Hey there, Writer! Welcome back to another episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show.

This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Laura Jevtich—a writer, author, and social media creator with a fascinating journey that took her from geology to writing memoirs and beyond.

Laura’s story is anything but conventional. Originally trained as a geologist, she spent over a decade in the field before jumping ship during the Y2K era to become a computer trainer. This shift led her to start her own business in 2003, helping realtors with website content and blog posts. Little did she know that this early experience in writing would pave the way for her future as an author.

In 2005, Laura and her husband Sasha made a bold decision that would change their lives forever—they bought a truck camper and hit the road, embracing a nomadic lifestyle that was nearly unheard of in their Northern Virginia community. As they traveled, Laura began documenting their journey, which led to the creation of her memoir, Unusual Adventures Traveling Through Life: A Memoir of Frugalness to Financial Freedom.

Their journey wasn’t just about travel; it was about reclaiming their time and energy. The couple realized that homeownership was holding them back from the adventurous life they craved. So, in 2006, after a six-week sabbatical, they sold their house and nearly all their possessions, choosing instead to live full-time in their RV. Their travels took them to national parks across the U.S., where Laura worked as a park ranger in places like the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands. Along the way, she continued writing, capturing their experiences in long-form articles and blog posts.

By 2018, Laura decided to take a break from the road, settling in Pahrump, Nevada, where she and her husband built a home. But the writing never stopped. Encouraged by her father, she pivoted from writing about organization and minimalism to focusing on her memoir. 

We talked about how she dived into the writing world, reading memoirs, joining online communities, and learning the craft of storytelling. In 2022, she committed to finishing her memoir, winning NaNoWriMo by typing up her handwritten manuscript and completing the draft. After a rigorous self-editing process, she published the book in July 2023.

Laura didn't stop there. She returned to her unfinished book on organizing, completing and publishing it in early 2024. She has since been deeply involved in the writing community, attending conferences like 20 Books to Vegas (now Author Nation) and embracing direct sales and marketing strategies.

Now, Laura has once again jumped ship—this time from nonfiction to fiction. She’s currently writing a historical romance, sharing her journey on Ream Stories, and was even featured on their homepage for historical romance.

Throughout the episode, Laura shares valuable insights on following your passions, embracing change, and navigating the self-publishing world. She’s a true example of resilience and reinvention, proving that it’s never too late to chase a new dream.

Enjoy the episode!

If you’ve ever worried about using tropes in your writing—wondering if they make your story predictable or overdone—this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show is here to change your mind. 

I’m joined by Jennifer Hilt, USA Today bestselling author, story consultant, and the brilliant mind behind The Trope Thesaurus series. She’s an expert in crafting compelling plots and characters using tropes in fresh, exciting ways.

We often hear about “tired tropes” or “overused storylines,” but Jennifer breaks down why tropes are actually the essential building blocks of storytelling. She explains how they create familiarity and connection with readers while still allowing for creativity and originality. But tropes are at play everywhere -- the trick is knowing how to twist them in unexpected ways so they feel new.

Jennifer shares how she first became fascinated by tropes during the pandemic, diving deep into books, movies, and TV shows to analyze what makes stories work. She also clarifies the difference between tropes and stereotypes—tropes are neutral storytelling tools, while stereotypes often come with negative connotations. By understanding this distinction, writers can use tropes effectively without falling into lazy or problematic storytelling.

Understanding how tropes function can be a game-changer, especially if you’re feeling stuck in the middle of your book. Jennifer shares practical ways to use tropes to guide your story forward. Instead of staring at a blank page, ask yourself: What tropes am I already using? Can I flip one on its head? Can I combine multiple tropes to create something fresh? This can help you revitalize your plot and character arcs, keeping both you and your readers engaged.

Jennifer also has a free trope list to help spark new ideas in your writing! You can find it in the show notes, along with links to her books, including The Trope Thesaurus, The Horror Trope Thesaurus, and The Trope Thesaurus: Romance.

So grab your notebook, tune in, and get ready to embrace the power of tropes in your storytelling!

Have you ever sat down to write only to suddenly need to do the dishes, scroll TikTok, or reorganize your bookshelf? You’re not alone! 

Writing resistance is real, and it can show up as procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, or just an overwhelming sense of stuckness.

In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I talk with Monica Hay, a writer, coach, and mentor who has spent years studying the brain science of writing resistance. She shares why resistance happens, how it’s completely normal, and—most importantly—how to work with your brain, not against it, to build a sustainable writing practice.

For many of us, writing was easy as kids. We wrote stories just for fun, without that nagging inner critic. But as we got older, perfectionism crept in. We started worrying about whether our writing was good enough, if we were real writers, or if our stories would ever get published.

