No Mess, No Magic

Monica Hay

No Mess, No Magic is a podcast for writers who want to embrace the messy, imperfect process of writing. Hosted by writing coach Monica Hay, this show is for writers who want to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building a writing practice in the middle of busy lives, rough drafts, and creative resistance. You won’t find rigid writing rules or productivity perfectionism here. Instead, we talk about the real work of being a writer: showing up when you feel uninspired, writing through doubt, and learning how to keep going when the process gets uncomfortable. Because books aren’t written by people who feel magically inspired every day. They’re written by people who keep showing up in the mess. If you’re a writer who wants to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building a writing practice that works in real life… You’re in the right place. Messy drafts welcome.

  1. 2 Sept

    She Built a Writing Career by Mailing Short Stories

    Curious about Ink and Mist Society?? Check it out here! https://inkandmistsociety.com/ Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/inkandmistsociety/ What if becoming a full-time writer didn’t mean waiting years for a book deal? Less than a year ago, Tahnee Walters had an idea: write original fantasy short stories, package them into beautiful physical letters, and send them directly to readers through the mail. Today, her Ink & Mist Society has grown to more than 900 subscribers, and Tahnee is figuring out what it means to build a writing career in a very unconventional (and very analog) way. In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Tahnee and Monica talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of running a short story mail club: writing a new 4,000–5,000 word story every month, printing and packing hundreds of letters, navigating viral growth, learning marketing through trial and error, and occasionally discovering the hard way that your envelopes are too thick for the postal system. But they also dig into something even cooler: what happens to your writing when you actually let yourself write, finish, experiment, and move on. Tahnee shares why some of her favorite stories were the ones she struggled with most, what she’s learned from scrapping thousands of words, how deadlines have changed her creative process, and why short stories have given her permission to play with her writing instead of trying to make every word perfect. They also talk about the growing desire for analog experiences, creating genuine connection with readers, marketing creative work without overexplaining it, and the strange reality that your art may be affecting people who will never tell you. If you've ever wondered whether there are unconventional ways to build a life around your writing (or needed permission to make something before you completely know what you're doing!) this episode is for you.

  2. 20 Aug

    Why Movement Matters for Writers with Doctor Chelsea

    Us writers are good as disconnecting from our bodies. We surface from a writing session in shrimp posture. This week, I'm joined by Chelsea of Chelsea Fit & Flex to all about movement. Chelsea breaks down exactly what happens in your body when you sit and type for hours (compression of the diaphragm, chest breathing, restricted blood flow) and what even small movements can do for your creativity. This is NOT a hustle culture, "body maxxing" conversation. Fuck that. It's about how all movement is good movement. In this episode we go into: Why writers are so good at leaving their bodies behind The science of sitting: breathing, the vagus nerve, blood flow, and brain fogDopamine and BDNF (the "steroid for helping your brain write better")Why your best ideas come on walks, in the shower, and at the sink (boredom is a feature)The honest difference between avoiding your writing and fueling itChelsea's five-minute reset between writing sprints: calf raises, squats, push-ups, shoulder blade squeezes, chin tucks, and breath workThe most common writing-related injuries — carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and what's happening to your spineDesk setup when you're very tall or very short, and the truth about standing desks and walking pads We also have a lil mid-episode squat, talk Enneagram types, and more. About Chelsea: Writer, audiobook narrator, and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chelsea fuses adventurous storytelling and fitness expertise in Chelsea Fit & Flex, an online platform for writer wellness. After many conversations with fellow writers about their writing-related injuries, she founded a space for their physical and mental needs because she believes creativity thrives when we care for our ourselves intentionally. Find Chelsea: Website: chelseafitandflex.com StoryFit Studio: https://storyfitstudio.vhx.tv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseafitandflex/

  3. 12 Aug

    Everything Is Writing Time: How Creative Play Fuels Your Stories

    Your other hobbies aren't distracting you from writing! They might actually (almost certainly) help your writing. This is THE episode to listen to when you have guilt around PLAY. In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, I’m joined by author and story coach Megan Fuentes to talk about experimenting with other creative mediums, and why stepping away from your WIP might actually help you come back to it with more ideas, energy, and excitement. We talk about the discomfort of being a beginner (and being very, very bad at things), why creative hobbies aren't necessarily a distraction from your writing, and how everything from baking and Canva to crochet, drawing, short stories, and solo journaling RPGs can feed your storytelling. We also get into finishing projects, using your own hobbies to understand your characters, borrowing expertise from the people around you, and what to do when sitting at your desk and trying harder simply isn't working. Plus: chess-induced tears, pancake-mix banana bread, Dutch honesty, Dungeons & Dragons, hard-won dopamine, and the realization that sometimes the best way to get unstuck creatively is to go do something completely different. Because as Megan reminds us: your creativity doesn't only exist when you're sitting down to write. About Megan: Megan Fuentes is an author and story coach who teaches writers how to craft the kind of character arcs that make books compulsively readable. With over a decade of pulling stories apart and reworking them from the inside out, her one-on-one clients describe her as electric in a brainstorm, with a sixth sense for asking the question that cracks the whole book wide open. Learn more about Megan here: https://subscribepage.com/storycoachingbymeganfuentes

