
The Confident Fiction Author
Hey there my fellow author, I’m Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer, an old soul kind of writer living my dream as a full-time author and authorprenuer.
But I didn’t start out living a confident creative lifestyle. I struggled with the fears and the mental and emotional barriers that so often plague writers at all stages of their author career.
But the truth is that, with the right knowledge, tools, and training, you can overcome those barriers. I’m here to teach you how I’ve developed a lifestyle that’s allowed me to publish 19 books (and counting).
Each week as you tune into the Confident Fiction Author podcast, you’ll get clarity on the steps you need to take to advance your writing career. Whether it’s developing your ideal writing routine, tackling new skills like dictating your fiction, or overcoming the obstacles life throws your way, this podcast will help you live a more confident, creative lifestyle.
Free resources for you:
The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: https://www.fictioncourses.com/toolkit
Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation
Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: https://www.fictioncourses.com/dictation
5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: https://www.fictioncourses.com/stereotypes
The Confident Fiction Author
#27: Burn the Candle: A Gentle Nudge Toward an Abundant Writing Life
There’s a candle on my stove that I once treated like treasure. I’d light it only on “special” days—afraid that once I'd burned it down, I'd lose that treasure.
One day, I realized something simple but powerful:
I could burn the candle, enjoy it fully, and then… buy another one.
There is no shortage of lovely candles, but I was subconsciously stuck in thinking that I needed to be careful not to burn through that one too fast.
That’s what a scarcity mindset looks like.
And you know what? It shows up in our writing lives, too—especially when it comes to story ideas.
Maybe you’ve clung to your first novel a little too long, polishing and perfecting out of fear that this might be the only good idea you’ll ever have.
But what if that’s not true? What if your creativity is renewable—like candles on a shelf, waiting to be chosen?
In today’s podcast episode, I’m exploring the difference between scarcity and abundance thinking when it comes to your stories. You’ll hear:
- How to build confidence that new ideas will come
- Why you shouldn't "fear the world too much" ("A Christmas Carol")
- 3 actionable ways to cultivate an open, idea-rich mindset
And if you already do have too many ideas? This episode will help you write those stories in ways that feel fresh, inspired, and doable.
Listen to this week's episode and let’s burn the candle, yes?
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Free resources for you:
The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit
Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation
Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide
5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes