Inspired Writer Collective Podcast

Send us a textIn this episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie talk about:* writing goals for their works in progress* books they'll be reading this Summer* Love is Brewing ​Substack​ & ​Podcast by Stephanie* what to expect in July with shorter episodes* limited podcast guest interest spots availableGet our Summer Bingo game hereWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textIf something happened to you in real life, how much of it can go into a work of fiction for your character?Would your readers believe the scene?This is what we dive into in this week's episode. In romance, there are often outlandish events that bring people together or tear them apart. Readers get drawn into the emotion and tension of a scene, but are they questioning if it's believable?Being part of a critique group often brings up these interesting points to discuss. In Abby Jimenez's book, Just For The Summer, you have Justin who paddles his way across a lake on a unicorn floatie. Would someone really do that in real life?Maybe. Justin certainly did in the book so he could get to his sick girlfriend, so not only was it humorous to imagine, but it created the "awww" factor of romance.We talk about this and so much more! We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textThis week, Elizabeth chats with fantasy author, Donatella Taker, about her writing process. Even if you're not a fantasy writer, there is so much that's relatable in this episode about being a writer. You'll discover you're not alone in some of the challenges that present themselves for writers, such as self-doubt, and you'll find inspiration for navigating your way through when you listen to Donatella's journey.There's world building, character development, writing process, and navigating critique packed into this episode.Connect with Donatella Taker online:We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textOn this week's episode, Elizabeth talks with Wendy Alexander about her writing journey through menopause and how she helps women find their authentic voices and career paths. Wendy's perspective is where you'll find inspiration, especially if you're in this phase of life, or you're curious about what's ahead. You'll hear about how menopause can be viewed as a transformative journey for women. During menopause, many women struggle with uncertainty and experience profound changes which can lead them to question their life choices, particularly with their careers. Wendy describes menopause as a "sacred time" when women demand to be heard and have less tolerance for things that don't feel fulfilling in their lives. This episode highlights how journaling serves as a powerful tool for processing difficult experiences. Wendy shares how including raw journal excerpts in her book added authenticity and depth that resonated with her readers.Wendy and Elizabeth engage in an in-depth discussion about how women in midlife often realize they've been pursuing careers they thought they "should" do rather than what they truly want, and how menopause presents an opportunity to recognize and repackage their unique skills for meaningful career transitions.Connect with Wendy online:LinkedIn​​YouTube​​Website​​Facebook​We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textThere's so much to learn from poetry for improving your writing.This episode digs into the playfulness of language, but also the possibilities of repurposing writing to create new meaning.Have you thought about the last time you picked up a book of poetry?We know some of you write poetry.Whether you write poetry, or not, there's a lot to learn from exploring another genre.One of the interesting poetry styles used by Amanda Gorman is erasure, or blackout, poetry from her research of historical documents.Are you ready to learn more?Get ready for an opportunity to strengthen your writing when you watch today!​We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textThis week's episode is going to amplify what we believe so strongly here at the Inspired Writer Collective: Writing in community makes you a more productive and better writer.We welcome our guest, Marissa Loewen, who discusses the incredible benefits writers receive when they join a community of creative minds. Marissa hosts a virtual space for entrepreneurs, business owners, and writers. There's no need to create in isolation. When you join a community, you'll find yourself getting closer to the finish line of your project through accountability and collaboration. As a writer, you also have the privilege of being in community with your readers. It's an inspiring insight from this week's podcast about the moment someone reads your words that you've created a community. If you've been wondering about whether or not you should join a writing group, or online writing community, this episode is the nudge you need to take the leap.  Introducing Marissa Loewen Marissa Loewen's entrepreneurial journey began long before most even contemplated their first job. As a precocious elementary school student, she identified a simple yet impactful need among her classmates - cold milk at lunchtime. With the resourcefulness that would come to define her career, Marissa established her first business: a milk counter serving chilled refreshments to grateful peers. This early venture was just the first spark of Marissa's innovative spirit.Since 2012, Marissa has owned On the Spot Pop Ups, a company creating opportunities for makers and artists, partnering with major entities like Etsy Canada. She also leads Create the Rules, embodying her philosophy of forging new paths. As owner, she empowers individuals and organizations to break free from conventional thinking.As Chief Strategist of Create the Rules Catalyst, the only Done-WITH-You support system for impact-driven business owners and entrepreneurs, Marissa ignites transformative change across industries, guiding clients to uncover opportunities and revolutionize their approaches. Her journey from schoolyard entrepreneur to influential strategist demonstrates the power of creative thinking and determination. Through her ventures, Marissa actively shapes the future of business with innovative solutions.Connect with Marissa onlinehttps://www.createtherules.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@createtheruleshttps://www.instagram.com/@createtherulesWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textSet your 90-Day Goal with PATH (use code INSPIRED for 20% off)We're back with Amanda McKinney, an accountability coach for women entrepreneurs, this week to share our results after setting a 90-Day goal upon the completion of Amanda's course PATH.We've been talking a lot this week about how this is the year for collaboration.Why is collaboration so important?When you collaborate you build community.Your productivity increases along with your confidence.Especially for women entrepreneurs and women writers!When women support and raise up other women, amazing things happen.Collaboration enhances creativity and brings together diverse opinions allowing you to learn from others.This is the year to connect and grow with people who build you up.A team that helps you cross the finish line.If you're working on anything creative, it's a marathon, not a sprint.You're in it for the long haul.Find your hype crowd that shouts your name, cheers, claps and encourages you at every mile marker along the way..Your voice and your writing have purpose.We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Elizabeth talks with Amanda McKinney about the following and more:The Three Levels of AccountabilityCreating a 90-Day Writing StrategyOvercoming the "Perfect Conditions" TrapAccountability is the secret weapon of consistent writers, but you might need a different level depending on your needs. When you listen to this episode, you'll learn about those levels and you can decide what works for you.As you listen, ask yourself: What level of accountability do I currently need for my writing goals?We've found incredible benefits from peer accountability. If you're seeking this kind of accountability comment on this video with the words "co-working" and we'll send you details about how you can join our Zoom room.One of the practical approaches Amanda shares is breaking down a writing project into 90-Day chunks of time rather than trying to tackle the entire thing all at once. Listen to the episode and you'll learn the steps for setting yourself up for success. If you're interested in a deeper dive into this approach, then the PATH program is for you. Find it ​here​ and use code INSPIRED to get 20% off As you listen, ask yourself: What's one writing goal I could realistically accomplish in the next 90 days?"PATH helped me create a 12-week plan so I'm set for the next 3 months! 100% worth it!" - AmberAmanda encourages you to show up to write for 10 minutes every day as the strategy for overcoming the notion that you have to wait for the "perfect conditions" to get your writing done. When you build the habit of showing up, even if you're not sure what to write, it helps create consistency and accountability. Challenge: Set a 10 minute timer after reading this and write!Connect with Amanda:WebsiteFree ResourcesPodcastBookInstagramLinkedInListen to Amanda's episode from her podcast, Accountable, about the 3 Levels of Accountability for Goal Achievement hereWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Elizabeth chats with Jenny Benitez about the benefits of creating her podcast and discovering journaling for mental health and self-discovery. Elizabeth and Jenny share a passion for amplifying women's voices. Their conversation focuses on the transformative power of writing and journaling in women's lives. Jenny shares how she got started podcasting.With her podcast, she's created a space for women to share their stories and feel valued. You can get the guide she created ​here​.Journaling is transformative because, like meditation, it brings you into the present moment. Jenny discusses how journaling became both a stress reliever and a spiritual practice that helped her navigate career challenges and financial difficulties. She discovered through her daily writing practices that her life started to change for the better, and while it might sound "woo-woo," it's been incredibly beneficial to her life. Writing can be important to document life experiences not just for personal growth but as a legacy for future generations. Yesterday, Elizabeth was featured on Jenny's podcast, Steel Roses. Elizabeth shares her story about how writing saved her life. You can listen ​here​.Who is Jenny Benitez?Excerpt from: ​https://womensjournal.com/empowering-women-through-authenticity-the-story-of-steel-roses-women/ ​Jenny Benitez, the founder of Steel Roses Women, embarked on a mission to empower women to embrace their authenticity. With over 17 years of experience in communications and a deep passion for women's healthcare, she has dedicated her life to fostering a supportive and engaged community where women can thrive. Jenny's work is built upon her desire to uplift women, encourage personal growth, and provide tools like meditation, manifestation, and affirmations to help women lead fulfilled, empowered lives. The Steel Roses Podcast, one of her flagship projects, addresses the challenges that many women face but may not openly discuss. Through her podcast, Jenny hopes to spark dialogue and inspire women to break their silence and reclaim their power. Connect with Jenny: WebsiteLinkedIn​InstagramFacebookWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel. We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing. Here are two resources for you: Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a textIn this week's episode, we reflect on our process of getting in the creative flow. Here's some of what we touch upon:The Science of Flow: We reference research in positive psychology about flow by professor, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who wrote a book called "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience"Identifying Resistance: Elizabeth emphasizes that recognizing when you're not in flow provides valuable information about your writing process. She shares her experience with her memoir, where resistance indicated she needed to restructure her outline.Creating Flow Conditions: We discuss several strategies for establishing flow: Community accountability: Writing sessions over Zoom Environment: From coffee shops to a dedicated office spacePhysical movement: Exercise and walks help prepare the mind for writingAnd more...Working with Coaches: We talk about our work as book coaches (Elizabeth for memoir, Stephanie for romance) and emphasize the value of professional guidance, comparing it to how athletes use coaches to improve.There's a lot packed into this episode and we're excited to share it with you. We hope you find guidance and inspiration for your own writing, or whatever your creative journey might be, from what we've shared. Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir WritersGet your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character DevelopmentWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIn this week's episode, we discuss the nuanced decision of how much “spice” or intimate content to include in your romance novel, memoir, or fiction with romantic elements. Stephanie shares her personal journey navigating this important choice in her own writing, breaking down the decision-making process into three key areas:Your audience - Within your genre, what does your audience expect? How are you choosing to balance YA vs. Adult audience expectations and the spectrum from sweet romance to more mature content? Character development - How you can use intimate scenes to deepen character growth Your comfort zone - What are you most comfortable with? If you imagine yourself sitting on stage being interviewed about your novel, what is your comfort level? It's important to find your authentic voice within your genre.We cover reading preferences and writing dilemmas, from deciding between YA and adult genres to considering “fade to black” techniques versus more explicit content and Elizabeth shares her experience determining appropriate intimacy levels in memoir writing. Perfect for romance writers, memoirists, and fiction authors wrestling with portraying relationships authentically while staying true to their vision and audience. #RomanceWriting #WritingAdvice #SpiceLevels #WritingTips #AuthorAdvice #CreativeWriting #MemoirWritingWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textJoin Elizabeth for a great conversation with Marysol James, a remarkably prolific self-published romance author with 31 books across six bestselling series who discovered her writing career by happy accident. Marysol's journey includes not only impressive literary success spanning cowboys to motorcycle bikers, but also a powerful personal story of healing and rebuilding her life after an abusive relationship derailed her writing. Meet Marysol James:Marysol James was a best-selling romance writer when she met and fell in love with a man who offered her a future worthy of one of her books… but within two years of moving in with him, she had lost everything that she'd worked for. She was abused emotionally, psychologically, physically, and financially. She was isolated and manipulated and gaslighted, until she was convinced by a narcissist that everything was her fault.She managed to leave the relationship 18 months ago, and has spent that time reclaiming her life, her dignity, her sanity, and her independence. She has returned to romance writing and has done extensive research – with a therapist specialised in narcissistic trauma - and has taken her horrible experience, and created a 90-day program called ‘It Happens To The Best Of Us'.The program is aimed at high-achieving women, and it teaches the red flags and realities of being in a romantic relationship with a narcissist. It explains the patterns and behaviours of narcissism, and shows you how to reclaim your power and your peace. The program launch date is Saturday, April 5.To find out more about ‘It Happens To The Best Of Us', or to set up a one-on-one call with Marysol about how the program can help you, please go to her Instagram account: ​https://www.instagram.com/marysoljames/​Connect with Marysol online: Website: ​https://marysoljames.com​YouTube: ​https://www.youtube.com/@MarysolJames-s6q​FaceBook: ​https://www.facebook.com/marysol.james.romanceauthor​Newsletter: ​https://marysoljames.substack.comWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what it takes to craft a story that keeps readers turning pages late into the night? You don't want to miss this week's podcast episode featuring our discussion of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston—a masterclass in suspense and character development. It's a book that was optioned for the screen before it was published, it's a Reese's Book Club pick, but those aren't the reasons why we picked it. Stephanie had gone "down the rabbit hole" of reading books with the word lie in the title, and this book struck her the most because of the author's craft. In this episode you'll hear us talk about the following and more:how the author strategically includes backstory the use of tension to keep you turning the pageexamining the author's use of first person narrativeAlso, get the Read Like a Writer Workbook PDF here.We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Elizabeth chats with Angela Dunn Cartledge about connecting with others through our stories. It takes a lot of courage to put your personal story out into the world, and Angela creates a safe space for people to share and find they're not alone. Meet Angela: Angela Dunn-Cartledge is a working mom of triplets who lives in Knoxville with her family. She has been working as mostly in Finance her entire career but wanted a way to connect and tell her story on a deeper level. She started a podcast called Been There Dunn That in March 2024 and has never looked back. Her goal is to reach the silent sufferers who are grieving and stuck but don't know where to turn.Connect with Angela:Instagram: ​https://www.instagram.com/dunnthatpodcast?igsh=cm1obzB2czdmYzAy&utm_source=qr​Website: ​https://www.dunnthatpodcast.com/​ You don't want to miss hearing Angela's story. You'll be inspired as you listen to her talk about the following and more: the transformative power of giving voice to your storyhow she creates a safe space on her podcast for vulnerabilitywhat we can learn from connecting with others through shared experiencesWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Elizabeth chats with Julie Sedler about her writing process and journey to publishing her memoir, ​Watch Me: Part Dare. Part Demand.​Meet Julie: I'm Julie Sedler a chemical engineer by training, but a storyteller at heart. I have spent years journaling and writing down my latest inspirations on random post-it-notes. This has brought the ‘in the moment' commentary and perspective to my books, courses, and coaching. I released my first memoir, Watch Me, in 2023 on how I transformed my life after divorce.I learned first hand that my new life would cost me my old one.All the ‘tuition' I paid for the experiences of tearing down my life, rebuilding it based on my own dreams, and breaking the cycles of ingrained conditioning for what I should want and do has led me to create my courses.I am here to help others by guiding them on their own path of self-discovery and growth.*More available on ​my website​ or by request (julie@juliesedler.com) using discount code: writerYou can connect with Julie on social:@Julie_Sedler_Author on Instagram @Julie_The_Author on TikTokYou don't want to miss hearing Julie's story. You'll be inspired as you listen to her talk about the following and more: she didn't have formal training as a writer, but she had a story to telljournaling, especially by hand, has been an integral part of her processthe feeling of holding her published book in her handshow deeply personal it is to write a memoirarriving at the marketing step for her book later than expectedWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, we talk about our experience setting goals for our writing inspired by working through Amanda McKinney's PATH course. We do not make this recommendation lightly. Anything that we ourselves promote on the podcast (outside of providing a space for guests to share their services, books, and products) is heavily vetted. Here's what's in this week's episode: how the goal setting strategy designed by Amanda works so well for planning your writing timehow we've applied what we learned to our writing lives and you can toofeeling inspired by the process because it feels simple and attainablethe incredible benefit of the course for women entrepreneursWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Elizabeth and Stephanie talk about what it means to be a data driven author and how it's become a new coaching program of the Inspired Writer Collective. During their discussion, they touch upon the following and more:how Stephanie arrived at focusing on datakeeping your approach to data simplehelping authors not feel overwhelmed when it comes to datawhat are you curious about?what questions can data answer for you?Send a DM to Stephanie ​@data.driven.author​ on IG if you're interested in setting up a Coffee Chat Call to learn moreWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Elizabeth chats with Yoga and Writing Teacher Adrien Terrell about the benefits of integrating a yoga practice with your writing practice. During their discussion, they touch upon the following and more:releasing energy in the body through yoga posescreating a ritual for yourself when you're ready to writefinding time to write and your path to being a writer that's uniquely your ownusing storytelling to navigate grief and challenges you faceAdrien Terrell is a writer and yoga teacher. She found yoga during a time of grief and found solace and healing in practice. Her journey was so powerful she felt compelled to share her yoga passion with the community. experience. She has been published in numerous family publications and self-published a young adult novel when she was eighteen. Writing was put aside while she dedicated herself to raising four children and growing a woodworking business with her husband. The enthusiasm to return to writing resurfaced when she was training for her yoga teaching license. She realized the ritual of combining writing and movement added a layer of creativity to both passions. She leads workshops and courses to inspire others to explore their imagination in yoga practice and various forms of prose.Connect with Adrien:​Composed Yoga Website​​Instagram​: @adriencompose.yoga​YouTube​: Compose Yoga with AdrienWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Elizabeth chats with award-winning political thriller author ​Michael Fedor.