In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I interview Cassie Newell, an award-winning YA fantasy author and certified fiction book coach. 

We chat about how we both came to embrace writing later in life, our struggles with perfectionism, and the importance of ideation and story development. 

Cassie shares her journey from struggling with a learning disability to becoming a published author and book coach, detailing the processes and mental shifts that helped her succeed. 

We discuss practical tips to approach story development, manage accountability, and incorporate life experience into writing. 

This episode will help you embrace your unique creative path and find joy in the process! 

00:00 Embracing Late Bloomers in Writing

00:37 Introducing the Write it Scared Podcast

01:44 Cassie Newell: From Reader to Award-Winning Author

02:50 The Journey of Writing and Coaching

04:48 Crafting the Unwanted Series: A YA Fantasy Journey

15:59 Ideation and Story Development: Tips for Writers

20:48 Unlocking Creativity: The Simple 3S Structure

22:55 Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection

27:19 Embracing the Writing Process: Flexibility and Accountability

31:55 Navigating the Publishing Journey: From Perfection to Publication

34:04 Inspiration for Late Bloomers in Writing

36:38 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

38:06 Connecting with the Community: Where to Find More

Sassy Writing Coach (www.sassywritingcoach.com):

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/SassyWritingCoach

**Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/sassywritingcoach/

**TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@sassywritingcoach

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@sassywritingcoach

Non-Fiction Books: 

https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/books

Writer Fuel 

Spark & Start Your Story

FICTION AUTHOR:

Links for C. M. Newell (www.authorcmnewell.com):

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/authorsassycassie

**Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/authorsassycassie

Fiction Books: 

https://www.authorcmnewell.com/theunwantedseries

The Unwanted Series

Red - Launching, April 22, 2024

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

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we dig deep into the concept of 'voice', an often ambiguous term that confounds many writers. 

Voice is a unique blend of the author's own perspective, their narrative choices, and their characters' personalities. 

I offer actionable advice on how to discover and refine one's author's voice, choose the right narrator, and develop compelling character voices. 

This episode is a comprehensive guide to mastering the intricate layers of voice in fiction writing. It includes practical examples and references to resources like James Scott Bell's book Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing.

00:00 Unlocking Your Unique Author's Voice

01:32 Diving Deep into the Craft of Writing Voice

03:07 Exploring the Layers of Voice in Writing

03:22 Mastering Your Author's Voice

08:35 Navigating the Narrator's Voice

14:59 Crafting Distinct Character Voices

22:03 Final Takeaways and Recommended Resources for Writers

Resources:

Recommended Reading: 

Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action For the Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby, pages 310-319

Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing by James Scott Bell

Questions to define your character's personality, attitude, and attributes which will define their voice from James Scott Bell’s Voice: The Secret Power to Great Writing 

“What is your character’s dominant impression? What adjective describes their personality, and what noun describes who they are in the story’s world? 

What do they look like? How do they think they look? How do they feel about their appearance? 

What is their basic background?

Where did they grow up? How did their caregivers treat them?

What were the economic conditions? 

What’s their level of education?

What are their hobbies, likes, dislikes, and general interests?

What major life-altering events occurred in their formative years? Bell specifically says sixteen, but that’s too narrow for me. I like: What significant events shaped the worldview they hold in the story present? 

What do they desire (yearn for) more than anything in the world? What hole inside them do they desperately want to fill? What do they think will fill it?”

FOR MORE ON POV, HEAD TO THE BLOG

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

Never Giving Up on The Dream with Mystery Author Joshua Moehling 

On this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk with Joshua Moehling, author of the Ben Packard mysteries and Lammy award nominee. 

Josh shares his journey, from his early childhood dreams of being Stephen King to facing reality and rejection from the publishing world to eventually succeeding in accomplishing his dream of becoming a published author. 

We talk about the importance of perseverance, finding internal motivation beyond external validation, and the role of community and encouragement in a writer’s journey. 

Josh’s experience offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of writing, underscoring the necessity of doing the work, despite setbacks, to achieve one's dreams. Josh is completely transparent about his journey through the query trenches and how perseverance landed him his agent.  

Listeners also get a glimpse into Josh’s writing process, how he evolved from a pantser to a plotter when faced with publishing deadlines, and how he found no loss in creativity or serendipity because of that decision. So, be not afraid of the outline writers! He offers his perspective on the balance between creativity and discipline and how it’s okay just to write it badly. 

