In this episode, we’re joined by the Paulette Perhach—writer, creative writing coach, and founder of The Finishing School for Writers.

Paulette shares her journey from dreaming of being a writer as a kid to surviving the corporate grind, navigating the Peace Corps, and finally building a thriving freelance writing career on her own terms.

She opens up about what it really takes to make a living with words and why community, courage, and even AI can be part of your creative toolkit.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

✨How to pitch story ideas editors actually want

✨Practical tips to overcome impostor syndrome

✨How AI can be a surprisingly great writing partner

✨ The power of writing communities (and how to find yours)

✨ The emotional rollercoaster of writing a novel

✨ Why making art anyway matters—even when no one’s watching

✨ How to balance passion projects with paid writing gigs

✨ The moment Paulette walked away from corporate life for good

Whether you're scribbling in a journal or pitching national publications, this episode is packed with honest advice and a creative nudge when you need it most.