For Women who Write

Mikaela Mathews
  • 5.0 (11)
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A podcast for women who write or want to write. 

  1. Aug 4

    37: Stewarding Your Book in a Busy Season

    Have you been telling yourself you'll write your book when life finally slows down? Between work, family, business, and everything else on your plate, it can feel like writing a book has to wait for "someday." But what if the issue isn't finding more time—it's learning how to make it? In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation that started around my own kitchen table and turned into one of the most practical coaching sessions I've had in a while. We'll talk about why so many women feel stuck before they ever begin, the two different ways authors tend to approach writing, and how to figure out which approach fits your current season. Inside this episode, we'll cover: The difference between sprint writers and marathon writers—and why neither is better than the other.Why "I don't have time" is often only part of the story.A simple schedule audit that can help you create space to write.How outlines remove decision fatigue and make writing sessions more productive.Small writing habits that help you build momentum, even if you only have 15 minutes.If you've been waiting for the perfect season to start your book, I hope this episode reminds you that progress isn't built in giant leaps. It's built one writing session at a time. And if you're ready to stop wondering whether you're writing the right book and want a clear plan before you spend months drafting, I'd love to help. A one-hour Strategy Session is designed to help you clarify your idea, pressure-test your direction, and decide on your next step with confidence. Cheering for you. You're closer than you think.

  2. Jul 28

    36: When God Says Write: Shannon's Publishing Journey

    What if the book you're meant to write starts with simply putting your thoughts on paper? In this heartfelt episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with first-time author Shannon to discuss the journey behind her beautiful devotional, Becoming: 30 Days to Becoming a More Present, Peaceful, and Purposeful Mom. Shannon shares how encouragement from her adult children first planted the seed to write a book, why she spent a year quietly writing without telling anyone, and how God guided every step of the process. Together, she and Mikaela pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to write a book, from overcoming self-doubt and vulnerability to finding structure, refining a message, and preparing for publication. Whether you're dreaming of writing a devotional, a nonfiction book, or simply wondering if your story is worth sharing, this conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Shannon knew it was time to write her book • Why writing can be a deeply personal and spiritual journey • The surprising reason she kept her manuscript a secret for a year • How a book idea evolved into a 30-day devotional • The importance of structure when writing a nonfiction book • What the editing process is really like • How to move forward even when you feel insecure or unqualified • Why obedience matters more than perfection One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is Shannon's reminder that your writing doesn't have to be "good enough" by the world's standards, it simply needs to be faithful to what God has asked you to create. If you've been feeling the nudge to write, this episode may be exactly the encouragement you need to take the first step.

  3. Jul 21

    35: Before You Give Up on Your Book, Listen to This

    How do you know if your book is actually any good? If you've ever asked yourself that question, you're not alone. It's one of the most common fears writers face—but it may not be the question that's really keeping you stuck. In this episode, we're unpacking what's underneath that question. We'll talk about why seeking constant reassurance never brings the confidence you're hoping for, how fear can shape the way you see your writing, and why no one can guarantee your book's success before it's written. You'll also learn how to define what a "good" book means for you, why understanding your reader matters more than trying to please everyone, and how to stop waiting for certainty so you can keep moving forward with confidence. If you've been wondering whether your idea is worth pursuing, I hope this episode helps you ask a better question—one that puts you back in the driver's seat of your writing journey. If you're ready for personalized guidance as you shape your book, I'd love to help. Strategy Sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on your message, strengthen your book concept, and create a plan you can move forward with confidence. Click the link in the show notes to learn more and book your Strategy Session.

  4. Jul 14

    34: From First Draft to Published Author: Christy Smith’s Journey to Writing a Book That Opens Doors

    What happens after you publish your book? In this inspiring episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with author, speaker, and former educator Christy Smith to discuss her journey from aspiring writer to published author of It Begins with a Book: An Everyday Guide to Growing Young Readers. Christy shares how she explored different writing paths, including poetry and children’s stories, before discovering the book she was truly meant to write. Together, she and Mikaela unpack the power of community, the importance of knowing your ideal reader, and how consistent writing habits helped turn a dream into reality. They also dive into what life has looked like since publication, including podcast appearances, speaking engagements, homeschool events, collaborations with other authors, newsletter growth, and expanded book distribution through major retailers. If you’ve ever wondered whether your book could create new opportunities, build your platform, or make a lasting impact, this conversation is proof that writing a book can be the beginning of something much bigger. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Christy found the right book idea after feeling stuck • Why community and coaching played a key role in her writing journey • The process of structuring a practical nonfiction book for busy parents • How consistent writing habits helped her finish her manuscript • What opportunities opened up after publishing her book • How writing a book strengthened her speaking career • Why understanding your ideal reader changes everything Connect with Christy Smith: Website: christiannewrites.com Book: It Begins with a Book: An Everyday Guide to Growing Young Readers

