningful work. Rose and I dove into the incredible story behind her 2026-released memoir, which spans her life from a sheltered upbringing on a farm in Canada to working in the Arctic, and then an unexpected journey to Australia, where her overeating began. She shares how she accidentally discovered the root cause of her compulsion: the fear and anxiety of being so far from home. It's a powerful conversation about finding your way back to your native country, your native self, and healing through writing. Rose also walks us through the challenges of moving from freelance magazine writing to publishing a full-length book, including why she chose self-publishing—and the endless, unexpected tweaks involved in the process. We discuss the criticism that nearly made her quit (and did, for over a year!), the sheer vulnerability of sharing your deepest life memories, and why sometimes you just have to let your imperfect work go. Key Takeaways: * Rose accidentally started her memoir while taking a writing course in 2020, proving you don't always need a grand plan to begin your most important work. * The memoir covers Rose's adventurous, non-linear life, including working in the Arctic and meeting her first love, who she met while working at a bank in Yellowknife, and how she overcame overeating. * Another writer told Rose she should cut her memoir by a third, a devastating criticism that led her to put the draft away for over a year. * Rose's favorite writing ritual involves doing her diary from the day before, followed by "Future Scripting," which she says has been better than antidepressants. * Book marketing advice: If you're sick of hearing yourself talk about your book, say it three more times, because not everyone is hearing your message. * Rose's advice for memoirists is to be prepared for the vulnerability of reliving your memories and to understand that you don't have to publish it—you can write it purely for yourself. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Rose and Her Memoir 00:57 The Memoir Class 02:01 Yellowknife Arctic Adventures 04:52 On Overeating 06:06 Why Australia Triggered Food 08:23 Daily Writing Habits 09:15 Self Publishing Choices 12:30 Endless Book Production Tweaks 17:03 Short Form Writing Adventures 18:19 A 50 Word Story 19:20 Book Marketing Marathons 21:48 Substack as Fuel 22:45 Letting The Book Go 24:42 How Rose Celebrates 26:30 Memoir Vulnerability Advice 33:31 Finishing And Farewell Links from today's episode: * Rose Hurst's book: I ATE EVERYTHING BUT THE NAPKINS: HOW I OVERCAME OVEREATING: A Story of Adventure, Lost Love, and the Consequences [https://www.amazon.com/ATE-EVERYTHING-BUT-NAPKINS-Consequences/dp/1805419498/] * Rose Hurst's Substack: Memoirist in the Museum [https://rosehurst431.substack.com/] Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

73: It's a Release, Not a Launch: The Truth About a Self-Published Author's Book Birthday

Behind the Scenes of My Intentional Book Release Week My fourth book, Writing With the Moon: Daily Practices to Unlock Your Voice, Write with Flow, and Align With the Power of Astrology, is officially out in the world, and I'm taking you behind the scenes of my release week. I intentionally refer to this as a book "release" — or a "book birth day" — rather than a "launch." A launch feels like carelessly hurling something out, but a release is intentional, like an exhale. I kept my release day intentionally light and spacious. It started like a regular Tuesday with a trip to the gym, where I was reminded that just showing up (to exercise or to write) can lead to unexpected flow and surprising results. I sat with my book and oatmeal in the sun and realized I hadn't done any journaling specific to the release, so I quickly wrote about my biggest vision for the book. I cleared my to-do list during a Co-Writing & Chill session with studio members, then celebrated with a relaxing pedicure, veggie sushi, and funny TV with my family. This book felt light and easy to write because I had lived the material for five years and tested it with my clients and community over two years, allowing it to unfold rather than forcing the process. I know writing a book does not have to be a struggle. If you've already ordered the book, thank you! And if you have the book, an Amazon review would be wonderful — early purchases and reviews really help a self-published author like me with visibility and rankings. Key Takeaways: * Choose the energy for your book release day intentionally — you're nurturing sacred work over time, not forcing a high-pressure launch. * Get out of your own way and show up to write because, once you start moving, the words often pour out … sometimes in surprising ways. * Journaling about your biggest vision for your book is a crucial step for aligning your energy with your work. * Writing a book doesn't have to be a struggle — the process can unfold while feeling light and easy. * Support a self-published author by ordering early and leaving an Amazon review, which is vital for visibility and ranking ;) Links From Today's Episode: * Order Writing with the Moon and get the Bonus Bundle [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] * Writing with the Moon on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736554263] * Join The Intuitive Writing Studio to live the book [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] Timestamps 00:00 Book Release Behind-The-Scenes 00:40 Release Not Launch 01:22 Books are Like Babies 02:25 A Low-Key Release Day 02:38 Gym Lesson On Showing Up at the Page 03:43 Future State Journaling 05:04 Release Day To-Do Sprint 06:29 A Cozy Celebration 08:37 Why This Book Felt Easy 10:13 Bonuses Reviews And Thanks Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive W [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com]https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] https://drive.google.com/open?id=18RlMLg_CRv65b0DTtr1Vf_BAhc6y1t24P1jfult8zbYWriting Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

