Advertise on podcast: The Write It Scared Podcast

Authors want their books to succeed—and scammers know it. Author and editor Rob Bignell joins me to talk about how book marketing scams target writers, the red flags to watch for, and some of the most common scams making the rounds, from fake publishers and agent impersonation to website hijacking and bogus marketing promises. We also get into what authors actually need to market their books: an author-owned platform, strategies that fit you and your genre, and the understanding that book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Timestamps: 00:00 Why writers are targets 02:01 Courage File: Carrie 04:18 Meet Rob Bignell 09:36 Why authors get targeted 19:04 How scammers find you 21:20 Common book marketing scams 26:48 Impersonation, website & social media scams 30:07 Beta reader & editing scams 31:15 What to do when scammers contact you 35:31 Book marketing basics that work 41:05 Marketing is a marathon 42:58 Spotting the red flags 48:31 Resources + where to find Rob  To connect with Rob Bignell or purchase his books, please see his website [email protected]   Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

You’ve revised your novel to the best of your ability. Now what?  Now you need outside eyes.  But when is your manuscript ready for beta readers, where do you find the right ones, and what the heck do you do with all that feedback? In this episode, mystery/thriller author and professional beta reader K.A. Wilde and I break down what beta readers do (and don’t do), how to find good ones, what questions to ask, and how to sort through their feedback without feeling like you need to change your entire book.  We also talk about the vulnerability of handing your story over to someone else and why learning to receive feedback is part of growing as a writer. Plus, this week’s Courage File celebrates a writer who returned to the page after nearly ten years and has now crossed 75,000 words! Timestamps: 00:00 When to Use Beta Readers 02:00 This Week’s Courage File 04:40 Meet K.A. Wilde 06:33 Defining Reader Roles 09:55 Beta Myths & Manuscript Prep 11:26 Finding Beta Readers 19:33 How Many Betas Do You Need? 22:21 Questions to Ask 27:15 Handling Feedback 30:12 Mystery & Thriller Beta Tips 31:27 Vulnerability & Mindset Links Mentioned:  BetaFide Spun Yarn Bianca Marais’s (From The Shit No One Tells You About Writing Podcast) Beta reader match-up service.  KA Wilde Website:  kawildeauthor.com Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

What happens when life changes your capacity to write? Season Four begins with the story of how I went from feeling completely numb toward my fiction to finding my way back to the page—and eventually finishing the revision I thought I couldn’t finish. It’s a reflection on creative seasons, changing expectations, and allowing ourselves to begin again in whatever capacity we have. I’m also sharing what’s changing on the podcast, celebrating our first Courage Files winner, Caleb, and opening the files for your fall writing wins. Submit your moment of writing courage to the Fall 2026 Courage Files for a chance to win a free ten-page editorial assessment and a 30-minute book coaching session with me! Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite!  And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026! SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES Today, we're doing a deep dive into writing character interiority. Discover what interiority is, how to use it effectively in your writing, and when to use it to convey your character's true emotions, motivations, and inner states. I'll share examples to illustrate how offering readers glimpses into a character's inner world can transform your storytelling. We'll also discuss common mistakes to avoid and how to stop worrying about showing vs. telling when it comes to interiority. Plus, I'll provide practical exercises to help you practice this essential element of fiction writing. Don't miss this insightful episode that promises to enhance your writing craft and bring your characters to life. 00:00 Introduction to Interiority 01:14 Episode Overview and Focus on Interiority 02:22 Defining Interiority in Fiction 04:10 Examples of Interiority 11:05 When to Use Interiority 16:15 Exercises for Practicing Interiority 17:59 Recap and Final Thoughts Mentioned in the show: Episode 5: Understanding the Macro Elements of Fiction Episode 11: Understanding Voice in Fiction The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donald Maass Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite!  And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026! SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character Arcs Today, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot. I'll share insights on developing authentic characters so readers will empathize with them and want to know more. We'll chat about different character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—and how understanding these can enrich your storytelling.  