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When was the last time you wrote something just for the hell of it? Not because you were working on your manuscript Just because it sounded FUN? I don't know about you, but I find it surprisingly difficult to turn off the part of my brain that wants everything I do to be productive. Even when I'm writing for fun, there's often a little voice asking, "Okay, but is this actually going anywhere?" And I know I'm not the only writer who struggles with this. 😂 So for this week's episode of No Mess, No Magic, I invited my dear friend Zanni Louise, an award-winning children's author with over 50 published books, to talk about writing like a kid again. Zanni has spent years teaching creative writing to both children and adults, and one of the biggest differences she's noticed is how much easier it is for kids to just... CREATE. They don't worry nearly as much about whether their ideas are good. They don't need every story to become something. They just play. And somewhere along the way, a lot of us adults lose that. In this episode, we get into: Why kids approach creativity so differently from adults (and what we can learn from them).How to stop overthinking and get back into the actual FUN of writing.Why experimenting with stories that go nowhere is NOT a waste of time.How Zanni sometimes writes fast enough to outrun her own self-doubt.Why you don't have to listen to every piece of feedback you receive.How to start trusting your own creative instincts again.We also talk about Zanni's approach to nurturing creativity, which involves a gardening metaphor that I absolutely love, and she shares a pretty wild story about what happened when she finally stopped worrying so much about getting published. Find Zanni: Website: https://www.zannilouise.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zannilouise/ Zanni also shares details about her upcoming creative retreat in a French castle (yes, an actual CASTLE), where writers and illustrators will spend a week exploring their creativity together. Check out Zanni's retreat here: https://tinyurl.com/mv9v98px

What if the books you never publish are just as important as the one that finally gets you a book deal? Rebecca Taylor McKay spent ten years writing, experimenting with different genres, and honing her craft before landing a literary agent and a publishing deal for her debut psychological thriller, The Honeymoon Suite. The Honeymoon Suite was her eighth full-length novel. In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Rebecca and I chat about what those ten years actually looked like—from writing books that never saw the light of day to questioning whether publication would ever happen. We also talk about how Rebecca navigated writing while raising two young children, managing a chronic illness, and juggling work, all without forcing herself into the idea that "real writers" have to write every single day. In this episode, we explore: Why writing seven books that never got published wasn't a waste of timeHow experimenting with different genres helped Rebecca find her voiceWhat kept her going when she started questioning whether she'd ever get publishedWhy you don't need to write every day to be a "real" writerHow to keep making progress on your writing when life gets in the wayWhy sometimes the best thing you can do for a manuscript is put it away (and maybe come back to it later!)About Rebecca: Rebecca Taylor McKay lives in West Yorkshire with her husband and two teenage children. Her debut novel, The Honeymoon Suite came out this year and was longlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries Prize and shortlisted for the Northern Writers Sid Chaplin Award. Website: https://www.rebeccataylormckay.com/ And check out her debut novel, The Honeymoon Suite, a historical psychological thriller set on the Amalfi Coast in the 1960s! Find her book here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rebecca-taylor-mckay-2/the-honeymoon-suite/9781408750018/

Querying has never exactly been fun… but in 2026, it can feel especially not fun. Response times are longer, agents are overwhelmed. Publishing is changing. And once you hit send on that query, it can feel like you’re left alone. So for this episode, I invited senior literary agent Linda Camacho onto the podcast to give us an honest look at what querying actually looks like from the other side of the inbox. We talk about: What actually happens when an agent opens your query (and how quickly they may make that first decision)Why your query needs to sell your book, not just summarize itWhat’s changed in publishing and querying over the last few yearsWhy things are moving more slowly—and why silence doesn’t necessarily tell you what you think it doesWhat writers can actually control during the querying processHow to stay grounded when so much of publishing is completely outside your controlWhy learning the business side of publishing matters if traditional publishing is your goalAnd then we talk about something Linda and I have been quietly creating behind the scenes: The Query Lab. The Query Lab is a three-month, application-only beta program for fiction writers who are ready (or very close to ready) to query and want expert support while they’re actually in the query trenches. Learn more here: https://querylab.monicahaycoaching.com/ Instead of getting your query critiqued once and then being sent off to figure everything else out yourself, you’ll have three months of support from both Linda and me—including feedback on your submission package, monthly strategy calls with Linda, coaching with me, weekly office hours, and help navigating the inevitable wait, what the hell do I do now? moments that come with querying. This isn’t a promise that you’ll get an agent. Linda won’t be introducing you to agents, and participants cannot query Linda. What we can offer is a place to bring your questions, get feedback from someone who actually works inside the publishing industry, adjust your strategy when needed, and have support through a process that can otherwise feel incredibly lonely. We’re keeping this beta intentionally tiny: just 5–7 writers. If your fiction manuscript is polished (or very close), you’re preparing to query the North American market, and you want support navigating the process instead of trying to decipher Reddit threads at 1 a.m., apply for The Query Lab. Applications are open now and close October 12. We start October 26. Learn more here: https://querylab.monicahaycoaching.com/ Go straight to the application here: https://forms.gle/SVnn2UD8kM46jjjW6

