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 long-term support for writers.

She shares the origins and growth of Author Accelerator, how book coaching differs from the experience of traditional editing, and offers valuable advice for writers seeking a book coach.

Tune in to learn how book coaching can elevate your writing process, help you overcome obstacles, and bring your literary dreams to life.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Jennie's Journey to CEO of Author Accelerator

01:11 The Role and Impact of Book Coaching

02:42 Global Reach and Benefits of Book Coaching

03:21 The Writing Process and Book Coaching

14:56 Finding the Right Book Coach

18:12 Common Problems and Myths in Book Coaching

23:25 Best Writing Advice and Recent Reads

27:27 Final Thoughts and Current Projects

Books Mentioned:

The Writer’s Guide to Agony and Defeat: The 43 Worst Moments in the Writing Life and How to Get Over Them by Jennie Nash

Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano

Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company on a mission to lead the emerging book coaching industry with rigorous training, high standards for certification, and ongoing support for coaches while they launch and build their businesses.

To learn more about Author Accelerator and to reach Jennie:
authoraccelerator.com.

jennienash.substack.com

www.jennienash.com/blueprint

www.bookcoaches.com/abc

Curious about becoming a book coach? Learn more here.

Writing a book? Check out Jennie’s Blueprint books

Want to say hi? Find Jennie on IG: @jennienashbookcoach

This show note contains affiliate links to bookshop.org.

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To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/

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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

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 be near-perfect, and dismantles the misconception that writing must be a solitary endeavor.

Tune in to learn how to reframe these assumptions, embrace the messy creative process, and find the supportive community you need. Plus, hear testimonials from writers who have benefited from Stacy's group coaching.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced writer, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you overcome these assumptions, stay persistent, and make forward progress.

00:00 The Myth of Easy Writing

01:26 Unhelpful Writing Assumptions

03:15 The Romantic Fantasy of Writing

05:56 The Reality of Writing a Novel

09:04 The Importance of Writing Community

10:50 Overcoming Writing Assumptions

11:10 Resources and Support for Writers

12:08 Testimonials and Group Coaching

13:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

MORE INFO ABOUT GROUP COACHING WITH WRITE IT SCARED

APPLY FOR GROUP COACHING WITH WRITE IT SCARED

Mindset Tool Mentioned in Show: THE WRITE MINDSET

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/

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

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 characters.

She also discusses the challenges of balancing character emotions and actions to move the story forward effectively.

With practical tips on word count, family themes, and character development, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to write compelling middle-grade fiction.

Don't miss Janet's advice on pushing your craft to new heights and how to navigate self-doubt in your writing journey.

01:17 Episode Overview and Special Guest Introduction

02:36 Janet Fox's Journey to Writing and Mentorship

04:02 Crafting Stories for Middle-Grade Audience

05:45 Understanding Middle-Grade Age Groups

08:45 Janet's Writing Process and Challenges

14:06 Key Considerations for Middle-Grade Writers

17:50 Balancing Interiority and Action in Middle-Grade Fiction

24:41 Janet's Personal Writing Struggles and Growth

28:48 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Persistence in Writing

37:46 Current Projects and Mentorship Programs

39:25 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

To connect with Janet Fox:

https://janetsfox.com/

https://janetfox.substack.com/

https://www.instagram.com/janetsfox/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJanetFox/

https://www.pinterest.com/janetsfox/

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/

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

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 into a character's inner world can transform your storytelling.

We'll also discuss common mistakes to avoid and how to stop worrying about showing vs. telling when it comes to interiority.

Plus, I'll provide practical exercises to help you practice this essential element of fiction writing.

Don't miss this insightful episode that promises to enhance your writing craft and bring your characters to life.

00:00 Introduction to Interiority
01:14 Episode Overview and Focus on Interiority
02:22 Defining Interiority in Fiction
04:10 Examples of Interiority
11:05 When to Use Interiority
16:15 Exercises for Practicing Interiority
17:59 Recap and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in the show:
Episode 5: Understanding the Macro Elements of Fiction
Episode 11: Understanding Voice in Fiction

The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass

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/

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

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 saved her is so freaking sweet and heartwarming!

Wendy shares how her background in theater informs her writing process and helps her with visualization and dialogue, but she really struggles with plot and character motivation. She’s had to learn to lean into writing a messy first draft so she can fix it later.

It took twelve years from the time she had the idea for her debut novel, Field of Screams, until it was published.

From losing agents and editors to finding new ones and writing books no one wants, her journey will teach you to stick with your passion and be stubborn about it, even in the low moments.

She also opens up about how she works through self-doubt, which looks like perfectionism, finding accountability with the community through organizations like SCBWI (The Society of Children Book Writers & Illustrators), and her approach to writing despite life's interruptions.

Her insights on dealing with unhelpful internal narratives and embracing imperfections during drafting are invaluable for any aspiring writer.

