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
#42: Why You Should Stop Fearing the Dictation Mess
Let’s be honest: dictated drafts can look messy.
I still remember the first full scene I dictated—nearly 1,500 words while doing dishes. When I had it transcribed, it looked like it had been chewed up and spit out by autocorrect: Missing punctuation, random words, broken sentences. I almost gave up right then.
But here’s what I discovered (and what I share in this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast): messy drafts aren’t a failure. They’re the key to momentum.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why messy dictated drafts actually signal progress, not problems.
- How dictation helps you silence your inner editor and write forward.
- Why “messy = breakthrough.”
- How my cleanup time went from 50/50 to 90/10 as my dictation skills improved.
If you’ve been waiting for “perfect” words to hit the page before you could finish your novel, this episode will give you the freedom to let go, embrace the mess, and gain the momentum you need.
If messy drafts have been the thing holding you back from dictating your fiction, my upcoming Dictation Bootcamp was designed for you! We kick off October 14th with 4 live days of training, assignments, and a private community to help you take those first steps.
It’s just $37 to join—and yes, enrollment is finally open.
👉 Enroll in Dictation Bootcamp now
Messy drafts lead to finished novels. Let’s get your stories moving!
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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