Check out Molly's free meditation here: https://www.mollydonlan.com/magic-meditations Find Molly's book Mundane Magic here: https://www.mollydonlan.com/mundane-magic In this episode, I’m talking with Molly Donlan, bestselling author of Mundane Magic and co-host of the Demystify Magic podcast, about what happens when we stop fighting ourselves and start making our creative practices actually work with our brains. We talk about how writer’s block can be a nervous system response, why “eat the frog” is terrible advice for some of us (especially ADHD brains), and why doing the easiest thing first might actually help you build the momentum you need to write. We also get into how to tell the difference between “I’m resisting writing” and “I genuinely need to rest,” why tiny rituals can help your brain shift into creative mode, and how things like tarot, candles, movement, music, scent—or literally just turning on a lamp—can become part of your writing practice. And, naturally, we end up talking about why you should probably half-ass more things. If writing has been feeling really freaking hard lately, this episode is your permission slip to stop making it harder than it needs to be. About Molly: Molly Donlan is a Reiki Master Teacher, crystal healing expert, yoga teacher, co-host of the Demystify Magic podcast, host of the Science of Reiki podcast, and bestselling author of Mundane Magic who has dedicated her life to helping others unlock the transformative power of energy work and alternative healing modalities. With a background as an advocate for survivors of sexual violence and as a former skeptic of all things woo, Molly emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care while teaching through a blend of science and spirituality. Her approach is lighthearted and grounded in practicality, because life is stressful enough and these practices are meant to reduce the stress of life, not add to it!

Curious about the summit? It runs October 16-19th! Sign up for the Basecamp to Brilliance Summit for ADHD Writers here: https://tickets.basecamptobrilliance.com/?sc=FFEYKdN7&ac=ZXzzDaWN Note: this is an affiliate link & helps me keep doing this work ✨ Thank you for your support, it means the world to me! What if the problem isn’t that you haven’t found the perfect writing routine—but that you keep expecting yourself to stick to one forever? In this episode, I’m joined by ADHD writing coach Susanne Schotanus to talk about what happens when we stop trying to force our creative brains into systems that were never designed for us. We explore why we compare our messy drafts to everyone else’s polished “living rooms,” why ADHD writers may actually thrive by changing up their tools and routines, and how experimentation and play can help us build a writing process that works with our brains instead of against them. We also get into the difference between necessary creative discomfort and unnecessary suffering, why taking your writing seriously doesn’t mean sucking all the joy out of it, and the power of seeing your own struggles reflected in other writers. As Susanne puts it: recognition first, equipment second. Plus, Susanne gives us a peek inside Basecamp to Brilliance: The Summit for ADHDers Who Write, happening October 16–18, where I’ll be speaking about parts work and self-compassion for ADHD writers. Check out Susanne here: https://passionatewritercoaching.com/ About Susanne: Susanne Schotanus is the world's first ADHD writing coach for adults — a role her clients handed her rather than one she went looking for. Five years and hundreds of writers later, her line hasn't changed: ADHD writers aren't failing at writing, the standard advice is failing them.

Curious about Ink and Mist Society?? Check it out here! https://inkandmistsociety.com/ Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/inkandmistsociety/ What if becoming a full-time writer didn’t mean waiting years for a book deal? Less than a year ago, Tahnee Walters had an idea: write original fantasy short stories, package them into beautiful physical letters, and send them directly to readers through the mail. Today, her Ink & Mist Society has grown to more than 900 subscribers, and Tahnee is figuring out what it means to build a writing career in a very unconventional (and very analog) way. In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Tahnee and Monica talk about the behind-the-scenes reality of running a short story mail club: writing a new 4,000–5,000 word story every month, printing and packing hundreds of letters, navigating viral growth, learning marketing through trial and error, and occasionally discovering the hard way that your envelopes are too thick for the postal system. But they also dig into something even cooler: what happens to your writing when you actually let yourself write, finish, experiment, and move on. Tahnee shares why some of her favorite stories were the ones she struggled with most, what she’s learned from scrapping thousands of words, how deadlines have changed her creative process, and why short stories have given her permission to play with her writing instead of trying to make every word perfect. They also talk about the growing desire for analog experiences, creating genuine connection with readers, marketing creative work without overexplaining it, and the strange reality that your art may be affecting people who will never tell you. If you've ever wondered whether there are unconventional ways to build a life around your writing (or needed permission to make something before you completely know what you're doing!) this episode is for you.

