.png)
The Write It Scared Podcast
A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel.
Episodes
55 episodes
Dual POV’s and Writing Despite Rejection with Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible.In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 55
•
32:19
.png)
Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study with Katniss Everdeen
Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on t...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 54
•
23:15
.png)
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz
If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 53
•
41:35
.png)
How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad
Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mi...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 52
•
17:06
.png)
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?That’s precisely ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 51
•
41:09
.png)
Planning Your Novel: From Idea to Outline
Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics Summit hosted by Emma D...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 50
•
46:55
.png)
Poli-Fi Author, Michael Fedor on Writing, Rewriting, and Never Giving Up
Writing a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-winning independent author, to talk about the long, winding road to publishing his debut novel...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 49
•
35:31
.png)
Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc
The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real. This character...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 48
•
24:14
.png)
Tips on Writing Historical Fiction with Author Susanne Dunlap
What does it take to bring history to life on the page? In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed historical fiction author, writing mentor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 47
•
38:27
.png)
Essentials of Crafting Negative Character Arcs + Deep Dive into the Disillusionment Arc
Not every character’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions.In this episode we do an overview the negative character arcs and then focus on the specifics of the Disillusionment Arc.Unlike posit...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 46
•
24:00
.png)
Valentine’s Special! Crafting Authentic Romance with Trisha Jenn Loehr
FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It ScaredLove is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 45
•
45:17
.png)
On Wise Productivity and Building Positive Character Arcs
Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE.Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management....
•
Season 2
•
Episode 44
•
25:26
.png)
Learning to Say No to "Mom Guilt" with Author MK Pagano.
In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I discuss overcoming guilt as a parent pursuing creative passions and introduce M.K. Pagano, the author of 'Girls Who Burn,' who shares her journey to becoming a published writer. Our ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 43
•
32:16
.png)
Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs
Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot....
•
Season 2
•
Episode 42
•
21:33
.png)
Unlocking Your Characters with Michele Regenold
In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 41
•
29:09
.png)
Easing Into 2025 and Setting Smarter Writing Goals
If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we ne...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 40
•
14:35
.png)
Overcoming Creative Burnout, Embracing Rest, and Season One Wrap Up
Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 39
•
24:22
.png)
Dear Writer, You're NOT Screwing This Up with Author Rachael Herron
Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episode, I’m chat...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 38
•
36:42
.png)
Encouragement for the Frustrated Writer
Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. Join me as we unpack the i...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 37
•
10:07
.png)
Writing With and About Chronic Illness and Disability with Sandra Postma
Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? If so, this episode is for you. Certified Book Coach Sandra Po...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 36
•
38:35
.png)
How to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome
Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone!In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 35
•
15:51
.png)
Finding Your Writing Process Using CliftonStrengths with Becca Syme
Do you want to be more efficient when it comes to your writing? Wish there was a way to understand what type of writing process would work well for you instead of trying and failing at a method that works well for others? <...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 34
•
48:24
.png)
Recognize Your Growth to Build a Happier and More Resilient Writing Life
Are you good at acknowledging your efforts and celebrating your creative milestones?Like most of us, probably not.Does this make you a better, healthier, or happier writer? NOPE.Today, we discuss the damaging effects of not...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 33
•
9:54
.png)
On Writing, Motherhood, Gross First Drafts, and Dealing with Rejection with Author Julia Walton
This one is for all the writers who have turned into parents or parents who’ve turned into writers.Becoming a parent changes you. Irrevocably. Sometimes it's amazing, sometimes (often) it's terrifying. Some days you look up and realize y...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 32
•
37:53
.png)
Mastering the Query Writing Process with Julie Artz
Today, I talk with Julie Arts, an experienced book coach and 'query wizard,' to offer expert advice on how to write effective query letters. Julie shares her journey in the writing world, insights on crafting a compelling pitch, common mistakes...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 31
•
45:49
.png)