In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles one of the most quietly powerful questions lurking beneath so many of our writing blocks: What if I don’t feel safe?

Safety isn’t just about locked doors and quiet neighborhoods. It shows up in four key forms:

Claire explores how lacking safety in any of these areas can quietly suffocate creativity, lead to writer’s block, and keep us from fully connecting to the stories we want to tell. She also shares:

Why You Should Listen:

This episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate look at why the modern world can feel increasingly unsafe, how to sort through those feelings, and how building practices for emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual safety can liberate both your writing and your life.

Support the Show:

If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

Share your insights with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connecting on social media.

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a deeply personal question: What if I'm a private person? If you feel more comfortable keeping parts of your life under wraps and struggle with the pressure to overshare, this conversation is for you. Claire explores the right to privacy as a basic human need and examines how personal boundaries can be both a shield and a source of strength in your writing career. Drawing on her own experiences and insights from the Enneagram, she discusses how embracing your privacy can empower your creative voice while still allowing meaningful connections with your audience. Tune in to discover strategies for balancing what you share with the world and what you keep for yourself—and learn how being a private person can be a powerful asset in your author journey.

Key Takeaways:

Interwoven Rights: Discover how free speech and privacy are intertwined pillars of creative and personal freedom, and why protecting one often means defending the other.

Legal Protections: Understand the scope and limitations of the First Amendment—not only as a guardian of free expression but also as a shield for your private life.

Erosion of Privacy: Learn about the subtle ways in which political maneuvers and legal gray areas may gradually undermine your privacy and the implications for authors.

Staying Grounded: Explore strategies to remain mindful and resilient amid external chaos, focusing on what you can control: your thoughts, actions, and personal narrative.

Empowered Expression: Embrace the power of choosing what to share and what to keep private, and how this balance can liberate your creative voice.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re an author or creative concerned about maintaining your personal privacy while exercising your right to free expression, this episode is for you. Claire blends snark, insight, and personal anecdotes to help you navigate these complex issues in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re worried about government overreach, digital surveillance, or just the erosion of personal boundaries, you’ll gain practical perspectives on how to protect your privacy and empower your writing.

Support the Show:

If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

How do you balance your need for privacy with the demands of building an audience? What are your thoughts on the current state of free speech and personal privacy? Share your insights with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connecting on social media.

Happy Writing!

In this episode of What If for Authors, Claire explores the challenges and benefits of being an action-oriented writer. Drawing on her Enneagram expertise, Claire delves into what it means to lead with action in your writing process—balancing the need to move forward with moments of pause for reflection and emotional connection. She shares personal insights on managing overwhelming schedules, the importance of intentional pauses, and how to leverage your innate action-oriented strengths without burning out.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Action Orientation:

Discover what it means to be an action-oriented writer and how it may manifest differently based on your Enneagram type and subtype.

Recognize that being action oriented doesn’t preclude using planning or intuition—it's about finding your unique balance.

The Power of Pausing:

Learn why even action oriented writers benefit from occasional pauses to check in with their emotions and thoughts.

Explore strategies to avoid unproductive action that arises from trying to outrun negative feelings.

Balancing Productivity with Self-Care:

Understand the pitfalls of overloading your schedule with responsibilities as a misguided attempt to maintain control.

Embrace the idea that taking time to pause, reflect, and even connect with loved ones can ultimately enhance your writing.

Practical Strategies:

Consider setting up realistic, sustainable work habits and allowing room for flexibility in your creative process.

Use techniques like mindfulness to refocus and reclaim your energy when your schedule feels overwhelming.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re an author who thrives on action but finds yourself occasionally overwhelmed by your own pace or the pressure to always be moving forward, this episode is for you. Claire offers a refreshing perspective on how to harness your action-oriented strengths while incorporating essential pauses for growth and self-reflection. Whether you're struggling to maintain balance or looking for ways to optimize your creative process, you'll gain valuable insights to empower your author journey.

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and sharing the show with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover these insights and join our community.

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you balance action and reflection in your writing process? What strategies have helped you avoid burnout while staying productive? Share your insights with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connect on social media.

Transition Announcement:

As a quick update, Claire announces that the podcast will be transitioning from a weekly to a monthly schedule. This change will help ensure the quality and sustainability of the show and protect Claire’s sanity, so be sure to stay tuned for the next episode!

Happy Writing!

