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Letting Go of Perfectionism and Portraying Anxiety in Middle Grade Fiction with Gloria Huang
If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you.Gloria Huang, author of the stunning middle grade fantasy Kaya and the Ocean, joins me to talk about:Letting go of perfectionismWriting through self-doubtRevisiting your work with compassionWe dive into how she approached themes like childhood anxiety, identity, and the immigrant experience with honesty and heart.Gloria also shares her path to publication—including the emotional stamina it takes to navigate rejection, impostor syndrome, and everything in between.This conversation is a powerful reminder that writing is brave, messy, and deeply human.In this episode, we cover: 00:29 Welcome back to Write It Scared 01:39 Meet our guest: Gloria Huang 02:57 Gloria’s debut novel Kaya and the Ocean 04:38 Exploring themes of anxiety and identity 06:15 The inspiration behind Kaya and the Ocean 08:06 Cultural influences and mental health in storytelling 15:13 The power of stories to heal and connect 17:21 Gloria’s path to publication 19:57 Writer’s block, burnout, and the creative process 21:43 What happens after the book deal 24:22 Writing process + giving yourself grace 27:10 Reframing rejection as part of the journey 29:03 Gloria’s hopes for fellow writers 30:32 What she’s working on next 31:17 Final thoughts and where to find GloriaTo connect with Gloria and find her books, please visit her at:https://www.glorialaihuang.com/InstagramThreadsOrder Kaya of the Ocean hereHave 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
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32:51
Finding the Right Writing Community For You
Details on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredToday, I’m getting personal about one of the biggest game-changers in my writing life: finding the right writing community.We’re talking about why community matters so much (especially when the writing gets hard), how to figure out what kind of group actually supports your goals, and why patience is essential, especially if you’re newer and not quite ready for critique. I’m sharing what I’ve learned about navigating group dynamics, feedback, and the sometimes messy yet beautiful process of connecting with fellow writers.In this episode, you’ll learn:What kind of writing support do you really need (accountability, critique, or both)?Why encouragement matters just as much as craft feedbackHow to choose between large vs. small groupsWhere to look for writing communities online and in real lifeHow to protect your energy, trust your voice, and find your peoplePlus, I’m giving you a heads-up about my small group coaching program starting September 2025—perfect if you’re in the story development or drafting phase and want a safe, supported space to grow.This one’s for every writer who’s ever felt a little too alone in the work. You don’t have to do this by yourself.Timestamps: 01:34 – Why writing doesn’t have to be lonely 02:51 – The benefits of having a writing community 04:01 – What kind of group is right for you? 04:32 – A gentle warning about early critique 07:01 – Group size, structure, and expectations 09:07 – Where to actually find these magical writer folks 12:33 – Common challenges and how to navigate them 13:53 – Wrap up + Fall 2025 group coaching detailsLinks to Online Writing Communities that may interest you. I’m not an affiliate of any of these.She WritesScribophileThe Next Big WriterThe Insecure WriterHave 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
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14:50
Writing Brave with Brooke Adams Law
In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Adams Law—award-winning author, book coach, and founder of the Writing Brave Movement—for a heartfelt conversation on writing with emotional honesty and trusting your inner voice. Brooke gets real about her own writing journey, from rejection to publication, and offers encouragement for navigating perfectionism, procrastination, and the creative wounds that keep us stuck.What You’ll Learn:What it really means to “write brave”How to listen to your inner wisdom as a writerThe root causes of writer’s block and how to move through itSimple exercises to start healing your creative woundsWhy persistence and self-trust matter more than perfectionTimestamps: 01:21 – Meet Brooke and the Writing Brave Movement 04:25 – Defining “writing brave” 13:09 – Writing from intuition and inner wisdom 23:51 – Signs and symptoms of writer’s block 27:00 – Creative wound healing practices 35:29 – Brooke’s story of doubt, grit, and getting publishedThis one’s packed with heart and hope. Tune in when you need a boost.You can visit Brooke’s website at www.wearewritingbrave.com to take her quiz, Discover YOUR Writing Routine Personality.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
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46:54
How to Choose the Right Point of View For Your Novel
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Point of view is one of the most important craft decisions you’ll make as a writer—and one of the easiest to get tangled up in. In this episode, we’re breaking down what POV actually is, why it matters, and how to use it with intention.You’ll learn:The pros and cons of first, second, and third person POVWhat terms like “third person limited” and “close” really meanHow to avoid head-hopping and other common pitfallsWhen it’s okay to blend POVs—and how to do it wellHow to choose the right narrative lens for your storyWhether you’re just starting out or revising a draft, this episode will help you make smarter POV choices and tell your story with more clarity and confidence.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Point of View00:16 – Welcome to Write It Scared01:26 – Craft Chat: POV01:50 – Giveaway Announcement02:23 – What POV is and why it matters05:59 – First Person POV: Strengths and limitations09:05 – Second Person POV: Rare but powerful11:02 – Third Person POV: Limited, close, omniscient, and more17:46 – Blending POVs intentionally19:13 – How to choose the right POV for your story21:50 – Final thoughts and encouragement22:02 – Next week’s guest and closingOther links and resources [Episode 50: How to Plan and Outline Your Novel][Episode 42: Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs] 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
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22:41
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story with Gina Kammer
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Win Book Coaching Sessions + More Prizes!This week is all about writing fantasy and building magic systems! We cover:What a magic system is designed to doThe difference between soft vs. hard and low vs. high magic systems (and why knowing the difference matters)Practical ways to ground readers in the familiar, even when your world is totally newStrategies for overcoming those tricky mental blocks we all hit while building fantasy worlds (you're definitely not alone!)Gina’s powerful tips from brain science to help you connect with your readers on a deeper levelIf you’ve ever struggled to craft magic systems or fantasy worlds readers can’t get enough of, this episode is for you. Gina and I will leave you feeling inspired, capable, and excited to dive into your own magical creationsLinks mentioned: Four Core Types of Magic Systems inkybookwyrm.comWord Wizard's Journey: Turn Your Story Idea into a Marketable Book https://www.inkybookwyrm.com/f/bookmapYouTube: Gina Kammer, The Inky Bookwyrmhttps://www.youtube.com/@ginakammerEnchant Your Readers programhttps://www.inkybookwyrm.com/courses/enchantyourreadersPlus, fantasy and sci-fi writers can join her Critique Partner Program (50% off through this link!)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
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38:22