Breaking Writer's Block

I absolutely love a big twist in a story...when it's done well. In today's episode, I share two very simple but powerful tips to help you write effective twists that will both surprise and satisfy your readers. Happy writing!

Plot bunnies. Shiny New Idea Syndrome. Whatever you call it, most authors have dealt with it--the overwhelm and indecision that comes from having many different ideas you want to write but not having the time to write them all. The good news is, you CAN write them all...just not at the same time. In today's episode I give you some tips to help you decide which projects to focus on first. Happy...

When you share your favorites, don't forget to include your own art on the list. Happy Writing!

Have you ever looked at another author's publication schedule and wonder how they can possibly write so quickly? In today's episode, I discuss the common assumptions around writing speed and the importance of finding and honoring your own pace. Happy writing!

So much of how we feel day to day is based on how closely our reality lines up with our expectations. By managing your expectations about your writing and author career, you can let yourself dream big while still protecting yourself from the devastation of not meeting your expectations. In today's episode, I discuss what that looks like and how to manage your expectations while still taking ri...

What does a day in your life look like as a successful author? In today's episode, I have an exercise for you to do that will help you lay out the future of your writing career and lay out a practice that you can stick to, that will honor, and that will enrich your life. Happy writing!

How can you stay in the flow of a draft when you hit speed bumps in your writing? In today's episode, I give you a quick, practical tip to help keep you writing forward. Happy writing!

Discover the wisdom of John Steinbeck and explore the art of writing as a journey rather than a destination! In this episode, I discuss Steinbeck's advice to "Abandon the idea that you are ever going to finish." It's time to embrace the practice of writing, savoring each step and finding joy in the surprises that unfold one page at a time. Happy writing!

Solve any problem that comes your way by remembering to POP! Whether it's a story-level problem or a big-picture author career problem, these steps will help you find your solution. Huge thanks to Susie Moore for this method of problem solving. Check her out at Susie-Moore.com and listen to her podcast, Let It Be Easy , every morning. It's a delightful podcast. Happy writing!

How do you stay motivated long enough to write an entire book? In today's episode, I answer my most frequently asked question...by giving my most frequent (and possibly most frustrating) writing advice. Happy writing!

One of the most important things a writer can do is learn how to finish a book. In today's episode, I talk about why this skill is so vital to jumpstarting your author career. Happy writing!

Unleash Your Writing Confidence! In today's episode, I talk about the writing pitfall you need to avoid. Say NO to self-doubt and stop prefacing your work with "I know it's bad." Discover why owning your craft empowers you to thrive as a writer. Happy writing!

If consistently showing up to the page and writing is supposed to make writing easier, why does each book you write feel harder to write than the one before? Let's discuss. Happy writing!

It's the most prevalent writing advice out there: you need to write every day. You hear it all the time, from all kinds of writers. But is it actually true? In today's episode, I examine this advice and break down what it means for you and your writing practice. Happy writing!

Today, we answer the very first listener question on Breaking Writer's Block, and the answer might surprise you. Happy writing!

Today I have two very simple phrases to share with you. They are only two words each, but they both have the power to change your life and improve your writing practice and career as you apply them to the thoughts and stories that are keeping you small. Happy writing!

Salvador Dali did it, as did Thomas Edison...learn how many of the greats used very short naps to tap into their creativity and have amazing creative breakthroughs--and how you can do it too! Happy writing!

We've all been there: excited about our story and wanting to write...but still finding ourselves resisting the actual writing. Why do you resist writing? And how can you overcome the resistance? Today's episode answers those questions. Happy writing!

There is a LOT of writing advice out there, but not all of it is helpful. Today's episode is all about a problem most writing advice has...and a quick mental reframe you can make to get past the problem and make the advice work for you. Happy writing!

Goals are amazing motivators and a great way to help us achieve our dreams...but what do you do when it turns out your goal is the thing that is stopping you from getting closer to what you want? In today's episode, I discuss setting Good Enough Goals that will help you avoid the Big Goal Overwhelm that freezes you and keeps you from chasing your dreams. Happy writing!

All successful authors--all successful people in general--have one thing in common. In today's short episode, I'll let you in on the secret of what that is!

You've heard it before: You don't FIND time to write; you MAKE time to write. But it's a lot easier to say than it is to do. So how do you actually make time to write? In today's episode, I give you two vastly different methods to test out to help you create a sustainable writing routine that fits with your busy life. Happy writing!

Some days we thrive, and some days we simply survive. Forcing yourself to thrive on a day when your brain and body only have the energy to survive can send you into burnout and make your writing much harder than it needs to be. So how do you deal with survival days in your writing routine? In today's episode, I cover exactly that. Happy writing!

Are you struggling to figure out what happens next in your book? In today's episode, I have two simple tricks to help you unlock your creativity when you don't have any ideas. Happy writing!

Writer's indecision is one of the things that can freeze you in your tracks and stop you from writing. The fear of choosing the wrong path is one that keeps many writers from writing at all. But there's one simple mindset shift you can take to help you leave writer's decision in the rearview mirror forever, and I share that shift in today's episode!