The Write It Scared Podcast

Stacy Frazer
  • 5.0 (19)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 4H AGO

    From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak

    Struggle to believe your work is good enough? Yeh. Me too. We all do.  Ever wonder what it takes to write in a language that isn’t your first—and still sound like you? In this episode, I sit down with writer and book coach Karmen Spiljak to talk about what it really means to write without borders. Karmen shares her journey from Slovenia to indie publishing in English, and the mindset shifts that helped her move past perfectionism, comparison, and imposter syndrome to find joy and freedom on the page. We talk about giving yourself permission, learning to trust your gut as a writer, embracing the messy drafts that lead to growth, and practical ways to keep your creative fire alive—like writing a letter to yourself about why you write and keeping a “Nice Things” folder for those encouraging words we all need to revisit sometimes. If you’ve ever doubted your voice or wrestled with the question, “Am I good enough?”—this conversation will remind you that progress matters more than perfection, and writing what you love is always worth it! Timestamps:  00:00 Starting the Journey: Writing Without Borders 14:59 Challenges of Writing in English 15:42 Mindset Shifts and Comparisons 18:49 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 21:26 Writing for Yourself and Reconnecting with Joy 24:31 Tools and Resources for Writers 28:40 Final Thoughts and Advice How to Connect with Karmen Short Story Blueprint (I've created it for the podcast listeners): https://storyallegiance.com/short/  author website https://karmenspiljak.com Other Links Mentioned: Karmen has also published articles on Jane Friedman’s blog, including how to use food as a character development tool and how to navigate writing in a second language. 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. NOV 2

    How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career

    What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with fantasy author Michelle Miles, who’s done exactly that. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the realities of indie publishing—how to manage burnout, balance creativity with deadlines, and build systems that let you keep writing for the long haul. We talk about shifting from traditional to indie publishing, finding joy in the work again, and learning when to push forward (and when to pause). If you’ve ever dreamed of a full-time writing career—or wondered how to make it sustainable—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom, practical strategies, and heart. Episode Timestamps:  00:00 Rapid release strategies that actually work  01:25 Meet fantasy author Michelle Miles  03:29 From traditional to indie publishing  06:21 Lessons from 40+ books: challenges, triumphs, and persistence  17:31 Finding balance between writing and real life  24:17 Building sustainable publishing systems  31:01 Advice for aspiring indie authors  34:19 When to hire an editor (and when to trust yourself)  40:58 Dealing with doubt and staying motivated  48:38 Final thoughts and encouragement Links Holly Lisle  How To Think Sideways Liegh Bardugo’s TED Talk: The Art of Discomfort  Miles Beyond the Page Podcast  Michelle Miles Author Website Direct Store: http://www.michellemilesbooks.com 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

    51 min

  3. OCT 26

    Narrative Drive: The Secret to Story Momentum and Reader Engagement

    If you’ve ever worried your story feels flat or stalled, this one’s for you.  Today, we’re digging into one of the trickiest but most essential tools in your writer’s toolbox: narrative drive. This is the force that makes your reader lean in, turn the page, and stay invested in your character’s journey. I’ll break down what narrative drive actually is, why it matters so much, and how to wield it on the page. We’ll talk about the three C’s—concern, curiosity, and control of information— and how to use them to keep the reader invested. Plus, I’ll share some practical strategies you can use right now to keep your story moving! Episode Timestamps:  00:00 What narrative drive really means  01:24 Why narrative drive matters for your story  02:46 How character and conflict fuel narrative drive  06:12 The 3 C’s: concern, curiosity, and control of information  10:23 Practical tips to build story momentum  13:26 Final thoughts + your next steps Links Mentioned: Episode 27: How to Write Suspense and Tension in Your Novel The Fiction Lounge Podcast 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

    15 min

  4. OCT 19

    Messy Girls Changing the World with Kid-Lit Author Ali Terese

    Today I’m chatting with middle-grade and YA author Ali Terese, author of Free Period and Vote for the G.O.A.T.  Ali shares her journey to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing for kids, and the joy of tackling tough topics with humor.  We discuss current word count trends in middle-grade literature, working with critique groups, connecting with librarians and educators, and why rewriting is where the real magic happens. If you’re navigating your own kid lit path—or just need encouragement to keep going—this conversation will leave you inspired. Episode Highlights:  01:34 – Meet Ali Terese & her writing journey  04:13 – Writing middle grade fiction  07:09 – Community and critique partners  09:45 – Vote for Goat and Free Period  14:32 – Ali’s writing process & rewriting  17:47 – Middle Grade word count and publishing trends  19:28 – Writing for the “in-between” readers  21:58 – Supporting and connecting with librarians  25:06 – Overcoming doubt & finding your voice  31:47 – The joy and surprises of writing  34:34 – Advice for aspiring kid lit writers  36:14 – Current projects & where to find Ali Links mentioned: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Connect with Ali Terese: Event booking: How Now Booking https://www.hownowbooking.com/speakers/terese/ Website: www.aliterese.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitereseauthor/ Frequently Asked Questions  https://aliterese.com/about/ Discussion guide, actions, recipes, crafts, mayhem  https://aliterese.com/resources/ 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

    39 min

  5. OCT 12

    From Quitting All Together to Finishing: How Bruce Buchanan Wrote His Debut Fantasy Novel

    Feeling like giving up on your novel? Don’t.  In this episode, I talk with fantasy author Bruce Buchanan about how he went from years of false starts to giving up entirely to finally publishing his debut novel, The Blacksmith’s Boy.  Bruce shares what finally broke through his mental blocks, how community kept him going, and the role of process in quieting doubt and imposter syndrome.  If you’re struggling to finish, this one’s full of encouragement and practical tips! Timestamps  00:00 Overcoming the First Manuscript Hurdle  00:30 Welcome to Write It Scared  01:31 Bruce’s Journey from Journalist to Fantasy Author  03:36 Writing Process + Challenges  09:44 The Blacksmith’s Boy  15:18 What’s Next for Bruce  18:58 Community + Publication Path  27:23 Battling Imposter Syndrome  29:10 Final Encouragement Links https://brucebuchananauthor.com/ 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

    32 min

  6. OCT 5

    You Don’t Need a Literary Background to Write Your Novel

    Today we’re busting one of the sneakiest myths out there: that you need a literary background to write a great novel.  Spoiler—you don’t.  In this episode, I share a story from a coaching call, plus my own late start as a novelist, to remind you that credentials matter far less than persistence, passion, and the willingness to keep learning by doing. Writing skills can be learned—but the only thing that really counts is that you keep showing up.  The takeaway? Don’t let yourself fail before you even start. You are a writer if you choose to be. So choose it—today, tomorrow, and the day after.  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

    8 min

  7. SEP 28

    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

  8. SEP 21

    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
See All (78)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

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
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Write It Scared Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Write It Scared Podcast

You Might Also Like