Grab Your Free Ticket to The 2025 Spark To Story Summit (MAY 27-29)

Struggling to figure out where your story is going? 

In this episode, we break down how understanding your content genre can give you a built-in structure for your novel, shaping your plot, character arc, and emotional payoff. 

We’ll explore the difference between marketing and content genres, explain why genre is more than just a shelf label, and dive into how frameworks like Save the Cat Writes a Novel and The Story Grid can help you choose your content genre and write with more intention.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to Genre and Storytelling
 00:22 – Welcome to The Write It Scared Podcast
 01:31 – Understanding Your Story Genre
 02:27 – Marketing vs. Content Genre
 05:39 – Frameworks for Identifying Content Genre
 06:50 – External vs. Internal Content Genres
 08:33 – Blending Genres and Finding Your Story’s Spine
 10:12 – Conclusion and Next Steps
 

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• [Episode 50: How to Plan and Outline Your Novel]
  
  
  
• [Episode 42: Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs]
  
  
  
• Companion blog post with examples and resources 

• 2025 Spark to Story Summit–FREE TICKET! (Please note, this is an affiliate link. If you upgrade to a paid all-access SPARK pass, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you.)

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Have you ever felt like self-doubt was holding your writing dreams hostage? Oh friend, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I had an incredible chat with the wonderful Amy Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears and Finding Inspiration.

We got real about the ways self-doubt creeps into our creative lives, and how—even though it's uncomfortable—it's also totally normal. Amy opened up about her own journey with doubt, what inspired her to write her book, and shared practical (and gentle!) strategies to navigate that nagging voice inside your head.

Here's what you'll find in our conversation:

• Why doubt isn't always the enemy (spoiler: sometimes it's a powerful creative ally)
  
  
  
• How to use the improv-inspired mindset of "Yes, and..." to navigate creative uncertainty and fear
  
  
  
• Real talk about handling rejection, building persistence, and finding your creative path despite doubt
  
  
  
• Personal insights and relatable experiences from Amy’s own writing journey (and a few from mine, too!)
  
  
  

If you're wrestling with doubt—and let's be honest, who isn't?—you'll walk away from this episode feeling seen, inspired, and ready to embrace your creative path, self-doubt included.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Facing doubt head-on (you've got this!)
  
  
  
• 00:28 – Welcome back to Write It Scared!
  
  
  
• 01:33 – Diving deep: self-doubt and creativity
  
  
  
• 01:55 – Meet the amazing Amy Bernstein
  
  
  
• 03:52 – Amy’s personal journey with writing and doubt
  
  
  
• 07:09 – Why doubt can be powerful (yes, really!)
  
  
  
• 20:32 – How to navigate creative risks when doubt creeps in
  
  
  
• 22:17 – Using the “Yes, and…” approach to keep going
  
  
  
• 23:19 – Embracing rejection, persistence, and growth
  
  
  
• 25:46 – Understanding doubt’s role in the creative process
  
  
  
• 27:59 – Personal stories of battling doubt (we've all been there!)
  
  
  
• 30:15 – Finding your true creative path
  
  
  
• 35:41 – Building your inner resources for writing
  
  
  
• 37:45 – Wrapping up with encouragement and final thoughts
  
  

Keep going, keep writing, and keep believing in yourself. You've absolutely got this.

Amy L. Bernstein is the author, most recently, of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration, an inspirational book for self-doubting creatives. She is an award-winning novelist, a former journalist, and a certified nonfiction book coach helping authors find their best path to

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

ENTER THE 1 YEAR Anniversary Celebration to WIN a FREE 90-MIN PLOT STRATEGY SESSION!

DOWNLOAD "THE WRITE MINDSET" FREE WORKBOOK from Write It Scared!

Writing is challenging enough without beating ourselves up along the way, right? 

In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m getting personal—celebrating the podcast’s one-year milestone (woohoo!) and opening up about a topic that deserves more honest conversation: being a perimenopausal writer.

If you’ve experienced brain fog, trouble concentrating, or felt like your creativity took an unexpected vacation, trust me—you’re not alone. I share a bit of my own journey navigating perimenopause, offering encouragement and practical strategies for dealing with these temporary (but very real!) cognitive struggles.

