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.

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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! 

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.

If you want more help structuring your novel, check out the free resources below!

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

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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 a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-winning independent author, to talk about the long, winding road to publishing his debut novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, a political science fiction thriller with deep themes and sharp commentary.

Michael shares:

✨ How an idea from two decades ago finally became a published book
✨ The highs and lows of drafting, rewriting, and refining a novel over time
✨ How personal life events and evolving perspectives shaped his storytelling
✨ The importance of community, persistence, and finding the right tools to stay motivated
✨ Lessons learned from self-publishing and navigating the indie author world

If you’ve ever struggled with finishing a manuscript or wondered if it’s too late to make your writing dreams a reality, Michael’s story is proof that perseverance pays off.

Episode Breakdown

📌 00:00 – The reality of long-term writing projects
📌 01:11 – Meet Michael Fedor and his writing journey
📌 02:52 – How What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose came to life
📌 08:29 – Writing political science fiction and balancing genre with message
📌 13:54 – The biggest challenges in writing and rewriting over 20 years
📌 24:00 – How to balance writing with real life (and why it’s okay to take breaks)
📌 26:48 – Michael’s best advice for writers struggling to finish their novel
📌 35:05 – Final thoughts and encouragement for your own writing journey

Writing isn’t just about speed—it’s about sticking with the story that won’t let you go. Whether you're knee-deep in your first draft or revising something you started years ago, this episode will remind you that your book is worth finishing.

Let me know what resonated most with you from Michael’s journey, and as always—keep writing, even when it’s scary. ✨

To connect with Michael, please visit these links:

Substack https://michaelfedorbooks.substack.com/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23296831.Michael_Fedor

Website https://michaelfedorbooks.com/

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

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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

The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real. 

This character starts with potential, but instead of rising to the occasion, they spiral downward—deeper into moral corruption, delusion, or even self-destruction.

The Falling Arc is one of the most devastating negative character arcs (overview of negative arcs in episode 46,) and today, we’re breaking down exactly how to write one.

Using Tom Ripley from The Talented Mr. Ripley as a prime example, this episode explores:

🔥 What makes a falling arc so compelling (and chilling)
🔥 The false beliefs that drive a character’s descent
🔥 Key story beats that shape their tragic downfall
🔥 How to build reader empathy for a character losing their way
🔥 A full breakdown of Tom Ripley’s arc, from his first deception to his final, chilling moment

If you're crafting a protagonist who loses themselves to darkness, this episode will help you nail the psychological and emotional depth needed to make it unforgettable.

Episode Breakdown

📌 00:00 – The power of negative character arcs
📌 00:53 – What makes the falling arc uniquely tragic?
📌 01:37 – The essential ingredients for a compelling downward spiral
📌 02:59 – Breaking down Tom Ripley’s journey step by step
📌 05:05 – How Tom Ripley’s false beliefs drive his moral downfall
📌 07:19 – The inciting incident that sets his descent in motion
📌 10:45 – Midpoint realization: How Tom justifies his crimes
📌 13:41 – The slow, chilling downward spiral
📌 16:55 – The climax and Tom's ultimate fall
📌 19:26 – Final thoughts on writing falling arcs
📌 20:32 – Recap + sneak peek at next week’s corruption arc deep dive

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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

What does it take to bring history to life on the page? 

In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed historical fiction author, writing mentor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse.

Susanne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She went from earning a PhD in music history to publishing her first novel at 50, and now she has 14 novels to her name! 

We chat about the lessons she’s learned along the way—why curiosity, persistence, and patience are essential to writing, how to handle the mountains of research that come with historical fiction, and the delicate balance between fact and storytelling.

We also get into her transition from historical fiction to historical romance (because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little romance with their history?)

If you’ve ever wondered how to make history feel real without drowning in research—or if you just need a reminder that it’s never too late to start your writing career—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The key to balancing research and storytelling in historical fiction
✅ Key mindset shifts to avoid overwhelm for historical fiction writers
✅ Tips for managing research without getting stuck in extraneous details
✅ The challenges (and joys!) of transitioning to historical romance

Episode Breakdown:
00:21 – Meet Susanne Dunlap!
00:43 – Her journey from academia to author
01:43 – Lessons from her publishing experience
02:14 – Why persistence matters in writing
02:38 – The power of storytelling in historical fiction
05:13 – Why historical fiction is so captivating
07:39 – Research: How much is too much?
18:18 – Balancing historical accuracy with compelling fiction
21:12 – Challenges in writing historical fiction & how to push through
25:12 – Moving into historical romance: what changes?
28:43 – Final thoughts & what Susanne is working on now

Guest Bio and Links

Susanne Dunlap is the award-winning author of over a dozen historical novels, as well as an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach in fiction, nonfiction, and memoir. Her love of history began in academia with a PhD in music history from Yale. Her novel THE PORTRAITIST won first prize in its category in the 2022 Eric Hoffer Book Awards, and was a finalist in the CIBA Goethe Awards and the Foreword Indies Awards. THE ADORED ONE: A NOVEL OF LILLIAN LORRAINE AND FLORENZ ZIEGFELD, won first place in its category in the 2023 CIBA Goethe Awards for Late Historical Fiction. Today, she lives, coaches, and writes in beautiful Biddeford, Maine.