​During their discussion, they touch upon the following and more:writing a political thrillerusing your own story to inspire what you're writingcreating a prequel to hook your readersbuilding your writer identityThere's so much inspiration for writers packed into this episode.Michael shares what inspired him to start writing and how he draws from his own experience working in Washington D.C. to develop his characters and stories.You'll find useful tips for setting yourself up for success to market yourself and your books.If you'd like to connect with Michael online, here are some places you'll find him:​Website​ for Michael Fedor: use code inspired (good for 2 weeks from 1/20/2025) for a discount on his booksSearch @michaelfedorbooks on social mediaWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, we discuss the benefits of being a guest on podcasts.During our discussion, we touch upon the following:practicing showing up for yourselfrefining your messagecreating communityreaching a broader audience of potential readersThere's a lot of value in setting your sights on being a podcast guest, especially as an author.You'll gain self-confidence and propel your author journey forward by being a guest on podcasts.You can begin before your book is even ready for publication.Elizabeth mentions a resource shared by another podcaster called Matchmaker.fm to help you find connections.There's also the Podcast Collaborative that's been a great resource for connecting us with guests and opportunities.So, get ready for finding inspiration to take action for yourself this year!We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, we discuss our takeaways from reading Daniel H. Pink's book Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us.The book challenges traditional views of motivation based on rewards and punishments.Daniel Pink argues that intrinsic motivation - driven by autonomy, mastery, and purpose - is key for creatives.Tune in to learn more about how we connected our reading of this book to the writing process.We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, Stephanie interviews her friend, author B.L. Thoma, who shares her unique writing journey from a dream to the screen. It's the direction so many authors hope their book takes from being traditionally published to being optioned for the screen. B.L. Thoma's first novel, Hear My Whisper, in her Morgan's Landing series was written in an unexpected way, yet it opened up opportunities and helped her discover her gift for storytelling. And so I got out of bed, I grabbed a spiral book, I crawled back in bed, I wrote and wrote everything I could remember from a dream. It's not how you usually hear about a book being written, but what it illustrates is how every writer has their own way. You approach your writing in a way that works for you. It's what B.L. Thoma emphasizes during the podcast.  With B.L. Thoma's series being historical fiction, she did a lot of research to ensure accuracy of the details and staying true to the characters she created. When you listen, you'll get a glimpse into B.L. Thoma's wonderful sense of humor that she integrates masterfully into her writing.Something would just,  it just happens in my brain and I could just insert, and I would just be sitting there laughing at it.  And I thought, I hope everybody else laughs, I'm laughing.The success B.L. Thoma is experiencing did not happen overnight. It's been a long road with a lot of learning along with some unexpected connections. What you'll discover is the power of setting your mind on a goal and continuing to take the next step.It's not a story you can replicate, but it's one you don't want to miss listening to this week. There's so much packed into this episode from hearing about B.L. Thoma's writing process to multiple rounds of edits to getting the query letter just right. Connect with B.L. Thoma online at https://midweststoryteller.com/A little bit about B.L. Thoma from her website: B. L. Thoma is an award winning author, capturing readers with her original, fun, historical romances as well as short stories and non-fiction. With a background in homeschooling and youth theater, she's written plays and a children's book as well. She lives in the heart of the Midwest, just a hop, skip and a jump from where she was born and raised, enjoying life with her family and her chatty cat. She shares her passion here for books, healthy living, creativity and laughter. It's been said that success is attained when a person is unable to tell whether they are working or playing. That's what happens when she writes!We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIn this week's episode, Stephanie chats with Book Coach and Editor, Sue Toth.You'll get insight into what it looks like to work with a book coach and an editor. For Sue Toth, who holds both titles in her business, there's a distinct difference between the two and they're important to consider as you think about your needs as a writer.Did you know there are different approaches an editor can take when working with your manuscript? If not, you'll get a quick overview this week.If you're tempted to use one of the many tools available to writers online, like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, to edit your work, you'll want to listen to what Sue has to say about the importance of connecting with another human being about your writing. Sue is not just an editor. She also works with writers as their book coach.She connects with writers at different stages of their writing journey and adjusts her approach based on individual needs.It's very common for writers to find Sue when they're feeling unmotivated and stuck. The other big thing that I find with authors is sometimes they'll come to me when their motivation is lagging for whatever reason. They're not happy with the book. They don't like the way it's going. They feel like, Oh, I thought it would be such a great idea to write a book. And now I don't have time. So a lot of Things that I will work with with my clients to our motivational things, um, you know, find a different place to go and write or  a different time of day or schedule it into your calendar.You know, the way you would schedule a doctor's appointment or something like that schedule time for writing into your day. It's, it's not going to get done unless you make it an appointment and you make it as important as every other appointment in your day.Sue is dedicated to helping authors get to their writing goal. You'll walk away from this episode with practical tips and insights into what to consider if you're at the stage of hiring a book coach or an editor. Connect with Sue online:https://suetoth.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/suetoth/https://www.facebook.com/suetotheditinghttps://www.instagram.com/suetothediting/https://www.threads.net/@suetotheditingWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIt's time to celebrate!Thank you listeners, guests and loyal subscribers for your support! We show up each week for you.Our hope is you feel inspired to keep taking the next step on your creative journey. This week on the podcast, we're taking a walk down memory lane as we look back at our year of podcasting.When we started the podcast, we had no idea what we were doing, but we knew we wanted to offer valuable guidance to writers and share great stories.It's become our favorite project each week.We keep it authentic and real because we know it's important. You want to hear real stories from real writers and that's what we offer you.It's not easy to pinpoint a favorite episode because each one offers something unique to you.If you've joined us later in our releases, we hope you'll take a look back at episodes that came along earlier. Many of our early episodes are still being downloaded today. The behind-the-scenes data gives us insights into our community of listeners and we dig into the details in this episode.We are transparent about the challenges we've faced creating an online community space for writers and how this has led to the creation of courses.The Memoir Cohort Course led by Elizabeth is a course that will transform your writing. If you're looking back at your year and you haven't reached your writing goal for your memoir, it's a course to put on your calendar for 2025. Stephanie will be offering a course in January 2025 to help you organize your writing using Scrivener. If you're overwhelmed and getting lost in Word or Docs, you'll want to join this course to discover how Scrivener can change your writing experience and productivity.In December 2024, we're taking a break from podcasting to allow the pause to rejuvenate us for the coming new year, so if you're not caught up on episodes it will be a great time to binge listen to ones you've missed.As you listen this week, what can you celebrate?Thank you again for joining us on this creative journey!We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textYou've been there. You walk into a room and feel overwhelmed by the mess in the space. It can feel like a lot to figure out how to get it organized. You've tried before, but it just doesn't stick.You might just want to look up our guest, Julianna Strickland, who has been featured in the New York Times and has a partnership with the Container Store, on this week's podcast for inspiration and connect with her to help you get organized.There's no shame in getting help.In fact, it can be incredibly empowering to connect with someone who can help solve something you've been struggling with that's blocking your creativity.If you've been feeling stuck, getting organized might be your answer.When you clean up your space you open space for creativity.There's something about knowing your things are in their place that allows your brain to focus on your art. Even when you're not paying attention, you're naturally organizing your things and it's distracting for your mind.You want the feeling of being organized because it far exceeds the experience of looking at the space.You're clearing space in your brain and it can become addictive to organize your space when you begin to see the result of being more productive.You'll feel more connected to your creative work.You don't have to be type A to get organized and transform your life.If you have the desire to be organized, you can do it.If organizing is not your thing, you'll benefit from having someone teach you how to get your space in order so you can get back to your work as a creative.You naturally see the beauty in all that you have and you want to enjoy it, but then you get lost in what you have, like the 100s of books, and forget to focus on your own creativity.There can be a domino effect to making one simple change and allowing it to flow into the next.You can make your space functional and beautiful. It's okay if you need to call upon someone for help.website: https://spacecamporganizing.comcourse: https://spacecamporganizing.com/makebetterspaceIG: https://www.instagram.com/makebetterspace/Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianna_strickland/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/makebetterspace/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spacecamporganizingTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makebetterspaceWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIt's an especially exciting episode this week as we welcome an author who is local to us, here in Colorado, and we'll be welcoming her to our local book club meeting next month.Lara's book, The Table: Seasons on a Colorado Ranch, was the result of completing her MFA at Western State University and submitting it for consideration for publication by the University's press. It was selected and Lara was surprised and incredibly grateful.It was a process of taking a series of personal essays and turning them into a full-length memoir. Her memoir shows her grit and gratitude for the seasons of life and reflections on the golden moments to embrace when navigating through difficult times. It's a memoir about her life on her family's ranch where they raise Hereford cows and gather thousands upon thousands of bales of hay each summer. What you'll discover as you read is it's not just the stories of her family's experiences, but an invitation to walk in her shoes and understand the experience of ranchers in our area in Colorado. You'll learn about the challenges being faced by ranchers as developers moving into the area are offering attractive sums of money to acquire land for multi-family housing developments. There's insight into cattle ranching and the meaning of its impact on our environment.She was fortunate to have the support of her family who gave her space to write her book, but there were still struggles with staying focused. You'll be interested to listen and learn about a special visitor to one of her writing spaces. Lara masterfully weaves together various threads of her life story to connect the pieces that have contributed to her family's success in their ranching business and in their lives. It hasn't always been easy, but there's a true sense of gratitude and fortitude in the work being done.There's a discussion of the editing process and how even with a publisher you can find errors after a book has been printed, but you can reach out and make sure any changes are made before future books are printed. You'll appreciate it when she talks about getting distracted and how easy it can be to be pulled away from your work. We've all been there. It's why finding a place that's not in your own backyard can be beneficial to your writing process. It can be too easy to decide to do the laundry, mow the lawn, or any other number of house chores. We invite you, like Lara does in her memoir, to join her at The Table: Seasons on a Colorado Ranch. If you've written personal essays, you're sure to find inspiration for turning your stories into a full-length memoir.  