The Write It Scared Podcast

Stacy Frazer
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A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel. 

  1. 1 HR AGO

    Mining Everyday Life for Storytelling Gold with Christine Ma-Kellams

    Debut author Christine Ma-Kellams talks about her novel The Band, a story that mixes psychology and K-pop.  We dig into how real-life experiences can shape your fiction, what it takes to move through self-doubt, and why chasing perfection is the fastest way to stall your draft. Christine shares her perspective on trusting your subconscious, embracing the chaos of the writing process, and staying grounded when social media starts to feel like a trap.  This one’s equal parts practical advice and encouragement—with a little humor to keep you going. Timestamps  00:00 Introduction to the Write It Scared Podcast  00:27 Meet Christine Ma-Kellams  01:47 Christine's Writing Journey  04:17 The Band: Plot and Themes  06:05 Writing Process and Advice  11:27 The Role of Personal Experience in Writing  18:46 Overcoming Self-Doubt  19:22 The Voice of Doubt and How to Push Back  22:51 Why Reading Matters for Writers  25:02 Creative Advice and Encouragement  28:54 Navigating Social Media as an Author  31:33 What’s Next for Christine and Where to Find Her Links: Novel: THE BAND Atria 2024 https://www.christinema-kellams.com https://www.instagram.com/choppstixz Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    36 min

  2. 21 SEPT

    Reframing the Dreaded “How’s Your Book Coming?” Question

    Nothing cuts quite like that dreaded question: “So… how’s your book coming?”   In this episode of Write It Scared, I dig into why it stings, how to answer without spiraling, and how to reframe it into an empowering moment. Because progress isn’t about speed or polish—it’s about staying true to what you value and what you’re making meaning of in your creative life. Timestamps:  00:00 The Writer’s Spiral  01:27 The Dreaded Question  02:20 Why It Stings  03:27 Reframing the Conversation  06:44 The Truth About Writing  07:48 How to Share about Your Journey  09:53 Keep Going  11:01 Closing Thoughts  Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    11 min

  3. 14 SEPT

    Stan Yan on Writing Graphic Novels, Creativity, and Authentic Storytelling

    Award-winning graphic novelist Stan Yan joins me to talk about his debut late middle-grade graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang (out September 30, 2025). We dig into his creative journey, the highs and lows of publishing, and what it really takes to bring a graphic novel to life. Stan also shares how embracing authenticity fuels his storytelling—and why representation matters. Plus, parents, librarians, and educators won’t want to miss the giveaway at the end: a chance to win a school visit from Stan himself. Episode Timestamps  00:19 Welcome to Write It Scared Podcast  01:29 Introducing Stan Yan: Background and Journey  03:22 The Many Misfortunes of Eugene Wang  07:22 Challenges and Inspirations in Writing  17:49 The Writing and Illustrating Process  25:07 Pressure Testing Your Story Idea  25:19 Outlining and Collaborating on Your Pitch  26:22 Knowing If Your Idea Works as a Graphic Novel  27:29 The Role of Illustrators in Graphic Novels  31:10 Starting Small with Graphic Novels  32:14 The Long Journey of Creating a Graphic Novel  34:32 Representation in Graphic Novels  37:41 Fighting Imposter Syndrome  39:43 Creating for Yourself First  42:47 Upcoming Projects and How to Connect  45:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Links and Contact info:  JOIN THE STREET TEAM WIN SWAG! →  TEAM MISFORTUNE Stan Yan Graphic Novelist, Caricature Artist & Instructor Represented by Ann Rose at Tobias Agency Book me for an author visit at The Booking Tree 2022 SCBWI Florida Portfolio Excellence Award Winner Kidlit art instructor at The Cuddlefish Academy Author/Illustrator of 2025 JLG Selection, THE MANY MISFORTUNES OF EUGENIA WANG (Atheneum (S&S), Coming September 2025) Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    46 min