This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and encouragement for writers at every stage in the writing game. It highlights the importance of sticking with it not for external validation but for the internal pride of knowing you did what you set out to do and the joy you get from the process.  

00:00 The Heartbreak of Starting Over

01:26 Special Guest: Joshua Moehling's Writing Journey

08:16 The Challenges and Triumphs of Writing a Novel

10:42 The Query Process and Breaking Into Publishing

12:58 Crafting Mysteries and Thrillers: A Creative Process

20:31 Balancing Writing with Life and Other Commitments

26:06 The Importance of Community and Perseverance in Writing

30:35 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Where to Find Them

32:32 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Fellow Writers

Learn more about Josh and his books at https://www.joshuamoehling.com/

And make sure you follow him on Instagram

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

In episode nine of the Write It Scared podcast, we discuss our common writing enemy, the inner critic, and how it can derail us and what we can do to prevent that from happening.

I share an example of a writer who’d made great progress yet struggled with self-doubt to the point it nearly stopped them. 

We dig into the importance of tapping into one's inner wisdom to combat the critic and offer strategies to counteract that negative internal voice. We highlight the necessity of self-awareness, good habits, self-love, and gratitude and share tips for cultivating a relationship with one's inner writer's wisdom, including getting still, journaling, and asking for guidance. 

While the inner critic will never fully disappear, writers can learn to control its influence by fostering their inner wisdom, thus becoming their best allies in their writing journey. 

Lastly, I talk about my small group coaching programs as an option for writers seeking community, guidance, and support as they plan and draft their novels.

00:00 The Struggle with the Inner Critic

00:35 Overcoming the Inner Critic with Inner Wisdom

01:09 A Personal Story of Battling the Inner Critic

03:45 Introducing the Concept of Inner Writer's Wisdom

05:23 Practical Tips for Cultivating Inner Wisdom

06:32 Conclusion: Embracing Your Inner Wisdom

Group Coaching: Novel Planning and Drafting Support with certified book coach Stacy Frazer of  Write It Scared 

Recommended Reading: Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead by Tara Mohr 

This show note contains an affiliate link to bookshop.org. If you purchase a book through this link, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you, and part of the proceeds will go toward supporting a local indie bookstore!

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

Embracing Your Authentic Voice: An Interview with AK Nevermore

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk to AK Nevermore, a science fiction and dark romantacy author who shares her unconventional journey to publishing success. 


Through her story, AK highlights the importance of authenticity in writing, the importance of embracing one's voice, and the power of spite and persistence in overcoming rejection. 

She discusses how deviating from literary expectations led to her distinct style that resonates with readers. 

The conversation also explores themes of rewriting internal narratives that prevent writers from achieving their goals, the intricacies of writing series in dark romance, and strategies for managing a writing career amidst a busy life. 

AK’s journey offers insights into the trials and triumphs of the writing process, the evolving nature of romance genres, and the significance of self-publishing as a viable path to sharing one's work with the world.

00:00 Introduction to Write it Scared Podcast

01:40 Meet AK Nevermore: Embracing Voice and Authenticity

03:21 AK Nevermore's Unconventional Journey to Publishing

05:06 The Power of Authenticity and Voice in Writing

11:15 Navigating the Challenges of Genre and Expectations

28:02 The Business Side of Writing: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing

31:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Writers

Please find AK and her books at any of the links below!

Website: https://aknevermore.com/

 

•  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkNevermore 

•  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AkNevermore 

•  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/43914174.A_K_Nevermore 

•  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aknevermore/ 

•  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ak.nevermore 

•  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aknevermore 

•  Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/aknevermore 

•  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ak-nevermore 

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

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the distinction between villains and antagonists, emphasizing that while all villains are antagonists, not all antagonists are villains. We also discuss how to dig into villains' motivations and backstories, suggesting they are complex characters shaped by their experiences rather than inherently evil. 

We touch on fifteen specific questions for writers to consider when developing their villains. These questions ensure that writers create conflicts and plots that engage readers and highlight the necessity of understanding a villain's entire life story to make their actions credible and interesting. 

And bonus! I also include a link to a free resource to help you nail your villain’s backstory, wants and motivations.