Who is Lara Richardson?A former white-water rafting guide on the Arkansas River, LARA RICHARDSON lives with her husband and five kids on their family ranch in Salida, Colorado, where they raise over 300 Hereford mother cows and calves and grow over 30,000 bales of hay each summer. A voice for land stewardship, sustainable beef production,and the family farm, she is a 2021 graduate of Western Colorado University's MFA Program in Nature Writing. The Table is her first published work.Find Lara online:Lara Richardson WebsiteLara on IGLara Richardson on FacebookWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textThis week we're talking about our September Book Club reading of Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. .It's a memoir by a celebrity that will surprise you.You'll stop and think about the aspects of your life that shaped your decision making and paved the path you're on today.  We've all had moments in life when we're at a crossroads with a decision to make and opportunities present themselves.What were the greenlights that opened new pathways for you whether expected or unexpected? The journey to living your life expressing your true creative self isn't linear. There will be obstacles in your way and it's up to you to decide how you're going to face those moments. Greenlights are a way of seeing a path through when you're feeling stuck. It might not be a book you've thought about picking up, but we found it surprisingly interesting.It doesn't read like a traditional memoir because it's structured with stories from McConaughey's life that illustrate ideas and thoughts he presents for reflection about life.McConaughey shares stories of navigating his relationships with his family, his journey to the screen, and his eventual marriage and role as a father.There's an interesting sense of connection when reading this memoir, even though he's a celebrity, because this book allows you to stop and reflect on your own life.We're all looking to connect with others and this book brings that to the forefront. There's a sense of humanity and depth of creativity throughout. McConaughey shows a lot of resilience as he navigates the challenges of his upbringing and landing his first acting roles. You'll find inspiration from the diligence he shows in his dedication to his craft as an actor. He didn't want to be pigeon-holed into acting in one type of film, so he created the space for himself that he wanted despite pressures from producers to accept certain roles. A great reminder about building space as a creative that works for you.While it doesn't read like a typical memoir because he spends time helping shape some of the ideas to take away from his stories, there's a lot in his memoir that anyone can connect with in their own life. Are you ready to start reading? If you don't have a copy of Greenlights, you can get a copy here. We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIn this week's episode of the podcast we're talking about our decision to offer our own weekly writing sessions on Zoom for anyone on our email list rather than join or promote the offerings from NaNoWriMo. If you've been in the writing community for a while, you're familiar with NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, which has occurred every year in November since 1999, and became a non-profit organization in 2006. The goal of participating in NaNoWriMo is to write 50,000 words, or a novel, in a month. Recently, there's been a lot of buzz in the writing community from writers who have moved away from collaborating or being associated with NaNoWriMo because of their stance on the use of AI technology and allegations of allowing a known child sexual predator to join their online forums. NaNoWriMo originally stated they supported the use of AI for disabled and marginalized communities. Needless to say, there was a lot of pushback from these communities and the broader writing world online who felt this stance undermined writers and the profession. One of the big issues surrounding AI is authors discovering their books have been used to train the algorithm and they're not receiving any royalties from the use of their books. Essentially, their intellectual property has been taken without their permission to build the databases for AI to generate ideas and content for users who choose to write a book using AI. We're most concerned with the original stance from NaNoWriMo being ableist and classist, and the lack of attention to safety for young writers in online forums. NaNoWriMo has since replaced their statement with a new perspective that doesn't commit one way or another, and while they sent out apologies to their audience, many writers are not impressed. The fever pitch level of disdain for NaNoWriMo has many writers creating their own writing months and communities. The decision to engage with NaNoWriMo's activities in November is up to you, but we wanted to present our perspective for you to consider how you can join with real people who are here to encourage and support your development as a writer. We invite you to join us every Monday in November from 3pm to 4pm MST on Zoom. As a subscriber to our newsletter, you'll automatically receive the Zoom link when it's time, but if you know of anyone else who would be interested, please encourage them to join our email list so they don't miss out on this opportunity to show up and write. It's about connecting with other humans and sharing in the creative energy. The human element is what's missing when you stand behind AI. There are certainly benefits to using generative AI, such as ChatGPT, when it comes to activities like brainstorming, or suggestions for ideas, but the actual writing of the stories needs to be from the individual.  Nothing can replace the human touch on a writing project.Every one of us has our voice, and our voices are authentic, and it's what readers connect with when they take hold of your stories. It's why we have this podcast and we're working to build an online community for writers to write and learn together to improve their craft. There's so much great writing that happens in the company of other writers. It's been almost a year now of showing up each week for our community, and we know the value of showing up week after week dedicated to the creative process. We look forward to seWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textYou'll be quickly drawn into Paula's story of researching, writing, and publishing her book that shares the heart-wrenching details of child soldiers in Colombia alongside her own coming-of-age reflection as someone who was born, but not raised, in Colombia. Paula Delgado-King is the author of Leonor. It's her first book that started as a policy paper when she was a grad student at Columbia University in International Affairs back in 2001. At the time, Paula was interested in what the United Nations was doing to help children exercise their rights and she focused her attention on Bogotá, Colombia. It was a natural point of focus for Paula who is originally from Bogotá, having been born there, but her family was forced to leave when she was 9 due to threats against her family. When she traveled to Bogotá, to start researching and reporting about the experiences of children, it was her connection with Leonor, a young girl from a halfway home in Bogotá, that had her eager to return every couple of months to learn the latest in her story. Paula's passion and dedication to sharing this story is evident. It took her a long time, but she knew it needed to be out in the world. As writers, it's interesting to think about how long it can take to get our stories into the world. You may be able to relate to what Paula has to share in this episode and find you're ready to write your story. Paula's book is a unique blend of nonfiction and memoir. An exploration of a culture that's familiar, yet at the same time not familiar, and writing with an awareness of needing to effectively explore her experience in connection with Leonor's. Paula was pulled into Leonor's story because of her experience as a woman who was under attack simply for being a woman. She kept in touch with Leonor for about 19 years to ensure she correctly captured the truth and the details of Leonor's experience. Paula made the decision to eventually add her own story to help make Leonor's story more accessible to a reader. It's an exploration of connecting with her heritage and exploring her own coming of age story when she wasn't able to grow up in Colombia. There were certainly many challenges in the writing process to weave her story with Leonor's. She was very thoughtful and diligent in making sure she was true to her voice and Leonor's voice. It's not an easy topic, but it will make you stop and reflect on your own life. You also don't want to miss hearing about Paula's writing process and balancing it with motherhood. She also shares about navigating rejection and what she learned along the way. It's an episode that is sure to inspire, so go ahead and click the button below to listen. Who is Paula Delgado-Kling? Paula Delgado-Kling holds degrees in comparative literature/French civilizations, international affairs, and creative writing from Brown, Columbia, and the New School, respectively. ​Leonor​, for which she received two grants from the Canadian Council for the Arts, is her first book. Excerpts of this book have appeared in Narrative, The Literary Review, Pacifica Literary Review, and Happano.org in Japan. Lately, Paula's side gig is that she has, to her great surprise, become a tennis mom.You can connect with her online here: IG @pauladelgadokling FacebooWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textEpisode 44: Healing Through StorytellingIf you're interested in memoir, here's another great episode of the podcast that follows an emerging theme we have going right now focused on the power of sharing our stories. In this week's episode, Elizabeth talks with Lenore about how her need for healing, after experiencing a myriad of health symptoms, encouraged her to create a podcast dedicated to sharing her story about being a survivor of a true crime. But, it was ultimately through the process of writing her stories that she found healing. When mental and physical illness started to take hold of her life, Lenore met with a psychologist who shared with her the impact PTSD can have on your life. If you've experienced any trauma, you may be familiar with the toll it can take on your well-being. Lenore started to use writing as a therapeutic tool, much like our guest, Cheydrea, from last week's episode, and it became her most important strategy for managing the intensity of her emotions. The healing was not overnight. It took Lenore years and years to work through the trauma she experienced. We often start to layer our trauma and because of how our culture functions, we keep moving forward without looking back. However, the compounding effect of this can be detrimental to your health, and that's what Lenore started to see in her own life. While we all have different experiences, we can learn so much from each other's stories. There's a common understanding about the journey of overcoming experiences and processing the feelings that can be relatable. When you know you're not alone there's so much healing that happens and your story can help someone else navigate their life. I think that's why the power of telling our stories, no matter the details of the trauma or the hardship that we went through,  it's the process of overcoming and the feelings and the um, coping mechanisms that are very relatable and that's, I think, knowing that we're not alone in those, that's how we get through and I think that's what's really powerful about memoir.  - LenoreLenore's own podcast was her approach to recording her experience as a way to get her ideas out so she can eventually write her book. Her focus was on the power of the survivor and the qualities all human beings share for survival. Often the focus in true crime is on the perpetrator because of our fascination with criminal minds as a culture, but what about the survivor? While Lenore was working with the psychologist and remembering her experiences, writing allowed her to have some emotional detachment from her experience. She discovered her strength was through writing her stories which allowed her to get it out of her and onto paper, and she found her voice through the creation of her podcast. If you think you can't remember something, start writing about it and you'd be amazed at what you can remember.  I think that's, you know, that's the power in, in a good story told  a way that, um, really allows the reader to, to find, um, their own journey because, I mean, that's the point. -LenoreWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIn this episode, Elizabeth talks with Andrea Seiler (pen name: Cheydrea) about her experience writing a memoir. During the process, Andrea shifted into writing poetry and creating art, which brought so much healing to her life creating a transformation she wasn't expecting. Her life has been forever changed because she started writing down her stories. Andrea started writing down the stories of her life during the pandemic, and there was a point when depression started to set in and she knew she needed to do something to shift. She started creating artwork, an unexpected yet welcomed direction for her, because the writing process had brought up a lot of pain and her art helped with healing. She knew writing a memoir could take a long time and so she went back through her writing and started to take out the pieces that were easier to handle. It allowed her to manage the overwhelm of the pain she was experiencing. She was not a poet before she started writing her book, but it was through poetry she was able to find her voice and amplify it to share with the world.   Writing was the medium that helped her through a really difficult time when she was spiraling into depression and falling out of love with so much in her life. As humans, we all have different ways we navigate the tough moments in our life, and for many of us, it is through writing that we are able to find healing. She was motivated to write to help rid herself of the pain. It was the most logical solution to write poetry and include her artwork. Andrea's daughter encouraged her to publish it as a way of showing what's possible to heal from trauma and your life stories. She discovered what was possible when you use a creative medium to share your story with others and how much bravery there is with that. You can hear the gratitude for the journey her writing took her on when you listen to Andrea on this podcast episode. She feels confident now and knows how to use her voice. You don't want to miss a visit to her website which is absolutely beautiful and feels like a warm invitation from a friend to sit down and have a conversation. Quote from AndreaWriting is clarity. And even now in my state as I sit here, if I'm confused about something or I'm in turmoil about something, I'm going to go sit down and start writing because I need clarity. Where can you find Andrea online:Book: ​A Poet's Playground (https://amzn.to/3Y2IgbL) affiliate link to support our podcastWebsite: ​https://cheydrea.com/​Social media: @cheydrea She shares her podcasts @andrea.writer.artist on Instagram. Are you ready to write your memoir? Save your seat in the upcoming Memoir Cohort Course: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/42427911efWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Send us a textIn this episode, you'll learn about Elizabeth's Memoir Cohort Course and the huge benefit of writing in community. You'll discover that when you take this upcoming course, you'll get the benefit of two writing coaches! As our fall schedules get underway and we settle in for the end of the year, I'm excited to begin thinking about the next cohort of the Memoir Master Plan Group Course. So much of the struggle in trying to write and work on a memoir is that we, as the writer, are so close to the material. It's difficult to look at one's life and see the core message screaming to be shared. That's where the group learning environment and support is key. One participant shared this testimonial: "Elizabeth is wonderful to work with. I felt right at home when I took her memoir writing class. When we were in group she helped me feel seen and heard because I have some learning disabilities. I enjoyed the group dynamic and the course material was very helpful and unique. I feel Elizabeth's class helped prepare me and propel me forward in my writing!"In the multi-week course, we hammer out the core message (or main theme) of your memoir before diving into a detailed outlining process. We start with a broad outline of key concepts before dissecting which specific moments will be best to emphasize the intention of each scene. You'll conclude the course with a detailed outline that takes the guesswork out of what to write next. You won't fall victim to distraction or lack of focus when you sit down to start writing. You'll have confidence that the story you are crafting is one that is valuable to the overall message."The guidance offered in the Memoir Course results in the formation of a thorough outline that empowers you to begin drafting your memoir with confidence. The Memoir Course facilitates development of the scene-by-scene outline needed to make drafting the book as easy as sitting down and allowing words to flow."All of the recent course participants had made prior attempts at starting their memoirs on their own. They struggled with lack of accountability, support, and clear direction. Self-doubt takes over and we freeze. This small group cohort provides that necessary accountability and guidance many found lacking on their own.Don't take my word for it...one of my course participants said it best. "This is the course I didn't know I needed! I am incredibly grateful for the resulting ease with which I am now able to draft my memoir, turning my dream into reality. "Are you missing support and accountability in your writing process? Are you in need of more structure so you know what to write when you finally carve out the time to sit down? The he group is kept to a small cohort, so space is limited! You can SAVE YOUR SEAT here. If you're still unsure whether or not this is the right course or time for you, schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth to talk more about your specific project and writing goals here. Affiliate links to books mentioned in this video:* Old Friend From Far Away by Natalie Goldberg (*correction from Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg that's mentioned in the video) Save the Cat by Blake SnyderStoryWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Our Book Club selection for the month of August was Go As A River by Shelley Read and we're talking about it in this week's podcast. There is so much packed into this novel that is both enjoyable for readers and for writers. We balance our discussion this week with insights for both, but definitely lean into what we learned as writers. We're not putting all of the details in the newsletter because we, of course, want you to go listen for yourself, but we'll share a brief overview of what we touched upon and hope that, if you haven't already, you'll add this book to your list. For writers, we talk about the brilliant flow of adding backstory in scenes where the main character, Victoria, touches an object, such as her father's rifle, and it brings up a memory that gives us insight into her experience and her family's history. It's an approach that is both reflective of the human experience, because we all have stories to tell about objects in our homes, but also lends itself to a seamless flow of language that doesn't disrupt the story. There's poetic language that you can find on just about every page of the book. It creates a rhythm to the story that is very engaging. It's a great reminder of how poetry is a resource for writers of all genres to explore the precision and beauty of language. We also touch upon character development, the 3 Act structure, writing about a place, and how this novel, while fiction, can also help memoir writers. For readers, we discussed how the book just kept getting better and better with each turn of the page. In a workshop we attended led by the author, Shelley Read, she talked about how as she's traveled the world now on her book tour that so many readers have come up to her to gush about how well she creates the feeling of belonging to a place. It creates a connection between people because we all have places in our lives that touch our heart, and this book accomplishes that for readers. Also, there's a main character that you're rooting for from start to finish as you read. It's what readers expect. They want to have a main character they believe in and read about their transformation. It definitely happens when you read this book.We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

It's Part 2 of our podcast series with guest Mariska Maas (@rubreart). This week Elizabeth chats with Mariska about the readability and visual branding of your book. For many authors, it might not be the most exciting part, but depending on your genre, you may be able to have a little bit more fun with it than you think. Mariska has a “Cinderella” approach to her design process meaning she wants to create a one-of-a-kind design for every book. If you haven't seen her Instagram page, @rubreart, it's worth it to see her beautiful artwork, even if the covers and book interiors aren't in your genre. She also emphasizes authors do not need to spend a lot of time on formatting if you have someone helping you, so if this is stopping you in your tracks from moving forward to publish, this is your friendly reminder to ask for help. For listeners of the podcast, she's offering a 5 percent discount on her services if you book within 3 months of listening. She's booking cover design and formatting clients into 2025 right now and offers a 3 week turnaround time on the project. Authors, this is a great way to book a service and set a hard deadline for yourself, especially if you are self-publishing. It's very similar to what would be expected of you from a traditional publisher who wants to stick to deadlines to get your work out into the world. While the interior design of the book might not be the most exciting, it's certainly the most important because it's where your reader is spending the most time. Not every genre allows for a lot of design on the interior, but fantasy and romance genres are certainly where you'll see more of it, and it's a fun way to give your book a little something extra to delight the reader's eye. When you're formatting your book, there are a lot of details to pay attention to with respect to where the text falls on the page, the presence of hyphens, and making sure the beginning and end of chapters are up to industry standards. This is just a small drop of water in a gallon bucket when it comes to all of the details you need to pay attention to for your book. You don't have to do this part alone, and in fact, it's advisable to make sure you always have extra sets of eyes on your book or hire a formatter so you can focus on your writing. Of course, mistakes are going to happen. We're all human and it's only natural there will be times when a book goes to print and something is missed in the formatting stage. Don't panic. Breathe. Take the steps to fix the error and move on with your day. For more about formatting the interior of your book and to hear a great strategy for how to get started right now, go listen to Podcast #40 right now! Who is Mariska Maas? Mariska Maas is the owner of the bookish design agency Rubre Art. She is a passionate book designer and illustrator. And has made it her goal to make a Cinderella one of a kind fit design for each and every book that she works on. No matter if it is for an indie author or a publisher, for everyone deserves amazing covers, interior formatting and illustrations. In her free time