Creating Happy Writers

In this final episode of Season 3, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a little business declutter - Marie Kondo style. This solo episode is part honest reflection, part permission slip. Because after a brilliant season of conversations with authors, creatives and publishing pros, I’ve found myself craving more space, more simplicity… and fewer 'shoulds'. So I’m tidying up. That includes how I wo...

Have you ever wondered what really happens after you publish your book, and how to keep the momentum going long after launch day? In this episode, I’m delighted to welcome Sara Dalrymple BACK to the podcast. My first-ever returning guest - and one of the most popular! Sara is a speaker, educator, and thought leader on the art of selling yourself as a personal brand. Recognised for her bold, forwar...

When life falls apart, where do you begin putting yourself back together? In this episode of the Creating Happy Writers podcast, I chat to Dr Laura Williams. Laura is a clinical psychologist, private therapist, trauma specialist, online course creator, and media contributor.  She is also a widow and mum, who had to put all her psychological expertise into practice when faced with the sudden death...

Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of a major indie publishing event — and what non-fiction writers can learn from the world of fiction authors? In this episode, I’m sharing my top takeaways from the Self Publishing Show Live in London. While the event is primarily aimed at fiction authors, I came away with so many ideas and insights that are just as valuable if you’re wr...

Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty, but still trying to write, create, and keep all the plates spinning? In this episode of Creating Happy Writers , I chat with the brilliant Hazel Anderson Turner — psychologist, coach, and author of Coaching Through Burnout . Hazel brings a grounded, compassionate voice to a topic that so many of us quietly carry: burnout.  Especially the kind that c...

You know the feeling. You’ve got a book inside you (maybe five), a business to run, and a to-do list that’s breeding overnight. But still, you want to write it. You want to finish it. You want to be that woman. The one who actually did it. This episode is a love letter (and a bit of a kick up the bum) to that version of you. I’m sharing the 10 traits that I’ve noticed in the women I work with who...

This episode is a little different. And a little brilliant (if I do say so myself). Because for Episode 100, I’m flipping the mic — and being interviewed by someone who knows me almost better than I know myself! That someone is the utterly brilliant Kay Ribeiro — journalist, editor, scriptwriter, BAFTA judge and all-round creative powerhouse — and also one of my oldest (and dearest) friends.  She...

Writing a book is a long game. There will be highs, lows and a few “why did I even start this?” days. But if you want to actually finish the thing (and enjoy the process a little more), there’s one thing that makes all the difference: your energy. In this episode, I’m talking about the power of being obsessed with your book — not in a tattoo-the-title-on-your-arm kind of way — but in a grounded, f...

Is it burnout… or are you just ready for more? If you’ve built the business, served the clients, shared your expertise on every platform going — but now you’re craving more space, more depth, more meaning — it might not be a crisis. It might be your Author Era calling.  In this episode, I’m diving into why so many experienced, midlife female founders are feeling this exact shift — and why writing...

Is your book quietly (or loudly) refusing to leave you alone? That might not be a coincidence — it could be your soul trying to get a word in. In this episode of Creating Happy Writers , I chat with the brilliant Nicola Humber about what happens when writing a book becomes less of a strategic decision and more of a deep inner pull.  Nicola is the author of four transformational books, Heal Your In...

What if your next right step feels completely out of character, yet completely right at the same time? In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a decision that’s surprised even me: exploring traditional publishing for my next book.  Yes, me — the die-hard self-publishing advocate. Yes, the same person who tells you not to wait for permission. Have I had a personality transplant? No. A...

Have you ever felt like your life is too cluttered to make space for your writing? Do you wonder if there's a simpler way to live that would free up your creative energy? Well, this month’s guest and I talk about all of this - and so much more! Elisabeth McKetta is a storyteller and the author of thirteen books across genres, including "Edit Your Life" (2023). Her work includes numerous published...

