How Women Write

Jacqueline Fisch
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Jacqueline Fisch, a nonfiction author, writing coach, and former corporate professional. This show blends authenticity, practicality, and intuition. Jacqueline shares holistic writing strategies designed for female entrepreneurs with a story to tell. Here, integrity, personal growth, and wellness meet actionable tips and guidance. Whether you're working on books, blogs, website copy, or social media, you'll learn how to hit your writing goals while creating a nourishing, sustainable writing life. Expect honest, in-depth interviews with real women writers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, alongside candid solo episodes and behind-the-desk stories that offer simple, inspiring lessons for your writing journey. In a world of AI and shortcuts, your authentic voice is your superpower. Subscribe and discover how to stop struggling with writing—and start embracing your gifts.

  1. 61: Why 'Writer's Block' Is Really Your Nervous System

    6D AGO

    61: Why 'Writer's Block' Is Really Your Nervous System

    Stop Blaming Discipline: How Safety Unlocks Your Creative Writing Flow Today, we're diving deep into a concept I've never believed in: writer's block. If the words aren't flowing, it's not a block—it's actually your nervous system running the show. When your nervous system feels unsafe, your creative energy takes a detour into survival patterns, and the symptom is that you stop writing (or don't even start). It's not laziness, procrastination, or a lack of the right time management tool. I share my own journey from reading about writing to finally becoming a full-time writer and coach, where I realized that when the words don't flow, it's about safety, not discipline. For a decade, I've seen that the number one reason entrepreneurs feel stuck is a nervous system response. When we feel overwhelmed, our brain removes us from the perceived threat, which often looks like starting a load of laundry or scrolling through social media. I walk you through the four primary survival responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and share how each one manifests uniquely when you sit down to write: Fight: Overworking, perpetual revision, and questioning everything. Flight: The heart of procrastination, like over-planning, over-researching, and starting new projects to avoid the main one. (This was my signature response!) Freeze: The classic overwhelmed, blank-page moment. Fawn: People-pleasing, holding back your truth, and watering down your words to make everyone happy. The great news is you can break this feedback loop. I introduce you to two powerful tools: The Observer Effect and The Cancel Process. The Observer Effect teaches you to pause, take an outside perspective, and simply watch your old pattern unfold without reacting, which drains its emotional power. The Cancel Process gives you an immediate way to stop a trigger—by imagining a big red X over the thought and reciting a word like "cancel" or "delete." Creative, clear writing happens when your body feels safe enough to start. No productivity hack, system, or AI tool can fix a dysregulated nervous system. If you're ready to stop fighting yourself on the page, I invite you to explore my Living Draft Container coaching process, where we regulate first, and then we write. Key Takeaways Writer's block is a nervous system response to a perceived threat, not a fault in your discipline or focus. Recognize your default survival pattern (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) to understand how you unconsciously sabotage your writing process. The goal is to build safety around your voice and writing process, not to force consistency or productivity. Practice the Observer Effect to neutralize the emotional energy of old reactive patterns by watching them from a neutral, outside perspective. Use the Cancel Process to immediately interrupt a negative thought or trigger, giving your nervous system the pause it needs to choose a response instead of a reaction. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to How Women Write (What to Expect) 00:29 Writer's Block Isn't Real: It's Your Nervous System 01:12 My Train Epiphany: Stop Reading, Start Writing 02:17 Safety Over Discipline: Why Procrastination Kicks In 04:50 Spot Your Pattern: Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn 06:55 The Observer Effect: Break the Feedback Loop 09:34 The "Cancel" Process: Stop Spirals in the Moment 11:07 The Living Draft Container: Regulate First, Then Write 12:37 Wrap-Up + How to Support the Show Links: The Living Draft Container Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    13 min
  2. 60: Writing in the In-Between

