So many writers—especially moms—feel pressure to write something practical, marketable, or “worth the time.” In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when you stop writing the book you think you should write… and start writing the one you actually want to.

I’m sharing how stepping away from a planned series after becoming a mom helped me reconnect with my creativity—and ultimately return to that story with more joy and clarity. We’ll explore why writing from obligation drains momentum, how to recognize whether you’re following fear or genuine curiosity, and why creative pivots aren’t flaky—they’re often exactly what helps you stay committed long enough to finish.

Because the truth is: the book that lights you up is often the one that readers will feel most connected to, too.

If you’re unsure which story to pursue next, a consultation call can help you find clarity and a path forward: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

If you feel like you should be more disciplined with your writing—but by the end of the day you have nothing left to give—this episode is for you.

Today we’re talking about why willpower isn’t the real issue for moms who want to write. Between decision fatigue, emotional labor, and the mental load of daily life, your brain is already working overtime. Instead of relying on motivation, I’ll walk you through how to make writing the default through simple systems, identity-based habits, and tiny environmental shifts that lower the barrier to showing up.

You’ll learn how anchoring writing to existing routines, removing emotional pressure, and redefining consistency can help you stay connected to your novel—even in your most exhausted seasons.

Want help building writing habits that actually fit your life? Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of what it really looked like to write and publish my seventh book while parenting a two-year-old, working a day job, and building my coaching business. A lot of moms assume that writing has to wait until kids are older, but I share why it isn’t easy to write with a toddler… and how it is absolutely possible when your expectations, rhythm, and mindset shift with your season of life.

You’ll hear how motherhood changed my creative process, why letting go of deadlines became a gift rather than a loss, and how “slow and steady” — not perfect or fast — carried this book across the finish line. I also get practical about the logistics that actually made the book happen: micro-writing sessions, messy drafts, simple creative rituals, and the support that mattered most.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can finish a book in the chaos of early motherhood, this is an honest, hopeful look at how it can be done, at your own pace.

If you’d like support building a writing routine that fits your real life and helps you finish your novel, I’d love to talk. Book a free consultation to learn more about my coaching program: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I just don’t have time to write,” this episode gently pushes back on that story. In today’s conversation, I unpack why time is usually the excuse, and fear is often the real barrier. I talk about the common fears that keep mom-writers stuck, how those fears get disguised as “being busy,” and what that can look like in real life (like avoiding your manuscript, over-planning, or feeling anxious just opening your document).

Then I share three simple tools that actually helped me get unstuck with my own writing this year. When you can name the fear and take even the tiniest step anyway, resistance loosens — and real momentum becomes possible. You don’t need bravery or a perfect plan to begin; you just need one small action.

If fear is getting in the way of your novel, let’s talk. Book a free consultation here: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

If you’ve been waiting for life to calm down before you fully commit to your writing… this episode is your gentle reality check: busy seasons aren’t the exception — they’re the norm, especially for moms. Work, family responsibilities, childcare hiccups, and the mental load don’t magically disappear. But your writing life doesn’t have to disappear either.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to stay creatively connected even when your schedule feels overwhelming. You’ll learn why maintaining a simple “writing pulse” matters more than sticking to a perfect routine, how micro-moments can keep your story alive, and the mindset shift that allows writing to coexist with your real, full life. Because the truth is — you don’t need wide-open days to finish a novel. You just need a way to keep coming back.

If you’re navigating a busy season and struggling to prioritize your writing, coaching can help you build a sustainable path forward — one that works within your life, not some ideal future version of it. Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Self-publishing while raising kids isn’t simple—and it isn’t always easy—but it has been deeply worth it for me. In this episode, I’m sharing an honest reflection on what self-publishing has really looked like as a mom: the steep learning curve, the overwhelm, and the moments where I wondered how I’d juggle all the roles involved… alongside the freedom, confidence, and connection that made it all worthwhile.

We’ll talk about why self-publishing gave me control over my creative life, how it helped me take myself seriously as a writer, and what it’s felt like to watch readers fall in love with characters and worlds I created on my own terms. If you’ve ever wondered whether publishing your book is possible alongside motherhood, this episode offers a grounded, real look at what that journey can look like.

Want support as you work toward your own finished book? Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Josee here. We're halfway through January, and I haven't gotten back into my writing routine. Rather than beat myself up about it, I'm revisiting the first episode of this podcast and lowering my expectations back to 20 minutes of writing a day.

If you're also struggling to get back to writing in the new year, maybe this episode will help you out, too. Enjoy!

Ready to create a writing routine that fits your real life? Book a free consultation call where we’ll talk about your story, your writing time, and how I can help you finish your novel, without needing a perfect plan or perfect draft. ⁠https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Following your creative dreams doesn’t pull you away from your kids, it teaches them what it looks like to live a meaningful, courageous life. In this episode, we’re talking about why pursuing your writing matters not just for you, but for your children too. When kids see their parents go after something they love, it shapes what they believe is possible for themselves.

I’m sharing personal reflections on writing as a mom, how creativity helped me reconnect with myself after becoming a parent, and why modeling passion and commitment is a powerful part of motherhood. If you’ve ever felt torn between caring for your family and honoring your creative dreams, this episode is a gentle reminder that the two can coexist... and even strengthen each other.

Want support making writing part of your real life as a mom? Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

As we step into a new year, this episode is your invitation to start fresh without the pressure of having everything perfectly planned. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to begin writing again, or hoping for more time, more energy, or a more organized life before you commit to your novel, this conversation is for you. The truth is, most moms never get ideal conditions—but writing is still possible in the middle of real life.

In this episode, I’m sharing why momentum comes from starting small, how to reset your writing life with compassion instead of pressure, and simple, doable ways to reconnect with your story in this season. You’ll hear reminders that you’re not behind, that your dream is still valid, and that your next step doesn’t have to be big to matter. Let this episode be your reset button for 2026.

Want accountability and a plan that works with your real life? Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book
Check out my new novel! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2L9XCS6

As we close out 2025, this episode is your gentle invitation to pause and look back on your writing year with honesty, compassion, and celebration. So many writers skip the part where they acknowledge what did go well, but that reflection is essential. Today, I’m guiding you through simple questions to help you notice your progress, understand what supported your creativity, and set grounded intentions for the year ahead.

You’ll hear why even the smallest wins matter, how to evaluate what worked (and what didn’t), and why your next step for 2026 doesn’t need to be a giant goal—it just needs to be doable. I’m also sharing how focusing on consistent action, not perfect plans, helped me publish my seventh novel this year. No matter how your 2025 unfolded, there’s something here to celebrate… and so much possibility waiting for you in 2026.

Want accountability and a clear plan to finish your book next year? Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book⁠⁠

Check out my new novel! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G2L9XCS6