How Women Write

In this episode, we explore the subtle, often-justified reasons writers wait to start or finish their work—and why that waiting carries a significant relational cost. We dive into the difference between true writing resistance and the need to simply honor the work by giving it a proper container, rather than forcing it with pressure and deadlines.

Key Takeaways:

• Waiting is a Decision: The decision to wait, even if it feels like the responsible thing to do, is still a choice that can accumulate a quiet cost over time.

• The Real Cost is Relational: The cost of waiting isn't just fewer pages — it's the fading relationship you have with your own writing.

• Resistance is Often Mislabelled: What's often called "resistance" is frequently grief, fear, or a nervous system signaling that the work cannot be rushed but also cannot be ignored.

• Writers Need a Creative Container, Not Pressure: Pushing through ("Be more disciplined!") often backfires. Instead of deadlines, writers need to honor the work with a container, where a draft can take its time to become what it needs to be with attention and flow.

• Start Something, Anything: I share a quick personal story to illustrate that starting something (a food blog) led to something else (stories about working motherhood and life lessons, then books) that was truly calling.

• Meet Your Draft: The path forward involves greeting your drafts without judgment, asking them, "What do you need from me?" and then listening.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to How Women Write

00:30 The Quiet Cost of Waiting

01:27 Personal Journey and Realizations

03:15 The Subtlety of Waiting

03:46 The Real Cost of Unfinished Work

05:20 Honoring the Writing Process

06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

Key Links:

• Explore Signature Services for Writing Coaching & Mentoring

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

This is a special episode for me. In 2017, as I first stepped into freelance writing, Naomi reached out, looking for support in transforming her 2009 journal entries into a book. I didn't set out to work on books, but the work found me — and I'm so glad it did.

Listen in as I chat with Naomi D. Williams, the author of And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU.

Naomi shares how her book came about from the raw, real-time journal entries she wrote while her son, Noah, a micro-preemie born at 26 weeks, spent five months in the NICU. We talk about the challenging process of revisiting those honest entries eight years later, and how important it was to maintain her original, authentic language — curse words and all — to serve both parents and medical providers.

We also dive into the beautiful, adventurous life she and Noah share now, including his numerous marathons and triathlons. Naomi shares the incredible origin story of NoahLand Art — her son's abstract art business, where "everyone belongs."

Finally, we discuss her current writing practice, giving herself permission to write what feels dark as well as light, and the freedom found in surrender and a non-linear writing process

Hear about:

• The Book's Origin: And God Remembered Noah was written from raw, real-time journal entries Naomi kept while her son was in the NICU. She organized the book into 22 chapters, mirroring the 22 weeks he spent there.

• The Dual Purpose: The book's goal is twofold: to let parents know all their emotions are real and they're not alone, and to give providers an authentic perspective on the parent experience.

• Authenticity Over Polish: Naomi chose not to edit the original journal entries years later to maintain transparency, even though she became a different person through the experience.

• Writing Wisdom: If you're considering writing a book from your journal entries, Naomi urges you to just "do it."

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Naomi Williams

00:12 Naomi's Journey to Becoming an Author

01:59 The Birth of Naomi's Book

07:19 Challenges and Emotions in Writing

17:45 The Impact of Naomi's Work

21:57 Adventures with Noah

23:23 The Importance of Teamwork in Travel

24:38 Noah's Artistic Journey & Noahland Art

28:17 Early Reading and Writing Experiences

31:44 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges

35:21 The Impact of Publishing and Future Projects

39:45 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers

41:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Meet Naomi D. Williams

Naomi D. Williams is a Life Doula and Grief Coach who supports parents and family caregivers as they navigate the complex systems that accompany a life-altering medical diagnosis. As the mother of a micro-preemie given a poor prognosis, Naomi models what a good quality of life looks like despite severe neurological impairment and medical complexities. She is an author, an avid traveler who enjoys naps, getting lost in nature, and taking long, deep breaths on her yoga mat.

Key Links:

• Buy Naomi's Book: And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU

• Naomi's Website: exceptionalliving101.org

• Noahland Art Website: noahland.art

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• Signature Book Coaching Services

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Are your writing plans built for your body and nervous system, or a rigid schedule?