    FEB 18

    60: Writing in the In-Between

    Navigating the Liminal Space What do you do when you're in a liminal space—that in-between psychological, emotional, or spiritual threshold where your old identity is shed but the new one hasn't fully formed? It can feel unsettling, unmotivating, and distracting. In this episode, I break down what a liminal space is and share practical, intuitive advice on how to continue your writing practice and grow your business during a transformative, yet personal time. This space is not a pause in your growth — it's the doorway to who you're becoming. The key is to stay present, keep listening, and let the words come out, knowing that clarity in writing comes through action, not overthinking. Key Takeaways: Realize that the uncomfortable, in-between stage is a natural part of growth, not a failure. Remember that clarity and confidence in writing come from the act of writing, not from waiting for inspiration to arrive. Create a safe container for your work by setting small, consistent writing goals and nourishing yourself before and after writing sessions. Ask yourself if any draining emotions you feel are truly yours or if you're picking them up from others. Give yourself permission to write as the person you're becoming — realizing there's no need to wait. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to How Women Write 00:28 The in-between space that can derail your writing 01:22 Signs you're in the threshold + why it's not a bad thing 04:33 Write through the fog: don't force clarity—draft first, edit later 06:02 A client's story: emotional drain, sensitive seasons, and staying with the work 07:09 Should you share right now? Blogs vs. books 09:01 How clarity and confidence actually arrive: action, not waiting 11:44 Five ways to support yourself in transition 13:08 Choosing your format: timelines, momentum 15:05 Create a safe container for writing 17:26 Can you publish in a liminal space? 18:26 Work with Jacqueline inside The Living Draft Container Links: Jacqueline's recent book Intuitive Writing The Living Draft Container Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    19 min
  3. 59: Stop Outsourcing Your Writer's Intuition

    FEB 9

    59: Stop Outsourcing Your Writer's Intuition

    Coherence in Writing: How to Write with God, Not Your Ego Today I'm talking about coherence and clarity in our writing — what it is and how it's the opposite of writing from your ego, brain, AI, or even consulting tools and people outside ourselves. For years after my departure from organized religion and the Catholic church, I unknowingly outsourced my intuition to external tools like oracle cards, psychics, and reiki. I share my journey of abruptly walking away from those practices and why consulting anything outside myself—even for a hint of resonance—can quietly erode your trust in your own voice and disconnect you from the real source of creativity. The invitation is to stop outsourcing and come back to the body. We all have an intuition because we have a body.  Key Takeaways: Coherence in writing is when you're co-creating with the divine, and the words arrive faster than your thoughts. A clue you're writing with your intuition is reading your writing back later, and you don't remember writing it. The problem with outsourcing and consulting external people, tools, or energies (like AI, psychics, cards, or reiki) might calm your mind in the moment, but ultimately dull your inner knowing and flatten your unique writing voice. Your body knows truth — it can't lie. Your body is your true pendulum, connected to God/Goddess/The Divine, and delivers your guidance as a knowing, sensation, vision, or signs. The invitation to go inward - This week, quiet all outer noise. Use a pen, paper, your journal, prayer, meditation, or a walk in nature. You don't need any outside tools to hear your voice. An Invitation to Deeper Work: If your writing feels scattered or disconnected, I invite you to reconnect to the part of you that already knows.  Learn more about the Living Draft Container. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:27 Understanding Coherence in Writing 01:42 The Role of Intuition in Writing 03:12 Personal Journey: From Catholicism to New Age and back to Jesus 04:33 The Downside of Outsourcing Intuition 08:43 Reconnecting with Inner Guidance 10:35 Conclusion and Invitation Links: The Living Draft Container Writing Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    12 min
  4. 58: The Power of Roundups: How to Honor Your Wins and Gain Clarity

