For Women who Write

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

  1. 5d ago

    44: Will people take you seriously if you self-publish?

    In this episode of For Women Who Write, certified writing coach, editor, and self-publishing expert Mikaela Mathews breaks down some of the biggest myths surrounding self-publishing. With years of experience helping women write, publish, and grow their books, Mikaela explains why self-publishing is no longer the “lesser” option it was once considered. Mikaela tackles two common misconceptions: that self-publishing will hurt an author’s chances of landing a traditional publishing deal and that self-published authors won’t be taken seriously. She explores how self-publishing can actually open doors to traditional publishing, why readers care more about the quality and impact of a book than who published it, and what authors can do to establish credibility. From writing an excellent, reader-focused book and investing in a professional cover to building word-of-mouth referrals, pursuing bestseller status, and gathering reviews, Mikaela shares practical ways authors can take their work seriously without falling into perfectionism. Whether you’re considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or simply trying to figure out which path is right for your goals, this episode will help you understand your options and move forward with greater confidence. Interested in learning about the difference in self vs traditional publishing? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2554056/episodes/18169113  Click here for a strategy session: https://mikaelamathews.com/workshop#form-7qox92Hbej

  2. Sep 29

    43: "But won't an outline box me in?"

    What if the thing you think will restrict your creativity is actually what helps unlock it? In this episode, Mikaela Mathews shares why outlining doesn’t have to mean rigid rules, Roman numerals, or boring middle-school English assignments. Instead, the right structure can give writers the freedom to explore their ideas, go deeper, and make real progress on the book they’ve been thinking about. Mikaela breaks down how having a few boundaries around an idea can actually make the writing process feel less overwhelming. She also shares why free writing and outlining don’t have to compete with each other—they can work together to help writers get their ideas onto the page and then organize them into a book that truly serves the reader. Whether a book idea is still living entirely in someone’s head or there are already thousands of words on the page, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the outlining process. An outline doesn’t have to be a set of rules to follow perfectly—it can simply be a guide that helps turn a big idea into a book.

  3. Sep 22

    42: From “Not Me” to Writing the Book with Erika Millard

    In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela Mathews sits down with her friend Erika Millard, a business owner, mom of four, host of the Get Comfy with Numbers podcast, and now, Bible study author. Erika’s book started with a simple thought: “Someone should write a book about this.” Then came the realization that maybe she was the one who should write it. Mikaela and Erika talk about what happened from there—the fear of sharing her writing, finding a structure that made sense, getting helpful feedback, and making time to keep going even when writing doesn’t fit neatly into her schedule. Erika also shares what her writing process really looks like. Some seasons, the words come easily. Other times, she’s squeezing in a little work at night or on the weekend. Sometimes she sits down to work on the book and barely writes at all. And that’s okay. The book is still moving forward. In this episode, they talk about: • How Erika knew this was a book she needed to write • What helped her move past the fear of actually starting • How working through her outline with Mikaela gave her direction and confidence • Finding time to write when life is already full • Why a messy first draft is completely normal • How an outline can help stories and ideas start falling into place • Erika’s advice for the woman who keeps thinking, “Maybe I should write this” If you’ve been waiting for the perfect season to write your book, this conversation is a good reminder that the process rarely looks perfect. Sometimes it means writing slowly, finding pockets of time when you can, getting help when you need it, and continuing to take the next step.

  4. Sep 8

    41: How to Write a Book Without Waiting for Life to Calm Down

    What does it actually look like to write a book when you’re raising kids, homeschooling, working, and already have a very full life? In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with her client and friend Alexis, a therapist and mom of three who, not that long ago, was pretty convinced she wasn’t going to write a book. Now, she’s writing one. Alexis shares what changed for her, how a Strategy Session helped her realize she didn’t just have one possible book idea (she had several), and why completing an Outline Intensive with Mikaela made the writing process feel so much more doable. They also talk about what writing looks like in real life. Some days, Alexis gets an hour of writing done before the rest of her day begins. Other days, she sits in Starbucks for 45 minutes and feels like she has almost nothing to show for it. There are chapters she can’t stop writing. There are chapters she keeps avoiding. And there are plenty of moments when the thoughts creep in: Who am I to write this? Does anyone really need another book about this? What if someone else could say it better? Mikaela and Alexis talk about all of it—the fear, perfectionism, faith, motherhood, finding time to write, and learning when to push through a difficult chapter and when to give it some space. Alexis also shares why having a clear outline has mattered so much. Instead of sitting down during a small pocket of writing time and wondering what she should work on, she knows where the book is going and what belongs inside it. And maybe one of the sweetest parts of the conversation: what started as a book Alexis hoped could someday become part of the legacy she leaves her children is already affecting them. They’re watching their mom write a book—and starting to write stories of their own. If writing a book feels important to you, but you keep wondering how it could possibly fit into your actual life, this conversation will encourage you.