  4. 31 Jul

    It's Never Too Late to Create

    In this episode, I'm joined by author, writing coach, and filmmaker Beth Barany for a conversation about something I hear from writers all the time: "Is it too late for me?" Beth didn't begin filmmaking until her fifties. Today she's producing a fantasy film, building a creative team, and pursuing a dream she'd put on the shelf for years. We talk about what it actually feels like to become a beginner again, why so many artists convince themselves they've missed their chance, and how creativity often deepens with age. We also dive into: Why "too late" is usually a story we tell ourselvesBecoming a beginner without letting your ego get in the wayFinding creative confidence after years (or decades) awayHow to keep creating while running a business and managing everyday lifeThe grounding practices that help us come back to ourselves as artistsIf you've ever wondered whether you've missed your opportunity to write the book, make the film, start the business, or pursue the creative life you really want, this episode is for you. About Beth: I’m an award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist, run a successful business as a coach and consultant for authors, have taught hundreds of students through my online school and in person for organizations and conferences. I host the podcast "How To Write The Future," tips and tools for fiction writers and forward-thinking organizations. I use my creativity to serve others and bring joy into my life and into the lives of others. I collaborate one-on-one with writers as well as in groups. You can find Beth here: https://bethbarany.com/newsletter/

  5. 13 Jul

    Shadow Work, Part 2: Why Play Matters

    Last week, Chelsea Pippin Mizzi introduced us to the idea of shadow work. This week, we're getting practical. If you've ever wondered why sharing your writing feels so vulnerable, why play feels "unproductive," or why perfectionism keeps stealing the joy out of creating...this conversation is for you. Chelsea shares practical ways to begin exploring your own shadow, why making bad art might be one of the healthiest things you can do as a writer, and how curiosity is what unlocks creativity. We also talk about why you don't have to become an expert in psychology to understand yourself, why writers need a creative practice that exists outside of publishing, and how some of the parts we most want to hide are often the ones that make our work feel most alive. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest fears people have about trying shadow workWhy play isn't a distraction from your writingHow to build a creative practice that isn't tied to productivityWhat happens when you're afraid to share your work publiclyWhy making "bad art" is actually a good thingThe difference between accepting your shadow versus trying to "fix" yourselfA simple journaling exercise you can try today to begin exploring your own shadowWhy curiosity is one of the most powerful creative tools you have About Chelsey: Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author, tarot reader, and wellbeing practitioner supporting writers, artists and small business owners to unblock and unlock creative magic. Her books include The Tarot Spreads Yearbook - a #1 Amazon bestseller; Tarot for Creativity - runner-up for Best Tarot Book at the 2024 TABI International Caromancy Awards; and most recently, The Shadow Path. Her writing and tarot work have appeared in New York Magazine, Literary Hub, Craft Magazine and other titles. She also publishes The Shuffle, a bestselling Substack exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity through weekly journaling sessions, tarot-led interviews with creatives, and regular insights on creative living. Her Substack: https://theshuffle.substack.com/p/weekly-tarot-journaling Chelsey's IG: https://www.instagram.com/pipcardstarot/