Today, I explore the "energy-first" and "body-first" approaches to writing plans.

As writers, we think we have two choices:

1) the strict, color-coded calendar or …

2) the unpredictable pull of pure inspiration

Discover how to create a surrendered structure—a flexible creative container that holds your writing goals while allowing you to stay responsive to intuition, flow, and the joy of writing what's truly alive in you now.

Key Takeaways for Writers:

• Prioritize Energy Over Rigidity: Most writing plans fail not from lack of discipline, but because they're not flexible to the writer's nervous system.

• Embrace the Balance: The most resonant writing comes from a balance between structure and spontaneity. Your plan should give you enough flexibility to anchor your work—not leave it feeling caged in.

• Listen to Your Body's "Yes" or "No": These are the only two answers your body can give you (good news!) It's your brain that jumps in to rationalize.

• Pivot as Needed: A surrendered structure means having a foundation for writing, while trusting intuitive nudges to shift the plan when something sparks your attention.

• Commit to a Creative Container: Establish a consistent commitment (e.g., publishing once a week) to create a place for your writing.

• Investigate What You Avoid: If a writing task keeps slipping off your plan, investigate whether it's no longer aligned or if a short 15-minute burst of action will create clarity.

Invitation: The Living Draft: Write the book that's already alive inside you.

A live, intimate writing experience for people who know they have a story — and are done circling it.

This is for memoir, personal nonfiction, and truth-telling that doesn't come from force, formulas, or fear.

Join us: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/the-living-draft

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction & Episode Summary

2:45 Prioritize Energy Over Rigidity

4:00 Embracing the Balance of Planning & Your Energy

5:15 Listen to Your Body's "Yes" or "No"

6:45 Pivoting Your Writing Plan

8:00 Committing to a Creative Container for Your Writing

9:30 Investigate the Writing You Avoid

11:00 Treating Unfinished Drafts with Love

12:30 Invitation to The Living Draft

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

What if your writing block isn't about discipline, confidence, or follow-through—but timing?

In this episode, I'm inviting you to step out of the race you didn't consciously agree to and into kairos: the right time, the alive moment, the moment when your words actually want to emerge.

This is a conversation about writing that honors cycles, nervous systems, and lived wisdom — rather than forcing momentum that isn't ready just because the calendar says, "new year."

If January has you feeling behind, overthinking, or resistant, I invite you to try a different starting point.

In this episode, I explore:

• Why "just be consistent" advice often backfires for intuitive writers

• The difference between linear time (chronos) and opportune time (kairos)

• How rushing your writing disconnects you from your real voice

• Why some seasons are meant for listening, not publishing

• What it means to treat your work as a living draft rather than a performance

This episode is especially for you if you're writing:

• a book or long-form project that feels tender or alive

• from experience, memory, or the other side of your transformation

• toward a next chapter that hasn't fully named itself yet

You don't need a new resolution. You may just need to start at the right moment.

🎧 Listen now and let your writing meet you where you actually are.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Women Write Podcast

00:29 The Concept of Kairos: Right Time to Write

01:43 January: A Time for Reflection and Quiet Beginnings

03:03 Understanding and Embracing Kairos in Writing

04:14 Practical Applications of Kairos in Writing

05:38 Personal Experiences with Time Management and Writing

07:09 New Beginnings and The Writing Threshold Session

08:31 Join the Intuitive Writing School Community

Key Links:

• Sign up for The Writing Threshold Session

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

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When You're Hiding, Not Blocked: Finding Your Authentic Voice Through Story

When I published my book, Unfussy Life, I was also publishing the stories I almost didn't tell. I started my writing journey safely, with plant-based recipes, occasionally sneaking in a small family moment.

I learned quickly that stories create connection in a way that advice alone never could. But when it came time to write my own book, I froze. I was writing — as in putting words on a page, but I wasn't sharing the WHY behind the words.

That first draft was 50,000 words of hollow advice — 95% ego and performance. It took being told by a stranger, "This isn't a self-development book. It's memoir," to finally see what was missing from my manuscript.

Once I started adding my stories — about layoffs, immigration, love, and starting over — the book came alive, not because they were dramatic, but because they were true.

I realized that force doesn't create truth, and linear thinking doesn't unlock story.