Website: https://susanne-dunlap.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/susanne_dun

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions.

In this episode we do an overview the negative character arcs and then focus on the specifics of the Disillusionment Arc.

Unlike positive arcs where characters grow and overcome their flaws, disillusionment arcs are about painful realizations. These characters start believing in something—an ideal, a system, a person—only to have that belief stripped away, leaving them changed, but not necessarily better off.

Using powerful examples like The Great Gatsby and The Firm, we’ll break down:
✨ How false beliefs shape a character’s journey
✨ The key differences between negative and positive arcs
✨ Why disillusionment arcs resonate so deeply with readers
✨ How to craft a compelling downfall without losing your audience

If you want to explore the darker side of storytelling and create characters whose struggles feel real, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Benefits of understanding negative arcs, even if your main character doesn’t have one

✅The essential components of a Disillusionment Arc
✅ How to differentiate a disillusionment arc from a traditional fall or corruption arc
✅ Why false beliefs are the driving force behind negative arcs
✅ How to use this arc to add depth and emotional impact to your stories
✅ Examples of disillusionment arcs in literature and film (The Great Gatsby, The Firm)

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction to Negative Character Arcs

01:21 Overview of Negative Character Arcs

06:51 Understanding the Disillusionment Arc

12:45 Disillusionment Arc in Story Structure

16:24 Examples of Disillusionment Arcs

22:03 Wrap Up

Negative arcs don’t just make for compelling stories—they reflect the painful truths we all face at some point. So if you’re ready to explore the darker side of character growth, grab your notebook and let’s dive in.

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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

FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It Scared

Love is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach. 

Together, we’re diving headfirst into the art (and heart) of writing authentic romance.

We’re unpacking everything from developing unforgettable characters to building emotional intimacy that makes readers swoon. Trisha shares her incredible journey into romance writing and drops golden advice on overcoming common struggles—like keeping the chemistry alive and crafting believable relationships.

We also explore the difference between romance and love stories, how to handle romance arcs over a series, and why happy endings are non-negotiable in this genre. Whether you're dreaming up a standalone romance or weaving love into a sprawling fantasy series, this conversation will inspire you to create stories that truly connect.

Episode Highlights:
 00:00 Starting with Self-Love: A Key to Great Romance
 00:24 Welcome to the Write it Scared Podcast!
01:27 Valentine’s Day Special 💕
01:36 Meet the Wonderful Trisha Jen Lair
03:04 Trisha’s Journey: From Aspiring Writer to Romance Coach
06:25 What Makes Romance Writing Magical
07:35 Crafting Relatable, Compelling Characters
15:45 Tackling Challenges in Romance Writing
19:45 Embracing the Messiness of First Drafts
23:19 Why Happy Endings Matter in Romance
24:12 Romance vs. Love Stories: What’s the Difference?
24:40 Writing Romantic Arcs Across a Series
26:03 The Unique Challenges of Romantasy
28:59 Fantasy Romance vs. Romantic Fantasy: A Breakdown
36:19 How to Create Chemistry That Feels Real
40:14 Keeping the Spark Alive for Your Characters
41:48 Transformations Through Love: Romance and Growth
43:37 Parting Wisdom for Romance Writers

Whether you’re a seasoned romance author or just dipping your toes into the genre, this episode is packed with actionable tips and heartfelt advice. Don’t miss it—and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a chance to write boldly!
 
Guest Info:

Trisha Jenn Loehr is a romance writer and Author Accelerator certified book coach. She helps busy women who want to write romance novels without guilt or shame prioritize their writing, develop their craft, and find joy in the journey toward their publishing dreams.
 

Connect with Trisha on Instagram @trishajennreads and at trishajennreads.com

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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 the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE.

Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management.

I kick things off by sharing some eye-opening insights inspired by Oliver Burkman’s 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a must-read for anyone rethinking how to make the most of their time (spoiler: it’s not about doing more). 

Then, we shift gears to break down the magic behind positive character arcs—focusing on the growth and redemption subtypes. Using beloved examples like Harry Potter and A Christmas Carol, you’ll learn how to craft a positive character arc your readers will love!

Plus, I’ve got a handy PDF guide to help you visualize story structure and character arcs—it’s free to download!

Stick around for a sneak peek at what’s coming next: a deep dive into negative character arcs and an inspiring chat with romance writer Trisha Jenn Loehr about crafting romances.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Let’s Talk Positive Character Arcs
00:15 Welcome to the Write it Scared Podcast
01:33 Balancing Craft and Mindset
02:02 The Truth About Time Management (Inspired by 4,000 Weeks)
08:26 Breaking Down Positive Character Arcs
10:55 Growth Arcs: What They Are and How to Write Them
14:25 Redemption Arcs: Creating Powerful Transformations
16:46 Structuring Positive Character Arcs Step-by-Step
22:54 Recap + Free Resources for Your Writing Journey
24:36 What’s Coming Next: Negative Arcs and a Romantic Twist

Don’t forget to grab your PDF guide to visualize and understand story structure and character arcs, and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
 
Let’s keep building brave, brilliant stories together!

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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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 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

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: Stacy@writeitscared.co

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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