Creating Happy Writers

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can stop even the most experienced professionals in their tracks when writing a book. In another mindset-focused episode, we tackle the age-old question, "Who the hell are you to write a book?" and explore why these limiting beliefs hold us back from sharing our expertise with the world. During the episode, you’ll discover: Why we struggle with self-doubt when writ...

As a parent, are you looking for accessible, practical advice on supporting your child's mental health? This month's guest has just what you need. Dr Beth Mosley, NHS Clinical Psychologist and author of 'Happy Families', joins me for an insightful conversation about supporting children's mental health in today's digital world. Drawing from over 20 years of NHS experience, Beth shares her expertise...

What would you do if you were writing your first business book in 2025? In this episode, I share the seven key strategies I wish I'd known when writing my first book and how you can use them to finally get your expertise onto the page. Listen to discover: Why waiting to feel "ready" is holding you back from becoming an author (and what to do instead) The power of writing for one specific person wh...

Ever wondered what really happens when you send your manuscript to an editor? Or how other authors navigate the journey from first draft to published book?  In this second part of my special compilation episode, six incredible authors and publishing professionals share their honest experiences and practical wisdom. From transforming academic work into reader-friendly content to overcoming the fear...

There's no 'one size fits all' approach to building your author platform - but there are proven strategies that can help you find your own authentic path. In this special compilation episode, featuring highlights from some of Creating Happy Writers' most insightful conversations of 2024, six guest authors and industry experts share their invaluable insights on everything from email marketing to ma...

Have you ever had that gut feeling that it's time to make a change but struggled to trust your intuition? Or wondered what it would take to pursue that creative dream you've had since childhood?   You’ll definitely want to listen to this episode with my guest, Amber Byers.   Amber is the head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international writing contest celebrating creativi...

Understanding our writer’s voice can feel tricky. After all, we want to sound as though we know what we’re talking about, but with that comes the risk of sounding a little dull or dry.  After all, when reading your favourite books, one thing that keeps you turning the pages is the author’s voice, right? So, when writing your book, you’ll want to be sure you’re sharing your unique writing voice, to...

Creating the perfect writing space is often seen as a major barrier to writing success. In this episode, I challenge the myth of the perfect writing environment and explore how any space can become your creative sanctuary. Listen to this episode to discover: Why waiting for the perfect space will hold you back from achieving your writing goals How consistent writing spaces train your brain for bet...

For female entrepreneurs and experts writing their books, there's one challenge that rarely gets discussed: how hormonal changes can impact everything from our writing routine to our confidence in sharing our expertise. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my experience, as well as ideas, to help you keep writing through it all. You’ll discover: The unexpected ways hormones can impact our writing p...

How often do you use storytelling in your business? Perhaps often. But how often do you share your story, and how does it make you feel when you do? For many small business owners, it makes us feel vulnerable, and we lose confidence in using our voices in the way that feels right for us. Luckily, this month’s guest author is here to help us. Hilary Salzman is a business storyteller, writer, podcas...

You know that moment when someone asks to read your writing and suddenly you have a hundred reasons why it's "not quite ready"?  Your throat gets a little tight, and you sheepishly shut your laptop before anything can be read. Yup, we’ve all been there. But here's the thing - that uncomfortable feeling isn't just normal, it's necessary.  And today, in this special re-released episode, I’ll show yo...

Every writer needs a compass to guide their journey. In this episode, we explore the power of personal writing principles and how they can transform your writing practice from scattered to structured, from overwhelming to achievable. After a decade of writing and publishing, I'm sharing the ten principles that have shaped my writing journey - not as a rigid rulebook but as inspiration for developi...

Discover the ancient wisdom that could transform your modern life! In this episode, we dive into "The Paleo Life: Stone Age Wisdom for Modern Times" by Clare Foges, a book that bridges the gap between our Stone Age ancestors and our screen-filled present. Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and stimuli in today's world? You're not alone. Clare Foges explores how we can lea...

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform academic research into a compelling business book or been interested in how to navigate the challenging world of book distribution as a self-published author, this guest episode is for you! Dr Nia Thomas is the Director of Thoughts and Ideas at Knowing Self, Knowing Others, and an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership. She practises s...

Ever feel like you're your own worst enemy when it comes to writing? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the internal struggle many writers face and explore how to turn that inner critic into your biggest cheerleader. We all have negative thoughts that can prevent us from making progress on our books. But what if we could transform that inner dialogue and become our own writing ally? I...

If you've ever struggled with writer's block or felt overwhelmed by the prospect of writing a book, this episode is for you.  It’s a candid exploration of my own writing journey, where I discuss the challenges and triumphs of returning to writing after a period of burnout. You'll discover: Why taking a compassionate approach to your writing process can lead to better results and increased creativi...

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you’ve probably wondered how the heck you can fit it into your busy life. With a business to run, family commitments to stick to and, quite frankly, a bloomin’ life to lead, it can feel impossible. But in this episode, we explore how dedicating just 30 minutes a day to writing can help you achieve your author ambitions, even with a busy schedule.  You’l...

Ever wondered how to navigate the complex world of self-publishing? Curious about the insider secrets of Amazon categories and the true value of editing?  This is the episode for you! Becky Warrak is an author and the owner of Raven Crest Books, a publishing services company for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses with a book. She guides them through the publishing...

You’re thinking of writing a business-boosting book in your niche, but is now the right time? It’s a question I’m repeatedly asked, so I’m here in this first episode of Season 3 to give you three simple ways to discover if you should start now or wait. You’ll learn: Three crucial questions to determine if you're ready to write your business book An underlying mindset shift that transforms your boo...

If you took small yet consistent action with your marketing over the next 3 months, could they turn out to be the best 90 days ever in your business? If today’s guest has anything to say about it, then definitely! Hannah Isted is the founder of HI Communications, supporting small business owners with their digital marketing. She’s the creator of The Best 90 Days Ever, a marketing membership that s...

Book eight is on the way! Over the summer break, I’ll be heading into the fun and games of my first draft, and I thought you’d find it interesting - and helpful - to hear how I’ll be preparing, as well as the process I’ll be going through to get it over the finish line.  During the episode, you'll discover: My 3 step process that I use every time I sit down to write the first draft of a new book H...

Every year in Newcastle, there’s an annual sales and marketing event for small businesses called Atomicon - and this year, I went along to listen to some great speakers and learn more about building a successful business. Rather brilliantly, I found that while much of the advice given was great for small business success, a lot of it was also applicable to writing success.  In this week’s episode,...

Getting super clear on who we’re writing for and why is really important before you write a single word of your book. Once you know, you’ll feel far more inspired to write and also a heck of a lot more confident.  But more than that, your book will work hard for you and attract the right people to your world. In this week’s episode, you'll discover: Why it’s important to consider your target audie...

Do you look forward to each and every writing session? Do you sometimes struggle to find the joy - especially when you’re knee-deep in the first draft?  If so, on this week’s podcast, I’ve got a wonderful conversation for you to listen to. Natalya Androsova is an award-winning writing and dissertation coach with over two decades of teaching and coaching experience. She has coached professional wri...

Chapter structure - sounds like a yawnfest, right? But before you assume this is one for the insomniacs out there, let me just say it’s something most authors struggle with when attempting to write their first non-fiction/business book in their niche.  Why? Because it’s something we assume will be simple, but when we come to do it, it actually feels rather confusing! Fear not, though. Structure is...