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles a provocative and timely topic: the potential loss of free speech. Drawing on the historical significance of the First Amendment, Claire explores how these protections have empowered authors—especially satire writers—to express themselves without fear. She delves into the evolving political landscape and the implications for authors in the United States and beyond. Expect a mix of humor, snark, and deep insight as Claire challenges us to examine our own beliefs and the power dynamics at play in our society.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Free Speech:

Learn what the First Amendment truly guarantees for writers and how it supports creative expression, including satire and critique.

The Erosion of Rights:

Reflect on the historical context of free speech in America and the ongoing threats posed by authoritarian tendencies.

Navigating the Debate:

Consider how differing interpretations of free speech fuel polarizing debates, from the use of hate speech to the protection of controversial ideas.

Empowerment Through Expression:

Realize that exercising free speech is not only a personal right but a collective responsibility to foster liberation rather than oppression.

Maintaining Balance:

Learn to ground yourself in truth and facts, even when facing external pressures that aim to sow confusion and doubt.

Why You Should Listen:

If you're an author who values the freedom to express your ideas and critiques, or if you're concerned about the subtle shifts in free speech rights under current political pressures, this episode is essential listening. Claire offers a thoughtful, unfiltered exploration of how our legal and cultural landscape is changing—and what that means for your voice as a writer. Whether you’re a staunch defender of free expression or just looking for reassurance amid uncertainty, you’ll find valuable insights and a healthy dose of perspective in today’s discussion.

Support the Show:

If you found this episode thought-provoking, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps us reach more writers and fuels this ongoing conversation about creativity, freedom, and responsibility.

Join the Conversation:

What are your thoughts on the current state of free speech in our society? Have you noticed any changes that affect your work as an author? Share your insights and experiences by reaching out to Claire at [email protected] or connect with her on social media.

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!

Welcome back to What If? For Authors! In this episode, Claire tackles the often-preached but rarely questioned idea of consistency in the writing world. If you've ever felt stressed about not maintaining a perfect daily writing habit or worried that inconsistency might ruin your career, this episode is for you.

Why Consistency Gets Overhyped:

Many authors are told that success depends on consistent daily output, but is that really true?

Claire shares her frustrations with the industry’s obsession over this idea and why it may not be the golden rule we think it is.

The Problem with the "One Size Fits All" Approach:

Some writers thrive on daily word counts; others don’t.

The myth that consistency guarantees success vs. the reality of different creative rhythms.

The Hidden Truth: You’re Already Consistent in Important Ways

Everyone has consistent patterns in how they think, feel, and act.

From how you handle plot holes to how you react to surprise opportunities—your personality is already shaping your writing patterns.

The Enneagram perspective: different types naturally approach consistency differently, and that’s okay.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your fellow authors.

Join the Conversation:

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!

Welcome to another episode of What If? For Authors! This week, Claire dives into the topic of thinking-oriented writers and explores how leading from the head center can shape your writing process.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the Centers of Intelligence: The Enneagram divides personality patterns into three centers—thinking (head), feeling (heart), and action (body/gut). Learn what it means to lead from the head center as a writer.

How Thinking-Oriented Writers Approach Writing:

Fives: Intellectual problem solvers who thrive on discovery writing but may struggle with revisions.

Sixes: Planners who sometimes over-rely on outside validation but have incredible gut instincts when they trust themselves.

Sevens: Action-driven writers who crave mental stimulation and often benefit from keeping surprises in their drafts.

Balancing Your Strengths and Blind Spots: Discover how thinking-oriented writers can navigate challenges in their writing, whether that means adding emotional depth or pacing up their narratives.

Practical Tips for Thinking-Oriented Writers:

Don’t overthink your process—sometimes the best way to solve a plot issue is to dive in and write through it.

Revisions can address areas like pacing, emotion, or over-explanation without compromising your unique style.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your fellow authors.

Join the Conversation:

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!

Welcome back to What If? For Authors! In this thought-provoking episode, Claire dives into a topic that resonates deeply with many authors: the fear of losing control when juggling life's many responsibilities. Fresh off a much-needed vacation, Claire reflects on the importance of stepping back, questioning the pressures we put on ourselves, and identifying patterns that lead to unnecessary stress.