    FEB 3

    58: The Power of Roundups: How to Honor Your Wins and Gain Clarity

    Behind the scenes of my January roundup, writing wins, and what flowed when I  stopped forcing. Welcome to a behind-the-scenes peek into my writing life and business as I share my January roundup. As a writer and business owner for over a decade, I track my stats and key performance indicators (KPIs) with both heart and brains. Every month, I review my metrics, including website traffic, social growth, podcast downloads, client consultations, and community growth. All to track progress and celebrate wins. Why I Love a Roundup Post A roundup is one of the easiest and most fun types of content to write because you're simply summarizing your actions and celebrating wins. It's so easy to check the box on your to-do list and move on without pausing to honor what you've accomplished, but roundups help you see your wins in black and white. Plus, they allow you to share a wide range of things you love, from books and blogs to products and new discoveries. Celebrating My January Wins January was a month of beautiful momentum. A few things I'm celebrating: Website Traffic: The Intuitive Writing School website traffic was up 41%! I keep older content fresh by updating top-performing articles for SEO, such as my post on Mercury Retrograde or time-based writing prompts.  Podcast Episodes: I'm celebrating 57 episodes of the How Women Write podcast (actually, this one makes 58). Substack Flow: I wrote six new Substack articles and started a new feature, Writers Gonna Write Wednesday, with text-only interviews from writers in my community. The Living Draft Launch: I launched a new writing container — The Living Draft — that treats your work as alive. It's been too good not to do again! Key Takeaways: Track KPIs with Heart and Brains: Use key performance indicators to celebrate your wins and gain clarity for any changes you'll make moving forward. Why Write a Roundup: Summarize your actions and wins over a theme or timeframe (like a month) to honor your progress. (Readers love these!) Refresh Old Content: Update and change the publish date on old, high-performing blog posts for renewed SEO and traffic. Balance Flow and Planning: Avoid forcing your writing; instead, embrace spontaneity with loose planning, like using the "surrendered first draft" method. Community Matters: Flow states are more common in group activities, and writing with a community can make a solo activity feel less lonely.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 Tracking Key Performance Indicators 03:08 The Power of Roundup Posts 06:06 Celebrating January Wins 08:43 Substack and Writing Process 11:47 Community Wins and New Writing Experience Launches 15:13 Insights and Reflections from January 18:32 Conclusion and Call to Action Links: Jacqueline's January Roundup Substack Jacqueline's author site for speaking and workshops Old blogging at theintuitivewritingschool.com/blog Episode #57: Why I Came Back to Substack — and What It Changed in My Writing Episode #52: Stop Racing Your Writing: Kairos and the Right Time to Write The Business Book Exchange Podcast The Living Draft Program Writing Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    19 min
  5. 57: Why I Came Back to Substack — and What It Changed in My Writing

    JAN 24

    57: Why I Came Back to Substack — and What It Changed in My Writing

    In this episode, I share the winding journey of my relationship with blogging and newsletter platforms, and why I've returned to Substack … for the second time.  You'll hear some useful insights about the common fears writers face when choosing a platform for their writing, and mostly about why it's okay to change your mind, evolve your opinions, and trust your work.  I've learned that changing my mind, pivoting, and shifting direction are part of the work and of trusting myself. Importantly, I know that putting my writing first (no matter where it lives) is what matters most.  This episode takes you on a journey from 2023 through today, when I went back and forth between Substack and my blog (which lives on Squarespace).  Ultimately, I landed on Substack for my primary writing platform. It's simple, community-focused, and a cozy place for writers (but you have to curate it!)  Key Takeaways Changing your mind is okay: You're supposed to grow and evolve as a writer, human, and creative. No explanations needed.  The platform is not your purpose: The goal is to keep putting your writing out there — don't let overthinking about the platform be a barrier. Simply start. Start where you can: I love Substack for new online writers because it's free, easy, and focused on writing first. With Substack, the article IS the email, so you can do double duty and don't need an email service as well (unless you're doing email marketing). Answers to the top questions business owners have about SEO, what to do with old blogs, and where to start writing if you don't have a business yet. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 Navigating Writing Platforms — Substack Vs. Squarespace 01:03 The Journey Back to Substack 02:29 Timeline of Blogging Platforms 04:23 Lessons Learned from Platform Changes 06:39 Starting Fresh on Substack 13:49 SEO and Blogging Strategies 15:50 Final Thoughts and Substack Workshop Invitation Links: Jacqueline's Substack Jacqueline's author site for speaking and workshops (Author site for speaking and workshops) Old blogging and programs at theintuitivewritingschool.com Mariah Magazine (Mentioned SEO expert) Mariah Magazine's episode on the How Women Write Podcast: 29: SEO's Soulful Side: Mariah Magazine on Aligning Your Business with Search Engines MissingLettr (Tool for sharing content across social platforms on an evergreen schedule) Intuitive Writing (Book) Unfussy Life (Book) Business Book Exchange (Co-hosted podcast) Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    18 min
  6. 56: Laughter is Healing: Comedian Lady Q on Storytelling & Finding Your Authentic Voice