  6. 6 Jul

    Shadow Work with Chelsey Pippin Mizzi - Part 1

    When you hear the words shadow work, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it's trauma. Darkness. Digging up painful memories. That's not the whole story. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Chelsey Pippin Mizzi to talk about the surprising connection between shadow work and creativity. Chelsey explains how our "shadow" isn't just the parts of ourselves we don't like—it's often the parts we've simply hidden away. Our curiosity. Our voice. Our weirdness. Our creativity. We talk about why perfectionism keeps so many writers stuck, how writer's block might actually be pointing you toward something important, and why your most authentic work often comes from the parts of yourself you've learned to keep quiet. In this episode, we discuss: What shadow work actually is (and why it's probably not what you think)The connection between shadow work and the creative processWhy writers often hide their most original ideasHow perfectionism and people-pleasing show up on the pageThe relationship between shadow work and writer's blockWhy authenticity creates stronger storiesThe difference between writing what people want versus writing what you need to sayThis is Part One of our conversation! About Chelsey: Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author, tarot reader, and wellbeing practitioner supporting writers, artists and small business owners to unblock and unlock creative magic. Her books include The Tarot Spreads Yearbook - a #1 Amazon bestseller; Tarot for Creativity - runner-up for Best Tarot Book at the 2024 TABI International Caromancy Awards; and most recently, The Shadow Path. Her writing and tarot work have appeared in New York Magazine, Literary Hub, Craft Magazine and other titles. She also publishes The Shuffle, a bestselling Substack exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity through weekly journaling sessions, tarot-led interviews with creatives, and regular insights on creative living. You can find Chelsey's Substack here: https://theshuffle.substack.com/p/weekly-tarot-journaling And her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pipcardstarot/ And her podcast, The Shuffle, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ihjj08uB6h1NRSlO6iHiI?si=d65ff24be590473d

  7. 24 Jun

    The Truth About Author Platforms and Writing in the Margins

    In this episode, I'm joined by author Hannah Callan to talk about writing in the margins of life, and building an author platform. We discuss what it looks like to pursue creative dreams while juggling work, family, social media, overwhelm, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a human being. We also dive into author platform-building and some of the biggest misconceptions writers have about social media. Hannah shares how she built an audience online, how that audience helped her during the querying process, and why building a platform doesn't have to mean living on Instagram 24/7. We talk about: Why writers often have an all-or-nothing mindset around creativityThe myth of needing huge blocks of uninterrupted time to writeBuilding an author platform without losing yourself in the processThe difference between an audience and a communityWriting during busy seasons of lifeWorking with fragmented creativity instead of fighting itHannah's querying journey, including agent requests that came through social media If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I'll write when life calms down," this episode is for you. About Hannah: Hannah Callan is a jack of many creative trades—she spent ten years working as a graphic designer, ran her own wedding photography business, and received her bachelor's degree in Editing and Publishing. Now she's an agented author with her first novel out on submission to publishers, and a language nerd with linguistics research up for publication with Cambridge University Press. Above all, she believes stories to be one of the most powerful tools we have in passing on the things we've learned and building stronger communities. Hannah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahcallanwrites/ Hannah's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannahcallanwrites Hannah's Newsletter: https://substack.com/@hannahcallanwrites Hannah's Website: https://www.hannahcallan.com/

  8. 17 Jun

    Building an AuDHD Friendly Practice with Dr. Bailey Lang

    Many writers spend years trying to force themselves into writing routines that simply don't fit how their brains work. In this episode, Monica sits down with Dr. Bailey Lang—book coach, writing studies scholar, and self-described literary witch—to discuss why traditional writing advice often fails neurodivergent writers and what to do instead. Together, they explore the overlap between ADHD, autism, and AuDHD, the damage caused by shame-based writing advice, and how writers can build sustainable practices that honor their energy, creativity, and real lives. Topics discussed include: • The differences between ADHD, autism, and AuDHD • Why so many neurodivergent writers feel broken by traditional writing advice • The problem with "just be more disciplined" messaging • Discipline vs. devotion in a writing practice • Creating flexible routines that work with your brain instead of against it • Red-light, yellow-light, and green-light planning for fluctuating energy levels • Why fantasy writing routines often fail in real life • Burnout, overachievement, and recovering from perfectionism • Permission-giving as a creative practice • Ritual, magic, and creating meaningful writing habits • How to stop comparing your process to everyone else's Connect with Dr. Bailey Lang: Dr. Bailey Lang is the Literary Witch—a book coach who helps authors build sustainable, magical writing practices that take their books from draft to done. With a focus on mindset, practice, and craft, Bailey combines research with intuitive, client-led wisdom to guide writers as they step into their creative power. Bailey's website: https://literary-witch.kit.com/profile

See All (19)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

No Mess, No Magic is a podcast for writers who want to embrace the messy, imperfect process of writing. Hosted by writing coach Monica Hay, this show is for writers who want to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building a writing practice in the middle of busy lives, rough drafts, and creative resistance. You won’t find rigid writing rules or productivity perfectionism here. Instead, we talk about the real work of being a writer: showing up when you feel uninspired, writing through doubt, and learning how to keep going when the process gets uncomfortable. Because books aren’t written by people who feel magically inspired every day. They’re written by people who keep showing up in the mess. If you’re a writer who wants to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building a writing practice that works in real life… You’re in the right place. Messy drafts welcome.

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Hay
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Monica Hay

You Might Also Like