Plus, I'll debunk myths about story structure being formulaic and show you how it’s essential for guiding your characters' emotional journeys.  By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tips to develop compelling characters and a story your readers will love! 00:00 Introduction to Character Arcs 02:29 Exploring Story Structure 06:27 Diving into Character Arcs 09:19 Understanding Character Development 19:31 Practical Tips for Writers 20:36 Conclusion and Resources Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite!  And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026! SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words?   You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift.  Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript.  Remember, every word contributes to your growth, no matter how discarded it may feel. NO WORDS ARE WASTED.  Writing is a practice.  With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to slow down and appreciate our efforts.  Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate your efforts and all the words you write, even the ones you delete.  00:00 Introduction: The Myth of the Perfect First Draft 01:30 Mindset Shift: Gratitude for Unused Words 02:21 Thanksgiving Reflection: Slowing Down and Showing Gratitude 03:47 Embracing the Writing Process: Practice Does Not Make Perfect, It Makes Improvement. 07:49 Encouragement for Writers: You Matter More than You Know. So Does Your Story. 09:21 Conclusion: Keep Writing and Keep Practicing Gratitude! Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite!  And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026! SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES 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 Summit hosted by Emma Dhesi and we discuss practical strategies for planning and outlining your novel in a way that works for you.  The highlights: 📌 The fundamentals of storytelling—character, conflict, plot structure, and theme 📌 Why mindset matters and how to set realistic expectations for your writing journey 📌 How to connect with your story’s purpose so you stay motivated 📌 The balance between planning and discovery—because not every writer thrives with a strict outline And I talk about my own journey—from feeling like a repressed creative soul to fully stepping into my identity as a fiction writer and book coach. If you’ve ever struggled with turning a story idea into something structured, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to get started. Episode Breakdown 📌 01:19 – Special episode announcement 📌 02:28 – Interview with Emma Dashie 📌 04:37 – My journey from repressed creative to fiction writer & coach 📌 09:03 – Why mindset is everything in writing 📌 15:19 – Understanding story structure (without overcomplicating it) 📌 20:51 – Finding your story’s purpose—why this story, now? 📌 23:25 – The core foundations of storytelling 📌 25:06 – What makes a compelling story 📌 27:31 – Building conflict & stakes readers care about 📌 28:36 – Writing strong character arcs & believable antagonists 📌 30:50 – The role of theme in storytelling (and how to use it naturally) 📌 32:34 – Plotting vs. Pantsing—which approach is best for you? 📌 36:07 – Inciting incidents, plot points & keeping your story moving 📌 42:17 – Supporting writers through the messy middle 📌 45:04 – Final thoughts + resources to help you plan your novel Final Thoughts Writing a novel isn’t about forcing yourself into a one-size-fits-all process. It’s about finding what works for you—a balance between planning and allowing space for discovery. Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

The podcast is on summer break, so please enjoy this vault favorite!  And don't forget to submit a Courage File for a chance to be featured on the show and win a free editorial assessment and book coaching session in Fall 2026! SUBMIT TO THE COURAGE FILES 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 we delve into the art of beating procrastination and finding the courage to write your novel. This episode is packed with practical strategies and insightful discussions that will help you overcome your writing hurdles! In episode two of the 'Write it Scared' podcast, we chat about the challenges writers face, particularly procrastination. It's not because of poor time management but rather an emotional coping mechanism that has gone astray and a response to the stress or perceived stress of writing.  Self-criticism won't help. Instead, I suggest practical methods for understanding and overcoming procrastination and other forms of resistance, such as re-evaluating one's beliefs and fears about writing and taking small but consistent steps to set and achieve writing goals.  If you want more help overcoming resistance and moving past creative blocks, download my free guide: The Write Mindset.  www.writeitscared.co/thewritemindset 01:03 Understanding Procrastination in Writing 01:41 The Real Cause of Low Writing Productivity 02:31 The Role of Stress in Writing 02:49 The Impact of Fear and Self-Doubt 03:17 The Cost of Procrastination 03:34 Understanding Procrastination as an Emotion-Focused Coping Habit 04:38 The Truth about Procrastination and Resistance 05:35 Strategies to Overcome Procrastination 06:22 The Role of Fear in Procrastination 07:41 The Power of Action in Overcoming Procrastination 08:07 A Simple Process to Overcome Resistance 08:48 Questions to Ask Yourself to Overcome Procrastination 11:08 The Power of Belief and Action in Overcoming Procrastination 12:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 12:44 Resources to Help You Overcome Procrastination Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4!  In this season finale, the host, Stacy Frazer, shares a deeply personal writing update and reflects on what happens when life interrupts creativity. This episode explores anticipatory grief, uncertainty, creative numbness, and what courage looks like when you can't find your way forward.  Stacy also shares plans for the podcast's summer hiatus and a reminder about the Courage Files for Season 4.  Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit your writing win to the Courage Files for Season 4! What keeps a writer going through fifteen years of rewrites, rejection, and uncertainty? Middle-grade author Sara F. Shacter joins me to talk about the long journey behind her debut novel, Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign, and how revision became less about “fixing” the story and more about uncovering its emotional heart. We discuss resilience, imposter syndrome, comparison, and the challenge of staying connected to joy while navigating the publishing process. Sara also shares practical revision strategies, the importance of community, and why progress—not perfection—is what really moves a writing life forward. If you’re stuck in the messy middle of revision or questioning whether your story is worth continuing, this episode is a reminder that persistence matters more than getting it right the first time. Timestamps 00:00 – Why Revision Matters 10:09 – The Premise of Georgia Watson and the 99% Campaign 13:48 – The 15-Year Road to Publication 22:23 – Revision Tools and Strategies 26:49 – Doubt, Comparison, and Staying the Course 31:52 – Making Time to Write 35:44 – Identity Beyond Publishing 40:44 – Progress Over Perfection 44:07 – Current Projects and Where to Find Sarah  To connect with Sara and read her debut novel, go to her website Links Mentioned:  SCBWI: Society of Book Writers and Illustrators Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit Your Writing Win to the Courage Files for Season 4!  Can we find more play in writing by lowering the stakes? This episode explores how perfectionism, pressure, productivity culture, and the need to “get it right” can slowly drain the joy out of creativity. I talk about where play naturally exists in the writing process—daydreaming, brainstorming, messy drafting—and why reconnecting with those moments might matter more than forcing constant productivity. Sometimes the path back to creativity isn’t pushing harder. Sometimes it’s lowering the stakes enough to let yourself explore. So if you’ve been feeling stuck in drafting or revision, overwhelmed by expectations, burned out by productivity culture, or guilty because writing hasn’t felt fun lately… this one’s for you. There’s also a quick season update and information about the new Courage Files segment coming in Season Four. Timestamps:  00:00 When expectations block creativity  00:24 Welcome to Write It Scared  01:21 Season update + Courage Files  03:48 What “play” means in writing  04:43 When writing starts to feel heavy  07:23 Lowering the stakes  08:33 Reflection prompts  09:21 Closing thoughts Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here!  What happens after the book is finally out in the world—and all the noise starts creeping in?  In this conversation, indie MM romance author Alex Cross joins me to talk about emotionally intense storytelling, publishing pressure, writer’s block, and the challenge of protecting your creativity once readers, reviews, and big expectations enter the picture. We talk about the Fire Between Us series and its highly anticipated second installment, From Our Ashes, which released May 4th, 2026, as well as her stunning Us duet—Echoes of Us and Becoming Us.  We dig into the craft, including keeping track of dual timelines, writing toxic relationships, character psychology, and messy, deeply human love stories. Alex also shares her journey into self-publishing, the realities of revising published work, navigating social media and comparison, and learning how to reconnect to why she writes in the first place. It’s an honest conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and continuing to write even when fear and doubt get loud. Timestamps 04:04 Meet Alex Cross 08:29 Choosing a risky debut 11:37 Echoes of Us 19:11 Crafting dual timelines 24:44 Revising published work 29:49 Fire Between Us update 33:30 Writing high-angst stories 35:53 Writer’s block + sequel struggles 37:56 Reviews, doubt, and social media 41:35 Boundaries and support systems 44:48 Protecting the magic of writing 47:26 What’s next + where to find Alex  To connect with Alex and read her books, go to her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. All of Alex's books are available in KU.  Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here  What does it take to keep believing in a story through rejection, rewrites, and years of uncertainty? Middle grade author Shafaq Khan joins me to talk about her debut novel, Zaina: Lost and Found, a historical adventure inspired by the real-life Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkey in the 1970s. We discuss balancing research with fast-paced storytelling, writing about identity and belonging, and the emotional resilience required to survive the long road to publication. Shafaq also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of querying, revising after difficult feedback, finding community, and learning to trust her voice as a writer. If you’re deep in the messy middle of your own writing journey, this conversation is a reminder that persistence matters—and sometimes the long road is part of becoming the writer you’re meant to be. Timestamps  00:00 – Grounding Through Story  07:12 – The Premise of Zaina: Lost and Found  11:42 – Research vs. Storytelling  24:07 – Querying and Rejection  30:00 – Tough Feedback and Big Rewrites  35:12 – Learning to Trust Her Voice  41:59 – Advice for Writers Links Mentioned: Shafaq Khan Website Instagram Tiktok  SCBWI Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here! What if the answer isn’t forcing yourself or your story harder… but trusting the process a little longer? In this episode, I talk with author and book coach Andromeda Romano-Lax about her latest psychological thriller, What Boys Learn, the messy reality of revision, and why stepping away from a draft can sometimes be exactly what your story needs. We also dig into self-doubt, negativity bias, supportive feedback, and why writers grow by finishing more books—not by obsessing over making a single book perfect. Timestamps  00:00 Permission to Think  01:20 Meet Andromeda  08:38 Why She Turned to Thrillers  13:53 The Draft Breakthrough  21:07 Villains + Mystery Craft  25:46 Negativity Bias  28:17 Trusting the Process  32:56 Helpful Feedback  38:17 Why Writers Need More Manuscripts To connect with Andromeda, read her many helpful Substacks, and purchase her books, please visit her website.   She enjoys hearing from readers. You can also find her on Instagram Other links mentioned: The Career Novelist™ Podcast With Camille Pagán Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Submit to Season 4 Courage Files Here!  Ever hit that point in drafting or revision where you’re not sure what should happen next?  You might know the next big plot point, but the how-to-get-there part… that’s the problem.  In this solo episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I break down why the answer usually isn’t inventing a brand-new conflict. More often, the next scene is already hidden inside the consequences of what just happened. We talk about cause-and-effect storytelling, tracking what changed in the previous scene, and how pressure from other characters and antagonistic forces naturally creates momentum. I also share a simple trick for getting unstuck when your brain goes blank: writing a messy reaction scene first.  Plus, there’s a quick update on The Courage Files coming in Season 4. Timestamps  00:00 Why Writers Get Stuck  02:07 The Courage Files Update  04:08 “What Happens Next?”  05:12 Cause-and-Effect Story Logic  05:52 Finding the Consequences  08:04 Pressure From Other Characters  09:51 The Reaction Scene Trick Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you. Support the show Submit to the COURAGE FILES! Be entered to win a free 10 page editorial assessment and a 30-minute Book Coaching Session with Stacy! To become a supporter of the show, click here! To get in touch with Stacy: Email: [email protected] https://www.writeitscared.co/wis https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:  Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide  Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears