In this episode of Squeezing Through, I take you behind the scenes of how I wrote my very first book. From the spark of an idea to the final draft, I’ll share the challenges I faced lessons I learned about creativity, perseverance, and the unexpected joys of storytelling. But it’s not all about writing! I’ll also share some personal stories and memorable moments that shaped my journey as an author. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a lover of books, or simply curious about what it takes to turn an idea into a finished book, this episode is packed with inspiration and insights.

🎧Outro: “That’s so true” by Gracie Abrams

The quotes:

1. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

— Maya Angelou

1. ​ “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

— Stephen King

1. ​ “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”

— Thomas Mann

1. ​ “You can make anything by writing.”

— C.S. Lewis

1. ​ “Write what should not be forgotten.”

— Isabel Allende

1. ​ “A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.”

— Neil Gaiman

1. ​ “The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”

— Terry Pratchett

1. ​ “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”

— Anton Chekhov

1. ​ “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

— Toni Morrison

1. ​ “Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”

— Louis L’Amour

1. ​ “A writer is working when he’s staring out of the window.”

— Burton Rascoe

1. ​ “You don’t write because you want to say something; you write because you have something to say.”

— F. Scott Fitzgerald

1. ​ “Writing a book is an adventure. To begin with, it is a toy and an amusement. Then it becomes a mistress, then it becomes a master, then a tyrant.”

— Winston Churchill

1. ​ “Write drunk, edit sober.”

— Ernest Hemingway (attributed)

1. ​ “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.”

— Mark Twain

Which one of these speaks to you the most?