you can often see her doing arts and crafts, or reading a book from her never ending TBR.Where can you find Mariska? Website, Linktree which includes the service request form, Instagram, TiktokWe invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this week's episode, the first in a two part series, Elizabeth interviews Mariska Maas (@rubreart) about cover design. Elizabeth connected with Mariska on Instagram about book design, especially for writers who are interested in self-publishing, and so this week the emphasis is on cover design and next week will be about formatting the inside of your book. Mariska, who lives in the Netherlands, has been in the book design industry for a long time. As a fellow bookworm, she discovered the publishing industry as her avenue to connect her art and books. Mariska has her own company now where she helps indie authors create book covers that bring them the same recognition as they would receive from a traditional publisher. If you approach Mariska for your book design, the first step is to respond to a series of questions to provide as much detail as possible. The more detail you provide, the easier it is for her to make sure the cover displays important elements of your book and aligns with current industry standards for your genre. You need to have a good idea of what you want for your book because that allows for the best possible cover art. All of Mariska's cover art is illustration, no photos, because it's easier to align with current trends and it's her expertise. If you were to decide to walk through the cover design process with Mariska, you would receive mock ups and have the opportunity to request changes and express your opinion about what you like and don't like. What's great about Mariska's process is she wants you, as the author, to be happy with the outcome and she helps guide you to make sure you get the cover you want and that will be noticed in bookstores and online. Your book cover is your best marketing tool. Mariska recommends connecting with a book cover designer as soon as you have a clear idea about the book you're writing. A lot of artists can get booked way in advance, so if you wait, you might not get the cover in the time frame you expect. So, start shopping around now, even if your manuscript isn't ready. Peak your readers' curiosity with the cover art, so when it becomes available, the cover is recognizable and readers will want to pick it up. It's important to note that if you're hoping to be traditionally published, there's a very slim chance you'll get to use a cover you have someone design for you because publishing houses often have a direction they prefer to go based on how they design their books in house. As an indie author, when you self-publish, having a book cover can add an element of excitement to your book writing process because you start to see your book come to life. When you see the cover, it's the start of visualizing your book being complete and ready for readers. Your cover helps sell your book. You have 7 seconds to appeal to a reader. Even if your book is amazing, if the cover doesn't connect with readers, you won't sell books. If you're listening to this podcast within 3 months of it's launch date, so that would be up until November 25, 2024, Mariska is being incredibly generous to our audience by offering a 5% discount with the code IWC5 on the interest form you complete. You'll want to jump on this opportunity as soon as possible because she's already booking authors into 2025. It's an investment in your writing to take the leap and hire a cover designer. We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Have you ever found yourself stuck when trying to develop your characters?You'll find guidance in this week's podcast episode, #38: Having Fun With Character Development Using Coffee Chats.  Stephanie shares her experience approaching character development from the perspective of calling the process “coffee chats”. Whether you enjoy spending time in a coffee shop, or not, you're familiar with the experience of meeting someone for coffee. You know a conversation you have over coffee is never linear and can ping pong between being surface level and full of depth. It's what makes this approach so much fun. You imagine you're sitting down to have coffee with one of your characters and you start asking questions. There's no formula for what questions you ask first or last, and you don't need to ask all of your questions at the same time. In fact, it's recommended you space out your coffee chats over the span of time it takes to write your book. A coffee chat takes away the pressure of needing to feel like the process needs to be so formal. It eases the stress of thinking it needs to be done in a special way. There's your way and that's what matters. This is simply a way to frame it for having more fun. Your characters evolve over time. They encounter things you don't plan for as a writer, and sitting down for a coffee chat can help you go deeper. You won't know all of the answers at the beginning. Character development doesn't happen in one sitting. It's a process. If you're like Stephanie and enjoy going to coffee shops, it can be fun to do your coffee chats with your characters in that setting. You might find inspiration from conversations around you, or from watching people. Coffee chats are not just for fiction writers. If you're writing a memoir, you can use this approach to capture the characterization of people in your life who've influenced your thinking or were important to you. You can use it to answer the questions for yourself.  You can bring depth to the voice of your character by using coffee chats. If you're sitting there wondering why it matters for you to write your book, it's because it's your unique voice. No one else has your experiences. No one else has your world view. All of that comes through your coffee chats with your characters. Give it a try and let us know what you discover! You can also download a FREE PDF of 50 questions to ask your characters during a coffee chat here. We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

This week's podcast episode with guest, Alyssa Brade, is packed full of insights into mitigating burnout as a Mother and Author. You'll come away with insights and strategies for your writing. You'll find yourself connecting right away with Alyssa's stories of motherhood that led her to write, Mommy Needs a Minute: From Burnout to Empowerment (this is an affiliate link, so if you click here and purchase you'll be supporting the Inspired Writer Collective). Alyssa talks about the exhaustion that comes with being a new mom and trying to do everything for everyone, and ultimately losing herself in the process. She was trying to navigate childcare while: working, going to school, maintaining a relationship with her husband, and managing her home. A traumatic experience involving one of her sons, and becoming very sick herself, led Alyssa to evaluate her priorities and where she needed to put her energy. She was exhausted from pushing hard, a feeling many moms can relate to, and it led her to share her insights about how to mitigate burnout and hold onto your identity with the hope of helping other moms not feel so alone. Alyssa wrote her book in 12 months and is a self-published author. Here are a few of her tips she shares about how she was able to get writing done: making sure she met a daily word count goal, writing even when she wasn't feeling inspired, choosing a time of day to write for an hour. The words Alyssa wrote were far from perfect every day. This is a reality of the writing process. It's not going to be your best writing every time you sit down. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of making the time to write. Even when you don't feel like it. Even if you're not inspired. Alyssa shares her experience with publishing and marketing her book. She encourages you to get started even if you're not sure what you're doing. You'll learn a lot in the process and what works for someone else may not work for your book. Alyssa goes on to talk about her struggles with entering motherhood and taking on that identity. It wasn't what she had planned for, but she has since embraced the joy of the journey. She continues to work on not losing her own sense of self as an Author. She shares words of encouragement to other moms and women about holding onto what you enjoy and not letting motherhood consume you. Also, that it's okay to grieve the loss of an aspect of your identity, and this should be normalized. The pressures of society often make many women feel guilty for how they feel about becoming a mom. You'll appreciate hearing the honesty and down to earth perspective shared by Alyssa in this podcast episode. It's real and relatable. If you're interested in listening to additional podcasts that touch upon this topic, you can find more discussions in the following episodes (these links take you to our YouTube channel): Episode 34, Episode 20, Episode 13, Episode 7We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers! If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Our Book Club selection for July was Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez. It's the latest contemporary romance by Stephanie's favorite author that has received many accolades across bestseller lists and was a Good Morning America Book Club this summer. As Stephanie continues to work on her own contemporary romance series, which will be written using a pen name, Abby's books and daily social media posts are a continuous source of inspiration, however, this book threw a curveball. A fair warning here, there may be some spoilers and unpopular opinions ahead, or simply opportunities for great conversations about what it looks like to discuss a book from a reader's perspective and a writer's perspective. The viewpoints do not always align. Just for the Summer is an example of success for an author who knows her readers and has established a solid backlist, even when it's not quite the rom-com you expect. We can agree to disagree. If you go on Goodreads, there are plenty of 1-star reviews right alongside the 5-star reviews of Just for the Summer. Every reader is different. It's a helpful reminder to anyone pursuing a writing career that even the authors whose books are appearing on best seller lists get the 1-star reviews. You definitely want to be careful about judging this book by its cover. The image doesn't reflect the level of mental health darkness that develops for Emma. It's a common discussion thread amongst Abby's readers that they're left navigating so many emotions when reading her books, but the love story doesn't feel memorable in this one. We weren't left feeling like we were forever hopeful for the main characters. It was surprising because the genius hook at the beginning of the book of a Reddit thread that brings Emma and Justin (the romantic heroine and hero of the book) together creates the expected rom-com vibe. While Abby does research her books with great care and sensitivity, it went too far into the family drama for Emma and wove in character connections from her other books that didn't make sense to us. There was a difference between listening to the book and reading it. Stephanie shares how she felt like she wasn't paying as close attention when listening to it. The narrators are so good and the experience felt similar to putting a Netflix series on in the background while you're doing other things, so you're not paying as close attention. A closer read, with the book in hand, brought to light the depth of Emma's mental health challenges that presented a dark, troubling story line that overshadowed the sweetness of the love affair. We invite you to listen to the podcast to hear the details of our discussion. Our next Book Club selection is Go As A River by Shelley Read. We attended workshops by Shelley at the Mountain Words Festival in May 2024, and were inspired by her story and experience of her first novel becoming an International Bestseller. We look forward to sharing insights from her workshops and the book. We'd love to have you joConnect with us!Join our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You