What If? For Authors

By Claire TaylorBusiness Careers

What If? For Authors episodes

January 06, 2025What if I can't stop comparing myself to others?
Episode Description:
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
Evolutionary roots of comparison and its role in social survival.
How Comparison Impacts Writers
From comparing your books to others in your genre to the challenges of writing to market.
The Enneagram and Comparison
How each type’s core fear influences the way we compare and react.
Shifting from Judgment to Curiosity
Practical tips for recognizing harmful patterns of comparison and replacing them with curiosity.
When to Take a Break
Why stepping back from comp authors or genre-specific reading may help reset your mindset.
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:
Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at [email protected].
Happy Writing!
20 min
December 30, 2024What if AI replaces me?
Episode Description:
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:
Where do you fall on this debate? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at [email protected].
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
37 min
December 23, 2024What if it's time to pivot?
Episode Description:
In this thought-provoking episode of What If for Authors, Claire explores the topic of career pivots and how they relate to the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing. Drawing from her personal experience, Enneagram insights, and industry knowledge, Claire helps authors reflect on when it might be time to make a change and how to approach that transition with clarity and courage.
Claire also shares candid updates about her own journey, including navigating energy shifts, health challenges, and a pivot point in her career. This episode is packed with actionable advice, Enneagram wisdom, and encouragement for authors grappling with the question: What if it’s time for a pivot?
Key Takeaways
What is a pivot?: A career change that arises when the old path no longer serves your goals, values, or circumstances.
Recognizing the right time: How to identify when staying on the current course creates more friction than moving toward a new direction.
Enneagram insights: Each Enneagram type’s tendencies and challenges when it comes to making or resisting career pivots.
Overcoming fear: How core fears and social connections influence your ability to make changes and how to build resilience against them.
The value of outside perspective: Why sharing your pivot idea with a supportive and unbiased group can help shatter limited perspectives and make better decisions.
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:
Is it time for a pivot in your author career? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at [email protected].
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
18 min
December 16, 2024What if I hate working alone?
Episode Description:
Welcome back to another episode of What If? For Authors. In this episode, Claire dives into the question, "What if I hate working alone?" and explores the struggles, solutions, and Enneagram insights that can help authors navigate their loneliness while pursuing their writing careers. If you’ve ever wrestled with the isolation that comes with the writing life, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
Your Social Needs Aren’t a Problem: They’re just part of being human. Embrace them and explore ways to fulfill them creatively.
Writing Sprints: how they work and why they’re a game-changer for many authors.
Self-Awareness is Key: Understanding your Enneagram type can provide valuable insight into your strengths and challenges when it comes to working with others.
Enneagram Insights for Collaborative Writing: Claire explores how different Enneagram types approach collaboration and solo work.
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:
What helps you keep connected to others while working alone? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at [email protected].
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
23 min
December 09, 2024What if I don't know the next step?
Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles the question: What if I don’t know the next step? Whether you're stuck in your author career because of a lack of information, poor timing, fear-based decisions, or discomfort in the present, Claire offers insights and actionable ideas to help you move forward. She also explains how the virtues of your Enneagram type can guide you when you're feeling stuck. If you're unsure of what comes next in your author journey, this episode will provide clarity and inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
How to identify if your next-step uncertainty is due to a lack of knowledge—and where to find reliable information.
Why timing might be the issue and how to recognize when it's time to act.
How fear and discomfort can mislead you into searching for "emergency exits" instead of staying the course.
How to avoid jumping ahead to steps you're not ready for.
Ways to use the virtue of your Enneagram type to find clarity and peace when you’re stuck.
Why self-compassion and trust in yourself are key to navigating uncertainty.
Resources Mentioned:
Alliance of Independent Authors
The Creative Penn
Kindlepreneur
Podcasts: The Sell More Books Show, Wish I’d Known Then for Authors
Book: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up by Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes
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:
What’s keeping you from taking the next step in your author journey? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire or joining the What If? For Authors community.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
20 min
December 02, 2024What if I'm shouting into the void?
Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a fear familiar to many writers and humans: the unsettling question, What if I'm shouting into the void?
Publishing, marketing, and building an audience can feel isolating, like waving at a motion-sensor sink that refuses to acknowledge you. Claire explores the deeper human fears behind this feeling—questions of meaning, agency, and connection—and provides practical insights to reframe your mindset and regain motivation.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize the existential unease that comes with publishing and marketing.
Shift your focus from unattainable goals to meaningful milestones.
Apply mindfulness to redirect unproductive thoughts and feelings.
Use the “Three Ps of Optimism” (personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence) to combat self-doubt.
Transform interactions, even with a small audience, into rewarding connections.
Why You Should Listen: Claire addresses the challenges of comparison, the dangers of fear-based motivation, and the importance of celebrating progress, no matter how small. Whether you’re shouting into the void or engaging with a handful of readers, this episode will guide you to shift your perspective, connect authentically, and move forward in your author journey.
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: Have you ever felt like you were shouting into the void? What strategies have helped you? Share your thoughts with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connect on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
25 min
November 25, 2024What if my country collapses?
Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire takes a deeply personal and urgent approach to addressing a fear many are grappling with in the wake of political turmoil: "What if my country collapses?"
Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram-certified coach, Claire provides a framework for navigating the overwhelming emotions that often accompany these moments of uncertainty. She explores the power of grounded nervous system work, community connection, and the unique role that authors play in shaping culture and fostering resilience through storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
Why it's crucial to recognize that you cannot save your country alone.
Strategies to co-regulate with others and create calm amidst chaos.
How authors can reclaim their agency and wield their words as tools for healing and transformation.
A story of endurance, support, and unexpected hope shared by one of Claire's Enneagram mentors.
Reflections on how each Enneagram type can contribute to collective healing and action.
Why You Should Listen: Claire doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about the moment we’re living in, but she also provides hopeful reminders. If recent events have left you feeling paralyzed or powerless, this episode offers both validation and actionable insights for moving forward as an individual and as part of a larger community.
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: Share your thoughts with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connect on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
34 min
November 18, 2024What if I'm not getting read-through?
Episode Description: In this episode of What If for Authors, Claire Taylor takes a practical and analytical deep dive into the concept of read-through—how to measure it, understand it, and improve it. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, Claire helps you cut through the emotional and technical hurdles of identifying whether readers are progressing through your books and how to troubleshoot if they’re not.
This episode offers actionable insights while encouraging a healthy, compassionate mindset for tackling challenges in your writing career.
Key Takeaways:
1. What is Read-Through, and How Do You Measure It?
Read-through measures how many readers move from one book in a series to the next.
Claire explains why read-through is difficult to measure if you only have one book and provides strategies like offering a compelling freebie at the end of your book to assess engagement.
For series, the most common measurement is the percentage of readers who purchase or borrow subsequent books.
2. Setting Expectations for Read-Through:
Industry averages for read-through can vary significantly based on pricing strategies and whether your books are in Kindle Unlimited.
Claire emphasizes that expectations are personal, and setting them too low or too high can create unnecessary emotional turbulence.
3. Troubleshooting Read-Through Issues:
Start with Back Matter: The first link readers see at the end of your book should ideally point to the next book in the series.
Analyze Openings and Endings: Your opening pages should hook readers immediately, and your ending should provide satisfaction while enticing them to continue the series.
Identify Drop-Off Points: Beta readers or hired feedback can help pinpoint where readers lose interest, offering insight into areas that might need tightening.
4. Factors Beyond the Numbers:
Some books are designed to be savored rather than inhaled, and that can affect the pace of read-through.
If you notice slow read-through but receive positive feedback, it might simply reflect the unique nature of your stories.
5. Addressing a Skills Gap:
If storytelling fundamentals are causing read-through issues, Claire encourages you to view it as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reflection of your worth as a writer.
There are countless resources, workshops, and editors available to help you hone your craft.
Why You Should Listen: This episode is for authors who want to understand their read-through rates and take actionable steps to improve them without letting the process become emotionally overwhelming. Whether you're an indie author managing your own files or a traditionally published writer curious about what you can influence, Claire offers thoughtful strategies to tackle this common concern.
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: Share your thoughts with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connect on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
21 min
November 11, 2024What if I'm not a great writer?
Episode Description: In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire dives into the deeply personal question: What if I’m not a great writer? With candor and compassion, Claire explores what the idea of “greatness” even means in the world of writing, reminding us how subjective and vague that term can be. She examines how societal expectations and personal insecurities can distort our self-perception as writers and offers practical, grounded strategies for dealing with the anxiety this question can bring up.
Key Takeaways:
Defining “Greatness” in Writing: Claire unpacks the concept of “great” in writing, showing how it’s almost impossible to define universally. Is greatness based on sales, ratings, critical acclaim, longevity? Claire reminds us that each reader has their own standard, making greatness in writing a subjective term that may not be worth obsessing over.
Perfection Isn’t a Requirement for Success: We’ve all read bestsellers that didn’t resonate or books with high ratings that seemed flawed. Claire highlights how this disconnect reminds us that being a successful writer doesn’t mean appealing to everyone’s standard of “great.” Your writing doesn’t have to meet every possible benchmark to matter.
Learning Through the Pain of Growth: Improving as a writer is beneficial not only for our craft but also for our well-being. Learning can be intimidating because it often means confronting past mistakes or gaps in knowledge. Claire suggests viewing that discomfort as a sign of growth, reframing cringe-worthy moments as proof of progress.
Using Anxiety as a Call to Action: Anxiety around not being a “great” writer can be reframed as a call to action. Instead of letting anxiety paralyze us, Claire recommends channeling it into meaningful activities like learning a new writing skill, taking a craft course, or practicing a specific storytelling technique.
Completing the Stress Cycle: To manage lingering anxiety, Claire encourages listeners to complete their stress cycle with physical activity or relaxation techniques. Recognizing and acting on anxiety in a healthy way helps us stay present and productive, avoiding the endless loops of worry that don’t serve us.
A Practical Approach When Doubting Your Writing:
Recognize that “great” is a subjective, often meaningless label.
Embrace anxiety as a signal that there may be an opportunity for growth.
Channel that energy into learning something new about your craft, but don’t let fear drive you into information overload.
Complete the stress cycle with movement or a calming activity to bring yourself back to a grounded state.
Why You Should Listen: This episode is for any writer who has ever doubted their skill or wondered if they’re truly capable of being “great.” Claire offers both mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reframe these questions in a way that encourages growth without letting fear take the lead. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by self-doubt or the pressure to excel, this episode will leave you feeling reassured, empowered, and ready to keep moving forward.
Join the Conversation: Have you questioned your abilities as a writer? What does “greatness” mean to you? Share your thoughts with Claire by emailing [email protected] or join the conversation on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
18 min
November 04, 2024What if I'm in burnout?
Episode Description:
In this insightful episode of What If For Authors, Claire tackles one of the most pervasive issues facing authors (and anyone) today—burnout. With her characteristic blend of empathy, humor, and hard truths, Claire dives into the complex topic of burnout, explaining how it’s often a signal to release old ego-driven patterns and a chance to truly liberate ourselves from self-imposed limitations. Drawing from Enneagram insights and her own experiences, Claire offers practical guidance on identifying, understanding, and addressing the root causes of burnout.
Key Takeaways:
Burnout and Ego Death: Claire discusses the idea that burnout often feels like a kind of “ego death,” a signal that some of our deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and doing are no longer serving us. Instead of pushing through burnout, she invites listeners to consider the possibility of letting those outdated parts of themselves go.
Understanding Ego Armor: Claire introduces the concept of “ego armor,” the protective patterns we build over time to shield ourselves from pain. Using the metaphor of a knight’s armor, she explains how we develop this armor for survival, but as life changes, that same armor can begin to weigh us down and limit our movement and growth.
The Importance of Support: Recovering from burnout often requires support. Claire emphasizes that this is not a journey you should expect to navigate alone, whether that means talking with friends, consulting a coach, or seeking help from a therapist.
Healing Beyond Superficial Fixes: True burnout recovery isn’t just about saying “no” to one extra project; it requires addressing the deeper patterns and fears that created burnout in the first place. Claire encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about these patterns and to pursue meaningful, sustainable change.
Why You Should Listen: This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the weight of burnout or nearing it. With a compassionate but no-nonsense approach, Claire offers insights that go beyond quick fixes and aim to address the core reasons behind burnout. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing your passion for writing with the realities of self-care, this episode will provide a roadmap for creating a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with your work.
Join the Conversation: Have you experienced burnout in your author career? What patterns and fears might be contributing to it? Share your story with Claire by emailing [email protected] or connecting on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!
41 min