In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I discuss overcoming guilt as a parent pursuing creative passions and introduce M.K. Pagano, the author of 'Girls Who Burn,' who shares her journey to becoming a published writer. 

Our conversation highlights the challenges of balancing writing with parenting, dealing with setbacks such as losing an agent, and the importance of community support. 

MK offers practical advice for writing thrillers and emphasizes the significance of persistence and self-compassion in the writing journey. 

00:00 Overcoming Parental Guilt for Creative Fulfillment

01:23 Interview with MK Pagano: Debut Novel 'Girls Who Burn'

04:05 MK Pagano's Writing Journey and Challenges

12:26 Tips for Writing Thrillers

19:17 Balancing Writing and Parenthood

22:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Writers

31:19 Conclusion and Resources for Writers

Guest Bio:

MK Pagano writes stories about messy girls, mayhem, and murder. Her debut YA Thriller GIRLS WHO BURN is out now in the US, UK, and more. She is represented by Barbara Poelle of Word One Literary. When she’s not busy pondering the angst of fictional people, she can be found reading (from her own TBR and that of her children), dreaming of restoring an old French chateau, and wandering the weirder parts of New Jersey, where she currently resides with her family.

Contact links:

https://mkpagano.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/mk_pagano/ 

Resources mentioned on  the show:

Alexa Donne’s Youtube Channel

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: [email protected]

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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

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

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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

In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants and needs, and identifying their fears. 

Michele introduces her character development tool 'Interview for Insight,' which aids writers in gaining a deeper understanding of their characters. 

You'll also hear about 'First Draft Confidence,' my free workbook designed to help you plan and write your novel more confidently. 

Join us as we uncover techniques and tools to enrich your storytelling. 

00:00 Understanding Character Desires

01:28 Interview with Michele Regenold

01:59 Introducing First Draft Confidence

02:59 Michelle's Writing Journey

06:27 Character Development Insights

15:58 Interview for Insight Tool

28:09 Final Thoughts and Resources

Guest Bio

Michele Regenold is an Author Accelerator-certified book coach, specializing in middle grade and young adult fiction. She has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, as well as master’s degrees in journalism and English from Iowa State University.

For 20 years she honed her coaching and editing skills, first as a teacher of college English and later as the alumni magazine editor at Grinnell College, her undergraduate alma mater.

Michele is a writer herself, mainly of middle grade fiction that often includes an animal character’s point of view.

[email protected]

website: https://www.micheleregenold.com/

blog/newsletter: https://www.micheleregenold.com/blog

More about Interview for Insight: https://www.micheleregenold.com/interivew-for-insight

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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

If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you!
 
Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals.

But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals!

Remember to practice patience and persistence and incorporate accountability into your routine as you work toward turning your dreams into goals and actions that become reality!
 
Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide
 
00:00 Easing into the New Year
01:20 Season Two Kickoff
02:01 Planning for 2025
02:59 Setting Smart Writing Goals
05:44 Reflecting on Past Achievements
07:49 Creating Actionable Steps
11:01 Building Accountability
12:00 Exciting New Season Ahead
12:36 Free Story Planning and Drafting Tool for Fiction Writers

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide 

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

Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.

Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered.

Thank you to all the guests and listeners!

So much good stuff to come in 2025!

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of Creative Ambition
01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future Plans
02:33 The Importance of Resting
06:08 Understanding Creative Burnout
07:48 Personal Journey Through Burnout
11:48 Steps to Overcome Burnout
19:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
23:26 Conclusion and Season Two Preview

Book and Resources Mentioned in the Show:
Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

The Write Habits Creative Energy Tracker 

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

Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared.

Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? 

In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey. 

We dig into story structure, the ups and downs of writing and revising, and the emotional twists that come with the territory of trying to write your first novel.

Rachael opens up about her move to New Zealand, her battles with creative burnout, and how she handles imposter syndrome. Plus, we’ll unpack some practical advice for handling self-doubt, writing shitty drafts, and learning to believe in yourself and your voice. 

Join us for insights that will help you navigate the emotional challenges of writing and remind you that you’re not alone and that you are not doing it wrong!

00:18 Introduction 

01:22 Meet Rachel Heron

04:08 Rachel's Writing Journey

11:31 The Importance of Story Structure

17:27 Rachel's Writing Process Today

18:42 Refining the Draft: From Messy to Polished

19:08 The Third Draft: Adding the Final Touches

19:56 Reading and Reviewing: The Final Steps

20:31 Teaching and Sharing the Process

20:53 Creating 'Unstuck': A Unique Journey

25:06 The Challenges of Writing and Creativity

30:42 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

32:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

34:26 Current Projects and Closing Remarks

 
Guest Bio and Links
Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she’s taught writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. A dual New Zealand and American citizen, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her banjo-playing wife and brick-eating dog.

Books: Unstuck and Fast-Draft Your Memoir, both here

Rachael Herron: Website | Newsletter | Bio | Patreon

Unstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness, available here now! 