might not always think of lists as a go to writing tool when you get stuck, but they're a tool you'll want to keep in your “writer's toolbox”. You'd be surprised how often lists appear in all types of literature, often hidden in lengthy prose, or within the lines of poetry. In this episode of the podcast, Stephanie leads the conversation, inspired by a workshop led by Leath Tonino at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte, CO in May 2024, focused on the list as a tool for enhancing your writing. Take a moment and think about where you find lists in your everyday life. You've just created a new list and a point of reference for yourself about how prevalent and useful lists are for writers. In a work of fiction, the description of a room can become a list, as the author provides details separated by commas that create a mental picture for the reader. You've probably never considered this to be a list because it doesn't fit the image that most often comes to mind of a vertical display of words going down an edge of a page. Of course, there are plenty of other opportunities for description of people, places, and things that appear throughout a novel. And now, you're going to start noticing it when you read, and remember that what started as a list can become important details in your work. Lists can become poems. Poetry most often appears like a list. Short sentences, single words, or short stanzas on a page. The economy of language to build an image or create a sensory experience for the reader. A poem can be inspired by a list of objects, names, or anything else. When you're developing characters, you have lists for traits, interests, behavior, and more. A list about your characters is created by brainstorming and writing your ideas as quickly as possible to dump your thoughts onto the page. They can be organized later. Your lists allow you to scan your ideas with ease and not get bogged down in a lot of words. There's the psychology of the “quick win” as a writer when you write lists. You've cleared your mind and improved your focus when you let your ideas flow in the form of a list. You tell yourself you've accomplished something for the day. Writing lists is, after all, writing. A great jumpstart when you get stuck and for keeping track of ideas. Lists are not reserved for fiction writers. They're for everyone, including nonfiction writers. In nonfiction, lists are used for writing observations, taking notes, and for presenting information. You've probably seen lists as a common approach across social media for journalists and bloggers hoping to get someone's attention. If you're still curious, and want to hear more details about using lists as a tool for inspiring your writing, go listen to Episode 35 of the podcast. When you're done listening, we hope you'll leave us a review, share it with a friend, and send us an email letting us know your thoughts.   Connect with us!Join our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Adapting Writing Practices to the Changing Seasons of Life, a conversation with your podcast hosts, Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. and Elizabeth WilsonAs a writer, you often find yourself navigating the ebbs and flows of life alongside your creative pursuits. This delicate balance becomes even more apparent during the summer months, as you may be faced with a disrupted schedule and demands for your time that are different from other times of the year. In this week's podcast, we share insights about how it's possible to adjust writing routines amidst the joys and demands of life and we offer you some points of reflection on the adaptability required in any writer's journey.Seasonal Shifts in WritingThe shifting seasons are often accompanied by changes in routine. This is not just true for our writing, but for many aspects of life. When summer arrives, we are met with the promise of freedom and adventure, but it also brings a distinct shift in routines for many families, which can be an added challenge as a creative with school-aged children. There can be a significant increase in caregiving responsibilities, adding to the complexity of your daily schedule, or you find yourself immersed in managing various commitments beyond your writing.It's okay if you're facing challenges when it comes to maintaining a consistent writing practice. You might need to try different strategies to see what works. In the podcast, we share how we attempted early morning and afternoon writing sessions only to find ourselves encountering interruptions and a lack of creative flow. Despite setbacks you might face, when you take time to acknowledge the challenges and give yourself grace in the process, you'll be able to prevent creative blocks and get back to your writing. Renewed Focus and CommunityThere's a cyclical nature to creative productivity. With the shifting schedules of summer, you might need more periods of rest and this doesn't equate to failure as a writer, but are essential phases of renewal for your creative pursuits. When you shift your perspective from self-criticism to self-care, you'll find yourself able to nurture yourself as a writer and sustain a long-term creative life.As summer is beginning to come to a close, at least where we are located, and the new school year is set to start, we know there will be more changes to your writing schedules. New challenges will arise, but taking this time in the summer to reflect will only help strengthen your writing. We also encourage you to find a community of writers, even if it's a small group of 2 or 3 or you, to connect with and provide each other with accountability, support, and guidance.  Celebrating YourselfYou are resilient amidst the ups and downs of life. When you embrace your adaptability, honor your  intuitive rhythms, and seek inspiration from diverse sources, you can thrive in any season. It's important to celebrate each “win” along the way no matter how big or small. Connect with us!Join our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

Facing the Shadow as You Write and Share Your WorkIn this week's episode, number 33, of the Inspired Writer Collective Podcast, Elizabeth speaks with psychotherapist, Catherine DeMonte, about the presence of the shadow and how it can emerge in your life and through your writing. What is “the shadow”? Every one of us has shadows in our life. They're the blocks that appear that prevent you from showing up fully in your life. They may come from past trauma, family narratives, or struggles you've faced. How can writer's show up authentically? When shadows present themselves, they often appear through memories, and when you have a repetitive memory it's important to stop and pay attention. Ask yourself: what is the theme of my memories? It's the same idea of bringing your shadow into the light in order to move forward and show up for yourself. It becomes more about your reader and less about you as the writer. Listen to the podcast to hear more about what Catherine DeMonte learned from writing her book and the benefits of writing memoir. Catherine DeMonte's Abundance Circles: Catherine is offering one of her Abundance Circles groups starting Thursday, July 18th at 6:30pm PST. You'll meet 8 times, discuss the 7 tools for powerful creation & living your unstoppable life, and devote two nights of discussion to shadow work. The group size is limited, but there are still a few spots left. Check it out here: https://www.catherinedemonte.com/8-sessiongroup  SPOTLIGHT on Catherine Demonte: Catherine DeMonte has been a licensed psychotherapist in Southern California for more than 25 years. She is also the author of a multi-award winning book: Beep! Beep! Get Out of My Way! Seven Tools for Powerful Creation & Living Your Unstoppable Life. She is the creator of 8-session online Abundance Circle groups for women. The 7 modern and ancient Law of Attraction tools in these groups help people finally call in what they have been desiring to have for a very long time. Their romantic partner to share life with. Financial freedom and flow. New jobs or moves to a specific city. These are some of the things participants have called in from the Circles and the book based on the powerful tools from them. The tools generate the inner and outer shifts that create lasting shifts.How can you connect with Catherine DeMonte?Website: www.catherinedemonte.com​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinedemonte/?hl=en​Connect with us!Join our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes and upcoming group programs for writers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Stephanie talks with ADHD Productivity expert, Ian Tenenbaum, about how to be more productive and embrace your ADHD. If you've felt overwhelmed and haven't been sure how to get started, this is an episode you don't want to miss. While the conversation centers around those with ADHD, there's something here for everyone, especially writers, who come to the blank page and are not sure what to do next. Who is Ian Tenenbaum?Ian has over 20 years of expertise in startups, led two companies to the Inc 500 and secured deals with Fortune 500 brands. Despite grappling with ADHD's challenges, he channeled immense energy into his ventures. Now, he's dedicated to building Accountable, a coaching platform for high performers with ADHD to realize their visions and reduce overwhelm.How can you connect with Ian Tenenbaum?https://www.linkedin.com/in/iantenenbaumhttps://www.instagram.com/accountable.liveIf you'd like to connect with the Inspired Writer Collective: Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/24be00b363The Inspired Writer Collective is a podcast and online writing community membership dedicated to the healing power of writing for telling your stories in any genre. Created by authors Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Wilson, it's a supportive online space to get more writing done, improve your craft, and strategically navigate your path to publishing. We offer weekly "Time to Write" sessions on Zoom for getting more writing done. You don't have to turn on your camera (though we'd love to see), but we'd love to meet you and encourage you on your writing journey. When you schedule time in your calendar, you're more likely to show up and it's even better when you're part of a community of writers. Subscribe to our channel for our weekly podcast videos and inspiration for your writing journey.Connect with us!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing tips, and upcoming offers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie discuss why "The Alchemist" is a book every writer, creative, and entrepreneur should read. They touch upon quotes that provide inspiration and guidance on your writing journey. We all have a "personal legend" to discover in our life, and when we follow the path to uncover who we're meant to be, the universe opens the doors to make it happen. It looks different for every person, and it might sound a bit "woo woo", but you'll discover "The Alchemist" is a book that you can go back to time and time again to reflect on your journey. Connect with us!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing tips, and upcoming offers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Elizabeth welcomes guest, Miriam Rachel, to discuss using tarot cards for finding writing inspiration. Miriam shares how she has used tarot in her own writing to provide insight into the benefits of using the cards for content planning, book writing, and personal development. Who is Miriam Rachel?Miriam Rachel, out of Toronto, Canada, is a tarot reader, astrologer, podcaster of The Tarot Table, and freelance writer who has also been a blogger for over a decade. She constantly contributes to publications such as AskAstrology, Calmoura, and Medium. She has discovered over the years how tarot can help you in ways that have nothing to do with divination, as she recently wrote about using tarot for self-reflection to set boundaries and to stop people-pleasing. She now helps bloggers never run out of ideas for topics by teaching them how to use tarot to bust writer's block.Where can you connect with Miriam Rachel?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miriamreadstarotWebsite: https://miriamreadstarot.com/Medium: https://msmir.medium.com/If you'd like to connect with the Inspired Writer Collective: Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/24be00b363The Inspired Writer Collective is a podcast and online writing community membership dedicated to the healing power of writing for telling your stories in any genre. Created by authors Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Wilson, it's a supportive online space to get more writing done, improve your craft, and strategically navigate your path to publishing. We offer weekly "Time to Write" sessions on Zoom for getting more writing done. You don't have to turn on your camera (though we'd love to see), but we'd love to meet you and encourage you on your writing journey. When you schedule time in your calendar, you're more likely to show up and it's even better when you're part of a community of writers. Subscribe to our channel for our weekly podcast videos and inspiration for your writing journey.Connect with us!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing tips, and upcoming offers!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Elizabeth talks with Brooks Elms about using screenwriting techniques to enhance your writing. With examples from Hollywood blockbusters to stories from our own lives, you won't want to miss the insights and writing guidance provided by Brooks Elms. From Brooks in this episode: There's a generosity and a curiosity that drives professional storytelling.  and it's not better than or less than, it's just different,  but it's really important that you get it clear. Who is Brooks Elms?My stories feature personal characters & gut-punch tension in thrillers and drama