Then, we tackle another sneaky writing struggle—procrastination vs. percolation. Not every pause or hesitation is avoidance, and I'll break down how to recognize the difference between genuinely procrastinating and when you're actually percolating (aka your brain needs processing time).

Plus, I introduce a special free resource, “The WRITE Mindset” workbook, designed specifically to help you shift those unhelpful inner critic thoughts into positive actions.

Above all, this episode is about reminding you to be gentle with yourself. Writing isn't always linear or easy—but with patience, self-compassion, and the right support, you’ve absolutely got this.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Let's stop beating ourselves up (please!)
  
  
• 00:23 – Welcome back to Write It Scared! (One year already? Yay!)
  
  
• 01:31 – The truth about being a perimenopausal writer (because someone has to say it)
  
  
• 06:54 – Procrastination vs. Percolation: what's really holding you back?
  
  
• 13:35 – Final thoughts and what’s coming next
  
  

Final Thoughts

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, I hope it’s this: your struggles—whether hormonal, creative, or somewhere in between—are temporary, normal, and manageable. Keep engaging with your story, lean into support when you need it, and give yourself the kindness and grace you’d offer a friend.

Happy writing, friends—you’re doing great, even when it feels messy!

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide 

Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m chatting with two industry experts, Nicole Meier (multi-published author and book coach) and Gretchen Schaffer (marketing and PR strategist), the brilliant team behind Bookworks.co

Nicole and Gretchen break down exactly what an author platform is (hint: it’s simpler than you think), why it's important (but not something to stress about), and how you can confidently start building yours right now—no matter where you are in your writing journey.

Here’s a peek at what we cover:

• What exactly is an author platform, anyway? (Spoiler alert: it’s just your online/offline presence that connects you authentically with readers)
  
  
• When’s the best time to start building your platform? (Hint: you might be surprised!)
  
  
• Practical, realistic steps you can take immediately to grow your platform without feeling overwhelmed
  
  
• How to clearly define your author brand, find your readers, and feel good about pitching your work
  
  
• The resources and tools Nicole and Gretchen recommend to make your platform-building easier (and even fun)
  
  

Whether you’re brand-new to the idea of an author platform or looking to boost your current efforts, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, real strategies, and encouragement to help you succeed, minus the stress.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Let’s talk platforms without the panic!
  
  
  
• 01:16 – Meet Nicole Meyer & Gretchen Schaefer of Bookwork
  
  
  
• 04:11 – What an author platform really is (and isn’t)
  
  
  
• 11:53 – Practical tips you can use right away to build your author platform confidently
  
  
  
• 25:01 – How Bookwork can help you (plus final thoughts)
  
  

Final Thoughts

Building your author platform doesn’t need to feel like another full-time job. Nicole and Gretchen reminded me that the key is authenticity and simplicity. So take a deep breath—your readers want to know the real you, and building connections can actually be enjoyable.

Ready to dive in? You’ve got this!

Happy writing (and platform-building!), friends!

To learn more about Bookworks, Nicole Meier and Gretchen Schaffer, please visit their website

 bookworks.co 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Download your step-by-step self-editing guide with checklist here! 

Revision can feel like staring into an abyss. Where do you even start? What if you mess up your story? I get it—the revision stage can feel pretty overwhelming. But in this solo episode of Write It Scared, I'm here to help you tackle it head-on.

I'll walk you through three big revision mistakes I've personally made (more than once!) and how you can steer clear of them:

• Mistake #1: Jumping right into revisions without resting your manuscript. Trust me—stepping away after your first draft makes a huge difference.
  
  
• Mistake #2: Skipping the cold read. This simple step will give you clarity and perspective (no red pen allowed!).
  
  
• Mistake #3: Editing from start to finish, page by page. There’s a better, less overwhelming way—I promise.
  
  

We’ll also chat about how approaching revisions systematically—celebrating milestones, analyzing structure, and focusing on specific story elements—can make the whole process feel more manageable and even enjoyable.

If you're in the revision trenches or gearing up to dive in, this episode will give you the practical tips, encouragement, and confidence boost you need.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Revision doesn't have to be terrifying (I promise!)
  
  
• 01:21 – The top three revision mistakes writers make (myself included)
  
  
• 04:13 – Why your manuscript needs a nap after the first draft
  
  
• 06:05 – The magic of a cold read (seriously, put that red pen down!)
  
  
• 08:34 – Stop editing linearly—there’s a better way!
  
  
• 09:50 – How to take a step-by-step, systematic approach to revision
  
  
• 13:14 – Wrapping up + resources to help you revise smarter
  
  
• 13:54 – Final thoughts and encouragement for your revision journey
  
  

Revision doesn't have to feel like punishment. Done right, it's actually a rewarding, creative part of the writing process. So take a deep breath, grab a fresh coffee (or tea!), and let's tackle revisions together—step by step.

You've got this, friend. Happy revising!

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible.

In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025. 

Alexandria generously shares the highs, the lows, and all the messy moments in between on her journey from childhood storytelling dreams to becoming a published author.

We dive into:

• Alexandria’s personal path—from early passion, to academic detours, to rediscovering writing amidst life's busy chaos.
  
  
  
• Her experience navigating the notoriously challenging query trenches (the struggle is real!).
  
  
  
• What it’s like working with a small press—and why that path can be rewarding.
  
  
  
• How she handled the complexity (and occasional panic!) of writing dual POVs.
  
  
  
• Practical advice on balancing writing with real-life responsibilities (spoiler alert: it’s tough, but doable!).
  
  
  
• Why it’s crucial to celebrate every small win along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring writer, deep in the query trenches, or just dreaming about writing someday, Alexandria’s story will inspire you and remind you that every step matters.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – A quick personal epiphany (because those happen!)
  
  
  
• 00:25 – Welcome back to Write It Scared!
  
  
  
• 01:28 – Meet Alexandria Faulkenbury
  
  
  
• 02:53 – Alexandria’s writing journey: twists, turns, and surprises
  
  
  
• 05:01 – Inside the story of Somewhere Past the End
  
  
  
• 09:38 – Real talk: navigating the query process
  
  
  
• 15:10 – What it’s really like to work with a small press
  
  
  
• 17:40 – The very real struggles of writing (it’s okay—we all have them!)
  
  
  
• 26:16 – Balancing writing with the chaos of everyday life
  
  
  
• 30:30 – Alexandria’s final words of wisdom and encouragement

Guest info:

Alexandria Faulkenbury holds an M.A. in multicultural and transnational literature and lives in South Carolina with her family. She is a part of the 2025 debutante ball, a collective that celebrates the journey of women writers as they publish their first book. Her work has been featured in The Maine Review and MER Literary, among others. 

Find her at alexandriafaulkenbury.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amfaulkenbury/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/LexiBury

Bluesky:

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what that means.

I know—a “flat” arc might sound boring, right? 

But trust me, flat arcs can be incredibly dynamic and emotionally engaging. 

Think of characters like Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Katniss doesn’t fundamentally change who she is, but her unwavering strength, determination, and beliefs begin to transform everything around her.

Here’s what we’re diving into in this episode:

• What a flat (also called “steadfast” or “static”) arc really is—and why it’s misunderstood
  
  
• The key difference between flat arcs and positive or negative arcs
  
  
• How to craft a flat character who feels vibrant, real, and deeply relatable
  
  
• Using Katniss Everdeen as a practical case study to explore how flat arcs work within traditional story structures
  
  
• Practical, actionable tips for creating compelling flat arc characters readers will love

If you’ve ever struggled with characters who resist change or wondered if every protagonist truly needs to transform, this episode is exactly what you need.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – What exactly is a flat character arc?
• 01:30 – Quick refresher: Positive vs. Negative vs. Flat arcs
• 01:52 – Defining flat character arcs clearly (and busting myths!)
• 05:09 – How to craft dynamic, compelling flat arc characters
• 07:17 – Examples of iconic flat arc characters
• 07:42 – Deep dive: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games
• 08:10 – Story structure and the flat arc: how it fits in
• 10:39 – Breaking down Katniss’s journey step-by-step
• 20:29 – Key takeaways and tips for your own flat arcs
• 22:07 – Wrap-up + what’s coming next!