The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, Coming Spring 2025, Hachette

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

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!

Learn about Small-Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared 

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

Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? 

If so, this episode is for you. 

Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chronically ill person, emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and community, reminding us that acknowledging our limitations doesn’t mean we should blame ourselves. 

Sandra shares practical tips on avoiding stereotypes in writing and highlights resources designed to support chronically ill writers. 

You’ll be inspired as we talk about renowned authors who have faced similar challenges, and Sandra gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming workshop on creating authentic disabled characters—an effort to uplift disabled voices in the publishing landscape.

Episode Highlights:

01:23 – Meet Sandra Postma  

03:06 – Sandra’s Journey to Writing and Coaching  

05:25 – Challenges of Writing with Chronic Illness  

09:37 – Empathy, Connection, and Vulnerability  

13:33 – Overcoming Internal Narratives  

17:09 – Acceptance and Acknowledgement  

18:37 – The Value of Your Voice  

19:35 – Embracing Your Unique Voice Through Illness  

21:28 – The Power of Community for Writers with Chronic Illness  

24:08 – Resources and Workshops for Writing Authentic Disabled Characters  

26:48 – The Emotional Load of Writing and Overcoming Bias  

34:01 – Inspiration from Writers with Disabilities  

35:47 – Final Thoughts and Wishes for Fellow Writers  

Guest Bio and Links

Links and books  mentioned in the show:

How To Write An Authentic Disabled Character Workshop by Sandra Postma

The Mighty Online Network

Writing The Other: A Practical Approach by Nisi Shawl & Cynthia Ward

Sandra Postma is a former journalist who switched from fact to fiction after discovering her own writing held the power for change. Founding Your Story Mentor in 2021, Sandra is now a writer of fiction and non-fiction, and a certified book coach.

In her work as a book coach, Sandra helps writers with a chronic illness, disability or mental struggles. She helps writers embrace their unique voice and develop their story ideas into novels.

Connect with Sandra on her website or follow her on Instagram and threads  @yourstorymentor. 

Learn more about Small-Group Book Coaching for Fiction Writers with Write It Scared!

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

Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone!

In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project. Drawing from insights in Seth Godin’s The Dip, I unpack the tricky phase where doubt creeps in, and we’re tempted to abandon our current work-in-progress for something newer and shinier.

I’ll share some thought-provoking questions and journaling prompts to help you figure out if you are dealing with Resistance or if it’s genuinely time to listen to the creative muse and move on to something else. Plus, I’ll point you toward some invaluable resources like Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca Syme, The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and How to Decide by Annie Duke.

Join me for a deep dive into reflection, aligning your decisions with your values and long-term goals. Whether you choose to move forward with your current project or pivot, this episode will empower you to take the next steps with confidence

00:00 Introduction to the Creative Crossroads

00:42 Facing the Creative Crossroads

01:15 Deciding Whether to Quit or Push Through

02:08 Understanding the Creative Call

03:59 Reflecting on Your Creative Path

04:43 Applying Seth Godin's 'The Dip' to Writing

05:33 The Phases of Writing a Novel

06:43 Understanding the Dip

07:37 Identifying If You're in the Dip

08:34 Facing Resistance

09:26 Journal Prompts for Decision-Making

10:11 The Skill of Finishing

11:03 Recommended Resources

11:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Learn more about Small-Group Book Coaching With Write It Scared 

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

Do you want to be more efficient when it comes to your writing? 

Wish there was a way to understand what type of writing process would work well for you instead of trying and failing at a method that works well for others? 

Guess what? 

There is. 

It still takes work but makes a massive difference in my writing life.

In this episode, I’m joined by Becca Syme, creator of the  Better-Faster Academy and Strengths for Writes classes and host of the Quit Cast For Writers. 

Becca and I discuss using the CliftonStrengths assessment tool to understand your unique writing talents and personality and how that will help you improve your writing process, avoid burnout, and focus on what you naturally excel at. 

Tune in to learn how embracing your strengths can enhance creativity and productivity and sustain your passion for writing despite setbacks! 

01:18 Introduction to Special Guest: Becca Syme

03:33 Becca Syme's Journey to Writing and Coaching

07:15 Understanding CliftonStrengths for Writers

15:21 Better Faster Academy: Enhancing Your Strengths

21:07 Write Better Faster: The Path to Alignment

25:01 The Importance of Individual Coaching

25:31 Strengths for Writers vs. Write Better Faster

26:25 Personal Experiences with Strengths for Writers

27:43 Nonfiction Books for Writers

30:24 Critical Reviews and Reader Reactions

31:43 The Complexity of Writing Advice

38:06 Understanding Your Strengths: Basements and Balconies

43:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

47:16 Where to Find More Resources

Guest Bio and Links: 

Becca Syme (MATL) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has been coaching success alignment for more than a decade. She is the author of the Quitbooks for Writers series and the popular Write Better-Faster course. She also writes mystery novels in her spare time and lives on one of the thousand lakes in Minnesota.

You can connect with Becca through her website or follow her on Instagram

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