15 Questions to Craft a Credible Villain for Your Novel

00:00 Unveiling the Essence of Villains

00:28 Introducing the Write it Scared Podcast

01:25 Diving Deeper into Antagonists vs. Villains

01:52 Crafting a Believable Villain: Questions to Ask

04:48 Understanding Villains: A Deeper Dive

06:16 Creating Credible Villains: A Guide

08:33 Resources and 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/

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

I was delighted to have this conversation with Samantha Skal, an author and book coach of the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres, exploring the intricate journey of writing and publishing in these genres. 

We discuss the common challenges MTS writers face, including dealing with self-doubt, thinking the story is boring and obvious, understanding genre expectations, and forming a compelling villain.

We hit on various aspects of the writing process, such as the importance of revision, the value of beta readers and how to use them, as well as the necessity of understanding and fulfilling reader expectations. 

Sam shares her personal journey from a budding writer to a certified book coach, emphasizing the role of perseverance and adapting to one's unique writing process. 

Sam also busts some myths surrounding the thriller and suspense genres, as well as the essential elements like character arcs and the psychological depth of villains that contribute to captivating storytelling. 

We highlight practical advice for writers, including viewing the first draft as a zero draft to reduce pressure, the benefits of book coaching, and the importance of finishing projects. Finally, Sam introduces her newest project, Shadows and Secrets Writing Retreats, and encourages writers to persist in their creative endeavors.

00:00 The Journey of Writing: Embracing the Process

01:21 Diving Deep into Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense Writing

03:39 Crafting Villains and Emotional Arcs in MTS Genres

09:09 Overcoming Common Struggles and Myths in Writing MTS

19:29 Navigating the Writing Life: Time Management and Self-Doubt

27:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for MTS Writers

 Learn more at www.samanthaskal.com and www.shadowsandsecretsretreats.com. 

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

Reading with Intention to Improve Your Writing Craft

This episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking questions designed to enhance your understanding and application of the craft of writing.

I talk about the concept of 'reading like a writer' as a method for improving writing skills. 

I also caution writers against the rapid consumption of books without analysis and advocate for a deliberate, deep reading approach. 

The episode covers the differences between reading like a reader and a writer, emphasizing the analytical mindset needed for the latter. 

Our focus involves the macro elements of storytelling, such as the author's intention, characters, conflict, plot, theme, tone, setting, and point of view.

00:00 The Pitfalls of Speed-Reading for Writers

00:30 Introducing the Write it Scared Podcast

01:27 The Power of Reading with Intention

02:59 Understanding Reading Like a Writer vs. a Reader

04:55 Deep Dive into Macro Elements of Story

06:33 Evaluating Macro Elements: A Step-by-Step Guide

14:18 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

Ready to Level Up Your Fiction Writing Chops?

Download this free PDF annotation guide to learn how to read analytically for the macro elements of the story: Author intention, Characters, Conflict, Plot, theme, POV Choice, Setting, and Tone to 10x your storytelling ability!

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

Are you afraid to share your writing or get input on your ideas? Afraid that someone will negatively alter your process or take the joy away from your writing?

Then this episode is for you! 

Today, we focus on the emotional challenges of writing a novel and how a book coach can help writers navigate these obstacles. 

I discuss the concept of book coaching and explain how a book coach supports writers through the entire writing process, from planning and drafting to revising and pitching. 

The goal is to improve the manuscript's quality and help the writer achieve their publishing goals, whether through traditional publishing or self-publishing. It's never to overshadow or infringe upon the writer's unique creative process. 

I interview my client, Monique, a fantasy author, who shares how book coaching transformed her writing process.

Monique openly discusses her initial fears and challenges, including self-doubt and the struggle to incorporate conflict into her stories. She highlighted the importance of accepting that no words are wasted and persevering through the fear of sharing work and how, by doing so, she ultimately became a stronger writer. 

The episode emphasizes that writing is a difficult but rewarding process, and with the right support, writers can overcome their unhelpful internal narratives and write their damn stories!

00:00 Unlocking the Power of Imperfect Words: A Writer's Journey

01:22 Demystifying the Role of a Book Coach

03:39 A Deep Dive into a Writer's Transformation: Monique's Story

19:32 Facing Fears and Embracing Growth: Monique's Writing Evolution

26:50 Concluding Thoughts: The Essence of Writing Through Fear

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

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/

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