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.
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.
Lessons on Hope for Writers on Season 2 of the Write It Scared Podcast
As Season 2 of The Write It Scared Podcast comes to a close, I want to leave you with something that feels a bit like a love letter.
Because this season wasn’t just about interviews or craft or even mindset. It was about staying in it. About not giving up when things get hard. About remembering why we write, especially when it’s messy or slow or full of doubt.
Becoming a Better Literary Citizen: Unpacking Gandhi's Wisdom in the Book World
Do you ever feel like your actions don't really matter in the grand scheme of things?
In a world filled with chaos and noise, it's easy to wonder if anyone cares or will even notice our efforts. I'll admit, I've had those moments too (plenty). But life has a way of reminding me that my actions do matter, even if I can't always see the immediate impact.
As Gandhi wisely said, "Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it’s very important that you do it."
This article will show you how to take action to become a better literary citizen and why it’s so important that we do this together!
Why Write It Scared
Why do I write it scared? Because I decided that taking a risk with my words was better than playing it safe.
I love the idea of writing it scared because the phrase completely captures the essence of my lived experience as a writer.