The Write It Scared Podcast

Draft It Scared Group CoachingReal Talk: Writer to WriterAre you afraid of being judged for what you write? You’re not alone. Me too. And in this episode, I get personal by sharing my writing updates, how publishing a short story felt exposing, and how I’m learning to navigate the fear of being seen for what I write.We also talk about changes to the podcast and setting writing intentions for 2026 that align with your life, not work against it. Timestamps: 00:00 Personal reflection 01:23 Easing into the new year 02:02 The fear of being seen 03:53 Writing update 07:55 Writing intentions for 2026 10:48 Reflection + next steps 11:33 ClosingLinks Mentioned:Draft It Scared Group CoachingThe Leave Still Fallow: An Anthology of Queer LoveBig Thinking Publishing 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/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

Draft It Scared Group Coaching Open For Enrollment–Apply Here!If you’ve ever questioned how to find the right critique partner—or survive traditional publishing—this episode will feel like a deep breath.Fantasy author and book coach Gabrielle K. Byrne joins me to talk about building healthy critique relationships, navigating the realities of publishing, and learning to let go so you can fall back in love with your writing process. It’s honest, grounding, and full of the writer-to-writer wisdom we all need.Timestamps 01:23 Meet Gabrielle K. Byrne 03:54 Gabby’s winding path to publishing 09:42 Evolving your writing process 21:11 Imposter syndrome + comparison 29:21 The truth about traditional publishing 32:12 What really happens in revisions 35:23 The Three Ps: practice, persistence, patience 40:23 How to work with critique partners 46:50 Finding your writing community 51:08 Gabby’s wish for writersLinks: Julie Artz CP MatchGabrielle Byrnes Books and Book Coaching 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/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

What if you wrote one book in three days… and another in thirty years?That’s the creative range of today’s guest, Susan Sloate, and trust me—this conversation will make you breathe a little easier about your own writing timeline.In this episode, Susan and I get real about the messy, magical parts of the writing life: panic, procrastination, emotional landmines, unexpected breakthroughs, and the quiet confidence that your story is already finished in your head—you just have to mine for it. She also shares how music threads through her process, how she handles fear and imposter syndrome, and what keeps her coming back to the page after decades in the industry.If you need a dose of perspective, permission, or hope… this one’s for you.Episode Breakdown01:11 — Meet Susan Sloate 05:21 — From screenwriting to novels 09:18 — The spark behind Scenes from a Song 15:02 — Panic, process, and creative problem-solving 24:03 — A book 30 years in the making 30:17 — Emotions + writing 32:22 — Doubt, fear, imposter syndrome 37:02 — Susan’s final wisdom for writersLINKSWebsite: www.susansloate.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanSloateAuthorX.com: @Susan_SloateInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan_sloate/Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/233349.Susan_SloateHave 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/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

Don’t believe you’re cut out to be a writer? Think again. Cozy mystery author Iris Applewood talks about how personal challenges and a whole lot of curiosity shaped her path to writing cozy mysteries and what she’s learned about the genre.We explore the creation of her magical town, Serenity Falls, how community is a character, and discuss what to do when your “whodunit” isn’t so clear. It’s a grounded, encouraging conversation about following your heart and finding joy in the mystery of creating novels.Timestamps: 01:23 Meet Iris Applewood 02:44 Draft It Scared announcement 04:13 Iris’s writing journey 13:04 Writing process + challenges 17:57 Community as a character 19:36 Storytelling challenges 19:56 Internal narratives 20:34 First manuscript struggles 24:56 Plotting vs. pantsing 26:55 Building a routine 27:47 Turning real-life into a story 31:05 Creative vulnerabilityTo connect with Iris and read her books, please visit her website: https://irisapplewood.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: [email protected] 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

Info on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredWorking on a rom-com? This conversation with bestselling author Kate Archer is packed with craft insights and the best mindset support!We get into what makes humor land, how to keep your characters authentic, and how to keep conflict fresh in a genre built on familiar beats.Kate also shares how she built her writing life, the routines that keep her grounded, and the strategies she uses to push past fear, resistance, and the inner critic. It’s an honest, encouraging look at the realities of writing comedy, staying consistent, and showing up for your creativity.Timestamps: 01:23 Meet Kate Archer 03:58 Kate’s writing journey 07:32 Why Regency romcoms resonate 12:27 Crafting humor that feels true 22:23 Writing from the servant’s perspective 22:43 Revision + learning through mistakes 25:04 The power of a writing schedule 27:43 Overcoming psychological blocks 33:46 The struggle + joy of writing 36:14 Advice for aspiring writers 41:14 Final thoughts + where to find KateLinks:Visit Kate at: https://www.facebook.com/ and https://katearcher.weebly.com/ or get in touch at [email protected]. Check out Kate's books here Draft It Scared Small Group Book Coaching 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/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