  4. 7 SEPT

    Season 3 Kickoff: 8 Prompts to Set Effective Writing Intentions and Goals

    In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about what it means to set intentions for your writing life—without the pressure of perfection. I’ll walk you through eight prompts to help you set meaningful goals, reflect on what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and move into the next season of your writing with more clarity and less self-doubt. You’ll also hear about the Polished Page Pack—a free bundle of tools from expert book coaches and editors to support you wherever you are in your process. Let’s set the stage for a season of growth, courage, and creative momentum. Set Your Writing Goals with These 8 Prompts First, ask yourself: How do I want to feel about my writing this season? And what would need to shift so I can nurture that kind of relationship with my work? Next, write down three writing goals for Fall 2025. Make at least one of them a mindset goal—something that helps you foster the relationship you want to have with your writing. Now, check your goals against the lens of your reality. Are they doable in three to four months? Or are you expecting too much of yourself? Be honest, and recalibrate if necessary. Once you’ve refined them, break your goals into actions. What specific steps can you take daily, weekly, or monthly to move forward? Then ask yourself: How will I actually make this happen? What’s my plan? And just as importantly, how will I get back on track if life derails me? Look back over the past three to six months. What worked for you, and what didn’t? What needs to change this fall so you can move toward your goals and feel good about your writing? Ask: What am I willing to change this season to make my goals achievable? And my favorite prompt: What do I want to be brave enough to do this season that I haven’t tried before? And finally, take a moment to reflect on your progress so far in 2025. What have you already accomplished? What small wins or big gains can you celebrate right now?”GRAB  The Polished Page Pack, which is loaded with free resources to guide you through every stage of the writing process. It's 100% free until September 15, 2025. Then it’s gone. Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    13 min

  5. 20 JUL

    Season 2 Wrap-up: Reflections, Encouragement, Permission.

    The final episode of Season 2 is a love letter to all fiction writers. We’ve covered nearly 30 episodes this season, from character arcs to worldbuilding to the emotional ups and downs of putting your work into the world. Before we break for summer, I wanted to leave you with something real: a mix of reflection, encouragement, and a few favorite moments from this season’s guests. You’ll hear reminders that it’s okay to: Take your timeBe frustratedCelebrate the small winsKeep going even when it’s hardIf you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or unsure where you’re headed, I hope this episode gives you permission to rest and reassurance that your story matters. I’ll be back in the fall with new guests, new topics, and more tools to help you write with clarity, confidence, and heart. ⏱ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – A Love Letter to Writers  00:19 – Welcome to Write It Scared  01:27 – Reflecting on Season Two  03:10 – Permission to Write  04:15 – Advice from Our Guests  13:48 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans  15:40 – Thank You and Goodbye Episodes Mentioned Ep 41 Michele Regenold Ep 67 Kristin Offiler Ep 43 MK Pagano Ep 45 Trisha Jenn Loehr Ep 55 Alexandria Faulkenbury Ep 53  Demi Michelle Schwartz Ep 67 Gloria Huang Ep 63 Brooke Adams Law Ep 49 Michael Fedor Ep 68 AM Deese Ep 59 Amy Bernstine Ep 61 Gina Kammer Ep 51 Amy Nielson Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    16 min