The parts we're most afraid to share are often the most resonant. I now write with flow, not force.

What I see in so many writers isn't a writing problem, but a relationship with their draft that's frozen in fear and perfectionism. They're waiting for clarity, permission, or the perfect time to start.

The Living Draft is my answer to this. It's a live experience built for people ready to stop circling and start allowing the book that's already here, safely and with an open heart.

Key Takeaways:

• Stories spark connection, while advice on its own doesn't.

• Being "blocked" often has nothing to do with creativity or skill — it's often hiding.

• Pushing through your writing with intense discipline often yields technically fine but hollow, lifeless work.

• Writing with flow, non-linear thought, and instinct—rather than a rigid outline or strategy—allows your true voice to shine.

• Start seeing your book draft as a living, breathing piece of work that only needs a different kind of attention to come to life.

• The most resonant parts are often the ones writers are reluctant to write.

The book you want to write isn't asking to be perfect — it's asking to live.

Early enrollment now available for 📖 The Living Draft.

Timestamps:

00:00 The Stories I Almost Didn't Tell

01:07 The Journey to Writing My Book

02:47 The Breakthrough Moment

03:34 Transforming My Writing Approach

08:38 Introducing the Living Draft

11:08 Invitation to Join the Living Draft

Key Links:

• Sign up for The Living Draft — space is very limited!

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Why Your Personal Newsletter is Your Product Business's Highest Converting Tool.

I'm excited for you to get to know my friend Nicole Pond. She's a passionate entrepreneur, homeschooling mom of three, and CEO behind the family-owned skincare businesses The Yellow Bird and The Soap Bar.

She's the founder of The Yellow Bird, established in 2015 to make clean, natural, and simple-ingredient skincare accessible and affordable for families, particularly those with chemical sensitivities and allergies.

I've been obsessed with The Yellow Bird products (my faves are the bar soap, face oils, masks, deodorant, lotions, and bug spray) … but what I love even more than the skincare is Nicole's approach to newsletters.

For years, I've used her newsletters as stand-out examples with my community and clients. Sitting down to read her special Notes From Nicole feels like an oat milk vanilla latte with cinnamon on top, sipped from a cozy chair.

And today, you get to hear her approach — which is such a great reminder that you can (and should) keep your newsletters simple. Probably even simpler than you think

What you'll hear about today:

• How personal connection drives sales (while maintaining privacy). Her monthly "Notes from Nicole" email delivers higher open and click rates than her product newsletters.

• Sharing unique snippets — like what she's cooking, reading, and her hobbies — builds genuine trust and a loyal community.

• The challenges of writing "micro-copy" — for the built-in limitations of product labels — there are some great lessons here for ALL business owners!

• Authentic influencing and how brand owners can embrace genuine, honest influencing by connecting with customers' values and building trust, rather than relying on fear-based marketing tactics.

• How Nicole fosters a love for writing and storytelling in her kids, including running a unique writing club that encourages creative expression without the pressure of editing or formal structure (try this at home, friends!)

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Nicole Pond

00:59 Nicole's Newsletters: A Personal Touch

04:44 The Birth of The Yellow Bird

07:40 Challenges and Adaptations in a Product Business

08:50 The Power of Newsletters and Personal Connection

16:24 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity

23:47 The Value of Genuine Engagement

24:30 Challenges of Selling Your Physical Products

26:27 Crafting Effective Product Descriptions

28:24 The Importance of Clear and Honest Branding

35:24 Encouraging Writing in Children

38:07 The Power of Writing Clubs

39:12 Journaling and Personal Growth

43:20 Final Thoughts

Meet Nicole Pond:

Nicole is the Founder and CEO of two family-owned skincare businesses, The Soap Bar and The Yellow Bird. A passionate entrepreneur, homeschooler of three children, and creative/serial crafter, she balances running her businesses with being a dedicated mother, avid reader, and enthusiastic home cook. When she's not managing her teams(children) or developing new products, you'll find her crafting handmade items or diving into a good book (or possibly napping).

Key Links:

• The Yellow Bird Website

• The Soap Bar

• The Yellow Bird on Instagram

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• The Intuitive Writing School Community

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

Stop Forcing It: How Energy-First Planning Transforms Your Writing

In this episode, we challenge the persistent advice that "to call yourself a writer, you must write every day."