    JAN 21

    56: Laughter is Healing: Comedian Lady Q on Storytelling & Finding Your Authentic Voice

    I can't tell you how excited I am to introduce you to the first comedian I've had on the podcast, Lady Q!  When I realized that comedians are, at their heart, storytellers, I knew I had to have her on, and I can't wait for you to be delighted. Lady Q is a clean comedian and inspirational speaker who blends humor, faith, and healing.  She shares her incredible journey with us, starting with her time as a youth pastor who made her church's women's conference laugh in 2008, launching her 17-year career.  You'll get to hear about her joke writing process, how she finds fresh material from major life transitions—like raising kids, dating, and getting married later in life—and why she prioritizes telling stories that make people think, not just laugh.  Lady Q also leaves us with powerful tips for writers and speakers on finding your authentic voice and even what she does to protect her voice before stepping onto the stage. Key Takeaways: Your Life is Material: Experiences are the best source of content.  Comedians Say What You're Thinking: Aka, saying the quiet part out loud. A comedian's job is to be brave enough to speak the relatable, funny, and sometimes awkward observations that the audience is already thinking. The Joke Writing Process: Lady Q prepares for a set by thinking about the event, the audience, and her personal experiences related to the topic. Then, she'll write the jokes out but gives herself permission to go off-script to keep the conversation flowing. Be Authentically You: Her biggest tips for storytelling — find your voice, use your regular voice (not your work voice, or "customer service voice" as my kids sometimes say to me), and be vulnerable. She intentionally limits watching other comedians to avoid unconsciously mimicking their style, which is smart advice for writers, too! Protecting Your Energy and Voice: Before a show, she meditates, limits talking, avoids eating and her phone, and focuses on her opening line. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:18 Meet LaQuitcha Walker 02:36 Early Comedy Days 04:38 Crafting Comedy: Writing and Performing 08:10 Evolving Material: Life Changes and New Stories 14:58 Navigating Comedy in 2020 18:12 Journaling and Story Mining 20:26 The Pressure of Daily Writing 20:40 Journaling and Overthinking 21:07 The Comedian's Dilemma 21:22 Preparing for a Leadership Conference 23:31 Crafting Jokes for Different Events 28:11 Handling Audience Reactions 31:47 Being Authentically You 34:53 Final Thoughts and Tips for Speaking Meet Lady Q (LaQuitcha Lanay Walker) Lady Q is a nationally recognized clean comedian and inspirational speaker who blends humor, faith, and healing.  A two-time PrayzeFactor People's Choice Award winner and Presidential Lifetime Achievement honoree, she inspires audiences worldwide to rediscover joy, purpose, and laughter through life's challenges. Connect with Lady Q: Lady Q's YouTube Promo Video Instagram Upcoming events:  A Night of Love and Laughter, a date-night experience in Tampa, FL Live 2 Lead, Mableton, GA Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  The Intuitive Writing School Substack: Energy-First Writing Fractional CCO services and speaking LinkedIn Instagram

    39 min

  7. JAN 19

    55: What Does Your Draft Need From You?

    In this episode, we explore the subtle, often-justified reasons writers wait to start or finish their work—and why that waiting carries a significant relational cost. We dive into the difference between true writing resistance and the need to simply honor the work by giving it a proper container, rather than forcing it with pressure and deadlines. Key Takeaways: Waiting is a Decision: The decision to wait, even if it feels like the responsible thing to do, is still a choice that can accumulate a quiet cost over time. The Real Cost is Relational: The cost of waiting isn't just fewer pages — it's the fading relationship you have with your own writing. Resistance is Often Mislabelled: What's often called "resistance" is frequently grief, fear, or a nervous system signaling that the work cannot be rushed but also cannot be ignored. Writers Need a Creative Container, Not Pressure: Pushing through ("Be more disciplined!") often backfires. Instead of deadlines, writers need to honor the work with a container, where a draft can take its time to become what it needs to be with attention and flow. Start Something, Anything: I share a quick personal story to illustrate that starting something (a food blog) led to something else (stories about working motherhood and life lessons, then books) that was truly calling. Meet Your Draft: The path forward involves greeting your drafts without judgment, asking them, "What do you need from me?" and then listening. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:30 The Quiet Cost of Waiting 01:27 Personal Journey and Realizations 03:15 The Subtlety of Waiting 03:46 The Real Cost of Unfinished Work 05:20 Honoring the Writing Process 06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action Key Links: Explore Signature Services for Writing Coaching & Mentoring Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

