How Can You Bring More “Play” Into Your Writing Process?
Writing is kind of magical, isn’t it? At least it can be—especially when I remember not to take myself so damn seriously. This week I’m breaking down what play really means in a writing practice, why pressure turns writing into performance, and how lowering your expectations (in the best possible way) might be the key to finding more freedom, curiosity, and joy in your process.
Writing Middle Grade Historical Fiction: Shafaq Khan on Craft, Revision, and Persistence
Author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about the long road from idea to publication for her debut middle grade historical fiction novel, Zania: Lost and Found. We discussed the challenge of balancing historical context with a fast-paced adventure story for kids, and what it means to keep writing through years of uncertainty and revision.
This conversation was a beautiful (and needed) reminder that books are often built slowly, imperfectly, and through tremendous persistence.
How to Normalize Self-Doubt and Lean Into Writing Courage
Self-doubt isn't a sign that you're not cut out for writing—it's a sign that you're doing something that matters. The goal was never to eliminate fear. It's to keep writing anyway. Writing coach Stacy Frazer shares four practical ways to move forward when doubt shows up, and why the bravest thing a writer can do is take the next step without having it all figured out first.
Celebrating Episode 100 of the Write It Scared Podcast!
Episode 100! 100 conversations with writers, about writing, for writers. We’re celebrating this week—and announcing something new and a chance to win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session!
How to Start Writing Again When You Feel Stuck or Frozen: 5 Steps That Work
Feeling frozen with your writing—but it's not writer's block and it's not burnout? You're still connected to the story, still thinking about it, still caring. And yet, when it comes time to sit down and write, something in you just doesn't move? I’ve worked with a lot of writers in exactly this spot, and here are five steps I’ve found that work to get unstuck and back to the page.
Worldbuilding, Fantasy, and Courageous Writing with Author A.M. Deese
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by worldbuilding, intimidated by your messy draft, or unsure how to keep readers engaged in a long-running series—today’s episode is for you.
I sat down with fantasy author A.M. Deese (also known as Alexis Marrero Deese) to talk about how she builds immersive magical worlds, navigates the challenges of writing multi-POV fantasy series, and faces the fears that come with putting your words into the world.
Author Gloria Huang on Writing Brave Middle Grade Fiction Stories
Writing is never clean or easy, especially when you're trying to get it just right. In my recent conversation with debut middle-grade author Gloria Huang, we discussed the trap of perfectionism, the emotional courage required to tell the truth on the page, and how to write young characters who wrestle with anxiety in a way that feels honest, nuanced, and hopeful.
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?
How to Write a Trilogy - Part 1: Learning the First Steps
I don’t know about you, but when I invest in a character, a cast of characters, or a world, I gobble up everything written about them. And if it’s a trilogy, I’m head over heels gone. Today, let’s talk about the big-picture things you need to consider if you’re planning to write a trilogy so your readers don’t drop off halfway through. It all starts with understanding the kind of trilogy you’re writing.
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story (Instead of Distracting from It)
When writing a fantasy novel, it’s easy to get caught up in the cool factor of it all—enchanted objects, secret portals, forbidden spells, talking dragons. And listen, I love all of it. But here’s the thing a lot of writers miss: your magic system isn’t just a shiny layer on top of your story. It should serve the story.
How to Build an Author Platform Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Let's face it—building an author platform can feel intimidating. Just the phrase "author platform" makes some of us want to run and hide. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
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.
From Draft to Done: How Author Michael Fedor Finished His Novel After 20 Years
Writing a novel is hard. We all know this. Now, writing a novel that takes 20 years to complete? That’s take’s hard and persistence to a whole different level.
Three Revision Mistakes New Writers Make and What to Do Instead
Revision isn’t just about tightening sentences or making the language flow better. That’s part of it, but it’s only a small piece of the bigger picture.
How to Write Historical Fiction: Tips from Author Susanne Dunlap
How can a writer balance historical accuracy with compelling storytelling? And how much research is too much? Let’s dive into the craft of historical fiction with Susanne Dunlap, acclaimed author, writing mentor, and all-around historical fiction powerhouse.
The Mystery-Thriller Novel: What It Is and How to Write It
In this article, we’ll explore the mystery and thriller genres separately to understand their unique story obligations. We'll then combine them to see how they work together to create a satisfying story that fits into the mystery-thriller subcategory.
5 Key Questions to Help You Define Your Book’s Genre
In this article, I break down five key questions to help you classify your book more easily, from defining the writing style and target audience to determining the story's world and time period. With examples ranging from a 1960s feminist protest to a time-bending, intergalactic adventure, I'll walk you through how these five questions shape genre decisions.
Learning to Say No to Mom Guilt with Author MK Pagano
Are you a parent to an amazing human, or maybe more than one, who is the center of your world, and you’re also a writer with a passion for what you do and struggle to balance both, plus all the other stuff life throws your way?
How to Use Story Structure and Character Arcs to Write More Compelling Fiction
Today, we’re diving deep into some essential craft topics: story structure, plot, character arcs, and character development. These elements are inseparably linked, and understanding how they interact will elevate your writing.
An Honest Story About a Writer Accomplishing Goals Inch by Inch
Ready or not, 2025 is knocking. I’m not sure if I want to answer, but of course, like you, I will, and I want to go forward with a plan. If you like a plan and want a little help creating one for the coming year, here’s a goal-setting exercise you can use to set intentions and mile markers for 2025.