Absolutely not.

I used to think that I needed to write every day to make progress, get seen, and practice.

Even top athletes don't practice daily, so why should you as a writer?

You'll hear me share what writing every day looked like for me, and how, when I stopped writing daily, it changed everything.

What you'll discover today:

• Why the "write every day" rule is BS.

• The problem with following a plan regardless of how you feel.

• How Energy-First Planning helps you show up for your writing more consistently — and for the long run)

• How the four phases of the moon can drive your writing activities without burning you out (New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon).

• Why resting when it's time to rest can help you avoid burnout later and produce better work.

• How to create YOUR Energy-First plan this month

The goal is more writing flow, not force. Writing with your energy cycle is a creative guardrail that creates harmony and momentum for a writing practice that lasts.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to How Women Write

00:29 The Myth of Writing Every Day

02:10 Energy First Planning Explained

06:39 Aligning Writing with Natural Cycles

09:34 The Four Phases of the Moon for Writers

13:40 Creating an Energy-First Writing Plan

15:45 Invitation to 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing

16:53 Conclusion and Community Invitation

🕯️ Your Invitation: Sign up for the calm, cozy, and quiet experience that happens in your inbox from December 24 through January 6.

• Sign up for 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• Book Coaching

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing: Slowing Down for an Intentional 2026

Three years ago, I discovered the 13 Holy Nights while looking for a special way to pause and honor the holiday season.

In this episode, you'll hear my personal experience with the powerful practice of the 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing, observed from Christmas Eve (December 24) through Epiphany (January 6). I fell in love with this intentional 13-night practice that invites us to opt out of the holiday hustle, go inward, and create a strong foundation for the year ahead.

It's been fun to share this process with The Intuitive Writing School community over the past few years, too — as I'm always inviting them into my personal writing, spiritual, and creative practices (which, really, are all related).

It's a simple yet profound daily commitment to yourself:

• Morning: Read prompts and notice what arises throughout your day (images, animals, thoughts).

• Evening (after sundown): Spend 5-10 minutes free-writing your observations, then write for 20 minutes with intentional "future-state journaling" focused on a specific month in 2026.

• Repeat daily until we get to the end of 13 nights (hear the breakdown in the episode).

This experience is designed to be a safe, quiet, and calm way to tune into your intuition and ensure that how you start 2026 — is how it goes.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the symbolism behind the 13 nights and how this time connects to the energetic shift from the season of harvest (fall) into conservation (winter).

• Why the 13 Holy Nights are a practical way to honor our need for rest and introspection during the darkest time of the year

• Learn the powerful 20-minute daily practice that will help you tune into and intentionally map out the energy for each month of 2026

• Hear surprising synchronicity stories from past participants who have used this practice to envision and manifest the year ahead

Just 13 nights can help you compost what needs to go and plant the inner seeds of new life before the new year officially begins.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 Embracing Presence This Holiday Season

02:11 New Family Christmas Traditions

03:43 The Concept of 13 Holy Nights

04:40 The Significance of the Number 13

05:38 Winter's Energetic Transition & Call Inward

06:56 Practicing the 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing

09:07 Personal Insights from the Intuitive Writing Practice

11:11 How to Participate in the 13 Holy Nights

13:18 Community Feedback and Invitation

15:46 Conclusion and Call to Join Us

🕯️ Your Invitation: This calm, cozy, and quiet experience happens in your inbox from December 24 through January 6.

SIGN UP NOW

As soon as I read her Substack article on future-self journaling, I knew I wanted to invite Magdalena on the show. I've used similar tools in the past, but I just love how she simplified the journaling process and explained it in such practical terms.

Magdalena shares her incredible journey, from being told she would never walk again at age 14, having been affected by Chernobyl radiation, spending two years in the hospital, to becoming a high-achieving corporate employee and eventually a coach and writer.

A comment from an ex-boyfriend prompted her to pause her writing for nearly 20 years. It was ultimately a family health crisis that brought her back to the page.

We dive deep into her 20-minute writing exercise, Future State Journaling, and discuss the science behind why it works, including the connection between handwriting and brain rewiring.