    6 min
  8. 54: The Power of Surrender: Naomi D. Williams on Writing a Book Born in the NICU

    JAN 14

    54: The Power of Surrender: Naomi D. Williams on Writing a Book Born in the NICU

    This is a special episode for me. In 2017, as I first stepped into freelance writing, Naomi reached out, looking for support in transforming her 2009 journal entries into a book. I didn't set out to work on books, but the work found me — and I'm so glad it did. Listen in as I chat with Naomi D. Williams, the author of And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU. Naomi shares how her book came about from the raw, real-time journal entries she wrote while her son, Noah, a micro-preemie born at 26 weeks, spent five months in the NICU. We talk about the challenging process of revisiting those honest entries eight years later, and how important it was to maintain her original, authentic language — curse words and all — to serve both parents and medical providers.  We also dive into the beautiful, adventurous life she and Noah share now, including his numerous marathons and triathlons. Naomi shares the incredible origin story of NoahLand Art — her son's abstract art business, where "everyone belongs."  Finally, we discuss her current writing practice, giving herself permission to write what feels dark as well as light, and the freedom found in surrender and a non-linear writing process Hear about: The Book's Origin: And God Remembered Noah was written from raw, real-time journal entries Naomi kept while her son was in the NICU. She organized the book into 22 chapters, mirroring the 22 weeks he spent there. The Dual Purpose: The book's goal is twofold: to let parents know all their emotions are real and they're not alone, and to give providers an authentic perspective on the parent experience. Authenticity Over Polish: Naomi chose not to edit the original journal entries years later to maintain transparency, even though she became a different person through the experience. Writing Wisdom: If you're considering writing a book from your journal entries, Naomi urges you to just "do it." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Naomi Williams 00:12 Naomi's Journey to Becoming an Author 01:59 The Birth of Naomi's Book 07:19 Challenges and Emotions in Writing 17:45 The Impact of Naomi's Work 21:57 Adventures with Noah 23:23 The Importance of Teamwork in Travel 24:38 Noah's Artistic Journey & Noahland Art 28:17 Early Reading and Writing Experiences 31:44 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 35:21 The Impact of Publishing and Future Projects 39:45 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers 41:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Meet Naomi D. Williams Naomi D. Williams is a Life Doula and Grief Coach who supports parents and family caregivers as they navigate the complex systems that accompany a life-altering medical diagnosis. As the mother of a micro-preemie given a poor prognosis, Naomi models what a good quality of life looks like despite severe neurological impairment and medical complexities. She is an author, an avid traveler who enjoys naps, getting lost in nature, and taking long, deep breaths on her yoga mat. Key Links: Buy Naomi's Book: And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU Naomi's Website: exceptionalliving101.org  Noahland Art Website: noahland.art Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Signature Book Coaching Services LinkedIn Instagram

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Jacqueline Fisch, a nonfiction author, writing coach, and former corporate professional. This show blends authenticity, practicality, and intuition. Jacqueline shares holistic writing strategies designed for female entrepreneurs with a story to tell. Here, integrity, personal growth, and wellness meet actionable tips and guidance. Whether you're working on books, blogs, website copy, or social media, you'll learn how to hit your writing goals while creating a nourishing, sustainable writing life. Expect honest, in-depth interviews with real women writers, entrepreneurs, and leaders, alongside candid solo episodes and behind-the-desk stories that offer simple, inspiring lessons for your writing journey. In a world of AI and shortcuts, your authentic voice is your superpower. Subscribe and discover how to stop struggling with writing—and start embracing your gifts.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacqueline Fisch
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    How Women Write