The Writing Lessons Hidden in Hard Seasons

The Writing Lessons Hidden in Hard Seasons

What happens when life forces you to stop writing? In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, I sit down with developmental editor and story scientist Lori Puma to talk about creativity, rest, uncertainty, and what happens when your plans are completely upended. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018, Lori underwent an eight-hour brain surgery that changed her life overnight. For years afterward, she could only manage about 30 minutes of activity per day before exhaustion and cognitive symptoms took over. Writing, reading, socializing, and even everyday tasks suddenly looked very different. Together, we explore what it means to live through seasons of illness, grief, burnout, and uncertainty. We discuss: * Why time away from writing isn't wasted * The difference between rest and "creative death" * How difficult seasons deepen emotional complexity in your stories * What brain surgery taught Lori about creativity and identity * Learning to trust yourself when life doesn't go according to plan * The surprising ways writers can stay connected to creativity during periods of rest * Why your most difficult experiences can become your greatest creative assets Whether you're navigating illness, burnout, caregiving, grief, a demanding season of life, or simply feeling frustrated that you're not writing as much as you'd like, this conversation is a powerful reminder that creativity doesn't disappear when you stop producing. Connect with Lori: Lori Puma helps experienced indie authors write novels that make readers skip bathroom breaks and ignore their smartphones. She started her career publishing scientific papers, then spent years helping data tell stories, and now she's a Visual Story Scientist and developmental editor who uses infographics and science to help genre fiction authors write novels that aren't just addictive, they're unforgettable. Free quiz - Breakout Novel X-Ray: https://loripuma.com/quiz [https://loripuma.com/quiz] Infographic Guide to Standout Plots: https://lori-puma.kit.com/products/infographic-guide-to-standout-novels [https://lori-puma.kit.com/products/infographic-guide-to-standout-novels]

The Mindset Shifts That Help You Finish Your First Book

Writing a first book isn't just about learning craft. There's a lot of mindset work involved, and a lot of it feels invisible. It's about learning how to keep going when your brain is telling you you're not talented enough, your book isn't good enough, and maybe you should quit altogether. In this episode, I'm joined by author, writing coach, and founder of First Book Finish, Rhonda Douglas. We talk about the mindset shifts that help writers move from "I want to write a book someday" to actually finishing one. In this conversation, we discuss: * Why so many writers wait for permission before taking their creative dreams seriously * The identity shift from wanting to write a book to calling yourself a writer * Common fears first-time authors face (and why they're normal) * How perfectionism keeps writers stuck * Why your brain tries to convince you to quit * The emotional roller coaster of drafting and revision * Fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of being judged * Why you're not "too late" to write a book * The truth about writing a book in 30 days * How to keep going when everything you've written feels like trash If you've ever wondered whether you're a "real writer," worried your book isn't good enough, or felt tempted to abandon your manuscript for a shiny new idea, this episode is for you. About Rhonda: Rhonda is an award-winning author of fiction and poetry. She's the host of The Resilient Writers Radio Show and the founder of the First Book Finish program. Find Rhonda here: https://offers.resilientwriters.com/diyretreat [https://offers.resilientwriters.com/diyretreat]

Intuitive Outlining: How to Use Story Structure Without Feeling Trapped by It

If you've ever opened a beat sheet, stared at a plotting template, and immediately wanted to throw your laptop out a window, this episode is for you. (This is how I am lol) In this conversation, I sit down with book coach and editor Lewis Jorstad to talk about intuitive outlining—a flexible approach to story development that helps writers create stronger stories without sacrificing creativity, curiosity, or the joy of discovery. We explore why traditional outlining methods work brilliantly for some writers and completely fall flat for others, the difference between developing a story and plotting a story, and how to use story structure as a tool rather than a cage. Lewis also shares his approach to "waypoint scenes," how character motivations shape plot, and why there may be thousands of good versions of your novel! Along the way, we discuss: * Why some writers feel stuck by traditional outlining methods * The difference between plotting, outlining, and story development * How to use character motivations to create organic plot * What to do if your ideas only show up while you're actively drafting * Why perfectionism keeps writers trapped in endless outlining and revision * The "helicopter vs. forest" analogy for understanding your natural writing process (I was obsessed with this!) * How to know when you're ready to start drafting * Why discomfort is a normal part of writing—and how to tell when it's helping you grow Whether you're a dedicated plotter, a die-hard pantser, or someone who's tried both and hated both, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on finding a writing process that works for you. About Lewis Jorstad Lewis Jorstad is the editor and book coach behind The Novel Smithy, where he helps debut fiction writers turn their messy drafts into finished novels they’re proud to publish. With over eight years of experience, Lewis has edited 250+ manuscripts, written seven bestselling writing guides, and supported over 2,000 writers around the world. These days, he's on a mission to help writers embrace their brain’s intuitive way of telling stories, while also creating page-turning novels readers can’t put down. Check out Lewis's offers here: https://thenovelsmithy.com/ [https://thenovelsmithy.com/] Find Monica's website here: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/]

Writing Novels With Your Voice with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer

In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Monica talks with fiction author and educator Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about dictation, accessibility, and why writing with your voice is still writing. Sarah shares how she went from struggling with dictation for seven years to using it to draft 14 books, and now teaches other authors how to make the shift from typing to speaking their stories. Together, Monica and Sarah explore dictation as a sustainable writing tool, especially for writers with disabilities, chronic pain, ADHD, autism, screen fatigue, or anyone who feels chained to their desk. They also talk about oral storytelling traditions, why “shortcuts” aren’t cheating, the learning curve of dictation, Sarah’s DRAFT framework, and how writers can practice dictation without putting pressure on their current work-in-progress. Want to learn to dictate? Sarah us offering a HUGE discount on her Fictation Course exclusively for listeners of No Mess, No Magic. Check it out here: https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation-digital-course-coupon/?coupon=NOMESSNOMAGIC [https://fictioncourses.thrivecart.com/fictation-digital-course-coupon/?coupon=NOMESSNOMAGIC] Find Sarah's freebies here: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation [https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation] Find Monica at the links below: Monica's website: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Book a Curiosity Call: https://monicahay.com/curious [https://monicahay.com/curious] Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/] Waitlist to join the Writer's Way Community: https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/communitywaitlist [https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/communitywaitlist] Takeaways * Dictation as a writing method * Overcoming challenges in dictation Practice and repetition are essential for skill development * Dictation can be a valuable tool for writers Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Friendship * 07:00 Overcoming Resistance to Dictation * 13:29 Beginner's Curve in Dictation * 21:24 The Importance of Practice and Repetition * 29:02 Tools and Techniques for Dictation * 35:22 Learning Dictation and Where to Find Resources

Writing for Approval Is Killing Your Creativity with Rachel May

We get SPICY in this one! About Rachel: Rachel May is a published author and powerhouse coach who brings a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to writing craft, mindset, and process. As a writer with ADHD, Rachel is intimately familiar with the frustrations that traditional writing “rules” can bring—especially for writers who feel like they just don’t fit the mold. Rachel’s sessions go beyond typical craft lectures; they’re about healing writing roadblocks, creating a process you’ll actually want to stick with, and building momentum toward the book you’ve always dreamed of finishing. To check out Rachel's work, click here: https://goldenmayediting.com/ [https://goldenmayediting.com/] The conversation delves into the challenges of being a high achiever and the impact of achievement on creativity. It also explores the journey of overcoming the need for external validation and approval, focusing on self-love and self-acceptance. We talk self-love and creativity, exploring the impact of perfectionism, and the fear of failure. We also examine the influence of capitalism on creativity and the societal pressure to achieve success. Find Monica's website here: https://monicahay.com/ [https://monicahay.com/] Find Monica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/monicahayauthor/] Want good shit in your inbox? Subscribe to Monica's newsletter: https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/newsletter [https://www.monicahaycoaching.com/newsletter] Want to explore working with Monica? Book a curiosity call here: https://calendly.com/monicahay/discovery-call [https://calendly.com/monicahay/discovery-call] Takeaways * High achiever challenges * Self-validation and approval Self-love and creativity * Perfectionism and fear of failure Chapters * 00:00 Overcoming the Need for Validation * 25:40 Embracing Self-Love and Creativity * 36:31 Impact of Capitalism on Creativity