The Write It Scared Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants and needs, and identifying their fears. Michele introduces her character development tool 'Interview for Insight,' which aids writers in gaining a deeper understanding of their characters. You'll also hear about 'First Draft Confidence,' my free workbook designed to help you plan and write your novel more confidently. Join us as we uncover techniques and tools to enrich your storytelling. 00:00 Understanding Character Desires01:28 Interview with Michele Regenold01:59 Introducing First Draft Confidence02:59 Michelle's Writing Journey06:27 Character Development Insights15:58 Interview for Insight Tool28:09 Final Thoughts and ResourcesGuest BioMichele Regenold is an Author Accelerator-certified book coach, specializing in middle grade and young adult fiction. She has an MFA in writing for children and young adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, as well as master’s degrees in journalism and English from Iowa State University.For 20 years she honed her coaching and editing skills, first as a teacher of college English and later as the alumni magazine editor at Grinnell College, her undergraduate alma mater.Michele is a writer herself, mainly of middle grade fiction that often includes an animal character’s point of [email protected]: https://www.micheleregenold.com/blog/newsletter: https://www.micheleregenold.com/blogMore about Interview for Insight: https://www.micheleregenold.com/interivew-for-insightHave 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: [email protected] 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

If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals! Remember to practice patience and persistence and incorporate accountability into your routine as you work toward turning your dreams into goals and actions that become reality! Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide 00:00 Easing into the New Year01:20 Season Two Kickoff02:01 Planning for 202502:59 Setting Smart Writing Goals05:44 Reflecting on Past Achievements07:49 Creating Actionable Steps11:01 Building Accountability12:00 Exciting New Season Ahead12:36 Free Story Planning and Drafting Tool for Fiction WritersDownload Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide 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: [email protected] 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

Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered. Thank you to all the guests and listeners! So much good stuff to come in 2025!00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of Creative Ambition01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future Plans02:33 The Importance of Resting06:08 Understanding Creative Burnout07:48 Personal Journey Through Burnout11:48 Steps to Overcome Burnout19:31 Final Thoughts and Encouragement23:26 Conclusion and Season Two PreviewBook and Resources Mentioned in the Show: Dear Writer, You Need to Quit by Becca SymeAtomic Habits by James ClearThe Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. The Write Habits Creative Energy Tracker 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: [email protected] 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

Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey. We dig into story structure, the ups and downs of writing and revising, and the emotional twists that come with the territory of trying to write your first novel.Rachael opens up about her move to New Zealand, her battles with creative burnout, and how she handles imposter syndrome. Plus, we’ll unpack some practical advice for handling self-doubt, writing shitty drafts, and learning to believe in yourself and your voice. Join us for insights that will help you navigate the emotional challenges of writing and remind you that you’re not alone and that you are not doing it wrong!00:18 Introduction 01:22 Meet Rachel Heron04:08 Rachel's Writing Journey11:31 The Importance of Story Structure17:27 Rachel's Writing Process Today18:42 Refining the Draft: From Messy to Polished19:08 The Third Draft: Adding the Final Touches19:56 Reading and Reviewing: The Final Steps20:31 Teaching and Sharing the Process20:53 Creating 'Unstuck': A Unique Journey25:06 The Challenges of Writing and Creativity30:42 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome32:24 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers34:26 Current Projects and Closing Remarks Guest Bio and LinksRachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she’s taught writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. A dual New Zealand and American citizen, she lives in Wellington, New Zealand with her banjo-playing wife and brick-eating dog.Books: Unstuck and Fast-Draft Your Memoir, both hereRachael Herron: Website | Newsletter | Bio | PatreonUnstuck: An Audacious Hunt for Home and Happiness, available here now! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland, Coming Spring 2025, HachetteHave 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: [email protected] 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