Creating Happy Writers

What if your next right step feels completely out of character, yet completely right at the same time?

In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a decision that’s surprised even me: exploring traditional publishing for my next book. 

Yes, me — the die-hard self-publishing advocate. Yes, the same person who tells you not to wait for permission. Have I had a personality transplant? No. Although I have had a very long think.

If you’ve ever wondered whether traditional publishing is your path, thought it was off-limits for “people like you”, or you’re just a bit nosy, this episode is for you.

I hope you enjoy listening!

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Have you ever felt like your life is too cluttered to make space for your writing? Do you wonder if there's a simpler way to live that would free up your creative energy? Well, this month’s guest and I talk about all of this - and so much more!

Elisabeth McKetta is a storyteller and the author of thirteen books across genres, including "Edit Your Life" (2023). Her work includes numerous published poems, and she delivered the TEDx Boise talk, "Edit Your Life Like a Poem."

Elisabeth holds degrees in literature from Harvard (B.A.), Georgetown (M.A.) and the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.d.). Her doctoral dissertation explored the fascinating intersections between memoir and myth, a concept that continues to inform her teaching, writing, and her entire approach to viewing the world. 

She currently teaches for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University's Diploma in Creative Writing, and mentors a select group of writers each year through the Book Year Writers' Circle.

During our brilliant conversation, Elisabeth and I explore the concept of editing not just our writing, but our lives to create space for creativity and purpose. 

We discuss:

I genuinely cannot wait for you to listen to this honest and insightful conversation about creating a life that supports your writing and creativity - it is, quite honestly, remarkable. Enjoy!

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:

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Writing a book without really knowing your reader’s journey is a bit of an insult to them - and can be THE thing that means they finish your book and love it… or they don’t.

When you’re writing, sometimes you’re so wrapped up in what YOU want to write about that you almost forget the reader exists. 

Now I’m pretty confident you’re not like that. But it’s easy to slip into writing a book without considering exactly how you'll take the reader on a journey of transformation and change. You’re brimming with ideas and knowledge; you just want to get it down on the page.

And I get that. I really do. 

But before you write, you have to get a clear idea of your reader and their journey. Not only does it make the book far more helpful for them to read, but it also makes it a lot easier for you to write, too.

In this RE-RELEASED episode, you’ll learn:

And so much more!

Your reader MUST be at the heart of your book - it makes all the difference between a book that someone reads once and never opens again - and one that changes their life. So let’s get to know them and help them in the best way possible.

I hope you enjoy listening!

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Ever felt like you've hit a ceiling in your business? Like you know you're an expert, but somehow you're not reaching the right people or making the impact you know you're capable of?

In this episode, I share a recent conversation with one of my brilliant authors that sparked a major realisation about why we write books and what's really holding women back from claiming their expertise.

I explore:

The truth is, we can't wait for permission to share our expertise. We are the generation breaking through that ceiling with our words, our knowledge, and our books.

If you're tired of playing small and ready to level up, stop shouting into the void, and call in the right people, this episode is your kick up the bum to finally claim the space that only you can fill.

Because while the system might have taught us to stay quiet and wait to be discovered, that's not how visibility works. Your book is the vehicle that helps you control your future and close that authority gap once and for all.

I hope you enjoy listening. 

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Is your book working as hard for your business as it should be? In this episode, I talk with book marketing strategist Melanie Herschorn about turning your expertise into a powerful authority-building tool.

Melanie wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. A publisher and book marketing strategist for attorneys, wealth consultants, and business owners worldwide, she's on a mission to empower authors to share their message with the world.

With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, clothing designer, and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors in stepping into thought leadership and making a big impact with their book. 

During our conversation, Melanie and I chat about:

This was such a fantastic conversation - I know it’ll give you plenty to think about when it comes to marketing your book successfully. Big thanks to Melanie for her time. 

Hope you enjoy listening! 

Connect with Melanie and her book:

Further resources from me

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:

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Ever found yourself slumped over your laptop, cursing the day you ever thought writing a book was a good idea? You're not alone. 

Writing a book is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do - and there's a reason why most people who start one never finish. But why exactly is it so damn hard?

In this episode, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of book writing and why we find ourselves wanting to throw our laptops out the window on a regular basis.

I explore:

The truth is, writing a book will still feel tough at times – no magic wand makes the challenging bits disappear. But understanding why it feels so difficult can help you be kinder to yourself through the process. The peaks and troughs are par for the course, so let’s be ready to tackle them, eh?

If you’re ready to embrace the messy, frustrating, occasionally incredible journey of writing your book, listen to discover why it's normal to find writing hard and how to push through anyway. 

Because while writing a book is challenging, it's also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do for yourself and your business.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Did you know we're 22 times more likely to remember stories than facts alone? No wonder my sister's dog, Goldie, has become the unexpected star of my book, Dare to Write!

Our brains are wired for stories - it helps them make sense of the world around them - so let’s use them to our advantage as non-fiction authors!

This week on the Creating Happy Writers podcast, I'm diving into the world of storytelling because let's face it, nobody wants to write a book that ends up being used as a doorstop.

And without storytelling, that’s certainly possible!

So whether you're writing a business book or a self-help guide, this episode will help you use storytelling to turn dry, dull theory into a reading experience your audience won't forget. 

I hope you enjoy listening.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Half of UK adults no longer read for pleasure. In today's world of 90-second TikToks and instant AI answers, can nonfiction books still grab readers?

In this episode, I reveal the nine critical elements that separate those forgettable, yawn-inducing business books from those that fly off shelves and change lives. 

So whether you're drafting your first manuscript or polishing your tenth, these insights will elevate your work from, “Yeah, it was okay” to, “Holy heck, that book changed my life.” 

I hope you enjoy listening.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Ever wondered how to truly understand what your customers want? Is market research something only big companies with massive budgets can afford to do well? I don’t know about you but it always feels like a minefield to me!

Luckily for us, this month’s brilliant Behind the Book episode with Katie Tucker is here to answer all our questions - and more! 

Katie is the award-winning author of "Do Penguins Eat Peaches? And Other Unexpected Ways to Discover What Your Customers Want." As well as a successful author, she is a customer research expert, helping businesses and freelancers understand their customers better so they can create and build products and services that sell. 

Her background is in journalism, product and project management and leadership. She is currently working on her second non-fiction book about neurodiversity.

Listen to the episode to find out more about:

I love how Katie shares practical insights on customer research that any business owner or freelancer can implement. She offers such a fresh perspective on understanding what customers truly want, along with behind-the-scenes glimpses into her writing process and publishing journey. 

Whether you're interested in business strategy or aspiring to write your own book, this episode delivers some great actionable advice - and inspiration by the bucket load!

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:

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Ever wondered what the real, unfiltered journey of writing a book looks like—even for an experienced author? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my recent six-month first draft process, revealing the ups, downs, and unexpected lessons learned while rediscovering my love for writing.

Whether you're struggling with your first draft or preparing to send your manuscript to an editor, this episode offers reassurance that the creative journey is rarely linear. 

Your first draft is just a starting point—trust the process, be kind to yourself, and keep going!

I hope you enjoy listening.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!