72: Why Writing Should Be Easy: Moving Through Life (and a Book) Intentionally

How I Wrote and Self-Published Writing with the Moon My fourth book, Writing with the Moon, is launching, and I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into the real process. Self-publishing is a lot like owning a business — you plan what you can, and then you let the rest go. This project was a slow-writing one, but not in a draining way. Writing with the Moon documented not just a writing process, but a process for living — moving through the world by following the moon and my energy. I started writing in March 2024 on the first day of Aries season, the real New Year's Day. The process came together quickly: I worked on one sign at a time as the moon traveled through it, drafting from the new moon to the full moon, often in 30-60-minute slices. I kept the writing clean by tuning out research and other astrologers' voices — I wanted it to be truly mine. After the initial draft, I tested the material daily with my writing community, the Intuitive Writing Studio, through daily voice memos and monthly live workshops. Writing this book was easy and fun, which proved to me the difference that working with my body's energy makes, a major personal growth shift since I drafted Unfussy Life nearly 10 years ago. Publishing involves many moving pieces, like hiring an editor, a proofreader, and a cover designer, and getting physical proofs — all totally worth the time. I can't wait to hear how you use this book and what it inspires you to write. Key Takeaways * Writing with your energy and unique rhythm creates a much easier, more joyful process compared to pushing through burnout. * The book was drafted by writing about each of the 12 zodiac signs as the moon traveled through them. * To keep your work "clean," intentionally tune out outside voices and research during the initial, quick, surrendered first draft. * Self-publishing requires aligning many pieces — editors, cover designers, and physical proofs — and can be prone to minor tech issues — roll with them. * Strategically choosing an astrological launch date — and how I landed on a Tuesday during the waxing moon to use the moon's light as a "spotlight" to support the project's growth. Links From Today's Episode: * Join The Intuitive Writing Studio to live the book [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Order the Writing with the Moon [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] & get the bonus bundle Timestamps 00:00 Book Launch Peek 01:36 Moon Guided Writing 03:03 Drafting Without Noise 04:19 Testing With Community 06:50 Self-Publishing On Amazon 09:19 Launch Month Surprises 11:28 Astrological Release Timing 14:56 Next Book Tease 16:19 Book Bonuses And How To Claim 18:08 Final Send Off Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

71: The Quest for Realness in an AI World: Moving Beyond the Duality

Finding Your Authentic Voice in the Age of AI AI isn't going anywhere. It's here. And if you haven't embraced it yet, it could be time. BUT … there's a way to do it without losing yourself or selling your soul. I've been thinking a lot about the push for "realness" in an AI world and what it actually means for us as writers and creators. Many people are stuck in the duality thinking, the either-or, where you're either all-in on AI, or all-out. But AI is a tool, and the key is learning to use it to support and tap into your authentic voice. For me, that means leaning into speaking my rambling thoughts using a talk-to-text app, getting the transcription, and then using a tool like Claude to summarize, organize, and streamline the text. The words and energy are still mine; I'm not asking AI to write a post from scratch. (I shared a behind-the-scenes video of me actually talking out a Substack essay the other day for Studio members [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community]). Some somewhat troubling examples of how some business owners are using AI popped up the other week — recording every word they say all day to train their tool, using ChatGPT to "add warmth" to naturally direct communication, and relying on AI to filter hundreds of newsletters they've subscribed to. Much of this behavior leads to a performance, not realness, and creates a whiplash experience when you meet the person in real life. True authenticity is about being the same person in your writing, speaking, and in person. Being real is more about subtraction — unlearning old conditioning from family, school, or corporate life — than addition. The goal is to show up with your true essence in all contexts, even if your first draft is a messy voice memo. Takeaways: * AI as a tool, not a ghostwriter: Use AI (like Claude) to organize and streamline your transcribed thoughts, not to generate your first draft. * Be aware of performing: Constant "warming up" your communication for the sake of presentation undermines your authentic self and creates a disconnect with your audience. * The power of speaking without a filter: Recording your rambling thoughts captures your genuine energy and allows you to move while creating, leading to faster writing. Treat it like a surrendered first draft (SFD). * Authenticity is subtraction: Being real is a process of unlearning conditioning and peeling away layers and expectations. * Embrace the authentic draft: Instead of starting with a structure or outline, capture fragments and let them be messy, knowing you'll edit later. Links From Today's Episode: * My weekly Substack email [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/p/may-10-ai-overload] * My free workshop: Writing with the Moon [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon-workshop] * Pre-order the Writing with the Moon e-book [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] * Writing with the Moon [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon] paperback (available May 19th) Timestamps 00:00 Realness in an AI World 00:47 Getting Out of Your Head 01:39 Using AI Without Losing Your Voice 03:37 When AI is Too Much 06:34 Why Authenticity Matters Everywhere 08:52 Craving More Realness 09:48 Unlearning and Subtraction 10:59 Free Moon Writing Workshop Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]