Us writers are good as disconnecting from our bodies. We surface from a writing session in shrimp posture. This week, I'm joined by Chelsea of Chelsea Fit & Flex to all about movement. Chelsea breaks down exactly what happens in your body when you sit and type for hours (compression of the diaphragm, chest breathing, restricted blood flow) and what even small movements can do for your creativity. This is NOT a hustle culture, "body maxxing" conversation. F**k that. It's about how all movement is good movement. In this episode we go into: Why writers are so good at leaving their bodies behind The science of sitting: breathing, the vagus nerve, blood flow, and brain fogDopamine and BDNF (the "steroid for helping your brain write better")Why your best ideas come on walks, in the shower, and at the sink (boredom is a feature)The honest difference between avoiding your writing and fueling itChelsea's five-minute reset between writing sprints: calf raises, squats, push-ups, shoulder blade squeezes, chin tucks, and breath workThe most common writing-related injuries — carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and what's happening to your spineDesk setup when you're very tall or very short, and the truth about standing desks and walking pads We also have a lil mid-episode squat, talk Enneagram types, and more. About Chelsea: Writer, audiobook narrator, and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Chelsea fuses adventurous storytelling and fitness expertise in Chelsea Fit & Flex, an online platform for writer wellness. After many conversations with fellow writers about their writing-related injuries, she founded a space for their physical and mental needs because she believes creativity thrives when we care for our ourselves intentionally. Find Chelsea: Website: chelseafitandflex.com StoryFit Studio: https://storyfitstudio.vhx.tv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseafitandflex/

Your other hobbies aren't distracting you from writing! They might actually (almost certainly) help your writing. This is THE episode to listen to when you have guilt around PLAY. In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, I’m joined by author and story coach Megan Fuentes to talk about experimenting with other creative mediums, and why stepping away from your WIP might actually help you come back to it with more ideas, energy, and excitement. We talk about the discomfort of being a beginner (and being very, very bad at things), why creative hobbies aren't necessarily a distraction from your writing, and how everything from baking and Canva to crochet, drawing, short stories, and solo journaling RPGs can feed your storytelling. We also get into finishing projects, using your own hobbies to understand your characters, borrowing expertise from the people around you, and what to do when sitting at your desk and trying harder simply isn't working. Plus: chess-induced tears, pancake-mix banana bread, Dutch honesty, Dungeons & Dragons, hard-won dopamine, and the realization that sometimes the best way to get unstuck creatively is to go do something completely different. Because as Megan reminds us: your creativity doesn't only exist when you're sitting down to write. About Megan: Megan Fuentes is an author and story coach who teaches writers how to craft the kind of character arcs that make books compulsively readable. With over a decade of pulling stories apart and reworking them from the inside out, her one-on-one clients describe her as electric in a brainstorm, with a sixth sense for asking the question that cracks the whole book wide open. Learn more about Megan here: https://subscribepage.com/storycoachingbymeganfuentes

In this episode, I'm joined by author, writing coach, and filmmaker Beth Barany for a conversation about something I hear from writers all the time: "Is it too late for me?" Beth didn't begin filmmaking until her fifties. Today she's producing a fantasy film, building a creative team, and pursuing a dream she'd put on the shelf for years. We talk about what it actually feels like to become a beginner again, why so many artists convince themselves they've missed their chance, and how creativity often deepens with age. We also dive into: Why "too late" is usually a story we tell ourselvesBecoming a beginner without letting your ego get in the wayFinding creative confidence after years (or decades) awayHow to keep creating while running a business and managing everyday lifeThe grounding practices that help us come back to ourselves as artistsIf you've ever wondered whether you've missed your opportunity to write the book, make the film, start the business, or pursue the creative life you really want, this episode is for you. About Beth: I’m an award-winning science fiction and fantasy novelist, run a successful business as a coach and consultant for authors, have taught hundreds of students through my online school and in person for organizations and conferences. I host the podcast "How To Write The Future," tips and tools for fiction writers and forward-thinking organizations. I use my creativity to serve others and bring joy into my life and into the lives of others. I collaborate one-on-one with writers as well as in groups. You can find Beth here: https://bethbarany.com/newsletter/

Last week, Chelsea Pippin Mizzi introduced us to the idea of shadow work. This week, we're getting practical. If you've ever wondered why sharing your writing feels so vulnerable, why play feels "unproductive," or why perfectionism keeps stealing the joy out of creating...this conversation is for you. Chelsea shares practical ways to begin exploring your own shadow, why making bad art might be one of the healthiest things you can do as a writer, and how curiosity is what unlocks creativity. We also talk about why you don't have to become an expert in psychology to understand yourself, why writers need a creative practice that exists outside of publishing, and how some of the parts we most want to hide are often the ones that make our work feel most alive. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest fears people have about trying shadow workWhy play isn't a distraction from your writingHow to build a creative practice that isn't tied to productivityWhat happens when you're afraid to share your work publiclyWhy making "bad art" is actually a good thingThe difference between accepting your shadow versus trying to "fix" yourselfA simple journaling exercise you can try today to begin exploring your own shadowWhy curiosity is one of the most powerful creative tools you have About Chelsey: Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author, tarot reader, and wellbeing practitioner supporting writers, artists and small business owners to unblock and unlock creative magic. Her books include The Tarot Spreads Yearbook - a #1 Amazon bestseller; Tarot for Creativity - runner-up for Best Tarot Book at the 2024 TABI International Caromancy Awards; and most recently, The Shadow Path. Her writing and tarot work have appeared in New York Magazine, Literary Hub, Craft Magazine and other titles. She also publishes The Shuffle, a bestselling Substack exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity through weekly journaling sessions, tarot-led interviews with creatives, and regular insights on creative living. Her Substack: https://theshuffle.substack.com/p/weekly-tarot-journaling Chelsey's IG: https://www.instagram.com/pipcardstarot/

When you hear the words shadow work, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it's trauma. Darkness. Digging up painful memories. That's not the whole story. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Chelsey Pippin Mizzi to talk about the surprising connection between shadow work and creativity. Chelsey explains how our "shadow" isn't just the parts of ourselves we don't like—it's often the parts we've simply hidden away. Our curiosity. Our voice. Our weirdness. Our creativity. We talk about why perfectionism keeps so many writers stuck, how writer's block might actually be pointing you toward something important, and why your most authentic work often comes from the parts of yourself you've learned to keep quiet. In this episode, we discuss: What shadow work actually is (and why it's probably not what you think)The connection between shadow work and the creative processWhy writers often hide their most original ideasHow perfectionism and people-pleasing show up on the pageThe relationship between shadow work and writer's blockWhy authenticity creates stronger storiesThe difference between writing what people want versus writing what you need to sayThis is Part One of our conversation! About Chelsey: Chelsey Pippin Mizzi is an author, tarot reader, and wellbeing practitioner supporting writers, artists and small business owners to unblock and unlock creative magic. Her books include The Tarot Spreads Yearbook - a #1 Amazon bestseller; Tarot for Creativity - runner-up for Best Tarot Book at the 2024 TABI International Caromancy Awards; and most recently, The Shadow Path. Her writing and tarot work have appeared in New York Magazine, Literary Hub, Craft Magazine and other titles. She also publishes The Shuffle, a bestselling Substack exploring the intersection of spirituality and creativity through weekly journaling sessions, tarot-led interviews with creatives, and regular insights on creative living. You can find Chelsey's Substack here: https://theshuffle.substack.com/p/weekly-tarot-journaling And her Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/pipcardstarot/ And her podcast, The Shuffle, here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ihjj08uB6h1NRSlO6iHiI?si=d65ff24be590473d

In this episode, I'm joined by author Hannah Callan to talk about writing in the margins of life, and building an author platform. We discuss what it looks like to pursue creative dreams while juggling work, family, social media, overwhelm, and all the other responsibilities that come with being a human being. We also dive into author platform-building and some of the biggest misconceptions writers have about social media. Hannah shares how she built an audience online, how that audience helped her during the querying process, and why building a platform doesn't have to mean living on Instagram 24/7. We talk about: Why writers often have an all-or-nothing mindset around creativityThe myth of needing huge blocks of uninterrupted time to writeBuilding an author platform without losing yourself in the processThe difference between an audience and a communityWriting during busy seasons of lifeWorking with fragmented creativity instead of fighting itHannah's querying journey, including agent requests that came through social media If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I'll write when life calms down," this episode is for you. About Hannah: Hannah Callan is a jack of many creative trades—she spent ten years working as a graphic designer, ran her own wedding photography business, and received her bachelor's degree in Editing and Publishing. Now she's an agented author with her first novel out on submission to publishers, and a language nerd with linguistics research up for publication with Cambridge University Press. Above all, she believes stories to be one of the most powerful tools we have in passing on the things we've learned and building stronger communities. Hannah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahcallanwrites/ Hannah's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannahcallanwrites Hannah's Newsletter: https://substack.com/@hannahcallanwrites Hannah's Website: https://www.hannahcallan.com/

