In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I chat with author and Story Grid CEO Tim Grahl. We discuss Tim's challenging yet rewarding journey from struggling writer to accomplished author, highlighting the importance of mastering scene writing and the rigorous learning process that led to his new novel, "The Shithead," dubbed as Faust meets F…

Today, we celebrate a podcasting milestone and discuss how knowing who you're writing for can help calm your inner critic so you can push past the fear and anxiety of the work not being good enough. In this episode, we delve into the story of E.B. White, a celebrated American author who also struggled with fear and anxiety, to draw inspiration and …

In this episode, I’m joined by the delightful Kid-Lit author Cynthia Platt. We talk about the process of writing her debut intergenerational, dual-timeline YA novel, Postcards For Summer, which I adored reading. Cynthia shares what she’s learned about finding a rhythm as a writer, granting herself permission to explore varied interests, and giving …

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we explore the art of crafting seamless flashbacks in fiction writing. I break down how and when to use a flashback effectively and the seven key elements every flashback needs to feel seamless and move the story forward. We talk about the pros and cons of flashbacks and how to place them for maximum …

This week, we're tackling the daunting task of editing your manuscript. Savannah Gilbo, a certified developmental editor and book coach, and I walk you through how to break down the self-editing process into manageable phases. From taking essential breaks to detailed step-by-step strategies, we cover how to transform your messy first draft into a p…

Techniques to Convey Backstory Without Bogging Down the Narrative: Context & Memory Today, we dig into the topic of backstory, specifically focusing on how to effectively deliver it without bogging down your narrative by using context and memory to weave backstory seamlessly into your story. Using examples from Rebecca Yarrow's Fourth Wing and VE S…

Today, we're diving into the world of book cover design. I'm thrilled to be joined by Katia from Miblart, a team of professional book cover designers who create marketable book covers for indie authors and publishers. We explore the importance of having a finalized manuscript before commissioning a cover, the types of book covers available, and whe…

How to Craft Relevant Backstory for Complex Characters, Conflicts, Plots, and Worlds If you’ve ever been stuck while drafting your manuscript and don’t know what comes next, consider looking at your backstory for the answers! Tune in to Episode 19 of The Write It Scared Podcast with host book coach and writer Stacy Frazer to learn how to craft a re…

In this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, it’s my pleasure to welcome the inspiring Jennie Nash, CEO of Author Accelerator, to discuss her journey from writing instructor and author to successful book coach and business leader. Jennie illuminates the transformative power of book coaching, emphasizing the importance of individual attention and…

In Episode 17 of the Write it Scared podcast, book coach Stacy Frazer explores three common unhelpful writing assumptions that could be holding you back from crafting your best book. Stacy shares insights into why the belief that writing should be easy is not only false but dangerous, discusses the unrealistic expectation that first drafts should b…

Delve into the intricacies of writing for middle-grade readers with award-winning author and book coach Janet Fox and host Stacy Frazer. Janet shares her journey from writing for her dyslexic son to becoming a mentor for aspiring writers, offering invaluable insights into the importance of understanding your audience and creating resonant character…

Welcome to episode 15 of the Write it Scared podcast! Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority. Discover what interiority is, how to use it effectively in your writing, and when to use it to convey your character's true emotions, motivations, and inner states. I'll share examples to illustrate how offering readers glimpses …

On this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, I talk with Middle-Grade Horror Novelist Wendy Parris about her writing journey–from zero background in writing to learning all the things to publishing a novel that now sits in over 300 libraries, with another due out in September of 2024! It's hard to believe she almost gave up, and the thing that s…

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the difficulties writers face when their personal emotional wounds intersect with their storytelling. I offer practical advice, including prioritizing mental well-being, writing lean, summarizing or skipping emotionally charged scenes, channeling emotions, taking breaks with accountability,…

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I interview Cassie Newell, an award-winning YA fantasy author and certified fiction book coach. We chat about how we both came to embrace writing later in life, our struggles with perfectionism, and the importance of ideation and story development. Cassie shares her journey from struggling with a lear…

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we dig deep into the concept of 'voice', an often ambiguous term that confounds many writers. Voice is a unique blend of the author's own perspective, their narrative choices, and their characters' personalities. I offer actionable advice on how to discover and refine one's author's voice, choose the …

Never Giving Up on The Dream with Mystery Author Joshua Moehling On this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk with Joshua Moehling, author of the Ben Packard mysteries and Lammy award nominee. Josh shares his journey, from his early childhood dreams of being Stephen King to facing reality and rejection from the publishing world to eventua…

In episode nine of the Write It Scared podcast, we discuss our common writing enemy, the inner critic, and how it can derail us and what we can do to prevent that from happening. I share an example of a writer who’d made great progress yet struggled with self-doubt to the point it nearly stopped them. We dig into the importance of tapping into one'…

Embracing Your Authentic Voice: An Interview with AK Nevermore In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk to AK Nevermore, a science fiction and dark romantacy author who shares her unconventional journey to publishing success. Through her story, AK highlights the importance of authenticity in writing, the importance of embracing one's …

In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the distinction between villains and antagonists, emphasizing that while all villains are antagonists, not all antagonists are villains. We also discuss how to dig into villains' motivations and backstories, suggesting they are complex characters shaped by their experiences rather than inhe…

I was delighted to have this conversation with Samantha Skal, an author and book coach of the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres, exploring the intricate journey of writing and publishing in these genres. We discuss the common challenges MTS writers face, including dealing with self-doubt, thinking the story is boring and obvious, understanding…

Reading with Intention to Improve Your Writing Craft This episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking questions designed to enhance your understanding and application of the craft of writing. I talk about the concept of 'reading like a writer' as a method for improving writing skills. I also caution writers against the rapid consump…

Are you afraid to share your writing or get input on your ideas? Afraid that someone will negatively alter your process or take the joy away from your writing? Then this episode is for you! Today, we focus on the emotional challenges of writing a novel and how a book coach can help writers navigate these obstacles. I discuss the concept of book coa…

Are you procrastinating when you want to be writing your novel? You are not alone and we can fix it! Join me on the Write It Scared podcast, where we delve into the art of beating procrastination and finding the courage to write your novel. This episode is packed with practical strategies and insightful discussions that will help you overcome your …

Step into a world of fantasy and inspiration with romantacy author Nicola Tyche as she shares her writing process and talks about overcoming challenges one step at a time to create captivating stories! In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I interview American author Nicola Tyche, known for her critically acclaimed romantic fantasy series…

Calling all fiction writers! 🖊️ Join Author Accelerator-certified fiction book coach Stacy Frazer on her new podcast, "Write It Scared," where she helps writers overcome their internal struggles and find the courage to write their stories. With engaging discussions, expert interviews, and valuable tips, this podcast is a must for any writer looking…