The Write It Scared Podcast
Episodes
Bitching About Writing: A Cathartic Necessity
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writing can be hard, lonely work. Talking about the struggle can release pressure and help you get back to the page—but only if you’re sharing wit...
Writing with ADHD: Practical Strategies to Finish Your Novel with Nicole Bross
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever told yourself you’re lazy, undisciplined, or just “bad at finishing,” this episode might reframe everything.In this episode o...
What Literary Agents Look for in a Query Letter (with Ann Rose)
08 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re querying—or even thinking about it—this episode is going to change how you approach your pitch.In this episode of the Write It Scared ...
From 197 Rejections to a Book Deal: Querying, Revisions & Finding the Right Agent with Author Carmela Dutra
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What do you do after 197 rejections … for the same book?Well, if you’re author Carmela Dutra, you keep going.In this episode, Carmela shares the r...
How to Build Stakes Into Your Novel so Readers Stay Engaged
22 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Blog Post on Stakes with Examples If your story feels flat or like it’s not going anywhere, check your stakes!Today, we break down what stakes re...
On Revision Magic and Not Quitting with Author Kate Broad
15 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to build a successful novel? Kate Broad discusses leaving her romance author career to write literary fiction and how her de...
Writing Sex Scenes Without Cringe: What Actually Works in Fiction
08 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you write a sex scene that readers actually read and not just skim? That’s what today’s episode is all about! Author Accelerator certifie...
Should You Self-Publish Your Novel? A Conversation with Libby Waterford
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Self-publishing isn’t a shortcut nor a consolation prize. It’s a publishing model that works well for some writers and not at all for others.Today...
How to Figure Out What the Hell Your Character Wants
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
“What does my character want?” Sounds like a simple question—until it isn’t. If you’ve ever struggled to figure out the difference between ...
Embracing the Struggle: A Conversation with Author Charlene Wang
18 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a persistent myth that if writing feels hard, you’re doing it wrong. This conversation with debut novelist Charlene Wang gently dismantle...
Writing Dystopian Stories with Hope and Representation with Ivette Diaz
11 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you stop trying to make your story palatable—and start making it true?Today, I'm joined by author Ivette Diaz for a powerful ...
Facing the Fear of Being Judged for What You Write + Setting 2026 Writing Intentions
04 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Draft It Scared Group CoachingReal Talk: Writer to WriterAre you afraid of being judged for what you write? You’re not alone. Me too. And in this e...
Critique Partners & Traditional Publishing: What You Need to Know with Gabrielle K. Byrne
28 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Draft It Scared Group Coaching Open For Enrollment–Apply Here!If you’ve ever questioned how to find the right critique partner—or survive tradit...
A 3-Day Book, a 30-Year Book, and Everything In Between with Author Susan Sloate
21 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if you wrote one book in three days… and another in thirty years?That’s the creative range of today’s guest, Susan Sloate, and trust me—t...
The Magic of Writing Cozy Mysteries with Iris Applewood
14 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t believe you’re cut out to be a writer? Think again. Cozy mystery author Iris Applewood talks about how personal challenges and a whole lot ...
Writing Rom-Coms and Outsmarting Your Inner Critic with Regency Romance Author Kate Archer
07 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Info on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredWorking on a rom-com? This conversation with bestselling author Kate Archer is packed with craft insi...
How a Gratitude Practice Can Reset Your Writing Life
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Could a gratitude practice be the reset your writing life needs?Gratitude can shift your mindset, ease the pressure you put on yourself, and bring you...
Proof Writing Dreams Have No Expiration Date: A Conversation with Jean Ende
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I chat with debut author Jean Ende, who published her first novel, Houses of Detention, at seventy-nine. Jean shares what inspired he...
Special Announcement: Black Friday Book Coaching Sale
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Special Offer: Mini-Blueprint Strategy Session Author Accelerator is running a Black Friday Book Coaching Sale, and I’m one of 80 certified coaches...
How to Give Your Character Agency and Why It Matters
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever get feedback that your main character feels flat, reactive, or like things just happen to them? That’s because they lack agency, one of the mai...
From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Struggle to believe your work is good enough? Yeh. Me too. We all do. Ever wonder what it takes to write in a language that isn’t your first—and ...
How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with ...
Narrative Drive: The Secret to Story Momentum and Reader Engagement
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever worried your story feels flat or stalled, this one’s for you. Today, we’re digging into one of the trickiest but most essential ...
Messy Girls Changing the World with Kid-Lit Author Ali Terese
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I’m chatting with middle-grade and YA author Ali Terese, author of Free Period and Vote for the G.O.A.T. Ali shares her journey to becoming a...
From Quitting All Together to Finishing: How Bruce Buchanan Wrote His Debut Fantasy Novel
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like giving up on your novel?Don’t. In this episode, I talk with fantasy author Bruce Buchanan about how he went from years of false starts...
You Don’t Need a Literary Background to Write Your Novel
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re busting one of the sneakiest myths out there: that you need a literary background to write a great novel. Spoiler—you don’t. In th...
Mining Everyday Life for Storytelling Gold with Christine Ma-Kellams
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Debut author Christine Ma-Kellams talks about her novel The Band, a story that mixes psychology and K-pop. We dig into how real-life experiences can ...
Reframing the Dreaded “How’s Your Book Coming?” Question
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing cuts quite like that dreaded question: “So… how’s your book coming?” In this episode of Write It Scared, I dig into why it stings, ...
Stan Yan on Writing Graphic Novels, Creativity, and Authentic Storytelling
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Award-winning graphic novelist Stan Yan joins me to talk about his debut late middle-grade graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang (out Se...
Season 3 Kickoff: 8 Prompts to Set Effective Writing Intentions and Goals
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about what it means to set intentions for your writing life—without the pressure of perfection.I’ll walk yo...
Season 2 Wrap-up: Reflections, Encouragement, Permission.
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The final episode of Season 2 is a love letter to all fiction writers.We’ve covered nearly 30 episodes this season, from character arcs to worldbuil...
Worldbuilding and the Power of “What If” with Fantasy Author A.M. Deese
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grab my free Worldbuilding Simplified guide. Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the E...
How to Trust the Process and Stick with Your Story with Author Kristin Offiler
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming?I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarm...
Letting Go of Perfectionism and Portraying Anxiety in Middle Grade Fiction with Gloria Huang
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you.Gloria Hu...
Finding the Right Writing Community For You
22 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Details on Group Book Coaching with Write It ScaredToday, I’m getting personal about one of the biggest game-changers in my writing life: finding th...
Writing Brave with Brooke Adams Law
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Adams Law—award-winning author, book coach, and founder of the Writing Brave Movement—for a heartfelt conv...
How to Choose the Right Point of View For Your Novel
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Point of view is one of the most important craft decisions you’ll make as a writer—and one of the e...
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story with Gina Kammer
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Win Book Coaching Sessions + More Prizes!This week is all about writing fantasy and building magic system...
How to Use Genre to Structure Your Novel
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Grab Your Free Ticket to The 2025 Spark To Story Summit (MAY 27-29)Struggling to figure out where your story is going? In this episode, we break down...
Learning to Dance with Self-Doubt as a Writer with Amy L. Bernstein
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever felt like self-doubt was holding your writing dreams hostage? Oh friend, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of The Write It ...
One Year Anniversary + Writing, Perimenopause, Procrastination, and Giving Yourself Grace
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
ENTER THE 1 YEAR Anniversary Celebration to WIN a FREE 90-MIN PLOT STRATEGY SESSION!DOWNLOAD "THE WRITE MINDSET" FREE WORKBOOK from Write It...
Building Your Author Platform Without the Overwhelm with Nicole Meier & Gretchen Schaffer of Bookworks.co
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In ...
3 Revision Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How to Avoid Them!)
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Download your step-by-step self-editing guide with checklist here! Revision can feel like staring into an abyss. Where do you even start? What if you...
Dual POV’s and Writing Despite Rejection with Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
20 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that ...
Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study with Katniss Everdeen
13 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but inste...
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conv...
How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.This week we’re talki...
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you...
Planning Your Novel: From Idea to Outline
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics S...
Poli-Fi Author, Michael Fedor on Writing, Rewriting, and Never Giving Up
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writing a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-...
Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impul...
Tips on Writing Historical Fiction with Author Susanne Dunlap
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to bring history to life on the page? In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed histor...
Essentials of Crafting Negative Character Arcs + Deep Dive into the Disillusionment Arc
16 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not every character’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions.In this episode we do an overview the negative ch...
Valentine’s Special! Crafting Authentic Romance with Trisha Jenn Loehr
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It ScaredLove is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared...
On Wise Productivity and Building Positive Character Arcs
02 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE.Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities o...
Learning to Say No to "Mom Guilt" with Author MK Pagano.
26 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I discuss overcoming guilt as a parent pursuing creative passions and introduce M.K. Pagano, the autho...
Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with s...
Unlocking Your Characters with Michele Regenold
12 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We expl...
Easing Into 2025 and Setting Smarter Writing Goals
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past ac...
Overcoming Creative Burnout, Embracing Rest, and Season One Wrap Up
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how ...
Dear Writer, You're NOT Screwing This Up with Author Rachael Herron
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episod...
Encouragement for the Frustrated Writer
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alon...
Writing With and About Chronic Illness and Disability with Sandra Postma
17 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenti...
How to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone!In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle ...
Finding Your Writing Process Using CliftonStrengths with Becca Syme
03 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to be more efficient when it comes to your writing? Wish there was a way to understand what type of writing process would work well for y...
Recognize Your Growth to Build a Happier and More Resilient Writing Life
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you good at acknowledging your efforts and celebrating your creative milestones?Like most of us, probably not.Does this make you a better, healthi...
On Writing, Motherhood, Gross First Drafts, and Dealing with Rejection with Author Julia Walton
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This one is for all the writers who have turned into parents or parents who’ve turned into writers.Becoming a parent changes you. Irrevocably. Somet...
Mastering the Query Writing Process with Julie Artz
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I talk with Julie Arts, an experienced book coach and 'query wizard,' to offer expert advice on how to write effective query letters....
Writing Through Fear and Uncertainty Part of The Novel Kickoff Event with Sara Gentry
06 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm interviewed by Certified Book Coach Sara Gentry of Story Solutions for Writers. We chat about the challenge of managing fear...
Setting Realistic Year-End Writing Goals
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the final quarter of 2024! These are the last 90 days to make good on writing goals, so let's make sure they are reasonable and attaina...
Author Roni Loren on Writing Romance and Questioning "The SHOULDS"
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I chat with romance author Roni Loren, a two-time Rita Award winner and Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach with the Better Faster Academy.The d...
How to Write Suspense and Tension in Your Fiction Novel
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive deep into the concepts of suspense and tension in storytelling. We clarify the differences between these often-confused term...
Mastering the Craft of Writing with Author and Story Grid C.E.O. Tim Grahl
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I chat with author and Story Grid CEO Tim Grahl. We discuss Tim's challenging yet rewarding jour...
Tips to Write Despite the Fear and Anxiety of "It's Not Good Enough."
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we celebrate a podcasting milestone and discuss how knowing who you're writing for can help calm your inner critic so you can push past th...
Honoring Your Creative Rhythm and Writing Dual Timelines with Author Cynthia Platt
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’m joined by the delightful Kid-Lit author Cynthia Platt. We talk about the process of writing her debut intergenerational, dual-...
How to Write a Seamless Flashback for Your Fiction Novel
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we explore the art of crafting seamless flashbacks in fiction writing.I break down how and when to use...
Breaking Down the Self-Editing Process with Savannah Gilbo
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're tackling the daunting task of editing your manuscript.Savannah Gilbo, a certified developmental editor and book coach, and I wal...
Techniques to Convey Backstory Without Bogging Down the Narrative: Context & Memory
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Techniques to Convey Backstory Without Bogging Down the Narrative: Context & MemoryToday, we dig into the topic of backstory, specifically focusin...
The Nitty-Gritty Of Book Cover Design with Miblart's Expert Katia Balabaieva
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're diving into the world of book cover design. I'm thrilled to be joined by Katia from Miblart, a team of professional book cover...
How to Craft Relevant Backstory for Complex Characters, Conflicts, Plots, and Worlds
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How to Craft Relevant Backstory for Complex Characters, Conflicts, Plots, and WorldsIf you’ve ever been stuck while drafting your manuscript and don...
The Truth About Book Coaching with Author Accelerator CEO Jennie Nash
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, it’s my pleasure to welcome the inspiring Jennie Nash, CEO of Author Accelerator, to discuss her jou...
Three Unhelpful Writing Assumptions to Release Right Now!
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 17 of the Write it Scared podcast, book coach Stacy Frazer explores three common unhelpful writing assumptions that could be holding you ba...
The Art of Crafting Middle-Grade Fiction with Author Janet Fox
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Delve into the intricacies of writing for middle-grade readers with award-winning author and book coach Janet Fox and host Stacy Frazer. Janet shares...
Unlock Your Character's Inner World with Interiority
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 15 of the Write it Scared podcast! Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority. Discover what interiorit...
Writing Spooky Novels for Kids with Author Wendy Parris
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Write It Scared Podcast, I talk with Middle-Grade Horror Novelist Wendy Parris about her writing journey–from zero backgroun...
Writing Through Emotional Challenges
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the difficulties writers face when their personal emotional wounds intersect with their sto...
Overcoming Obstacles and It's Never Too Late to Start with Author Cassie Newell
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I interview Cassie Newell, an award-winning YA fantasy author and certified fiction book coach. We ch...
Understanding Voice in Fiction
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we dig deep into the concept of 'voice', an often ambiguous term that confounds many writers...
Never Giving Up with Mystery Author Joshua Moehling
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Never Giving Up on The Dream with Mystery Author Joshua Moehling On this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk with Joshua Moehling, author ...
Overcoming the Inner Critic by Tapping Into Your Inner Writer's Wisdom
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In episode nine of the Write It Scared podcast, we discuss our common writing enemy, the inner critic, and how it can derail us and what we can do to ...
Leaning Into Your Authentic Voice with Spicy, Dark Sci-Fi and Romantasy Author AK Nevermore
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embracing Your Authentic Voice: An Interview with AK NevermoreIn this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I talk to AK Nevermore, a science fictio...
How to Craft a Credible Villain For Your Novel
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Write it Scared podcast, we discuss the distinction between villains and antagonists, emphasizing that while all villains are a...
Writing Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense (MTS) with Author and Book Coach Samantha Skal
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I was delighted to have this conversation with Samantha Skal, an author and book coach of the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres, exploring the in...
How Write Better Fiction by Reading Deep: The Macro Elements of Story
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Reading with Intention to Improve Your Writing CraftThis episode is packed with practical tips and thought-provoking questions designed to enhance you...
Overcoming Writing Fears Through Book Coaching: An Interview with Fantasy Writer Monique Stitts
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you afraid to share your writing or get input on your ideas? Afraid that someone will negatively alter your process or take the joy away from your...
Outsmart Procrastination + Other Forms of Resistance
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you procrastinating when you want to be writing your novel? You are not alone and we can fix it! Join me on the Write It Scared podcast, where w...
Why Patience Pays Off with Romantic Fantasy Author Nicola Tyche
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Step into a world of fantasy and inspiration with romantacy author Nicola Tyche as she shares her writing process and talks about overcoming challenge...
Welcome to Write It Scared! Introductions & Podcast Expectations!
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Calling all fiction writers! 🖊️ Join Author Accelerator-certified fiction book coach Stacy Frazer on her new podcast, "Write It Scared,"...