Inspired Writer Collective Podcast

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....

We welcome our guest, Dr. Christiane Schroeter, to the show to talk about the four key elements of a pitch for marketing your book to agents and readers. Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a Business & Wellness Coach known for her European flair. She helps women improve their health and confidence so they can show up for their life & business differently. Christiane has a Ph. D. in Health Economi...

Outline your way to a finished book. In this episode, we talk about the benefits of outlining to help get you to the finish line with your book. We share about our own experiences and Elizabeth gives a sneak peek into how she's helping writers in her memoir course approach outlining. Send us Fan Mail  Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write you...

In this episode, Elizabeth and I talk about how to regain perspective when life throws you curve balls. It all started with Spring Break with our kiddos and some unexpected life events that made it feel like progress on our writing was slow. But, we discuss different ways we've found to reframe our experiences and focus them towards our writing. There's a lot that can be pulled from life...

Don't hesitate, get started writing your memoir. In this episode, Elizabeth shares about her Memoir Master Cohort Course that will set you up with an outline for your memoir along with determining your core message. Elizabeth is currently in the editing phase of her memoir, and so she knows the pitfalls and roadblocks that can get in your way when you're just getting started. Her course...

This episode is Part 2 in a short series focused on publishing. We discuss the indie publishing route and what you should know about distinguishing this from trying to do all of the work yourself. While indie publishing is a form of self-publishing, we make the distinction that it's different because it becomes like a team sport. You surround yourself with the people who will help you succeed...

In this episode, Elizabeth shares details from an online writing conference she attended focused on publishing. You'll learn about what agents want to see from you when you're considering a traditional publisher. For example, what you should know about pitching your book to an agent, and what will help you catch their attention. You'll also hear tips about writing your query letter....

We're excited to welcome Ashleigh Sinclaire, author and performer of The Mother Monologues, to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. Ashleigh shares about her journey with her mother, who lived with her during the last years of her life, and how that experience became a gift for her creative process. Through the process of writing The Mother Monologues , Ashleigh discovered a path to healin...

In this episode, we discuss a common block that writers face wondering what others, especially family and friends, will think when they read their book. Is the memoir too honest?  Is the romance too steamy? What should be taken into consideration when writing your book. Send us Fan Mail  Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape t...

For the month of February, we selected the book Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver to read for our Read Like a Writer Book Club . In this episode, we discuss the challenge of not being able to finish the book. We tried to glean insights from the book to apply to our own writing, but we found we were disappointed by the similarity to Dickens' classic David Copperfield. While the book gaine...

In this episode, we talk about how in the world you can carve out time to write. We share our own struggles with finding time to write. The resistance that comes from wanting everything to be great the first time words hit the page. Allowing for time to play with your writing and valuing yourself on your writing journey.  Send us Fan Mail  Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you'...

Discover the dynamic world of publishing as the hosts share insights from Stephanie's recent attendance at the AWP conference. Exploring the shift from self-publishing to small presses, the Elizabeth and Stephanie discuss the importance of research and finding the right fit for your work. The episode covers experiences at the conference, where Stephanie engaged with small presses, learned sub...

In this podcast episode, Elizabeth shares her experience of starting a non-fiction book through a 30-day writing program. She initially had two ideas, one about financial coaching and the other about finding community after relocating. The prompts guided her in defining the target audience and key message. However, the book ended up with a blend of memoir and self-help, creating a challenge during...

This is the first monthly installment of the Read Like A Writer book club reflections.  Elizabeth and Stephanie, share their takeaways from genre-specific books they read for the month of January. Stephanie discusses a contemporary romance novel "Yours Truly" by Abby Jimenez. She emphasizes key takeaways related to chapter openings and closings, effective use of dialogue, and the art of...

This episode is Part 2 of a multi-week discussion of first chapter dos and don'ts. In this podcast episode, Stephanie and Elizabeth discuss common pitfalls and challenges in writing the first chapter of a book. They emphasize the importance of avoiding an overly slow opening, generic or cliched beginnings, overwritten prose, excessive descriptive detail, backstory or info dumping, a list-like...

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of crafting compelling first chapters that hook readers from the start. This is Part 1 of a 2-week series on first chapter challenges. In this episode, we explore the key objectives of the first chapter, from engaging the reader with the story and characters to setting the mood and kickstarting the plot development. We discuss common pitfalls and stylistic...

In this podcast episode, the hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, discuss their experiences with writing in a community setting. They share the benefits of having a scheduled time for writing, the accountability it provides, and the inspiration they draw from interacting with other writers. The conversation emphasizes the power of community in providing motivation, immediate feedback, and a sense of co...

In this episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie explore various aspects of writing and the craft of storytelling. They delve into topics such as the importance of rest and balance for writers, intentional goal-setting, managing business aspects while maintaining focus on writing projects, and the value of reading like a writer. They discuss the significance of exploring different genres and styles, analy...

In this episode, Stephanie and Elizabeth share insights into the delicate balance of parenting and personal projects. They discuss the challenges of returning from holidays and dealing with the aftermath of COVID, all while juggling their creative pursuits.  Stephanie shares their progress on a book, inspired by the captivating storytelling of Abby Jimenez, specifically diving into the complexitie...

Join Elizabeth and Stephanie in this episode as they delve into the importance of creating a balance between dedicated writing time and intentional rest. The hosts kick off by discussing the community's upcoming events and resources, including weekly prompts focusing on self-reflection as writers. The main focus of the episode revolves around the concept of "Time to Write" within th...

Send us Fan Mail  Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community...

This podcast episode explores the hesitation people often feel about writing memoirs, fearing it may come across as egotistical or self-centered. Stephanie and Elizabeth share stories from their local writers' group, highlighting the universal appeal of well-crafted memoirs. They discuss the power of relatability and the ability of memoirs to evoke emotions and nostalgia. The hosts emphasize...

In this podcast episode, Stephanie and Elizabeth discuss the challenges and strategies related to establishing a sustainable writing schedule. Stephanie shares her background as a former K-12 educator and current exploration of contemporary romance writing under the pen name Sarah Monet. Elizabeth talks about working on her debut memoir for almost a year. The hosts emphasize the importance of the...