Writing a book without really knowing your reader’s journey is a bit of an insult to them - and can be THE thing that means they finish your book and love it… or they don’t. When you’re writing, sometimes you’re so wrapped up in what YOU want to write about that you almost forget the reader exists.  Now I’m pretty confident you’re not like that. But it’s easy to slip into writing a book without co...

Ever felt like you've hit a ceiling in your business? Like you know you're an expert, but somehow you're not reaching the right people or making the impact you know you're capable of? In this episode, I share a recent conversation with one of my brilliant authors that sparked a major realisation about why we write books and what's really holding women back from claiming their expertise. I explore:...

Is your book working as hard for your business as it should be? In this episode, I talk with book marketing strategist Melanie Herschorn about turning your expertise into a powerful authority-building tool. Melanie wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. A publisher and book marketing strategist for attorneys, wealth consultants, and business owners worldwide, she's on a missio...

Ever found yourself slumped over your laptop, cursing the day you ever thought writing a book was a good idea? You're not alone.  Writing a book is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do - and there's a reason why most people who start one never finish. But why exactly is it so damn hard? In this episode, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of book writing and why we find ourselves...

Did you know we're 22 times more likely to remember stories than facts alone? No wonder my sister's dog, Goldie, has become the unexpected star of my book, Dare to Write! Our brains are wired for stories - it helps them make sense of the world around them - so let’s use them to our advantage as non-fiction authors! This week on the Creating Happy Writers podcast, I'm diving into the world of story...

Half of UK adults no longer read for pleasure. In today's world of 90-second TikToks and instant AI answers, can nonfiction books still grab readers? In this episode, I reveal the nine critical elements that separate those forgettable, yawn-inducing business books from those that fly off shelves and change lives.  Listen to find out:  How to create "switch-flicking" content rather than just stuff...

Ever wondered how to truly understand what your customers want? Is market research something only big companies with massive budgets can afford to do well? I don’t know about you but it always feels like a minefield to me! Luckily for us, this month’s brilliant Behind the Book episode with Katie Tucker is here to answer all our questions - and more!  Katie is the award-winning author of "Do Pengui...

Ever wondered what the real, unfiltered journey of writing a book looks like—even for an experienced author? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on my recent six-month first draft process, revealing the ups, downs, and unexpected lessons learned while rediscovering my love for writing. Discover why I made the difficult decision to pivot from my cozy crime novel to non-fiction after nine month...

That blank page staring back at you isn't just intimidating – it's entirely unnecessary. In this episode, I reveal why your content archives are the overlooked treasure trove that will transform your book-writing process.  After eight books and countless first drafts, I've learned that starting from scratch is often the least efficient path to authorship. Especially when the brilliant content you...

I get a bit spicy in this episode (in the best possible way) about why writing a book isn't just another business task to tick off - it's your ticket to the stages and spaces that have been missing female voices for far too long. Key takeaways from this episode: Why conference organisers are desperately seeking women who can back up their brilliance with a book Why your "I'm not ready yet" story i...

Ever wondered why self-help books haven't quite delivered the transformation they promised? Or why, despite consuming endless personal development content, you still find yourself searching for answers? This month’s guest is here to help. Georgia Holleran enjoys exploring what life is all about and helping others do the same. With a background in the arts, education and research, she has spent ove...

The mid-book slump is real, and in this episode, I'm sharing my unfiltered truth about getting through it - both as a book coach and as someone currently slogging through those final 10,000 words myself. Key takeaways from this episode: The truth about why your "perfect" writing routine is actually holding you back (and the ridiculously simple fix you're probably resisting) Why editing while writi...

Ever wondered how some authors manage to create such a powerful movement that readers literally tattoo their words on their bodies?  In this episode, I'm diving into Mel Robbins' latest book, The Let Them Theory – and sharing why it's not just another self-help book but a practical tool taking the world by storm.  Listen to discover: My journey with Mel's work - from discovering The 5 Second Rule...