You'll hear about the three simple steps and some practical examples from her community. Whether you're asking for a raise, want a clean home, or want to write more, you'll hear about how to write your script and then take micro-actions.

Magdalena also offers wisdom on maintaining a writing habit in "stolen moments" — literally, everyone has time to write.

Key Takeaways:

• How Magdelena's journaling practice helped her process emotions during an extremely challenging time.

• How to apply the scripting method to navigate challenging family dynamics (like the holidays).

• Great writing isn't about grammar or semi-colons — it's about sharing your vulnerable, honest stories.

• Learn the 3-step process to Future Scripting: 1) See it (mental rehearsal), 2) Write it (by hand for better brain rewiring), and 3) Act as if it has already happened (take tiny action steps).

• Why 20 minutes is the sweet spot for journaling that signals to your brain that it's a manageable task with a clear start and end.

• The surprising reason you might want to wait at least 24 hours before taking a related micro-action or following the future state journaling process again

• Integration and brain rewiring happen through tiny practice steps, giving you data points to work with before a high-stakes conversation or event.

You'll love Magdalena's advice to Substack writers: Just. Keep. Going. Maintain tenacity and keep publishing, as you never know whose life your story might transform.

Key Links Mentioned:

• Visit Magdalena Ponurska's website

• Magdalena's article: The 20-Minute Writing Exercise That Neuroscientists Say Can Solve Your Hardest Problems

• Connect with Magdalena Ponurska on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 Meet Magdalena: The Viral Substack Author

01:48 Magdalena's Writing Journey

04:10 Early Life and Challenges

08:15 Journey to the US and University Education in Psychology

12:47 Career Path and Personal Growth

18:19 The Power of Writing and Resilience

24:12 Experimenting and Growing on Substack

31:09 Exploring New Modalities and Building Community

31:42 The Importance of Servant Leadership

32:00 Engaging with Readers and Celebrating Success

33:51 Introduction to Future State Journaling

34:48 Steps and Techniques for Effective Journaling

37:08 Practical Applications and Success Stories

40:30 Integrating Journaling into Daily Life

47:58 Getting to Know Your Learning Preferences

49:45 Current Writing Projects

54:22 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom for Substack Writers

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• Work with Jacqueline

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

It's easy to lose momentum on your writing project during the holidays, but getting back on track is easier than you think.

This episode dives into the three core habits that will help you reestablish your writing flow:

1. BEing the Writer who makes consistent progress, prioritizing your writing

2. Repetition — regular writing sessions, even in small 30-minute chunks (this adds up!)

3. Leveraging discipline to make your writing time non-negotiable

We discuss how to shift your mindset from finding time to making time for your writing, and the important message you send to your unconscious mind when you prioritize your creative work.

Plus, you'll hear 8 simple, actionable strategies you can implement today to put your writing first, including:

• Blocking specific writing time on your calendar.

• Starting with just 30 minutes a day.

• Boosting accountability with pen-and-paper commitment and community.

• Creating before you consume (writing before checking email or social media).

• Planning your next day's writing task the night before.

• Tracking your writing flow, not just your word count.

• Celebrating your progress.

Life happens, breaks are necessary, but having a plan for your return ensures you can confidently walk back to your desk and know that you are a consistent, great writer.

Key Takeaways:

• The only moment that matters for getting back to writing is right NOW — ignore past and future distractions.

• Three essential habits for restarting your writing are: BEing the writer (embodying your identity as a productive creative), Repetition (consistent, dedicated time), and Discipline (making writing non-negotiable).

• You don't find the time to write, you make the time. This requires deliberate work and prioritizing creation over consumption.

• Putting your writing first sends your unconscious mind essential messages: "You're important," "Your work matters," and "The world needs your words."

Key Links Mentioned:

• Substack: Dream Nudges: How My Subconscious Finally Got Me to Finish the Damn Books

• The Intuitive Writing School Community

• Jacqueline's book, Intuitive Writing

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to How Women Write

00:29 Post-Thanksgiving Writing Challenges

01:35 Key Habits for Writing Success

05:46 Eight Strategies to Get Back on Track

09:31 The Importance of Community and Accountability

11:04 Conclusion and Invitation

Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:

• Substack: Energy-First Writing

• Book Coaching

• LinkedIn

• Instagram