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.
How to Wield Narrative Drive to Make a Propulsive Story as a Fiction Writer
One of the most common things new writers struggle to harness—which is also the main issue I see with my clients’ developmental edits—is narrative drive. Or rather, the lack of it. It’s what makes readers invest in a character’s plight and keeps them turning the pages to find out what happens next and it’s crucial to a propulsive story. It’s a tough thing to learn to wield, but knowledge and practice are the keys to the kingdom, and I’m breaking it all down for you today.
Why Your Novel Is Taking So Long—And Why That’s Okay
How do you react when someone says, “Wow. You’ve been writing that for such a long time.” If you’re like most authors, you get THE SPIRAL of lack and not-enoughness. But this week I’m sharing a reframe for you and an invitation towards a new, more empowering way of responding to these questions.
How to Write a Fantasy Trilogy That Satisfies—Without Feeling Cliché: Four Ideas For Your Story
There’s a familiar rhythm to a lot of fantasy trilogies, and for good reason. This structure works. It’s satisfying. It echoes the deep emotional arc many of us crave in fiction: self-discovery, self-confrontation, and ultimately, the agency to embrace one’s self completely. But … it can also feel a little tired. So how do you write a trilogy that delivers the emotional payoff your reader expects without sliding into predictability? Try these 4 ideas!
How to Write a Trilogy - Part 2: Building a Solid Plan
Today we’re circling back to talk a bit more in depth about writing a trilogy, specifically a dynamic trilogy–a single overarching story told in three acts (each act is a book).
I didn’t finish the dynamic trilogy I was writing a few years back and I don’t want that for you if you’ve got an idea you want to span three books. So let me share the lessons I’ve learned.
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.
How to Trust the Process and Stick with Your Story with Author Kristin Offiler
What if the story you’re working on right now is the one, not because it’s perfect, but because you refuse to give up on it?
In this week’s episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with debut author Kristin Offiler to talk about the long, winding, messy, beautiful process of writing her psychological suspense novel The Housewarming — a story she started in 2018 and rewrote many times before it finally sold. And thank goodness she did, because it’s SO GOOD.
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 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.
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 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.
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You A Stronger Novelist
I've always been a little intimidated by short stories. Something about squeezing an entire meaningful journey into just a few thousand words felt daunting—especially when compared to the spacious freedom of an 80,000-word novel. But after chatting with author and editor Demi Michelle Schwartz, I realized I'd underestimated the incredible benefits that writing short stories can offer us as novelists.
Are You Procrastinating or Percolating? How to Stop Beating Yourself Up for Not Writing
We writers (and writing coaches) talk a lot about procrastination—how it creeps in as resistance, keeping us from doing our work. But sometimes, we mislabel what’s actually happening and then beat ourselves up for not making progress. That dawdling, that staring at the screen without typing, the Wordle break, the social media scroll, or the "just one more level" on Royal Match—what if that’s not procrastination at all?
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying Your Novel Submission—Which Path is Right for You?
If you’ve been in the trenches of traditional publishing, you know the struggle. But what if there was another way? What if instead of waiting endlessly for an agent to open your email, you could pitch your book directly to them—face to face?
That’s exactly what I sat down to talk about with Amy Nielsen—author, freelance editor, and literary agent with the Purcell Agency. She’s been on both sides of the publishing fence, and in this conversation, we unpacked the pros and cons of live pitching vs. cold querying
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.
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.
Holiday Cheer for Writers: Free Resources to Fuel Your Writing Journey
Free Resources from Write It Scared
I hope you find something that helps you move forward in your writing journey and feel free to forward it to a writer who it might help!
How to Use Mentorship as a Powerful Tool for Your Writing
Have you ever felt stuck in your story development or draft, unsure of the next step, underwhelmed by the quality of your words, and simultaneously overwhelmed by the idea of actually finishing a novel that others might enjoy?
Yeah. I know exactly how that feels.
Working with writing mentors—people who helped me see my potential and guided me through the twists and turns of the creative process—was a game changer for me.