  5. Jul 7

    33: Finding Your Boundaries with AI as a Writer

    AI has quickly become one of the biggest conversations in the writing world. Some writers embrace it. Others want nothing to do with it. So where should it fit into the writing process? In this episode, I'm sharing my personal thoughts on AI as a book coach, editor, and writer. You'll hear why I believe your stories, experiences, and wisdom are the parts of your book that should never be outsourced, where I think AI can be helpful, and how I've been learning to establish my own limits as this technology continues to grow. We'll talk about the difference between information and transformation, why your voice matters more than ever, and how to think through AI in a way that aligns with your values as a writer. If you've been wondering whether AI has a place in your writing process, this conversation will help you think through the question with clarity and confidence.

  6. Jun 30

    32. What if I'm not a writer?

    In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela challenges one of the most common beliefs aspiring authors hold: “I’m not a writer.” If you've ever felt like you aren't creative enough, talented enough, or qualified enough to write a book, this conversation is for you. Mikaela explores how limiting beliefs formed through past experiences, criticism, and self-doubt can keep women from pursuing the book that's been on their hearts for years. Through personal stories and powerful examples, she reveals why writing isn't about fitting a certain mold or possessing natural talent. Instead, it's about showing up consistently, developing your skills, and embracing the identity of someone who has something meaningful to share. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why the belief “I’m not a writer” may be the biggest obstacle standing between you and your book • How past experiences can shape your identity—and how to rewrite that narrative • The difference between being a writer and feeling like a writer • Why consistency and practice matter more than perfection • How to redefine “good writing” as creating transformation for your readers • Practical mindset shifts to help you start writing with more confidence and less fear If you've been waiting for permission to write your book, this episode is your reminder that writers are simply people who write. Your story matters, your message has value, and the book you dream of writing may be much closer than you think.

  7. Jun 23

    31: The Right Season to Write | A Conversation with Miranda Trudeau

    What does it really look like to write a book while running businesses, raising children, and managing everyday life? In this episode, Mikaela sits down with author, marketer, and entrepreneur Miranda Trudeau to talk about the honest realities of writing and launching a book. Miranda shares how she knew it was finally the right season to write her second book, No Place I'd Rather Be, the systems that helped her make progress in small pockets of time, and what it took to successfully launch the book to bestseller status. Together, they discuss balancing motherhood and creativity, overcoming imposter syndrome, building a launch strategy that feels authentic, and why defining success before you write can change everything. Whether you're still dreaming about writing your first book or preparing to launch your next one, this conversation will encourage you to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start taking the next step. In this episode, you'll learn:  How to know if it's the right season to write a book  The difference between "sprint" writers and "marathon" writers  How to create time for writing in a busy life  What a successful book launch actually looks like  Why marketing starts long before launch day  How to define success for your book beyond sales  Why your unique perspective matters—even in a crowded market If you've been waiting for a sign to write the book, this might be it.

  8. Jun 16

    30: When should you hire a book coach or editor?

    In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela answers one of the most important questions aspiring authors face: When should you hire a book coach or editor? Through a personal story about assembling furniture without following the instructions, Mikaela shares why having the right guidance from the beginning can save writers time, frustration, and unnecessary revisions. She explains the distinct roles of a book coach and an editor, how they support different stages of the writing journey, and why she believes coaching is most valuable at the start of the process. In this episode, you'll discover: The difference between a book coach and an editorWhy early support can strengthen your book's foundationCommon mistakes writers make when trying to navigate the process aloneThe importance of structure, strategy, and accountabilityHow to gain clarity and confidence in your book idea before you start writingWhether you're still exploring a book idea or already working on a manuscript, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and purpose. For more information about Mikaela's one-on-one strategy sessions, check out the links in the show notes.

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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A podcast for women who write or want to write. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mikaela Mathews
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mikaela Mathews
  • Show Website
    For Women who Write

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