Other Episodes mentioned 

Episode 52: Crafting a Corruption Arc

Episode 48: Crafting a Falling Arc

Episode 46: Crafting a Disillusionment Arc

Episode 42: Crafting Positive Arcs of Change 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive into how writing short stories can help you:

• Stay creatively engaged between big projects
  
  
• Sharpen your storytelling and character work
  
  
• Play with structure, POV, and genre in low-stakes ways
  
  
• And even reignite your joy when you feel stuck

If you’ve been feeling creatively blocked or craving something new, this conversation might be the nudge you need to try something shorter, messier, and wildly fun.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – Why having a strong story vision matters
  
  
• 01:18 – Meet Demi Michelle Schwartz
  
  
• 03:38 – Demi’s journey to becoming an author and editor
  
  
• 06:50 – The unexpected benefits of short stories for novelists
  
  
• 13:20 – How to approach writing short stories with purpose
  
  
• 21:31 – Making your short stories character-driven
  
  
• 22:15 – We chat about A Pinch of Cinnamon and Lore
  
  
• 22:32 – Flat arcs in short fiction: when characters don’t change
  
  
• 25:39 – POV choices in short stories
  
  
• 27:57 – Demi’s advice for first-time short story writers
  
  
• 29:41 – Facing writing struggles (and getting through them)
  
  
• 32:44 – Navigating self-doubt as a writer
  
  
• 35:11 – Why writing community makes all the difference
  
  
• 39:25 – Demi’s current projects and where to find her
  
  

Demi Michelle Schwartz is an author, editor, publicist, and the host of Literary Blend: A

Publishing Podcast, based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Links

Website: http://demimschwartz.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/demimschwartz

Instagram: http://instagram.com/demimschwartz

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/demimschwartz.bsky.social

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.

This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-deception, and slow-burning transformation, and when done right, they’re unforgettable.

In this episode, I break down:

• What sets a corruption arc apart from other negative arcs
  
  
• The false beliefs that fuel the fall
  
  
• How to structure a story that shows the slow unraveling of a character’s integrity
  
  
• And of course, I use one of the most iconic examples—Walter White from Breaking Bad—to illustrate how a seemingly good person can become something much darker

Whether you're working on a villain origin story, an anti-hero arc, or just love exploring the more complex, shadowy corners of character development, this episode will help you craft a corruption arc that sticks with your reader.

And don’t miss next week’s episode—I’ll be joined by author and editor Demi Michelle Schwartz, who’s sharing how writing short stories can sharpen your novel-writing skills in surprising ways.

Episode Breakdown

• 00:00 – What is a corruption arc, really?
• 00:17 – Quick hello & what we’re unpacking today
• 01:17 – A refresher on negative character arcs
• 02:28 – The anatomy of a corruption arc
• 04:59 – Walter White’s descent into darkness
• 05:54 – Plot structure and the corruption arc
• 07:44 – Breaking down Walter White’s transformation
• 14:52 – How to craft a strong, believable corruption arc

Corruption arcs are tricky—but so rewarding to write. They push us to look at how people change, what they justify, and the line between who they are and who they become. And spoiler: it’s never as clean as we think.

If you’re building a character who breaks bad, this episode will give you the structure, insight, and tools to do it right.

For more on crafting negative character ars check out:

Episode 46: The Disillusionment Arc

Episode 48: The Falling Arc 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?

That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which approach is right for you.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Meet Amy Neilsen, A librarian-turned-literary agent
00:34 – Amy’s unexpected journey to publishing Worth It
06:52 – The highs and lows of getting published
10:17 – Why having a writing community matters
12:37 – Live pitching vs. cold querying—how do you choose?
 21:24 – How to overcome pitch nerves (without spiraling)
 22:03 – How to make your live pitch count (and what not to do)
23:20 – Why agent feedback is gold (even when it stings)
25:56 – Must-have comp resources for querying writers
28:02 – How to make real industry connections
37:14 – The power of a solid writing community
38:13 – Where to connect with Amy

To Connect with Amy: 

website - www.amynielsenauthor.com

Manuscript Wish List  - www.manuscriptwishlist.com/mswl-post/amy-nielsen/

Query Manager - www.querytracker.net/agent/16163

Twitter/X - @AmyNielsen06

IG: @author_amy.nielsen

Other Links and Resources discussed on the show:

Writing Day Workshops

Live Pitch Template

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast Website

How to Find Compelling Comp Titles for Your Book by Star Wuerdemann on the Jane Friedman blog

Thriller 101 Podcast

Thriller storyteller’s society 

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

https://www.writeitscared.co/

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears