Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer

Where I’ve Been

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s been more than two years since I last posted an episode to this show. Here’s a little update about where I’ve been and what I’m doing now...

Josh Harris on publishing regret and how to keep writing

16 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever voiced an idea or opinion, and then wished you could take it back?As people who like sharing our stories with the world, we've like...

Thad Cockrell: When is my Big Break?

09 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever asked, "When is my big break?"Thad has been a musician for years, and he was about to move on in his life when he got a call f...

Caroline Cook: When is Your Window to Write?

02 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

When is the right time to publish?And, can a “normal” (and busy) person like me actually write a book? Writer, speaker, teacher Caroline Cook has...

Memoir: How to write about the people who hurt you

26 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has that one person (or people) in their lives: the people who have made life difficult. They might be loved, hated, or just inconveniently a...

Julie Broad on the surprising advantages of self publishing

19 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're writing a book for the first time, chances are you're hoping to traditionally publish. What most first-time authors don't kn...

Alexander Fields: Ask a literary agent

12 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

One of the top questions we get here at Find Your Voice is: "How do I find a literary agent?"On this episode, we talk with literary agent Al...

Meredith Heller: Poetry as a lifeline

05 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What do you think of when you hear the word "poetry"? Maybe "difficult" or "boring"? But what about "lifeline"...

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

29 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Not sure if you should self-publish or go for a traditional contract?Author and expert writing coach Allison Fallon debunks the myth that self-publish...

Jill Phillips: how to turn memories into memoir

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us want to pass down family memories, so the next generation can know what it was like back then. But how do we transform our memories into...

FYV Staff Picks: Summer Reads with Substance

15 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 We're all about summer beach reads—but we also know that not everyone is looking for light poolside distraction. For those of you wanting a b...

Kirbee Miller on Writing While Balancing it All

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever thought, "I want to write a book, but I'm not sure if I have time for it," then may we introduce you to Kirbee Mill...

Shari Medini: Writing a Book with Your Friend

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So many people write to support their business and bolster their credibility. Sometimes, that book is a group project.Writing a book with another pers...

How to Overcome Writers Block and Other Secrets of the Creative Life

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever started a creative project and somewhere along the way become ... stuck? Creative block is part of the process. And we're curious h...

Mary Marantz: How do I make my story interesting?

17 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

 If you have a dream of writing a personal story, but worry that your story isn't interesting, this episode is for you.Author, podcaster, and pu...

Amy Young on the Gift of Burnout

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us are burnt out: but, for some of us, it's not our fault. We've been led to believe lies about what we need or what we should be...

Seven Books Every Writer Should Own

03 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

What books should I read as a writer?As writers, we owe a lot to other writers: they are the people who inspired us in the first place, and they are t...

Enuma Okoro: Writing as Soul Care

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever dreamt of having more than one writing desk, this episode is for you.Enuma Okoro is an award-winning author. Among many other plac...

Laura Tremaine: what to do when you feel alone

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If so many of us feel lonely, what keeps us from reaching out to other people? Laura Tremaine is host of the podcast 10 Things to Tell You and author ...

Katie Gustafson on how the Enneagram helps us rewrite our stories

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You may have heard of the Enneagram: the personality typing system that we mention fairly frequently on this show. This episode, therapist and Enneagr...

Ashley Abercrombie: So you're a ghostwriter?

06 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

You may have heard the term “ghostwriter.” And you might have some questions. (So did the author write the book or not?)Not every author comes up ...

Why you should write your life story even if no one reads it

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We all have our doubts.  Maybe you want to write your story, but you're not sure: not sure it's worth the effort, not sure you want to publ...

Morgan Harper Nichols: wondering if your words connect

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Artist, poet, musician and author Morgan Harper Nichols' work has already touched so many people's lives—including ours! This episode, she...

Sandie Spotts on Cultivating a Love of Reading in Young Kids

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So often, it's a childhood love of books and reading which inspires our own writing. But what makes a kid excited about reading and writing?  Ho...

Sara Lewis on making your personal story public

08 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us are so focused on getting our stories out there that we forget that becoming "known" has consequences. When you decide to publ...

Elyse Murphy on advocating for yourself through your words

01 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is there someone in your life trying to silence you? How do you fight for your voice when you are challenged, and what do you do when that resistance ...

Five Myths About How Books Get Written

25 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you doubt if you really have what it takes to write a book. On this episode, Allison Fallon names five common myths about how books get written—...

Melissa Joulwan on going against your audience to find your voice

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Is it worth writing even if no one will pay attention?Melissa wrote a best-selling cookbook back in the height of the Paleo movement called Well Fed. ...

Amy Wolff on doing something in the face of hopelessness

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But what do we do when we feel hopeless?On this episode, author, speaking coach, and founder...

Jessica Martindale: Can writing be therapy?

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach the anniversary of the 2020 shutdown, we all need a place to process. Author and writing coach Allison Fallon often praises journaling...

Audrey Assad: On healing, creativity, and showing up as yourself

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There's no getting around it: over time, we change.  As the world shifts and as you change with it, you might find that your creativity is what ...

Mark McGuinness: Make your creativity your security

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you're living in an unstable world? (We sure do!)Today's guest,  poet and a creative coach Mark McGuinness, outlines how w...

Bunmi Laditan: writing (as a mother) in the margins of your day

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mothers notoriously have no time in the day and no grace for themselves. Bunmi Laditan, writer and mother living in Quebec, Canada, does it differentl...

John White: Writing myself into freedom

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the face of collective, systemic problems—where does one start? Poet, entrepreneur, tech hybrid investor John Lee Gaston White has a suggestion: ...

Alex Hudgens on leaving her Hollywood dream job

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes we get what we want in life ... and it's not what we imagined. Despite the fact that there were a lot of glamorous elements to her wor...

Dr. Eric Maisel on how know you (and your work) matter

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you matter? Like—really matter? If you do feel like you matter, how do you know? Today’s guest is a man who argues that one way...

Allison Fallon: a Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Most people go their whole lives without ever actually saying what's on their hearts. Yet we all have something we want to say. What's getti...

Ruthie Lindsey on Writing and Chronic Pain: The Power of Writing it Down Part 6

07 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this final episode of our special podcast series called The Power of Writing it Down, I talk with my friend and someone you probably have heard abo...

Who actually has time to write? The Power of Writing it Down Part 5

31 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe you want to write — but life gets in the way. You’re busy, you’re tired. You don’t have a cabin in the woods. How do all of these people...

Who Gets to Be A Writer? The Power of Writing it Down Part 4

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Who gets to be a writer? It’s a question so many people ask themselves. On today’s episode, I chat with some voices you’ll recognize, including...

Can I write myself a new story? The Power of Writing it Down Part 3

17 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If your life was a movie, what kind of story would it be?Do you ever wish you could... pick a new story? (hint: you can!)This week you’ll hear, agai...

What if change were just one sentence away? The Power of Writing it Down Part 2

10 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The big secret about writing is: it doesn’t actually have to be that hard. It’s really simple to tap into the therapeutic aspects of writing. Thi...

Why is writing so hard for me? The Power of Writing It Down Part 1

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If I’m really a writer, why is writing so hard for me? Most people are shocked to find that writing is not only hard for them, it’s hard for anyon...

Nicole Gulotta: Writing with the (changing) Seasons

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

You know how sometimes no matter how hard you try to write, you just can’t seem to get any words on the page? Hello 2020. Today,  poet, writer, two...

Hilary Billings on how to live into confidence

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Do you consider yourself a confident person? If not, what's getting in your way? Not only has Hilary Billings interviewed some of the biggest cel...

Christine Owenell: how to move through (and utilize) chaos

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The chaos of 2020 can make us feel like our lives are going off track. But what if the frustrating detours of life weren't detours at all? Christ...

Kim Chestney: how to overcome your intuition block

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No matter who you are, it's sometimes difficult to access your intuition. Kim Chestney, author, creative business incubator, and intuition expert...

Ally's birth story: How to use writing to work through trauma

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when the story we've been working towards takes a sharp turn? What do we do when, despite our best attempts to prepare, difficult an...

Tim Schurrer on setting mindset for success

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why are some people happier and more successful than others? And is there anything we can do to move ourselves from here (discontent, striving, always...

Brittany Ross: Did you feel empowered?

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So often are we wonder, "Did I do it the 'right way'?"But what if, instead, we asked ourselves, "Did I feel empowered by that...

Hannah Brencher on writing as a full time job

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

So many of us write for ourselves, but we wonder, “Could this be my full time gig?”Author, TED speaker, blogger, and writing coach Hannah Brencher...

Paria Hassouri: “My story was missing”

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do you do when no one else seems to understand the story you’re living? You write your story. And, in that process, you change yourself, your ...

Matthew Ford: Is everyone really a writer?

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Maybe some people just don’t find value in writing. Or maybe not.Matthew Ford is not a writerly type. Founder and Executive Producer of an experien...

Melissa Johnson on rewriting beauty

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Melissa Johnson, therapist, spiritual director, writer and podcaster, believes that the American version of beauty is way too small, which is why she ...

Robert Imbeault on how writing saved his life

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

After uncovering trauma from his childhood, Robert Imbeault was set on ending his own life. But first, he felt compelled to write a letter. What start...

Melody Miles on leaving behind busy and creating a life you love

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Melody Miles is an infectious disease expert. For years, she worked to end malaria with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She “had it all” by...

Amy Wolff on speaking, writing, and three words which started a movement

27 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever said something like, “Other people are really good at this, and I shouldn’t be doing it because I am NOT.” Amy Wolff, executive coach, hea...

Sasha Tozzi on hypnotherapy, healing, and choosing your own beliefs

20 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, it feels like we can’t escape from the life cycle that we’re living. No matter how much we try, we end up with the same relationships, ...

Taylor Tippett on travel, mental health, and getting in the driver’s seat of your own life

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Taylor Tippett is a flight attendant for American Airlines who started her writing journey through a project called "Words from the Window Seat.&...

Koula Callahan on the body, movement, and the truth of your story

06 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Your body might know more about you than you realize. Yoga instructor and Storybrand expert Koula Callahan describes the body as a library full of ric...

Allison Trowbridge on writing a book, building a company, and loving the journey

30 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Allison Trowbridge, author and entrepreneur, is a woman full of goals and ambition. She has written books, argued with senators about the severity of ...

Nicole Sachs on writing as a cure for chronic pain

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Nicole Sachs LCSW, shares about her story of healing from chronic pain, how she helps clients through JournalSpeak, and what traditional medical pract...

Jonathan Merritt on audience, voice, and writing when you have critics

16 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can we, as writers, handle criticism (readers, trolls, and the inner critical voice)? Jonathan Merritt, award-winning contributor for The Atlantic...

Jenna Reiss on how to get unstuck (and what “breathwork” is)

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What can we do when we feel “blocked” or “stuck”? Healer, writer and breathwork coach Jenna Reiss answers the question, “What is breathwork?...

Amy Brown on building a life, career, and platform around your passions

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Amy is a radio host on the Bobby Bones’ show, a mom of two adopted Haitian kids, and an entrepreneur several times over. While she has made a career...

Caitlin Crosby on embracing yourself (and your passions) through the chaos

25 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Caitlin Crosby knows about creating something from scratch. But in the midst of responsibilities, project...

Alex Beh on the courage to shut up and listen (and find your voice in the process)

18 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writing holds up a mirror... and we don’t always like what we see. In this episode, Hollywood producer and actor Alex Beh approaches the uncomforta...

Book Review: How the internet makes you a brand

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It wasn’t that long ago the internet didn’t exist. Now, more than ever, who you are feels connected to how you present yourself online. Which brin...

Lauren Kinney on choosing now to write your life

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered if you’re “too young” to write a book? (or too—anything! You fill in the blank!) At age 19, Lauren Kinney decided that the only ...

Mike Pacchione on how to speak, write, and be yourself (with other people around)

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Speaker and storytelling coach Mike Pacchione (miketalks.co) addresses the obstacles of “being yourself”—in life, on the stage, and on the page....

Book Review: How do we find healing right where we stand?

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Leslie Marmon Silko’s book Ceremony not only displays the depth of creativity in Indigenous literature, it invites us all into a journey of reconcil...

Kirsten Powers on Vulnerability, Resistance and on Regretting what You Publish

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever wondered if full-time, successful writers struggle with self-doubt or procrastination—or if they've ever wished they could tak...

Kim Gravel on hustle, surrender, and how to walk in your purpose

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kim Gravel is surrounded by hustle. She’s a TV personality, QVC host, hugely successful entrepreneur, business badass who built a multimillion dolla...

Book Review: Is justice served?

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson eloquently displays how unjust our criminal justice system is. Read his book to face the real stories of the people on ...

Writing prompt: In what do you have unwavering faith?

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This prompt is all about unpacking what we believe and why. Mary Oliver says it best in her poem "Angels."Join thousands of others, creating...

Donald Miller on four characters we play during crisis

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Listen for two questions you need to ask to find your voice, Don's tips and tricks on writing, and how words can help you navigate times of crisi...

Writing prompt: What's going really well for you right now?

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This prompt helps us focus on the fact that we are co-creators of the positive (and there's a bonus writing tip!).Join thousands of others, creat...

Grant Baldwin on what speaking on stage can do for your writing

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A speaking career helps anyone who wants to be an author, refine their ideas, understand their audience, or grow a platform. Grant Baldwin, author of ...

Writing Prompt: What do you never want to change about yourself?

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to self-improvement, it's easy to focus on what we want to change about ourselves. But what if we focused on our strengths? Researc...

Book Review: What it takes to be the hero of our own stories

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown says, “If you own the story, you get to write the ending.” What does it mean to “own” the story—and what is ...

Writing Prompt: Why are we so stressed out?

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writing helps us identify our coping mechanisms and honestly evaluate what helps and what absolutely does not (and Ally shares her number one stressor...

Laura Youngkin on creativity, collaboration and how writing makes us fearless

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Writing can impact your personal and professional life in ways you might not expect. Laura Youngkin is an entertainment producer, writer, creative con...

Writing Prompt: What's one thing holding you back? How can you move past those limits?

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

People say that roadblocks can become opportunities. But how does that happen? It’s not a flip of a switch. This episode provides a case study on ho...

Miles Adcox on Emotional Well-Being, Creativity and Why "Three Simple Steps" Can't Help You Change

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Healing takes time—it’s true. And yet, there are still ways we can help ourselves heal (and make more progress than we ever thought imaginable). M...

Writing Prompt: A big fear comes true…and it turns out better than ever imagined

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

What do we do to cope with stress? Writing helps us see clearly how we are responding to a crisis, and empowers us to make choices about what’s help...

Book Review: Coming back to yourself in a time of stress

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of kids going off to college and other chaos, Amy Brown read The Road Back to You—it turned out to be just what she needed to make pers...

Writing Prompt: What are you anxious about right now?

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anxiety is an incredibly normal part of life—a natural, biological response to danger. But in times of crisis, how do we keep our anxiety from hurti...

Laura McKowen on sobriety, writing—and what it takes to heal

12 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For Laura McKowen, writing, sobriety, and the life she always wanted are inextricably linked. Laura is a leading voice in the sobriety movement—she’...

Writing Prompt: What is your gut telling you to do right now?

09 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the age-old question: go with your head or your heart? In situations of love, work, and day-to-day life, we’re faced with this question all t...

Anne Bogel on writing, reading, and why books are here to stay

05 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Anne Bogel, creator of The Modern Mrs. Darcy and podcast What Should I Read Next?, gets real about the wandering process of writing, what makes books ...

Writing Prompt: What’s a fork in the road you’re facing right now?

02 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s talk about decision-making. What can we do to listen to our gut, prioritize what matters, and sort through the myriad of choices available to ...

Book Review: What you learn when you choose your own adventure

27 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, we want to make life decisions which "break the mold." How do we find that confidence—and what happens when we take that leap o...

Writing Prompt: Define success in your own terms

24 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Write to reimagine what "success" might mean for you (and try this simple writing tip!).Join thousands of others, creating positive change i...

Emily P. Freeman on the art of writing, the business of publishing and if you can do both

20 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

One writers's journey from blogging to published author and teacher. Emily P. Freeman, writer, podcast host and speaker, talks about the art and ...

Writing Prompt: Who are the five people in your life you spend the most time with?

17 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ever think about how the people around you shape your life? Write to find out why your life looks the way it does, and to identify where you'd li...

Caleb Campbell on leaving the NFL and finding the courage to start over

13 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For Caleb Campbell, finding his voice meant leaving his career in the NFL to clean toilets in Canada. Now, Caleb is a professional speaker, life coach...

Writing Prompt: What's a Favorite Photo that Exists of Yourself?

10 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Can you name what you love about yourself? Writing empowers us to change what we  see in the mirror. Get free writing prompts in your inbox: findyou...

Book Review: A Story of Alcoholism, Pain, and Hope after Loss

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare to Publish alumni Brooke Johnson dives into a time in her life when she wasn't motivated to read—and the surprising book which brought ...

Mary Hyatt on using your thoughts to your advantage: writing, hypnotherapy and more

23 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For Mary Hyatt, Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly was a wake up call. What does it mean to live authentically? Now a guide for others on this journey, li...

Podcast Introduction: Am I a Writer?

22 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A practice of writing has more impact than you think . . . and you might be the one standing in your own way. Best-selling author and Find Your Voice ...