The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! 

And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!

SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES

Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority.

Discover what interiority is, how to use it effectively in your writing, and when to use it to convey your character's true emotions, motivations, and inner states.

I'll share examples to illustrate how offering readers glimpses into a character's inner world can transform your storytelling.

We'll also discuss common mistakes to avoid and how to stop worrying about showing vs. telling when it comes to interiority.

Plus, I'll provide practical exercises to help you practice this essential element of fiction writing.

Don't miss this insightful episode that promises to enhance your writing craft and bring your characters to life.

00:00 Introduction to Interiority
01:14 Episode Overview and Focus on Interiority
02:22 Defining Interiority in Fiction
04:10 Examples of Interiority
11:05 When to Use Interiority
16:15 Exercises for Practicing Interiority
17:59 Recap and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in the show:
Episode 5: Understanding the Macro Elements of Fiction
Episode 11: Understanding Voice in Fiction

The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass

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/wis

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

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! 

And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!

SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES

Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character Arcs

Today, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot.

I'll share insights on developing authentic characters so readers will empathize with them and want to know more.

We'll chat about different character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—and how understanding these can enrich your storytelling. 

Plus, I'll debunk myths about story structure being formulaic and show you how it’s essential for guiding your characters' emotional journeys. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tips to develop compelling characters and a story your readers will love!

00:00 Introduction to Character Arcs
02:29 Exploring Story Structure
06:27 Diving into Character Arcs
09:19 Understanding Character Development
19:31 Practical Tips for Writers
20:36 Conclusion and Resources

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/wis

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

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! 

And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!

SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES

Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words?  

You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. 

Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript. 

Remember, every word contributes to your growth, no matter how discarded it may feel.

NO WORDS ARE WASTED. 

Writing is a practice. 

With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to slow down and appreciate our efforts. 

Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your efforts and all the words you write, even the ones you delete. 

00:00 Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect First Draft

01:30 Mindset Shift: Gratitude for Unused Words

02:21 Thanksgiving Reflection: Slowing Down and Showing Gratitude

03:47 Embracing the Writing Process: Practice Does Not Make Perfect, It Makes Improvement.

07:49 Encouragement for Writers: You Matter More than You Know. So Does Your Story.

09:21 Conclusion: Keep Writing and Keep Practicing Gratitude!

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/wis

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

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! 

And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!

SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES

Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! 

In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics Summit hosted by Emma Dhesi and we discuss practical strategies for planning and outlining your novel in a way that works for you. 

The highlights:

📌 The fundamentals of storytelling—character, conflict, plot structure, and theme
📌 Why mindset matters and how to set realistic expectations for your writing journey
📌 How to connect with your story’s purpose so you stay motivated
📌 The balance between planning and discovery—because not every writer thrives with a strict outline

And I talk about my own journey—from feeling like a repressed creative soul to fully stepping into my identity as a fiction writer and book coach.

If you’ve ever struggled with turning a story idea into something structured, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to get started.

Episode Breakdown

📌 01:19 – Special episode announcement
📌 02:28 – Interview with Emma Dashie
📌 04:37 – My journey from repressed creative to fiction writer & coach
📌 09:03 – Why mindset is everything in writing
📌 15:19 – Understanding story structure (without overcomplicating it)
📌 20:51 – Finding your story’s purpose—why this story, now?
📌 23:25 – The core foundations of storytelling
📌 25:06 – What makes a compelling story
📌 27:31 – Building conflict & stakes readers care about
📌 28:36 – Writing strong character arcs & believable antagonists
📌 30:50 – The role of theme in storytelling (and how to use it naturally)
📌 32:34 – Plotting vs. Pantsing—which approach is best for you?
📌 36:07 – Inciting incidents, plot points & keeping your story moving
📌 42:17 – Supporting writers through the messy middle
📌 45:04 – Final thoughts + resources to help you plan your novel

Final Thoughts

Writing a novel isn’t about forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about finding what works for you—a balance between planning and allowing space for discovery.

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/wis

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

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite! 

And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026!

SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES

Are you procrastinating when you want to be writing your novel? 

You are not alone and we can fix it! 

Join me on the Write It Scared podcast, where we delve into the art of beating procrastination and finding the courage to write your novel. This episode is packed with practical strategies and insightful discussions that will help you overcome your writing hurdles!

In episode two of the 'Write it Scared' podcast, we chat about the challenges writers face, particularly procrastination. It's not because of poor time management but rather an emotional coping mechanism that has gone astray and a response to the stress or perceived stress of writing. 

Self-criticism won't help. Instead, I suggest practical methods for understanding and overcoming procrastination and other forms of resistance, such as re-evaluating one's beliefs and fears about writing and taking small but consistent steps to set and achieve writing goals. 

