Editing vs. Revising (And Why the Difference Matters More Than You Think)
Do you edit your first draft or do you revise it? Is there a difference? Absolutely. And understanding it will save you countless hours and precious energy!
I’m breaking it all down for you this week!
Why Writing a Novel Feels So Hard (and How to Embrace the Struggle): A Conversation with Author Charlene Wang
I’m sharing a conversation this week that stuck with me long after the mics were off. I spoke with debut author Charlene Wang, whose dark academia novel I’ll Follow You is a gripping exploration of toxic friendship, ambition, and the seductive power of social media.
What stood out most? Charlene’s honesty about how hard it was to write this book—and how normal that struggle actually is. We talked about everything from long ass revision timelines and perfectionism to how hard it can really be to embrace the title of writer. This one’s for all of us in the thick of a messy draft, wondering if it’s supposed to feel this hard.
Writing Dystopian Stories with Hope and Representation with Ivette Diaz
Dystopian fiction often focuses on what’s broken in the world—but in my conversation with author Ivette Diaz, we talked about something way more important: hope.
Ivette writes young adult dystopian stories that center on representation, integrity, and resilience. Her work reminds readers—especially young readers—that even in difficult worlds, courage, compassion, and agency matter.
Setting Writing Intentions for 2026–The Year You Write Your Book
Learn how to set writing intentions for 2026 that help you write your book with consistency, grace, and realistic habits that work with real life.
What Writers Need to Know About Critique Partners & Traditional Publishing: A Conversation with Gabrielle K. Byrne
Some conversations feel like a reset button. My chat with fantasy author and book coach Gabrielle K. Byrne was exactly that — a reminder that writing doesn’t have to be rushed, measured, or constantly proven. It can be something gentler, steadier, and more human. If you’ve been wrestling with feedback, comparing yourself to other writers, or wondering whether your process is “right,” this one’s for you.
A 3-Day Book, a 30-Year Book, and the Emotional Truth of Writing with Susan Sloate
Author Susan Sloate shares lessons from writing books fast, slow, and everywhere in between—plus insights on doubt, deadlines, and emotional truth.
Embracing the Magic of Cozy Mysteries: A Conversation with Author Iris Applewood
Iris Applewood never set out to become a writer. In fact, like me, she once thought writers were mythical creatures—like unicorns or leprechauns. But something cracked open during a moment of self-reflection and suddenly, the pull toward storytelling became undeniable.
In this week’s conversation, Iris and I dive into her circuitous journey from research analyst to perfumery owner to published cozy mystery author.
Writing Romantic Comedies with Heart and Humor: A Conversation with Author Kate Archer
What do butlers, Regency settings, and hilarious romantic misunderstandings have in common? Kate Archer.
In this week’s episode of The Write It Scared podcast I sat down with Kate to talk about her journey as a Regency rom-com author, how she blends humor with character truth, and what it really takes to write stories that make readers swoon and laugh simultaneously.
It’s Never Too Late to Write Your Book: How a 79-Year-Old Debut Novelist Jean Ende Proves Your Writing Dream Has No Expiration Date
Meet Jean Ende, a debut novelist who published her first book at 79. In this conversation, she shares how she mined family history for fiction, found her voice later in life, and proved that your writing dream has no expiration date.
From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak
This week on the Write It Scared podcast, I sat down with Karmen Špiljak—an indie author, developmental editor, and book coach who helps emerging writers trust their voice and finish the stories that linger with readers.
And trust me, this episode and article are packed with gems—especially if you’ve ever wrestled with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, or the extra hurdles of writing in a language that’s not your own.
How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career
What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? Fantasy author Michelle Miles has done just that, carving out a sustainable indie career through persistence, patience, and a fierce refusal to quit. Her story is a reminder that there’s no one right path to publication—just the one that keeps you writing.
Tackling Big Issues with Humor: Lessons from Kid-Lit Author Ali Terese
This week on the Write It Scared podcast, I had the joy of talking with middle-grade and YA author Ali Terese, whose books prove that stories can be both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply empowering.
Her novels tackle big issues like period equity, bodily autonomy, and health equity for kids. And they do it through comedy, friendship, and activism.
Ali calls them stories about “messy girls changing the world,” and I—as a mom to a nine-year old who insists she’s already a tween—couldn’t love that description more.
From False Starts to Finished Novel: How Bruce Buchanan Wrote His Debut Fantasy
What does it take to finally finish a novel after years of false starts? For fantasy author Bruce Buchanan, the answer was persistence, community, and the decision to stop giving up.
Like many of us, Bruce spent years starting and stopping projects, second-guessing himself, and walking away when the doubts got loud.
In our recent conversation, Bruce shared how he broke through that cycle, what kept him moving forward, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Mining Real Life for Story Gold With Debut Author Christine Ma-Kellams
This week on The Write It Scared Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with debut author Christine Ma-Kellams—a Harvard-trained cultural psychologist, Pushcart-nominated writer, and now, published novelist with her book The Band.
We dug into a lot of juicy topics: perfectionism, social media, mental health, a fresh spin on what it means to “write what you know,” as well as how to keep going when the voice of doubt gets loud.
Christine's journey is an inspiration to all of us as she’s someone who has figured out how to trust herself in this chaotic writing journey.
Tips on Writing Dual Points of View from Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
Writing and publishing a novel isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s exhilarating, terrifying, exhausting, and rewarding—all wrapped up into one wild journey. I recently sat down with Alexandria Faulkenbury, whose debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, hits shelves in May 2025, and let me tell you—her story is as inspiring as it is relatable.
Why Authors Need to Fight Censorship and Tell the Truth with Courage
I know with every fiber in my being that stories have the power to change and shape lives. In fact, they saved mine.
Why Every Word Matters: Even the Crappy Ones
Encouragement for the frustrated writer.
Writing can be maddening when the words won’t come, or we don’t like what we write. Sometimes, it can feel like a waste of time to plot story events that we can’t see clearly because they’ll probably all change anyway.
And what about when we write a handful of chapters and realize the story started in the wrong place, or we didn’t quite have our main character’s trajectory as mapped out as we thought, and we need to start over?
Turning Writing Rejection into Triumph: Talking Middle-Grade Horror Novels with Wendy Parris
Imagine…you’re heartbeat away from getting a phone call from your dream agent only you don’t know it and right before that can happen you decide to hang it up, put your story ideas and writing dreams away.
It’s Never Too Late to Start Writing Your Novel: Tips on Mindset and Story Development From Two Certified Book Coaches
Do you ever feel like it’s too late?
Think that maybe you missed the boat heading toward your writing dreams?
Maybe you should have started in your teens, twenties, thirties, fifties, or some other decade before where you are now.
If you said yes to any of that, then episode twelve of the Write It Scared Podcast is where I will prove you wrong. Well, me and my guest, award-winning YA Fantasy Author and Certified Book Coach, Cassie Newell.