In this episode, we share what we learned from sessions at the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte, CO focused on world building. While it's typically discussed heavily amongst science fiction and fantasy writers, we discovered there's a lot that can be applied to writing in other genres. The sessions featured authors Olivia Chadha and Paolo Bacigalupi.  Connect with us!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing tips, and upcoming offers!Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, we share nuggets of wisdom and insight from attending the Mountain Words Festival in Crested Butte, CO from May 24-26, 2024. There's a lot to learn from authors outside your own genre. It's easy to find yourself deeply immersed in your own genre, so in this episode we speak to the benefits of learning across genres. We attended a variety of sessions led by authors across a variety of genres who spoke about the writing process, idea generation, and experiences with the publishing process. The writing journey is unique for everyone. It's inspiring to hear from successfully published authors about being prepared for the long game of writing and being dedicated to your craft.Connect with us!Join our Inspired Writer's Group on Facebook! Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing tips, and upcoming offers!Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective Membership community click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Elizabeth chats with Lina AbiRafeh, Ph.D. about the parallels between searching for an agent and the world of dating. Lina gets to the heart of her memoir writing process and her experience searching for an agent. You won't want to miss this delightful and insightful conversation!Connect with Lina by signing up for her newsletter on her website: https://www.linaabirafeh.com/ ABOUT OUR GUEST: Lina AbiRafeh, PhD.Women's Rights Activist. Author. Speaker.Lina AbiRafeh is a global women's rights expert, speaker, and author with decades ofexperience worldwide in countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti, the Central African Republic,Papua New Guinea, and more. Lina serves a range of organizations in a senior advisorycapacity and sits on various international boards. She is also a fellow at the Council on ForeignRelations. Lina is a global speaker, media voice, and author of three books. She has receivednumerous awards and accolades for her work including the Gender Equality Top 100Worldwide.LINKS: Website: https://www.linaabirafeh.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-abirafeh-28774867/Twitter: @LinaAbiRafehInstagram: @LinaAbiRafehMedium: https://linaabirafeh.medium.com/Connect with the Inspired Writer Collective:Join our FREE Facebook Writing Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspiredwritercollectiveSubscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/24be00b363Join our online writing community membership for women memoir writers: https://inspired-writer-collective.mn.co/The Inspired Writer Collective is an online writing community membership for women memoir writers. Created by authors Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Wilson, it's a supportive online space to get more writing done, improve your craft, and strategically navigate your path to publishing. We offer weekly "Time to Write" sessions on Zoom for getting more writing done. You don't have to turn on your camera (though we'd love to see), but we'd love to meet you and encourage you on your writing journey. When you schedule time in your calendar, you're more likely to show up and it's even better when you're part of a community of writers. Subscribe to our channel for our weekly podcast videos and inspiration for your writing journey.Connect with us! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing aids, and upcoming offers! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective or Read Like A Writer book club, click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can locate all of them here on our YouTube channel.

In this week's episode, we're focused on writing craft with Elizabeth sharing a presentation on Showing vs. Telling that she presented for Central Colorado Writers. You can get the PDF of the presentation in the link below. At one time or another, we all struggle with this as writers to find the right balance in our manuscripts between showing and telling. There's a time and place for both. No matter where you are in your journey it's good to get back to basics. As Plato said: "There is no harm in repeating a good thing."   Get the presentation here: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/7b5ba70b69Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspired-writer-collective.ck.page/24be00b363Join our online writing community for women memoir writers: https://inspired-writer-collective.mn.co/The Inspired Writer Collective is an online writing community for women memoir writers. Created by authors Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D. & Elizabeth Wilson, it's a supportive online space to get more writing done, improve your craft, and strategically navigate your path to publishing. We offer weekly "Time to Write" sessions on Zoom for getting more writing done. You don't have to turn on your camera (though we'd love to see), but we'd love to meet you and encourage you on your writing journey. When you schedule time in your calendar, you're more likely to show up and it's even better when you're part of a community of writers. Subscribe to our channel for our weekly podcast videos and inspiration for your writing journey.Connect with us! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing aids, and upcoming offers! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective or Read Like A Writer book club, click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can locate all of them here on our YouTube channel.

A conversation with children's book author, Anandamayi Baker, about her inspiration for writing Bee-Coming Strong.  You can find Anandamayi Baker online at: https://anandamayibaker.com/ A note from Anandamayi Baker:As a child growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, nature served me as a protective friend. I would spend countless hours studying ants on their journey to and from their nests, fascinated by how they walked in continuous streams of small black lines, always seeming to know just what they were doing. Just being with these seemingly insignificant little beings was so calming to me. It helped me forget all my troubles and challenges by bringing me into an entirely different universe. Whether it was being with ants, lizards, frogs, bees, trees or weeds, nature uplifted me. My grandfather was a tremendous influence on me in terms of piquing my interest in the natural world. He was the one who helped us build boxes out of cardboard and collect the monarch caterpillars so that we could study them up close. It was a mind-blowing mystery for me to be able to feed them and observe as each became a beautiful chrysalis, complete with what looked like tiny golden jewels encircling it. And to watch them hatch? Pure and utter delight and wonder, a phenomenon that is amazing to see at any age. After graduating from UC Davis, I lived in both Idaho and Arizona, finally settling in southern California after finding my spiritual home with the Yoga Center of California. For many years I was blessed to work on magnificent Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, serving in the store and restaurant that are owned by the Yoga Center.  Living on Palomar placed me in a wonderland for engaging nature. The innumerable stars at night, the brilliant blue skies in the day, the heady fragrance of the pines and oaks, the rocks, butterflies, birds – a feast for all the senses. And I was completely charmed by the bees who used to walk around the palms of my hands when I meditated outside in the forest. It felt magical. When children connect with nature something marvelous can manifest. I think it is one of the most important gifts we can give them. Feeling connected to nature can be transformative for children, allowing them to move beyond themselves and their challenges into something much greater and grander. It can help foster a respect for nature and for life itself, which I believe is crucial not only for our beleaguered planet, but also for helping us appreciate the interdependence of all of life. Children who feel at home in nature tend to become more inquisitive about this incredible planet we share. Feeling connected to nature can help children and adults alike feel happier and more whole and inquisitive about this incredible planet we share. I desire to plant seeds of curiosity about life both within and around us. I want to share tools that have enabled me to find inner peace and fulfillment beyond my dreams. What I write about comes from my own experiences. I hope you find some gems that will serve you and your children. Together we may thrive!Connect with us! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing aids, and upcoming offers! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective or Read Like A Writer book club, click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can locate all of them here on our YouTube channel.

Are you a more introverted writer? If so, the thought of having to put your face anywhere online to market yourself or your book might feel like a daunting task.So overwhelming that you freeze and don't move forward to promote your book.In this episode, Stephanie discusses ideas for building your author platform that don't involved the need to show up with your face everywhere online. It's been a topic on her mind because she's not always the biggest fan of showing up, even though she does it here for the podcast, but when thinking about her author platform it's not her top priority to put her face in all the online spaces. This is the first of many discussions to come on our YouTube channel about tech for building your author platform.Connect with us! Schedule a coffee chat with Elizabeth or Stephanie!Join our email list for first to know information about weekly podcast episodes, writing aids, and upcoming offers! To get more information about joining our Inspired Writer Collective or Read Like A Writer book club, click here.If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can locate all of them here on our YouTube channel.