Monica shares that resistance isn’t about laziness or lack of talent—it’s just how our brains are wired. It all comes down to a battle between:

🧠 The Prefrontal Cortex – The part of the brain that wants to write and accomplish long-term goals.
⚡ The Amygdala – The “dramatic little biatch” (as Monica calls it!) that constantly scans for danger and tries to conserve energy.

So, if resistance is always going to show up, how do we move past it? Monica shares practical, brain-friendly strategies that make writing easier and more enjoyable.

In this week's episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, we’re diving deep into the world of character development with the amazing Megan Fuentes! 

Megan is a writer of flash fiction and historical fiction, specializing in strong female leads and captivating narratives set against the backdrop of real-world events—especially the fascinating history of World’s Fairs.

In our conversation, Megan shares her journey as a writer, from her earliest days of storytelling to the moment she realized she had no idea how to create a proper character arc. (Yes, even published authors hit those moments of doubt!) 

She talks about working with a former Penguin Random House editor who gave her the eye-opening feedback that changed everything, and how she then dove headfirst into mastering character development.

If you’ve ever struggled with crafting compelling character arcs, you won’t want to miss this episode! Megan breaks down her process for building deep, meaningful character transformations using a modified version of Dan Harmon’s Plot Embryo and Eva Deverell’s One-Page Novel method. She walks us through an 8-step framework that helps writers ensure their characters grow in believable, emotionally satisfying ways.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to write characters that truly resonate with readers. Whether you’re writing historical fiction, romance, or any other genre, Megan’s insights will help you craft deeper, more compelling protagonists who keep readers hooked.

This week, we're diving deep into the art of crafting heroic characters—the ones who overcome obstacles, stand for something greater, and keep readers turning the page. Joining us is Mary Dezember, award-winning author of Wild Conviction and a seasoned writer of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

Mary’s novel, Wild Conviction, is a historical, socially conscious epic adventure with a touch of magic. Set in 1858—a tumultuous period just before the U.S. Civil War—the story follows Twilight, a young woman who discovers life-altering secrets on her 16th birthday. Raised in the North by an abolitionist grandmother, Twilight is forced to return to her parents in Memphis, Tennessee—the largest inland trading port for cotton and enslaved people. As she grapples with the burden of truth, she embarks on a dangerous journey, trying to reconcile the world as it is with the world she wants to help create.

Mary shares her process of writing heroic characters, exploring what makes them compelling. Heroism, she explains, isn’t just about grand, world-changing acts. Sometimes, it’s about inner transformation, fighting personal battles, and standing by one’s values despite opposition. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, or poetry, a heroic character gives your story urgency, emotional depth, and a sense of purpose.

We also discuss the challenges of writing historical fiction. Mary shares her meticulous research process to ensure historical accuracy, while also making creative decisions to avoid reinforcing outdated narratives. For example, she chose not to use certain historically accurate but harmful language, opting instead for inventive, respectful alternatives.

Mary shares her framework for believing in your story, which includes:

• Character connection – making characters human through universal emotions and struggles.
• Power of urgency – crafting a compelling story that demands to be heard.
• Magic of the muse – embracing the creative flow and trusting your instincts.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt about your writing or felt unsure if your story is worth telling, this episode is for you. Your voice, your perspective, and your characters matter.

Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of the Resilient Writers Radio Show! This time, we’re diving into all things editing with the wonderful Stacy Juba, founder of Shortcuts for Writers. 

Stacy has been crafting stories since her school days, and her passion for writing has led her to publish everything from mystery novels featuring determined women sleuths to sweet and sassy chick-lit, plus books for children and young adults. In other words, Stacy really knows her stuff—and she’s here to share her editing know-how so we can all polish up our manuscripts and become better writers.

In this chat, Stacy breaks down the different types of edits your manuscript might need. We cover developmental editing, which looks at the big-picture elements like plot, structure, characterization, and pacing. Get those foundations right, and the rest of your editing becomes so much easier.

Next, she explains line editing, the stage where you tighten your prose, eliminate redundant words, and make your sentences sing. Think of it as the polishing phase for your unique writing voice. 

Finally, there’s copy editing, which handles all those nitty-gritty grammar, punctuation, and spelling details. 

One of the coolest resources Stacy shared is her Looks and Gazes Quick Start Guide, a handy list of fresh ways to describe how characters look at each other—so you’re not stuck writing “He looked at her” or “She gazed at him” for the thousandth time! It’s completely free and a perfect example of Stacy’s knack for simplifying the editing process.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the idea of polishing your manuscript or you’re ready to level up your writing skills, you won’t want to miss Stacy’s insights. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about tackling your own edits—plus, you’ll discover new tools to make the process smoother and more fun.

Listen in, take notes, and get ready to embrace the power of editing! Your future, fully polished novel will thank you.