  5. Sep 1

    40: The Three Lessons I'm Learning Writing My Book

    Mikaela is writing a book. And even after years of coaching writers, editing manuscripts, and teaching women how to write their books, the process of writing her own has been much messier than she expected. Her book has changed directions more than once. She’s written a full rough draft she decided not to publish. She resisted outlining. She’s received feedback that made her rethink entire chapters. And she’s still working through the fear that comes with putting her own ideas on the page. In this episode, Mikaela takes listeners behind the scenes of what writing her book actually looks like right now. She shares how the idea has changed over the last couple of years, what her editor recently helped her see in the manuscript, and three lessons that have changed the way she approaches writing: • Why taking longer to write a book doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong • Why professional, objective feedback matters—even when you know your subject well • Why structure and a strong outline can save you so much frustration during the drafting process Mikaela also shares the question she’s asking herself as she works toward publication: Is she slowing down because she’s afraid, or because she’s being wise? If your book has taken longer than expected, your idea keeps changing, or you’re wondering whether you should keep going, this episode will encourage you to stay with the work. Your first idea may not be the final book. Your first outline may not hold. Your first draft will need work. Keep going anyway. You may be closer to the right book than you think.

  6. Aug 25

    39: How Renee Sold 10,283 Books With Just 183 Instagram Followers

    Marketing your book can feel overwhelming. Do you need thousands of followers? Should you be posting every day? What about Amazon ads? And what happens if your launch doesn’t go as planned? In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with nonfiction book marketing expert Renee Puvvada, founder of Smokin’ Hot Books®, to talk about what actually helps a self-published book sell—and how your book can become a long-term business asset. Renee knows what it’s like to get it wrong. After failing with four books and losing $20,000, she went on to sell 10,283 copies of a niche nonfiction book in a single year with just 183 Instagram followers. Now, she helps soul-led entrepreneurs turn their self-published books into authority-building, business-growing assets while keeping full rights and royalties. Together, they talk about: Why your ideal reader should shape your marketing strategy from the very beginningThe five steps Renee used to sell 10,283 copies in Year 1 without a massive social media followingWhy you don’t need thousands of followers—or to post every day—to sell booksThe five elements of an outstanding Amazon listing, and why your Amazon page can be just as valuable for your brand as your Instagram or LinkedIn profileHow your title, subtitle, cover, and book positioning can make or break salesWhy beginners often fail on Amazon—and the exact steps to give your book a better chance of succeeding the first time aroundHow to build an advanced reader team and generate early reviewsWhat to do after your book launch to keep sales movingHow James Clear sells a copy of Atomic Habits roughly every 15 seconds—and what authors can learn from his podcast strategyHow to stop overcomplicating book marketing and focus on the strategies that actually move the needleWhy your book shouldn’t just be a product you launch, but a long-term authority and business-building assetIf you’ve been putting off writing or marketing your book because the process feels overwhelming—or you’re worried that your book won’t sell—this episode will give you a simpler, more strategic way to think about publishing and book marketing. Want to learn more from Renee? Visit Smokin’ Hot Books® to learn how to turn your self-published book into an authority-building asset for your business: smokin-hotbooks.com You can also access Renee’s Substack, where she breaks down how high-level authors like Alex Hormozi and Robert Kiyosaki have succeeded using self-publishing: Smokin’ Hot Books on Substack Special offer for For Women Who Write listeners: Get 6 months of free access to the paid tier of Renee’s Substack—a $40 value—using Mikaela’s special link: Get 6 months free Connect with Renee: Instagram: @reneepuvvada Instagram: @smokinhotbooks More from Renee: Author Success

  7. Aug 18

    38: The Difference Between a Generic Book and a Memorable One

    One of the biggest fears aspiring authors face isn't writing a book—it's writing one that feels like every other book on the shelf. In this episode, Mikaela Mathews explains why so many nonfiction books end up sounding generic and shares a practical approach to creating a book that stands out without trying to reinvent the wheel. Listeners will learn why originality isn't about finding a completely new idea. It's about bringing a fresh perspective to a conversation that's already happening. Using examples from bestselling nonfiction books, Mikaela shows how successful authors develop a clear point of view, strengthen their message, and write books readers remember. In this episode, listeners will discover: Why so many books feel generic—and how to avoid that trapHow to find a unique angle for a topic that's already been written aboutA simple exercise for studying other books to clarify your own messageWhy the strongest books contribute to the conversation instead of repeating itPractical steps for writing a book that reflects your voice and serves your readers wellWhether someone is just beginning to write or refining an existing idea, this episode offers a clear framework for creating a book with confidence—one that earns its place in the marketplace because it brings something only its author can offer.

  8. 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.

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5
out of 5
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About

A podcast for women who write or want to write. 

Information

  • Creator
    Mikaela Mathews
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mikaela Mathews
  • Show Website
    For Women who Write

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