Many writers spend years trying to force themselves into writing routines that simply don't fit how their brains work. In this episode, Monica sits down with Dr. Bailey Lang—book coach, writing studies scholar, and self-described literary witch—to discuss why traditional writing advice often fails neurodivergent writers and what to do instead. Together, they explore the overlap between ADHD, autism, and AuDHD, the damage caused by shame-based writing advice, and how writers can build sustainable practices that honor their energy, creativity, and real lives. Topics discussed include: • The differences between ADHD, autism, and AuDHD • Why so many neurodivergent writers feel broken by traditional writing advice • The problem with "just be more disciplined" messaging • Discipline vs. devotion in a writing practice • Creating flexible routines that work with your brain instead of against it • Red-light, yellow-light, and green-light planning for fluctuating energy levels • Why fantasy writing routines often fail in real life • Burnout, overachievement, and recovering from perfectionism • Permission-giving as a creative practice • Ritual, magic, and creating meaningful writing habits • How to stop comparing your process to everyone else's Connect with Dr. Bailey Lang: Dr. Bailey Lang is the Literary Witch—a book coach who helps authors build sustainable, magical writing practices that take their books from draft to done. With a focus on mindset, practice, and craft, Bailey combines research with intuitive, client-led wisdom to guide writers as they step into their creative power. Bailey's website: https://literary-witch.kit.com/profile

What happens when life forces you to stop writing? In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, I sit down with developmental editor and story scientist Lori Puma to talk about creativity, rest, uncertainty, and what happens when your plans are completely upended. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2018, Lori underwent an eight-hour brain surgery that changed her life overnight. For years afterward, she could only manage about 30 minutes of activity per day before exhaustion and cognitive symptoms took over. Writing, reading, socializing, and even everyday tasks suddenly looked very different. Together, we explore what it means to live through seasons of illness, grief, burnout, and uncertainty. We discuss: Why time away from writing isn't wastedThe difference between rest and "creative death"How difficult seasons deepen emotional complexity in your storiesWhat brain surgery taught Lori about creativity and identityLearning to trust yourself when life doesn't go according to planThe surprising ways writers can stay connected to creativity during periods of restWhy your most difficult experiences can become your greatest creative assets Whether you're navigating illness, burnout, caregiving, grief, a demanding season of life, or simply feeling frustrated that you're not writing as much as you'd like, this conversation is a powerful reminder that creativity doesn't disappear when you stop producing. Connect with Lori: Lori Puma helps experienced indie authors write novels that make readers skip bathroom breaks and ignore their smartphones. She started her career publishing scientific papers, then spent years helping data tell stories, and now she's a Visual Story Scientist and developmental editor who uses infographics and science to help genre fiction authors write novels that aren't just addictive, they're unforgettable. Free quiz - Breakout Novel X-Ray: https://loripuma.com/quiz Infographic Guide to Standout Plots: https://lori-puma.kit.com/products/infographic-guide-to-standout-novels

Writing a first book isn't just about learning craft. There's a lot of mindset work involved, and a lot of it feels invisible. It's about learning how to keep going when your brain is telling you you're not talented enough, your book isn't good enough, and maybe you should quit altogether. In this episode, I'm joined by author, writing coach, and founder of First Book Finish, Rhonda Douglas. We talk about the mindset shifts that help writers move from "I want to write a book someday" to actually finishing one. In this conversation, we discuss: Why so many writers wait for permission before taking their creative dreams seriouslyThe identity shift from wanting to write a book to calling yourself a writerCommon fears first-time authors face (and why they're normal)How perfectionism keeps writers stuckWhy your brain tries to convince you to quitThe emotional roller coaster of drafting and revisionFear of failure, fear of success, and fear of being judgedWhy you're not "too late" to write a bookThe truth about writing a book in 30 daysHow to keep going when everything you've written feels like trash If you've ever wondered whether you're a "real writer," worried your book isn't good enough, or felt tempted to abandon your manuscript for a shiny new idea, this episode is for you. About Rhonda: Rhonda is an award-winning author of fiction and poetry. She's the host of The Resilient Writers Radio Show and the founder of the First Book Finish program. Find Rhonda here: https://offers.resilientwriters.com/diyretreat