  6. 13 JUL

    Worldbuilding and the Power of “What If” with Fantasy Author A.M. Deese

    Grab my free Worldbuilding Simplified guide.  Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the Elements series, how she builds layered magical worlds, and what it really looks like to write through fear, doubt, and procrastination. We dive into the challenges of writing a dynamic fantasy series, how to track all your world details without losing your mind, and why your first draft is supposed to be messy. Whether you write fantasy or not, this episode is packed with truth, tools, and encouragement to help you keep going. ✨ You’ll hear about: Crafting a multi-POV fantasy series with political intrigue and elemental magic How to approach worldbuilding without getting stuck in the weeds The power of a “what if” and the value of trusting your process Tools Alexis uses to stay organized (hello, series bible + style sheet!) Her new adult fantasy romance project under the pen name Lexi LopezTimestamps:  00:00 – Embrace your shitty first draft  00:32 – Welcome to the Write It Scared podcast  01:30 – Meet fantasy author A.M. Deese (Alexis Marrero Deese)  02:23 – Why worldbuilding matters for all writers  03:17 – Alexis’s journey to publication + #PitMad success  07:52 – Inside the Dance of the Elements series 14:23 – Building complex worlds + magic systems 20:00 – Series Bibles, style sheets, and staying consistent 27:06 – Pushing past fear, self-doubt, and rejection 31:15 – Spicy fantasy romance + writing as Lexi Lopez To connect with Alexis and find her books please visit Website: www.amdeese.comInstagram/Facebook: @authoramdeeseTikTok @authoramdeese  Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    34 min

  7. 6 JUL

    How to Trust the Process and Stick with Your Story with Author Kristin Offiler

    What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming? I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it. Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, including: How her story shifted genres mid-process What finally clicked after years of rewriting The moment she nearly walked away—and what kept her going Why stories (and processes) are more malleable than we think How to keep writing when self-doubt creeps in This is one of those episodes that will make you feel less alone if you’re staring at a messy draft, wondering if it’s ever going to work. Kristin’s journey is a beautiful reminder that a long revision process is not a sign of failure—it’s the path forward. And persistence? That’s the real secret. 📚 The Housewarming is out August 1, 2025, from Thomas & Mercer. Preorder wherever you get your books! For more information, visit www.kristinoffiler.com. 00:40 – Meet debut author Kristin Offiler 01:33 – Kristin’s writing journey: from MFA to motherhood to first drafts 07:36 – Where The Housewarming began—and how it grew into something more 14:04 – The pivot: transforming a character-driven novel into psychological suspense 20:07 – How genre feedback changed Kristin’s revision process 21:08 – Stories are malleable: a lesson in letting go of “the way it’s supposed to be” 22:22 – Self-doubt, slow writing, and the comparison trap 23:37 – What experience can teach you (that no craft book can) 26:17 – Kristin’s evolving writing process (and how it saved her time) 32:06 – Balancing writing with life, parenting, and limited time 37:15 – Advice for writers: trust your idea, stay in the bubble, and don’t quit too soon 40:58 – Where to find Kristin + preorder info for The Housewarming Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    43 min

  8. 29 JUN

    Letting Go of Perfectionism and Portraying Anxiety in Middle Grade Fiction with Gloria Huang

    If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you. Gloria Huang, author of the stunning middle grade fantasy Kaya and the Ocean, joins me to talk about: Letting go of perfectionism Writing through self-doubt Revisiting your work with compassion We dive into how she approached themes like childhood anxiety, identity, and the immigrant experience with honesty and heart. Gloria also shares her path to publication—including the emotional stamina it takes to navigate rejection, impostor syndrome, and everything in between. This conversation is a powerful reminder that writing is brave, messy, and deeply human. In this episode, we cover: 00:29 Welcome back to Write It Scared  01:39 Meet our guest: Gloria Huang  02:57 Gloria’s debut novel Kaya and the Ocean  04:38 Exploring themes of anxiety and identity  06:15 The inspiration behind Kaya and the Ocean  08:06 Cultural influences and mental health in storytelling  15:13 The power of stories to heal and connect  17:21 Gloria’s path to publication  19:57 Writer’s block, burnout, and the creative process  21:43 What happens after the book deal  24:22 Writing process + giving yourself grace  27:10 Reframing rejection as part of the journey  29:03 Gloria’s hopes for fellow writers  30:32 What she’s working on next  31:17 Final thoughts and where to find Gloria To connect with Gloria and find her books, please visit her at: https://www.glorialaihuang.com/ Instagram Threads Order Kaya of the Ocean here Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared: Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

    33 min
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About

A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel. 

Information

  • Creator
    Stacy Frazer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Write It Scared Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Write It Scared Podcast

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