#238: What To Do When Feedback Shakes Your Confidence
You’ve finally shared your pages with someone. Maybe it was a critique partner, a writing group, an editor, or beta reader. You were nervous, but hopeful, maybe even excited, and then the feedback came. And now you’re spiraling. Maybe they pointed out something you thought you’d nailed, or they didn’t understand your main character, or they told you something that deep down you already feared might be true. And now the voice in your head is getting louder. Am I even a good writer? Do I ...
8 Heinä 13min
#237: 3 Writing Myths That Might Be Holding You Back
There’s a lot of writing advice out there, but not all of it serves you. In this episode, we’re unpacking 3 common writing myths that might be slowing you down or making you second-guess your story. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this is your permission to let go of the “rules” and reconnect with the story you need to tell. Episode Web Page Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple...
1 Heinä 17min
#236: From Chaos To Clarity: How To Make Sense Of Your Messy Draft
Writing your first novel can feel like dumping 1000 puzzle pieces onto the floor without the picture on the box to guide you. You've got characters, scenes, maybe even a few moments you love, but you have no clear sense of what it all adds up to. If you're staring at your messy draft thinking, What even is this? - don't worry. You're not alone, and you're not even as lost as you think. In today's episode, we'll explore how to step back, sift through what you've already written, and begi...
24 Kesä 18min
#235: Why You’re Stuck At Chapter One (And How to Finally Move Forward)
Struggling to get past chapter one, even with a solid outline and a great idea? In this episode, we unpack why starting your novel feels so hard, what’s really behind the block, and how to take the first imperfect steps forward. Episode Web Page Not sure if your idea has what it takes to become a powerful story? This free quick guide will help you uncover the heart of your idea in just three simple steps. You’ll walk away with a one-sentence premise you can build your entire book on, an...
17 Kesä 18min
#234: 5 Big First Chapter Mistakes (and How To Avoid Them)
In this episode, we’re zeroing in on one of the most important (and most rewritten) parts of your novel: the first chapter. A strong first chapter doesn’t need to be long or dramatic, but it does need to hook the reader, ground them in the world of the story, and raise a question they’re eager to follow. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on your opening pages, rewriting again and again, wondering if it’s working, this episode will help you identify and avoid common problems, and more import...
10 Kesä 23min
# 233: 3 Essential Elements That Make A Scene
You’ve written pages. Maybe even chapters. But your scenes still aren’t landing the way you imagined. The pacing drags. The tension fizzles. And you’re not sure why. In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 essential elements that make a scene work. So your story doesn’t just move forward, but pulls the reader in and keeps them hooked moment by moment. If your scenes feel a little off, or you’re not sure they’re doing enough, this is your go-to guide. You’ll also get a practical checklist to ...
3 Kesä 21min
#232: Mental Fitness For Writers
Writing a book isn’t just a creative act—it’s a mental marathon. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in self-doubt, overwhelmed by the blank page, or spiraling after a tough writing day, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to build mental fitness as a writer. You’ll learn why talent isn’t enough—and how developing emotional resilience, self-trust, focus, and flexibility can keep you moving forward, even when the work feels hard. I’ll share practical w...
27 Touko 17min
#231: 5 Ways to Bring Your Character’s Interior World Onto the Page
You've got an exciting plot. Compelling characters. And the action is moving along at a crisp pace. But something still feels flat. Chances are, your character’s inner world isn’t fully making it onto the page. In this episode, we’re talking about the layer that gives your story emotional weight and resonance—character interiority. You’ll learn: ✔️ What interiority is (and what it’s not) ✔️ Why readers crave it ✔️ And 5 powerful techniques to reveal your character’s inner life wit...
20 Touko 29min
