Writer Therapy Sessions

Writer Therapy

Welcome to Writer Therapy — a space for serious writers to talk openly about creativity, workflow, balance, and everything in between. Join us for casual conversations about craft, the writing life, and why we keep coming back to the page. No matter where you are in your writing, you’re welcome here. Your session begins now.

Episodes

  1. 4 days ago

    Ep03 – Daniel Andrews - Anxiety, Creativity, & Tears Behind the Smile

    In this episode of Writer Therapy Sessions, we talk with author, musician, actor, and creative entrepreneur Daniel Andrews, author of the international bestseller Tears Behind the Smile. Daniel opens up about living with anxiety and panic attacks, turning deeply personal diary entries into a published book, and using creativity as a way to survive difficult moments. We discuss self-publishing, hybrid publishing, building a personal brand as a creator, music, acting, mental health, and the realities of trying to make a living through art. Daniel also shares his thoughts on honest storytelling, learning from experienced mentors, and why creators shouldn’t let fear, criticism, or perfectionism stop them from putting their work into the world. The conversation explores how pain can fuel creativity, the emotional side of writing, and the importance of authentic communities where writers and artists can support one another without judgment. Topics include: • Anxiety, panic attacks, and creative expression • Turning diary entries into a published book • Self-publishing vs. hybrid publishing • Building a personal brand through writing, music, and acting • Writer insecurity and perfectionism • Honest storytelling and emotional vulnerability • Creative mentorship and learning from experience • Music, songwriting, and artistic identity • The importance of positive creative communities Follow Daniel “Tierz” Andrews: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tierz_official_sttp X: https://x.com/TierzOfficial SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/officialtierz Order Tears Behind the Smile on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0fnjJcfc Order Tears Behind the Smile for Kindle: https://a.co/d/0gbW3vmU If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at skool.com/writertherapy. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

    32 min
  2. 18 May

    Ep02 – Courtney Shawl: Songwriting for Healing & Human Expression Through AI

    In this episode of Writer Therapy Sessions, we talk with author, music therapist, and entrepreneur Courtney Shawl about creativity, healing, songwriting, AI, and the deeper reasons people feel called to make art in the first place. Courtney shares her journey from music therapy and songwriting to self-publishing, mentorship, and building creative communities around expression and healing. We discuss writer’s block, artistic identity, belief, persistence, and how AI can be used as a powerful creative tool without replacing the human imagination behind the work. The conversation explores how songwriting can help people process emotions, why expressive arts matter for healing, the realities of self-publishing, and the tension between creating art for fulfillment versus fame, validation, or money. Courtney also breaks down how she uses AI in her workflow—from outlining books and organizing ideas to designing book covers and demo tracks for music. Topics include: • Writer isolation and creative community • Songwriting as therapy and self-expression • AI-assisted writing and music creation • Self-publishing and creative entrepreneurship • Mentorship, belief, and overcoming creative blocks • Book cover design, branding, and visual simplicity • Art for healing versus art for recognition Chapters: 00:00 – Writer Therapy and Isolation 07:31 – The Role of AI in Writing and Music Creation 14:18 – The Impact of Belief and Mentorship on Success 20:00 – The Ultimate AI Cheat Code 28:20 – AI in Book Cover Design 33:31 – Expressive Arts in Healing 41:40 – Art for the Sake of Art vs. Fame and Money Follow Courtney Shawl: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyschawl/ Book. Brand. Business: http://skool.com/bookbrandbusiness One Day Songwriter: http://skool.com/onedaysongwriter Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Courtney-Anne-Schawl/author/B0FPRNZPPX?shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=bf0dadb9-caa8-4d92-85f3-471b78793883 If you’re a writer looking for a focused, encouraging, and authentic creative community, join us at skool.com/writertherapy. Writer Therapy features focused critiques, personal interviews with writers, live writing sessions, and a curated community for serious authors who want meaningful conversations about the craft. Whether you’re outlining your first idea, deep into revisions, or somewhere in between, you are welcome here.

    50 min

About

Welcome to Writer Therapy — a space for serious writers to talk openly about creativity, workflow, balance, and everything in between. Join us for casual conversations about craft, the writing life, and why we keep coming back to the page. No matter where you are in your writing, you’re welcome here. Your session begins now.