If you want more help overcoming resistance and moving past creative blocks, download my free guide: The Write Mindset.  www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset

01:03 Understanding Procrastination in Writing

01:41 The Real Cause of Low Writing Productivity

02:31 The Role of Stress in Writing

02:49 The Impact of Fear and Self-Doubt

03:17 The Cost of Procrastination

03:34 Understanding Procrastination as an Emotion-Focused Coping Habit

04:38 The Truth about Procrastination and Resistance

05:35 Strategies to Overcome Procrastination

06:22 The Role of Fear in Procrastination

07:41 The Power of Action in Overcoming Procrastination

08:07 A Simple Process to Overcome Resistance

08:48 Questions to Ask Yourself to Overcome Procrastination

11:08 The Power of Belief and Action in Overcoming Procrastination

12:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

12:44 Resources to Help You Overcome Procrastination

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/wis

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

Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4! 

In this season finale, the host, Stacy Frazer, shares a deeply personal writing update and reflects on what happens when life interrupts creativity. This episode explores anticipatory grief, uncertainty, creative numbness, and what courage looks like when you can't find your way forward. 

Stacy also shares plans for the podcast's summer hiatus and a reminder about the Courage Files for Season 4. 

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/wis

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

Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4!

What keeps a writer going through fifteen years of rewrites, rejection, and uncertainty?

Middle-grade author Sara F. Shacter joins me to talk about the long journey behind her debut novel, Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign, and how revision became less about “fixing” the story and more about uncovering its emotional heart.

We discuss resilience, imposter syndrome, comparison, and the challenge of staying connected to joy while navigating the publishing process. Sara also shares practical revision strategies, the importance of community, and why progress—not perfection—is what really moves a writing life forward.

If you’re stuck in the messy middle of revision or questioning whether your story is worth continuing, this episode is a reminder that persistence matters more than getting it right the first time.

Timestamps

00:00 – Why Revision Matters

10:09 – The Premise of Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign

13:48 – The 15-Year Road to Publication

22:23 – Revision Tools and Strategies

26:49 – Doubt, Comparison, and Staying the Course

31:52 – Making Time to Write

35:44 – Identity Beyond Publishing

40:44 – Progress Over Perfection

44:07 – Current Projects and Where to Find Sarah 

To connect with Sara and read her debut novel, go to her website

Links Mentioned: 

SCBWI: Society of Book Writers and Illustrators

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/wis

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

 Submit Your Writing Win to the Courage Files for Season 4! 

Can we find more play in writing by lowering the stakes? This episode explores how perfectionism, pressure, productivity culture, and the need to “get it right” can slowly drain the joy out of creativity.

I talk about where play naturally exists in the writing process—daydreaming, brainstorming, messy drafting—and why reconnecting with those moments might matter more than forcing constant productivity. Sometimes the path back to creativity isn’t pushing harder. Sometimes it’s lowering the stakes enough to let yourself explore.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck in drafting or revision, overwhelmed by expectations, burned out by productivity culture, or guilty because writing hasn’t felt fun lately… this one’s for you.

There’s also a quick season update and information about the new Courage Files segment coming in Season Four.

Timestamps:
 00:00 When expectations block creativity
 00:24 Welcome to Write It Scared
 01:21 Season update + Courage Files
 03:48 What “play” means in writing
 04:43 When writing starts to feel heavy
 07:23 Lowering the stakes
 08:33 Reflection prompts
 09:21 Closing thoughts

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/wis

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

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! 

What happens after the book is finally out in the world—and all the noise starts creeping in? 

In this conversation, indie MM romance author Alex Cross joins me to talk about emotionally intense storytelling, publishing pressure, writer’s block, and the challenge of protecting your creativity once readers, reviews, and big expectations enter the picture.

We talk about the Fire Between Us series and its highly anticipated second installment, From Our Ashes, which released May 4th, 2026, as well as her stunning Us duet—Echoes of Us and Becoming Us. 

We dig into the craft, including keeping track of dual timelines, writing toxic relationships, character psychology, and messy, deeply human love stories. Alex also shares her journey into self-publishing, the realities of revising published work, navigating social media and comparison, and learning how to reconnect to why she writes in the first place.

It’s an honest conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and continuing to write even when fear and doubt get loud.

Timestamps

04:04 Meet Alex Cross

08:29 Choosing a risky debut

11:37 Echoes of Us

19:11 Crafting dual timelines

24:44 Revising published work

29:49 Fire Between Us update

33:30 Writing high-angst stories

35:53 Writer’s block + sequel struggles

37:56 Reviews, doubt, and social media

41:35 Boundaries and support systems

44:48 Protecting the magic of writing

47:26 What’s next + where to find Alex 

To connect with Alex and read her books, go to her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

All of Alex's books are available in KU. 

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/wis

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

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here 

What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty?

Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-paced storytelling, writing about identity and belonging, and the emotional resilience required to survive the long road to publication.

Shafaq also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of querying, revising after difficult feedback, finding community, and learning to trust her voice as a writer.

If you’re deep in the messy middle of your own writing journey, this conversation is a reminder that persistence matters—and sometimes the long road is part of becoming the writer you’re meant to be.

Timestamps
 00:00 – Grounding Through Story
 07:12 – The Premise of Zaina: Lost and Found
 11:42 – Research vs. Storytelling
 24:07 – Querying and Rejection
 30:00 – Tough Feedback and Big Rewrites
 35:12 – Learning to Trust Her Voice
 41:59 – Advice for Writers

Links Mentioned:

Shafaq Khan Website

Instagram

Tiktok 

SCBWI

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/wis

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