The Write It Scared Podcast

If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you!   Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals! Remember to practice patience and persistence and incorporate accountability into your routine as you work toward turning your dreams into goals and actions that become reality!   Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide]   [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] 00:00 Easing into the New Year 01:20 Season Two Kickoff 02:01 Planning for 2025 02:59 Setting Smart Writing Goals 05:44 Reflecting on Past Achievements 07:49 Creating Actionable Steps 11:01 Building Accountability 12:00 Exciting New Season Ahead 12:36 Free Story Planning and Drafting Tool for Fiction Writers Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared]. Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered. Thank you to all the guests and listeners! So much good stuff to come in 2025! 00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of Creative Ambition 01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future Plans 02:33 The Importance of Resting 06:08 Understanding Creative Burnout 07:48 Personal Journey Through Burnout 11:48 Steps to Overcome Burnout 19:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 23:26 Conclusion and Season Two Preview Book and Resources Mentioned in the Show: Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme Atomic Habits by James Clear The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The Write Habits Creative Energy Tracker  [https://mailchi.mp/c626fce7d928/habit-tracker-for-writers] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing?  In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey.  We dig into story structure, the ups and downs of writing and revising, and the emotional twists that come with the territory of trying to write your first novel. Rachael opens up about her move to New Zealand, her battles with creative burnout, and how she handles imposter syndrome. Plus, we’ll unpack some practical advice for handling self-doubt, writing shitty drafts, and learning to believe in yourself and your voice.  Join us for insights that will help you navigate the emotional challenges of writing and remind you that you’re not alone and that you are not doing it wrong! 00:18 Introduction  01:22 Meet Rachel Heron 04:08 Rachel's Writing Journey 11:31 The Importance of Story Structure 17:27 Rachel's Writing Process Today 18:42 Refining the Draft: From Messy to Polished 19:08 The Third Draft: Adding the Final Touches 19:56 Reading and Reviewing: The Final Steps 20:31 Teaching and Sharing the Process 20:53 Creating 'Unstuck': A Unique Journey 25:06 The Challenges of Writing and Creativity 30:42 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 32:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers 34:26 Current Projects and Closing Remarks   [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Guest Bio and Links Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she’s taught writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. A dual New Zealand and American citizen, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her banjo-playing wife and brick-eating dog. Books: Unstuck and Fast-Draft Your Memoir, both here [http://rachaelherronbooks.com/] Rachael Herron: Website [http://rachaelherron.com/] | Newsletter [http://rachaelherron.com/subscribe] | Bio [http://rachaelherron.com/bio/] | Patreon [http://patreon.com/rachael] Unstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness, available here [http://rachaelherronbooks.com/] now!  The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, Coming Spring 2025, Hachette Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words?   You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift.  Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript.  Remember, every word contributes to your growth, no matter how discarded it may feel. NO WORDS ARE WASTED.  Writing is a practice.  With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to slow down and appreciate our efforts.  Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your efforts and all the words you write, even the ones you delete.  00:00 Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect First Draft 01:30 Mindset Shift: Gratitude for Unused Words 02:21 Thanksgiving Reflection: Slowing Down and Showing Gratitude 03:47 Embracing the Writing Process: Practice Does Not Make Perfect, It Makes Improvement. 07:49 Encouragement for Writers: You Matter More than You Know. So Does Your Story. 09:21 Conclusion: Keep Writing and Keep Practicing Gratitude! Learn about Small-Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared  [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]

Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity?  If so, this episode is for you.  Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chronically ill person, emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and community, reminding us that acknowledging our limitations doesn’t mean we should blame ourselves.  Sandra shares practical tips on avoiding stereotypes in writing and highlights resources designed to support chronically ill writers.  You’ll be inspired as we talk about renowned authors who have faced similar challenges, and Sandra gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming workshop on creating authentic disabled characters—an effort to uplift disabled voices in the publishing landscape. Episode Highlights: 01:23 – Meet Sandra Postma   03:06 – Sandra’s Journey to Writing and Coaching   05:25 – Challenges of Writing with Chronic Illness   09:37 – Empathy, Connection, and Vulnerability   13:33 – Overcoming Internal Narratives   17:09 – Acceptance and Acknowledgement   18:37 – The Value of Your Voice   19:35 – Embracing Your Unique Voice Through Illness   21:28 – The Power of Community for Writers with Chronic Illness   24:08 – Resources and Workshops for Writing Authentic Disabled Characters   26:48 – The Emotional Load of Writing and Overcoming Bias   34:01 – Inspiration from Writers with Disabilities   35:47 – Final Thoughts and Wishes for Fellow Writers   Guest Bio and Links Links and books  mentioned in the show: How To Write An Authentic Disabled Character Workshop [https://yourstorymentor.com/workshop/] by Sandra Postma The Mighty Online Network [https://themighty.com/] Writing The Other: A Practical Approach by Nisi Shawl & Cynthia Ward Sandra Postma is a former journalist who switched from fact to fiction after discovering her own writing held the power for change. Founding Your Story Mentor in 2021, Sandra is now a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and a certified book coach. In her work as a book coach, Sandra helps writers with a chronic illness, disability or mental struggles. She helps writers embrace their unique voice and develop their story ideas into novels. Connect with Sandra on her website [https://yourstorymentor.com/] or follow her on Instagram and threads  @yourstorymentor.  [https://www.instagram.com/yourstorymentor/] Learn more about Small-Group Book Coaching for Fiction Writers with Write It Scared! [https://www.writeitscared.co/draftitscared] Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2312242/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/support] To become a supporter of the show, click here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2312242/supporters/new] To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/ [https://www.writeitscared.co/] https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ [https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/] Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide [https://www.writeitscared.co/novelplanningguide] Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears [https://www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset]