What Literary Agents Look for in a Query Letter (with Ann Rose)
What does a literary agent actually want to see in your query letter? In this conversation with agent and author Ann Rose of The Tobias Literary Agency, we dig into what makes an agent stop scrolling and request more—from crafting a compelling hook to writing a synopsis that proves you understand story structure. Whether you're querying for the first time or deep in the trenches, Ann's insight from both sides of the desk is exactly what you need to hear.
From 197 Query Rejections to A Book Deal with Carmela Dutra
What do you do after 197 rejections on the same novel? If you're cozy mystery author Carmela Dutra, you keep going. In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, Carmela shares the full story behind her debut novel—from querying too soon and facing harsh feedback to navigating agent red flags and finally landing her dream representation. If self-doubt and rejection are making you question whether to quit, this conversation will give you what you need to protect your mindset and keep writing.
Writing Sex Scenes Without Cringe: What Actually Works in Fiction, Part 2 of 2
Writing a sex scene that actually works—without making you or your reader cringe—comes down to two things: knowing your characters and knowing the experience you want to deliver to your reader. In Part 2, we're diving into how much detail to include, the five types of sex scenes in fiction, and the do's and don'ts that make intimacy on the page feel real, emotionally resonant, and worth every word.
On Revision Magic and Not Quitting with Author Kate Broad
Struggling with novel revision and wondering if it gets easier? Author Kate Broad shares how she rewrote her entire novel in a new POV, overcame crushing self-doubt, and kept going when early readers didn't even finish. Learn why revision is where your book becomes itself and how to push through when quitting feels tempting. Essential listening for fiction writers working through difficult drafts.
Writing Sex Scenes Without Cringe: What Actually Works in Fiction, Part 1 of 2
Struggling to write sex scenes in your novel? Learn when intimate scenes actually serve your story, how to decide between explicit and fade-to-black approaches, and how to write sex scenes that advance plot and reveal character. Plus: guidance for YA vs adult fiction and a pressure-test framework to determine if your scene is necessary.
Should You Self-Publish Your Novel? Author Libby Waterford Breaks It Down
Wondering if self-publishing is right for your novel? Romance author and self-publishing coach Libby Waterford shares the real costs, marketing strategies, and decision-making framework you need to choose between indie and traditional publishing. Learn what it really takes to build a sustainable writing career on your own terms.
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.
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.
How a Gratitude Practice Can Reset Your Writing Life
What would happen if you paused after every writing session—not to criticize what didn’t go well, but to appreciate what did? What if you made space to reflect on what writing gives you, not just what it demands? This week, I’m revisiting a practice that’s been pivotal in both my personal recovery and my writing life: Gratitude.
And yes, we’ve talked about this before. But some topics never run out of steam—and this one’s worth pulling out of the vault.
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.
The Write It Scared Podcast is Back for Season 3
If you’ve been missing The Write It Scared podcast and need a little help with story development or your mindset…I’ve got you, writer! I’m sharing all the details for season 3, as well as the top five episodes on story development and mindset!
Crafting Authentic Romance with Fiction Book Coach Trisha Jenn Loehr
Do you love a good romance story? Me too
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, of course we’re going to chat about the romance genre, and I have a very special episode of the Write It Scared podcast for you. Plus, I’ve included some free resources to help you craft your next romance.
I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert, and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach.
Mastering Character Development: How to Get Your Characters to Spill Their Secrets
We all know that one-dimensional characters won’t cut it, and we strive to create dynamic and emotionally resonant fictional characters.
We also understand that to do that, we have to figure out what drives our characters to take action and engage in our plots. We have to figure out what they want, what they need to learn, what they fear, and the internal struggles that stunt them.
The million-dollar question is, “How?”
On Motherhood, Writing Gross First Drafts, and Having a Movie Made from Your Book
Do you have kids? And yes, of course fur-babies count.
If you do, then you’ll want to check out this podcast interview with author Julia Walton because it’s for any writer who has become a parent and any parent who has turned into a writer!
On Writing Romance, Avoiding Prescriptive Advice, and Finding Your Writing Process
Is your writing process filled with shoulds and should-nots?
Like I should be writing more, or I should be marketing this way, or I should not be editing as I go, or I shouldn’t be working on more than one story at a time?
My next podcast guest, romance author Roni Loren, is one of the people who helps me question “the shoulds” and whether they serve me.