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.
How to Set Creative Intentions That Actually Support You (Not Drain You)
This week I’m giving you the same intention-setting prompts I share inside my group coaching cohorts every September.
This is your grounding check-in. Your permission slip. Your reminder that your writing matters—and that it’s okay to return to it gently.
Why You Don’t Need a Literary Background to Write a Great Novel
Helping writers work through self-defeating thoughts is something I love to do. Honestly, what helps more than anything is just listening and being a mirror to allow them to see what’s really going on.
How to Write Brave: A Powerful Conversation with Author Brooke Adams Law
Let's be real, writing can be terrifying. It's vulnerable, messy, and incredibly brave. But what if instead of letting fear hold us back, we embraced it and used it to fuel our creativity?
Lessons in Overcoming Writing Doubt with Author Amy L. Bernstein
If you’ve ever stared at your blinking cursor and wondered if you’re even cut out for this whole writing thing, this one’s for you.
How to Find a Writing Community That Will Help You Accomplish Your Goals
Even when we have dozens of characters dancing through our minds, this writing business can get damn lonely. We have big ideas and exciting plots to explore, but many of us don't have anyone to share with, especially when we're new. If you are looking for a community, I wholeheartedly encourage you to find your tribe because the benefits far outweigh the cost!
One Big Mistake to Avoid When Writing Your Novel: Why “Write Fast” Isn’t Always the Best Advice
How the “write hard, write fast” advice resulted in me deleting over half of my first novel.
I believe there is a place for hard, fast writing, not looking back, and maintaining forward momentum, and that place is after you have created a plan.
Don't Quit Writing: How to Love the Process When Results Feel Uncertain
I had a conversation with a writer the other day who was trying her hand at a new genre, and she was nervous she couldn’t pull it off. That worry had stopped her for a good six months. Her concern: What if it’s all for nothing? Sometimes that’s my worry too.
It got me thinking that maybe we’re asking the wrong question with the wrong mindset.