For me, courage rarely feels bold in the moment—it usually feels terrifying.

Butterflies in my stomach. Second-guessing. The temptation to wait until I “feel ready.”

But here’s what I’ve learned: I almost never feel ready.

In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I’m sharing what the simple phrase “do it scared” has meant throughout my author journey—from applying for a grant at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian to publishing 19 books...even hitting record on each podcast episode.

Here’s what I cover:

✅ Why Fear Isn’t a Stop Sign: How I’ve learned that fear often means the stakes matter—and growth is near.
✅ Stop Overthinking It: How I move before my brain builds a case against me.
✅ Laugh...Get a Buddy: Two simple, practical ways I interrupt the fear spiral and take action anyway.

I talk about querying, publishing, raising prices, public speaking, traveling for research, and taking big creative risks—without waiting for fear to disappear.

Because confidence as a fiction author isn’t about being fearless.

It’s about doing it scared.

***

Free resources for you:

The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit

Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation

Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide

5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes