CAROLINE TAYLOR is a novelist and short-story writer who grew up in the mountain west and traveled widely, including a brief stint in the Foreign Service. A former publications manager and editor of Humanities magazine, she is the author of several mystery novels.

Death in Delmarva was a finalist for the 2016 FREDDIE award. Loose Ends was the 2018 Goodreads best thriller set in DC and a recipient of a Firebird award in 2022. The Typist also received a Firebird award in 2022.

Caroline's nonfiction book, Publishing the Nonprofit Annual Report: Tips, Traps, and Tricks of the Trade, won an APEX award for writing excellence. A collection of short stories, Enough! Thirty Stories of Fielding Life’s Little Curve Balls, features many of the stories that she has had published over the years.

In this episode, Caroline shares her writing experiences as a pantser, creating twists and turns in mystery and crime stories, as well as non-fiction. Show don’t tell was a huge piece of advice that helped her develop her fiction writing skills. As a book addict, she reads as much as she can and she’s not afraid to stop reading what she’s not enjoying it.

“Keep at it!” she says, especially when you’re faced with rejections.

Publishers have a million reasons to reject your work, but you will find the right publisher for you. Whenever you’re frustrated on your journey, just let your story sit and give yourself a break. You have a passion for writing, so get the word out in a way that feels joyful!

When creating characters, Caroline struggles to give her main characters challenges. She loves them and doesn’t want to see them in pain, but it’s a necessary part of the process to create good fiction!

Connect with Caroline on her Website, Amazon Page, Goodreads, Facebook, and LinkedIn! We hope you enjoy this episode!

Journal Prompts:

How do I make my main characters the most active part of the story?

What can I do to bring more suspense into my stories?

How can I improve my writing skills and discover the best path for publishing?

What will inspire me to keep going when I’m feeling discouraged?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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Stacy Frazer is a formerly repressed creative soul turned fiction writer and Author Accelerator certified book coach.

Her mission, as per the About Page on her website, is to:

“…raise voices, to share my stories with the world, and help other creative souls do the same.

Write It Scared was born out of a desire to help others who struggle like I once did.

Today I believe we are all uniquely creative. There is a place in the world for all our voices and every single one matters. Your story matters. Your writing has merit.”

There are stories you write, then there are stories you tell yourself in your thoughts. Stories that make you question the value of your voice and your writing.

Those thoughts create resistance that manifest in different ways. Stacy helps identify that resistance, and guides you in answering the questions:

“What fears do I have around my writing life? What’s behind those fears?”

Understanding that allows you to work through your obstacles. Negative thoughts will always exist, but being aware of them is important in knowing how to use fear as a compass. How to find joy and be in flow with your creative process.

Stacy says there is no one way, no right way, to write a book. There is only the way that works for you.

Download her free mindset guide The Write Mindset to face your fears and move past creative blocks. Connect with Stacy through her Website, E-mail - [email protected], Instagram, and Facebook too!

Journal Prompts:

What fears do you have about your writing life? Where do these fears stem from?

Who is part of your writing community? How and what can you learn from them?

What is your writing process? What strategies or practices help you make the most progress?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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I’m so excited to welcome Laura to the podcast!

Laura is an international Spiritual Counsellor and Clairvoyant Medium. She has a laser like way of seeing relevant details in all the areas of your life.

She is perceptive in ways that feel like your own deepest knowing, and brings a compassionate, no-nonsense presence to her work along with a huge capacity to see and outline the most positive life-affirming way forward. 

Do you want to gain clarity, direction, conformation and new perspectives on your life, relationships, business and life purpose?

Clients experience life changing shifts working with Laura. She assists her clients in getting in touch with their authentic selves and exploring new opportunities in their careers, relationships, and lives. She specializes in guiding her clients through major life changes and challenges.

Laura is dedicated to assisting others in transforming their lives and finding their own guidance and inner peace.

Throughout this episode, Laura shares her take on life as a spiritual being having a human experience, not a human being having a spiritual experience.

We discuss what it means to be intuitive, authentic, and how to take action towards your goals. Yes, the angels can guide your path, but it’s up to you to take ownership of choices.

Come along on this journey with us and learn how Laura found God by connecting with nature and understand how to be in tune with your creative intuition.

Connect with Laura via E-mail, her Website, and join her Facebook group Spirit Speaks to Me.

Journal Prompts:

What helps you feel like your most authentic self?

How do you tap into your intuition to improve your creativity?

When you write, what helps you feel most connected to yourself and your story?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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Listen to the wonderful Elle Turner and I as we chat about her writing experiences! She is an Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Mentor.

She helps intelligent, compassionate entrepreneurs (that’s you) lead their unique, heart-led business so that they can achieve success, fulfilment, and impact through the work they bring to the world.

Ever since she was 8, she’s been interested in writing. Her works include 4 fiction novels, a published short story collection, and a non-fiction work in progress.

Through short stories and full-length novels, she’s loved learning to develop her skills in creating captivating plots and well-rounded characters.

Her process begins with an outline, but it’s always flexible because you never know how the story will end up throughout the drafting process.

We talk about how she prioritizes writing while running her business, and though she isn’t always working on her novel, her writing muscles remain flexed when creating content for her social media platforms and other marketing materials.

One of my favourite parts of the conversation is when we discuss the “right time” to call yourself a writer. The answer is that it’s valid at any point in your writing career. It’s just about building the confidence to call yourself one and knowing that it’s always a part of you.

Elle shares details of her non-fiction project and exploring the “witch wound” in our society around leadership and speaking up to share your viewpoints.

Come listen to this episode and be inspired to follow your authentic writing journey! Connect with Elle on Instagram, then purchase a copy of her short story collection, Tapestry, on Amazon.

Elle Turner’s Podcast is Taking it Personally – LISTEN HERE to episode #113 where she interviews me about writing an entrepreneurial memoir.

Journal Prompts:

When did you first consider yourself a writer? How did you make that decision?

How do you confidently embrace that title?

What is your writing process and how does it help you refine your skills?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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Thank you, Ally, for bringing your vibrant personality to the podcast. She is a poet & author from Winnipeg, Manitoba.

One of her main goals with her writing is to destigmatize living with BPD. Writing helps her explore who she is safely, honestly, and more transparently than she ever could within her therapy sessions.

A Generation of Sunflowers is her first published poetry collection. She started writing it as a way to communicate her feelings with her family, then discovered the profound impact these poems can make on a wider audience.

As she worked through her experiences as a caregiver and learning to grieve, her second poetry collection Bloom was born.

Rupi Kaur sparked her love of vulnerable, raw poems. For Ally, Rupi’s poems envelop her like a hug, which is the same impact she hopes to leave with her readers.

Ally reads two poems for us from her collection Bloom:

She has a powerful, passionate voice thanks to her classical voice training and frequent readings at local venues.

Her poetry reminds you to focus on yourself and speak up for what you believe in. Understand your why as a writer and motivate yourself to inspire others with your words.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Ally on Instagram, and purchase her books on Etsy (or at Chapters Indigo bookstores if you’re in the Winnipeg area).

Journal Prompts:

Write a free verse poem about your WHY as a writer.

What impact do you hope to make on your readers?

What are you an advocate for in your community?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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Welcome, Alyssa Rodriguez, to the podcast! She is an alignment coach who knows her purpose is to help people experience their WHY with fiery conviction.

Our topic today revolves around celebrating yourself and aligning with your purpose.

Purpose is about:

It doesn’t matter what you decide to do. It’s more important HOW you live it out.

We are always evolving throughout our lives, and it’s important to slow down and take a moment to explore what that means.

You have the power to design your life exactly how you want. Put yourself in the spotlight and think about how much richer you make the lives of others.

If you ever feel lost on your creative journey, remember that it doesn’t matter WHAT you create. It’s the process of HOW you create it.

Pay attention to the journey and appreciate it for what it is. Appreciate YOURSELF for who you are.

You have made the choice to be creative and to enjoy the experiences that come with it. Be present, in the moment, and make the most of each day.

Learn more about Alyssa on her Instagram and download the Joy Kickstarter freebie on her Website.

Journal Prompts:

What feels right for you when celebrating yourself and discovering your purpose?

What can you do every day to take a moment for yourself and how will this help you be creative?

How can you appreciate yourself as you are? How does this inspire your creativity?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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On today’s episode, we welcome Nicole Spindler – writer, public speaker, learning & development enthusiast, and lover of all things Pittsburgh (her hometown).

She graduated from John Carroll University, specializing in human resources and management with a minor in Spanish language and culture.

She published her first book, a memoir titled Beyond Life’s Moments, in December 2020 and her debut fiction novel, The Reason Why, in May 2022.

Nicole loves spending time with family, friends, exploring Pittsburgh, traveling, staying active, mentoring fellow authors as they write their first books, and scouring the local bookstores with a cup of coffee or tea in hand.

She and I share a passion for inspiring others through our written work.

We chat about vulnerability in writing and how to find the balance of sharing openly without oversharing, whether you’re writing memoir or fiction.

Though her writing experiences have mainly been positive, there are always challenges that come in. She wrote a memoir, which involved her family and interviews from others in their traumatic journeys. When there’s more people involved, it takes more tact to write a book well.

Not only does she write from personal experiences, but she writes fiction with themes of relationships, the pandemic, and navigating the online world.

Though much of her work is modern, relatable, and based on true events, she does not see her work in the “self-help” category. It is much more than that and reaches a wide audience across multiple generations.

One of the main takeaways we hope you receive from this episode is that patience is key in succeeding in your goals. Have the courage to get your story out there and the gain the knowledge on the best way to publish.

Your stories will get people talking, and all you need to do is start writing.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Nicole Spindler on her Website and Instagram.

Journal Prompts

How do you bring patience into your writing life?

When writing more personal work, how do you know if you’re under-sharing or over-sharing?

What impact do you hope to have on your readers?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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I had a wonderful conversation with Marilyn R. Wilson, a freelance writer, published author, speaker, and editor with a passion for interviewing.

Her writing career began at the age of 50 when she threw caution to the wind and answered a Craigslist ad from a New York fashion magazine, even though she had no experience.

When they accepted two of her story ideas, the doors opened on a whole new career - proof positive it is never to late to embrace a new passion.

Interviewing for her articles changed Marilyn’s life and allowed her true personality to shine through as she unpacked the lives of her interviewees.

Marilyn loves writing, but seeing a project through to the end? That’s a whole other adventure. Procrastination and the struggle to show up challenged her success. What helped her create a solid writing habit was reading 3 key books:

• The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• The Now Habit by Neil Fiore

Marilyn gives wings to people’s stories and in that experience has learned about herself. She sees her creativity as a way to learn, keep things fresh, and experience life and art in a new perspective.

Creating a habit of writing may be challenging at first, but eventually it becomes second nature. Marilyn believes showing up is a life choice, and she writes to give back for all she has been given. She has something important to say, and so do you.

You are a writer if you write.

This is what you are called to do, so keep moving forward.

We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Marilyn on her Website.

Journal Prompts:

How do you show up for yourself as a writer?

What is your purpose as a writer? What do you have to say with your stories?

What habit do you wish to create in your writing life? How will you work towards achieving this?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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My first guest of season 3 is Dani J. Norwell *triumphant horn sound*

We dive into learning all about her and sharing advice for finding your purpose as a writer.

A literary and women’s fiction author living in the south of Spain, Dani J. Norwell writes fiction that is real, raw, and relatable. From themes of connection and family bonds to exploration, self-discovery, and life abroad, there’s something for everyone in a DJN book.

When Dani is not reading or writing, you can find her blogging for the Sincerely, Spain blog, traveling, sipping Spanish wine, or seeking out dogs to pet on her walks around town. Her early works include two collections of short stories: Fairly Familiar and Snapshots of Spain.

Most Unlikely is her debut women’s fiction novel, which released in August 2023. She describes the theme of her book as an unlikely friendship seeing us through life’s curveballs.

Women’s fiction is about a female character in a moment of change which takes her on a self-discovery journey. Stories like hers create an unforgettable introspective experience.

Along with discussing her writing experiences, we explore the benefits of self-publishing and knowing if it’s the right path for you.

There are many pressures writers can face about taking the “right” path. To find your own process, all you have to do is keep writing. With her process, Dani finds it was different with each book and that helped her grow as a writer.

Learn more about Dani J. Norwell and the adventure of defining your genre on the Worthy Writers Podcast.

Listen to the full episode and leave a review with your insights! Connect with Dani on Instagram and her Website.

Journal Prompts:

What themes does your novel(s) or work in progress revolve around?

What genres might fit those themes to market your book?

What have you learned about yourself throughout your writing journey?

Never forget that you are worthy!

Kirsten McNeill

Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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5…4…3…2…1… And we’re back! The Worthy Writers Podcast has been reborn for season 3. It’s always nice to have a break from creative ventures, so it’s even more exciting when you jump back into the flow.

I’ve got a fun episode for you today where I read out 3 excerpts from 3 different self-published authors. I’m not the best at doing different character voices, but I’ve been told my voice in general is calm and soothing. I hope you enjoy my readings from the following authors:

L Becker is an Urban Fantasy writer from California, USA. She has loved stories and writing since she was a child when she first fell in love with books and the stories her parents used to tell. Connect with her HERE.

Emily Craig (Hooie) is happily married to the love of her life, living out her childhood dreams of being an author. Although she never imagined writing romance novels, she loves exploring the ins and outs of all kinds of love. Connect with her HERE.

Arabella Federico is an award-winning/bestselling author of unique scifi-fantasy romance crossover books. She has a passion for being different & making stories her own, so if you’re dying to read a book where you will not guess what’s coming next, the Mark of Creation Chronicles is the series for you!

Book 1, The Mark of Chaos and Creation

Book 2, The Mark of Dreams and Darkness

Connect with her HERE.

Journal Prompts:

With each prompt, answer it as yourself or in a short fiction story.

Do you want a piece of your story read out by Kirsten? Go to my Contact Page for instructions. Never forget that you are worthy!

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Kirsten McNeill

Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan

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