70: Kelsey Murphy on How to Write Emails That Don't Feel Like Noise

Write Emails That People Actually Want to Open with Business & Life Coach Kelsey Murphy I am so excited to finally have Kelsey Murphy on the How Women Write podcast! We've been on each other's shows, and I've been a huge fan of her work for years. She's a business and life coach for Fortune 500 companies and has worked alongside some big-name female entrepreneurs. What I love most about Kelsey is her radically honest, down-to-earth approach to writing and business — especially in her emails. They are never noisy — they're always refreshing. Even when she's selling something. In this conversation, Kelsey and I dive into: * How she shifted from a high-pressure advertising role to coaching, recognizing her own resistance to reclaiming her creative voice. * How she learned to embrace writing as a lifelong journey. * The importance of separating different buckets of writing — sales, personal, and business so that she could protect the therapeutic joy she has for writing. * The powerful, simple formula she uses for her storytelling in her emails: What happened? What did I learn? What do I urge you to do?. * How to apply the "One-Person Rule" by writing every email to one specific, ideal client (like her client Ally), which is key to making readers feel seen and heard. * Kelsey's stance on building a seven-figure business without relying on social media for sales. * How "writer's block" can often be solved with journaling, like writing a letter from your 80-year-old self, to check your beliefs and direction. Kelsey's energy, honesty, and wisdom are contagious. You'll be inspired to check in with your own writing practice and discover what's truly lighting you up. Links From Today's Episode: * Kelsey Murphy's Website [https://www.kelseymurphy.com/] * Whiskey & Work Podcast [https://kelseymurphy.com/whiskeyandwork/] * Jacq's appearances on the Whiskey & Work podcast: * How To Write & Find Flow [https://www.kelseymurphy.com/podcast/episode/232the-intuitive-writing-school-ceo-jacqueline-fisch-shows-us-how-to-write-find-flow?rq=jacqueline%20fisch] * Quitting Her 9-5, Starting A Failed Blog & Succeeding In A Copywriting Business She Loves [https://www.kelseymurphy.com/podcast/episode/79/jacquelinefisch?rq=jacqueline%20fisch] * Book: On Writing [https://amzn.to/4u9lBYV] by Stephen King This is an affiliate link. If you click and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Kelsey Murphy 02:29 Early Life and Creativity 06:36 Advertising Career 08:13 Leaving the Advertising World for Coaching 13:38 Writing as a Business Skill 16:29 Journaling and Confidence 20:27 No Social Media Needed 22:11 Email Magic Begins 22:33 Learning to Write Well 24:47 Storytelling That Connects 25:22 Writing To One Person 29:57 No Schedule Just Seasons 33:27 Full Body Yes Momentum 36:25 Book Ideas Without Pressure 37:43 The Why Behind her Podcast 39:32 A Retreat That Changed Everything 41:21 Coffee Ritual And Email Vibe 43:17 Thanks And Wrap Up Meet Kelsey Murphy: Kelsey Murphy is a Business & Life Coach for Fortune 500 companies like Facebook and Twitter, working with entrepreneurs like Marie Forleo, Cathy Heller, & Celebrity Nutritionist Kelly Leveque. Kelsey is a master at helping coaches create highly successful businesses. She takes the big-hearted humans & builds lucrative businesses for them that end up impacting millions. Previously, Kelsey was the Advertising Director for Nintendo, GoPro, and Elizabeth Arden, and she's been featured in outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and the Huffington Post. She's a firm believer that each person holds a passion and a viewpoint uniquely their own, and through her coaching and workshops, she equips people with a toolbox of actionable strategies to create the life they envision. Additionally, she hosts a top-ranked podcast called Whiskey & Work, where she shares refreshingly honest insights on navigating the waters of work, life, and family. Kelsey addresses issues like relationships, dreams, motivation, starting a business, morning routines, and living a life you're proud of. She's a champion for acting brave, embracing your imperfections, and not taking life too seriously. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: * The Intuitive Writing Studio [https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community] * Private Coaching & Writing Support [https://jacquelinefisch.com/private-work] * Substack: Energy-First Writing [https://jacquelinefisch.substack.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/]