What if I told you there’s one method you can use to overcome any obstacle? 

Since you listen to this podcast, you’re probably at least a little bit of a perfectionist. You like goal-setting, self-improvement, and learning the best way to do things. But when the “best way” isn’t clear, do you ever just feel… stuck? 

If you've ever wondered...

-How do I pick the “best” idea? 
-When to stop researching and start writing your story.
-How to get past fear of judgment.
-How to overcome perfectionism in the idea, drafting, editing, and publishing phases of your manuscript.

...listen to this week's episode! You'll learn how you can get it together in your creative life by simply getting it going.

***

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

When it comes to technology, we always tend to feel a little behind. But with the advent of generative AI, discussions within the author community are bursting with passionate debates and the topic is even banned in some writing groups.

If you feel overwhelmed by the topic of AI and how it impacts you as an author, especially if you dictate (or have thought of dictating) your fiction, you don't want to miss this episode! 

As someone who has dictated 11 books, used AI in my personal and professional life, and have a cautionary attitude toward tech in general, I go into the confusing (and longer than you might think) history of AI, and also the origins of dictating stories (again, longer history than you might think).

I break down complex questions so you can have confidence in making your own decisions about AI and dictation. 

And yes, I answer that burning question: Is dictation considered AI-assisted writing?

***

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

The first few weeks of a new year can be tough, especially for authors. We're feeling the creative slump after the holidays, and we feel our goals and New Year's resolutions already bearing down on us.

What if there was an easier way to gain momentum for 2025 and truly strike at the root of our goals?

In this episode, I cover:

How to identify your Limiting Beliefs.
Why it's important to reframe with Liberating Truths.
How to reorient and take New Actions.

***

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

As an inconsistent writer, I've still managed to publish 19 books, but I've never been satisfied with my lack of daily fiction writing. My 5-Minute Fiction habit has changed that and brought the joy of fiction writing back into my life.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on this daily exercise that I started in the summer of 2024 after a fiction writing sabbatical. I break down every little step I took to develop this habit and give you the roadmap to add it to your author life!

***

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

The holidays are a great chance to do mega tons of reading, and you most likely have books on your Christmas wish list!

But what if there was a way to actually read those books you want to before ringing in the new year? I have a method for you to increase your reading speed while still experiencing the pleasure and joys of reading a good book.

In this episode, I cover:

-Why you might want to read faster.
-One simple method to read faster.
-How to customize the method to what works best for you.

If your to-read list is as long as mine, you'll want to grab a cup of hot cocoa and settle in for this delightful chat around a favorite topic for us authors: reading.

***

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

Big projects, such as cooking a holiday meal, can be pretty overwhelming. Today, I'm sharing my experiences with big projects like getting Thanksgiving dinner hot on the table...and also publishing 19 books and multiple writing courses.

In this holiday-themed episode, I cover:

- My twist on the saying, "You can do anything you want, you just can’t do everything you want," because I believe you can have your pumpkin pie and eat it, too!

- Why you need to know your "recipe." Know what you’re making and why you're excited about the story you want to write.

- Prepare your tools for success: how to know when it's worth investing in new writing tools.

- Prep your "ingredients."  What are you cooking? Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Know your story genre.

- The need to "let it cool" so you don't end up with a hot mess.

- Taste test time! Beta readers? Editors? 

Enjoy this scrumptious episode on the lessons I've learned from holiday cooking and my author life.

***

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

Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking about your future as an author? Maybe you want to set goals, but aren’t even sure what those goals should be? Does this sense of overwhelm hold you back? 

In this episode, I talk about getting clarity on your future and your past so you can become a confident fiction author in the present.

You'll come away with what you need to confidently start setting your goals for 2025.

***

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

Is one of the roadblocks to your writing career a lack of consistency? Do you feel ready to conquer your writing goals in 2025, or already overwhelmed? 

In this episode, I cover:

>>How to prepare for a new habit
>>The power of “Habit Stacking”
>>Positive reinforcement 
>>Setting yourself up for success

Success isn’t about big resolutions; it’s about consistency. With the right mindset and skills, 2025 can be your best writing year yet. I’m going to give you some new tools, including a powerful hack called “Habit Stacking” that changed my writing life.

***

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

Years ago, I Iearned about the 4-day work week. While I wanted to do it, I didn’t truly believe I could get as much done and that my income would suffer if I tried. But I took the plunge and what I discovered amazed me.

In this episode, I give you my 2024 recap, why I made the decision to go to a four-day work week, and how it impacted my productivity and lifestyle. 

I also dive deep into what may be holding you back from trying a four-day work week, along with all the benefits you can enjoy if you do: more rest, better productivity, and unleashing your best creative lifestyle.

Like me, you may be more ready for a 4-day work week than you think!

***

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

The sport of pickleball pulled together years of writing lessons for Sarah, and in this episode, she shares 5 of them:

1. Keep your eye on the ball (plot of your story)
2. Know where you are on the court (and in your story)
3. Practice in private and in public
4. Play with those at higher levels
5. Accept critique

Whether or not you're not a pickleball player, you'll come away from this episode with solid knowledge you can apply to your writing life today.

***

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