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.
How to Improve Your Fiction Writing with Author Tim Grahl
Do you need reassurance that you can and will become a better writer?
My next podcast guest is going to do exactly that, but he doesn't sugarcoat the amount of work it takes to go from so-so to stellar writing.
Honoring Your Creative Rhythm and Writing Dual Timelines with Author Cynthia Platt
If you’re a writer who genre hops, or wants to, and gets frustrated with your inability to make progress because life lifes hard sometimes, well then I’ve got something special for you!
On episode 24 of the Write It Scared Podcast, I’m joined by the delightful and versatile kid-lit author Cynthia Platt.
The Art of Self-Editing a Fiction Novel
Earlier this summer I sat down with Savannah Gilbo, a fellow book coach, editor and the host of the fabulous Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast (go listen, it’s a goldmine) and dove DEEP into how to revise your manuscript in a systematic and effective way that will keep you from pulling your hair out.
How to Create an Eye-Catching Book Cover Design
This isn’t exactly a writing craft topic, but I was incredibly curious about this side of the publishing industry and had the opportunity to sit down with Katia Balabaieva from Miblart, a professional book cover design company. Miblart specializes in creating marketable covers for indie authors and publishers, and their mission is to turn book covers into an author's prime marketing tool.
The Art of Crafting Remarkable Middle-Grade Fiction with Janet Fox
Do you have an idea for a middle-grade novel, or know a writer that does?
Wonder where you should start, how long the story should be, or what the middle-grade audience is actually interested in?
If you said yes to any of those join me as I dive deep into the intricacies of writing for middle-grade fiction with author and book coach Janet Fox in this week’s podcast.
Turning Writing Rejection into Triumph: Talking Middle-Grade Horror Novels with Wendy Parris
Imagine…you’re heartbeat away from getting a phone call from your dream agent only you don’t know it and right before that can happen you decide to hang it up, put your story ideas and writing dreams away.