01:27 Meet Wendy Paris: From Midwest to Middle-Grade Horror

02:16 Wendy's Journey to Becoming a Writer

03:37 The Abandoned Farmhouse Inspiration

05:38 Joining Writing Communities and Finding an Agent

06:57 The Long Road to Publication

12:46 Writing Process and Inspirations

17:43 Exploring the Compressed Timeline

18:36 The Struggle with Perfectionism

21:42 Finding Time to Write

24:15 Dealing with Self-Doubt

27:07 Learning the Craft and Best Advice

29:59 The Joy of Writing and Middle-Grade Horror is Having Moment

31:39 Current Projects and Where to Find Wendy

CONTACT INFO:

www.wendyparris.com

Instagram:@wendyparrisauthor

X/Twitter:@wlparri

Bluesky:@wendyparrisauthor.bsky.social

Agent:Hilary Harwell, KT Literary: hilary@ktliterary.com

Publicist:Lena Reilly, lreilly@penguinrandomhouse.com

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/

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

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, and shelving projects if necessary.

I emphasize the importance of seeking professional help when needed and provide a link to mental health resources across seventeen nations. See the List of Hotlines for mental health support. The episode aims to help writers navigate the emotional challenges of writing while taking care of themselves.

There is no shame in shelving a creative project to take care of yourself.

00:00 Introduction: The Heart of Writing

00:29 The Dual Stories of Every Writer

01:21 Navigating Heavy Emotions in Writing

03:59 Practical Tips for Writing Through Emotional Challenges

06:47 The Personal Journey of Writing

08:19 Conclusion and Support

List of Global Hotlines for Mental Health Resources

Link to connect with me and discuss working together on your story

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/

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

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 learning disability to becoming a published author and book coach, detailing the processes and mental shifts that helped her succeed.

We discuss practical tips to approach story development, manage accountability, and incorporate life experience into writing.

This episode will help you embrace your unique creative path and find joy in the process!

00:00 Embracing Late Bloomers in Writing

00:37 Introducing the Write it Scared Podcast

01:44 Cassie Newell: From Reader to Award-Winning Author

02:50 The Journey of Writing and Coaching

04:48 Crafting the Unwanted Series: A YA Fantasy Journey

15:59 Ideation and Story Development: Tips for Writers

20:48 Unlocking Creativity: The Simple 3S Structure

22:55 Overcoming the Fear of Imperfection

27:19 Embracing the Writing Process: Flexibility and Accountability

31:55 Navigating the Publishing Journey: From Perfection to Publication

34:04 Inspiration for Late Bloomers in Writing

36:38 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

38:06 Connecting with the Community: Where to Find More

Sassy Writing Coach (www.sassywritingcoach.com):

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SassyWritingCoach

**Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sassywritingcoach/

**TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@sassywritingcoach

YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@sassywritingcoach

Non-Fiction Books:

https://www.sassywritingcoach.com/books

Writer Fuel

Spark & Start Your Story

FICTION AUTHOR:

Links for C. M. Newell (www.authorcmnewell.com):

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/authorsassycassie

**Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorsassycassie

Fiction Books:

https://www.authorcmnewell.com/theunwantedseries

The Unwanted Series

Red - Launching, April 22, 2024

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/

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

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 right narrator, and develop compelling character voices.

This episode is a comprehensive guide to mastering the intricate layers of voice in fiction writing. It includes practical examples and references to resources like James Scott Bell's book Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing.

00:00 Unlocking Your Unique Author's Voice

01:32 Diving Deep into the Craft of Writing Voice

03:07 Exploring the Layers of Voice in Writing

03:22 Mastering Your Author's Voice

08:35 Navigating the Narrator's Voice

14:59 Crafting Distinct Character Voices

22:03 Final Takeaways and Recommended Resources for Writers

Resources:

Recommended Reading:

Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action For the Page, Stage, and Screen by Robert McKee

The Anatomy of Story by John Truby, pages 310-319

Voice: The Secret Power of Great Writing by James Scott Bell

Questions to define your character's personality, attitude, and attributes which will define their voice from James Scott Bell’s Voice: The Secret Power to Great Writing

“What is your character’s dominant impression? What adjective describes their personality, and what noun describes who they are in the story’s world?

What do they look like? How do they think they look? How do they feel about their appearance?

What is their basic background?

Where did they grow up? How did their caregivers treat them?

What were the economic conditions?

What’s their level of education?

What are their hobbies, likes, dislikes, and general interests?

What major life-altering events occurred in their formative years? Bell specifically says sixteen, but that’s too narrow for me. I like: What significant events shaped the worldview they hold in the story present?

What do they desire (yearn for) more than anything in the world? What hole inside them do they desperately want to fill? What do they think will fill it?”

FOR MORE ON POV, HEAD TO THE BLOG

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/

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