In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, Rhonda speaks with bestselling author and TEDx speaker Marcy Pusey -- diving into the often-feared challenge of writer’s block, exploring its deeper causes and offering insights on how writers can overcome it. 

Marcy, who is also a therapist, shares her unique perspective on how writing can be a deeply therapeutic process, connecting the act of storytelling to emotional healing. She explains that writer’s block is not always about a lack of creativity but may be linked to unprocessed emotions or trauma, stored in the brainstem, which can affect one’s ability to find the right words.

The episode breaks down the various types of creative blocks that writers experience, such as mental, emotional, and scarcity blocks. She emphasizes that these blocks are often rooted in deeply held beliefs or fears, such as the idea that there’s not enough time, money, or talent to succeed. Understanding these psychological hurdles can help writers address the root causes of their resistance and find ways to move past them. 

In addition to offering tools for overcoming writer’s block, Marcy also addresses the debilitating issue of imposter syndrome, which often holds writers back, especially those just starting out. She encourages writers to challenge their limiting beliefs and embrace the idea that they are on a journey of growth. By focusing on learning and evolving, writers can shift away from the perfectionism that keeps them stuck.

This episode is a must-listen for any writer struggling with creative blocks or self-doubt, as Marcy offers both practical advice and emotional support to help you move forward with your writing projects.

In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, host Rhonda Douglas sits down with Mia Botha, a seasoned writing coach and creator of popular writing challenges like "12 Stories in 12 Months" and "30 Days of Flash Fiction." The conversation dives into the common struggles writers face, particularly the ever-present hurdle of procrastination.

Mia shares her unique journey from grappling with unfinished manuscripts to creating community-driven deadlines that transformed her productivity. She explains how procrastination can sneakily disguise itself as "productive" activities—like cleaning grout or taking yet another writing class. Recognizing this, Mia emphasizes the importance of balancing indulgence in these distractions with discipline and accountability. For her, outsourcing discipline through public deadlines and collaborative challenges has been a game-changer.

The episode also explores the concept of "procraftination," where writers spend more time learning about writing than actually writing. While craft development is essential, Mia advises being mindful of when it shifts from helpful to avoidant behavior. For her, it’s crucial to focus on writing more than procrastinating, even if the writing feels imperfect or experimental. In fact, she believes that magic often lies in the brave, "wonky" stories.

This episode is packed with practical advice and a warm reminder that writing is a journey best traveled with intention, community, and a bit of self-compassion. Whether you’re struggling with procrastination or looking for ways to reignite your creative spark, this discussion offers encouragement and actionable takeaways to help you build a resilient and joyful writing life.

In this first episode of Season 6 of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, host Rhonda Douglas dives into the world of nonfiction writing with expert Meghan Stevenson. 

Meghan, a seasoned professional in crafting nonfiction book proposals, shares her wealth of experience, having helped her clients secure over $5 million in publishing advances and contributing to the success of 16 New York Times bestsellers.

The conversation explores the distinct differences between nonfiction and fiction markets, emphasizing how nonfiction is driven by purpose—whether to educate, solve a problem, or inspire change. Meghan highlights the importance of recognizing books as products, a mindset shift essential for authors looking to navigate the publishing world successfully.

The discussion also demystifies the nonfiction book proposal—a pivotal tool for securing an agent or publisher. Meghan likens it to a “mullet of publishing,” combining business-driven content in the front with creative writing in the back. Proposals typically include an overview, chapter summaries, a sample chapter, and business sections detailing marketing strategies, comparative titles, and a compelling author bio. Meghan strongly advises against writing the full book before selling it, as the publishing process often involves refining and reshaping the idea.

The episode is packed with valuable advice for writers aiming to break into the nonfiction space. Meghan’s blend of candid humor and actionable insights provides a clear roadmap for authors to navigate the challenging but rewarding world of publishing. From recognizing the business side of writing to understanding the importance of collaboration and patience, listeners walk away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed as a nonfiction author.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, expert, or simply someone with a great idea, this episode serves as an encouraging guide to bringing your nonfiction book dreams to life. Rhonda and Meghan's warm and engaging conversation reminds writers that with the right tools and mindset, they can overcome the hurdles of publishing and create lasting impact with their work.

In this last episode of Season 5 of the podcast, I am doing a solo show talking about a step-by-step guide on how to create your own DIY writing retreats.

These DIY retreats, which I’ve organized for myself for over 20 years and now include in my First Book Finish program, have helped me reconnect with my projects and make significant progress on my manuscripts.

Here's a link to where you can find the DIY Writing Retreats resource I mention in the show.

That is it for Season 5 of The Resilient Writers Radio Show. We are going to be kicking off Season 6 in about four weeks time. See you soon!

--Rhonda xo