She explores why we take on so much responsibility, how our desire for control drives this behavior, and the toll it takes on our mental and physical well-being. Through relatable anecdotes, actionable insights, and a compassionate approach, Claire challenges listeners to reconsider what they're truly responsible for and where they can let go.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Why many authors fall into the trap of being "responsibility addicts"

How taking responsibility can create a false sense of control over unpredictable outcomes

The impact of excessive responsibility on your mental and physical health

How perfectionism and over-commitment often mask deeper fears

Practical strategies to identify and release unnecessary responsibilities

Why focusing on what you can control—your thoughts, feelings, and actions—leads to freedom and meaningful influence

Key Takeaways:

Let go of the reins: You’re not holding as much together as you think, and that’s liberating.

Challenge your thoughts: Not every thought you have is a fact. Question the stories your brain tells you.

Spot the lies: If you're taking on tasks for a sense of control rather than measurable results, it might be time to reassess.

Focus on influence, not control: Shift your attention inward to the things you can control, like your mindset and actions, and let the ripple effects unfold naturally.

Embrace imperfection: Perfectionism is an anxiety response, not a badge of honor. Free yourself from its grip.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your fellow authors.

Join the Conversation:

Happy Writing!

In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a common fear among authors: what to do when your ads stop working. Whether you're an indie author relying on ads to sell your books or just starting to explore ad platforms like Amazon or Facebook, Claire offers practical advice and mindset strategies to help you navigate this challenge.

With insights from her own experience running ads since 2015, Claire breaks down why ads can stop performing, how to analyze their effectiveness, and what steps to take when you're frustrated or burned out by the process. This episode is a mix of actionable tactics and emotional support for authors who feel stuck with their ad strategies.

Key Takeaways

Why Ads Are Essential for Authors:

Paid ads are a key tool for reaching readers, especially for indie and hybrid authors.

Most six- and seven-figure authors rely on ads, though profitability varies.

The Reality of Ad Platforms:

Platforms like Amazon and Facebook prioritize their own profits, not yours.

Algorithms and rules are constantly changing—authors must adapt.

Analyzing Ad Performance:

Define what "working" means for your ads—are they profitable, or just underperforming?

Run the numbers to get clear on ROI (return on investment). Don’t rely solely on ad dashboards, as their data can be unreliable.

Mindset Shifts for Success:

Accept that some ads stop working and let go when necessary.

Practice emotional resilience and avoid chasing sunk costs.

Strategies When Ads Stop Working:

Lower budgets on underperforming ads rather than turning them off completely.

Seek advice or refresh your knowledge about ad platforms.

Consider outsourcing your ad management if the process is too overwhelming.

Emotional Awareness:

Acknowledge the emotions behind your frustration—fear, insecurity, or past negative experiences with data and numbers.

Approach your ad strategy with curiosity and clarity, keeping emotions in check.

Support the Show: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share the show with your fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

Happy Writing!

In this episode of What If for Authors, Claire dives into the deeply ingrained habit of comparing ourselves to others—why we do it, how it affects us, and how we can learn to shift from harmful patterns of comparison toward curiosity and growth. Whether you're a writer struggling with self-doubt or simply a human navigating the complexities of social dynamics, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.

Key Takeaways

Why We Compare Ourselves to Others

How Comparison Impacts Writers

The Enneagram and Comparison

Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity

When to Take a Break

Why Listen: If you’ve ever felt bogged down by comparisons and self-doubt, this episode will help you take the first steps toward freeing yourself from the cycle. Tune in and start embracing your unique path as an author.

Support the Show: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share the show with your fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

Happy Writing!

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles one of the most polarizing topics in the writing world today: artificial intelligence. As authors grapple with the rise of AI, Claire delves into the underlying fears, anger, and ethical dilemmas shaping the debate.

Claire begins by addressing the elephant in the room: the pervasive fear of AI and its potential to replace or harm authors. From the "original sin" of AI training on copyrighted material to the polarized stances authors take, this episode seeks to explore the emotional and psychological roots of these perspectives rather than taking a definitive stance.

Whether you're staunchly anti-AI, an advocate for integrating technology into your writing process, or somewhere in between, Claire invites you to approach this topic with intellectual humility. She examines how fear manifests in our behavior, discusses the scapegoating and witch-hunting tendencies emerging in the author community, and offers insights into how we can navigate this uncertain terrain without losing ourselves in the extremes.

Key Takeaways

The fear response triggered by AI and how it affects authors.

The "original sin" of AI: ethical concerns surrounding copyright and justice.

Intellectual humility and the pitfalls of entrenched positions.

The tyranny of extremes in the AI debate.

Enneagram insights: How each type might engage with the AI discussion.

Support the Show: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share the show with your fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource.

Join the Conversation:

Access the transcript here.

Happy Writing!