Podcast Feed

Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Mastering Novel Writing: Achieving Success in Two Years with Tim Grahl

Tim Grahl, author and CEO of Story Grid, outlines a proven process for writing a novel you're proud to publish in just two years. Detailing his personal struggles and eventual triumph through the principles of deliberate practice, Tim emphasizes the importance of expert feedback and skill development in overcoming common writing hurdles. He shares how focusing on the essentials of scene writing and applying structured, goal-oriented practice can dramatically improve one’s writing skills. Tim also introduces the concept of deliberate practice, supported by psychological research, to help writers systematically enhance their performance. The discussion includes real-life success stories from other writers and offers free resources to help attendees embark on their own writing journey. This presentation aims to empower writers to transform their hard-won wisdom and truth into compelling stories that can change the world.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:33 The Importance of Storytelling

01:47 My Writing Journey

02:16 The Struggles of Aspiring Writers

06:57 Discovering the Story Grid

09:56 The Concept of Deliberate Practice

14:52 Applying Deliberate Practice to Writing

21:16 Success Stories and Testimonials

30:37 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Balancing Writing and Life with Chronic Health Conditions: Smart Strategies with Ruth Schilling

Ruth Schilling shares her personal and professional insights on balancing writing goals with life while managing chronic health conditions. She introduces key mindset adjustments, practical goal-setting strategies, and the importance of building a solid support system. Ruth discusses overcoming mindset barriers, setting realistic goals, and utilizing support networks to achieve writing ambitions. The session includes actionable steps, questions to evaluate and reframe negative thought patterns, and tips on breaking down large tasks into manageable steps. Ruth also highlights the benefits of gentle self-care, avoiding unhelpful comparisons, and continuously moving forward despite challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

01:22 Understanding Mindset Barriers

01:55 Practical Strategies for Writing Goals

03:56 Mindset Adjustment Exercise

09:49 Gentle Reminders for Chronic Health

11:32 Breaking Down Goals into Micro Goals

15:34 Building a Support System

17:04 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Cultivating a Sustainable Writing Practice with Golden May

Rachel May and Emily Golden discuss the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among writers and explore effective strategies for overcoming it. Imposter syndrome can manifest as self-deprecating and self-critical thoughts that hinder a writer's confidence and progress. They emphasize the importance of building self-trust and self-love through celebrating small, consistent wins. The conversation also highlights how societal and cultural factors contribute to imposter syndrome and how recognizing and contextualizing these influences can aid in addressing them. Additionally, the speakers share insights on the detrimental effects of hustle culture on creativity and introduce their Anti-Hustle Writing Life workshop, along with information about their supportive writing community and coaching services.


00:00 Welcome to the Write Anyway Summit

00:12 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

00:50 Recognizing Imposter Syndrome in Clients

03:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

06:17 Societal Influences on Imposter Syndrome

07:17 Reframing Imposter Syndrome as Growth

09:36 Building Self-Trust and Confidence

15:57 Case Studies and Practical Advice

22:09 The Importance of Mindset in Writing

24:43 Anti-Hustle Writing Life

26:48 Conclusion and Resources

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Harnessing Constraints: Unlocking Creativity Through Limitations with Matt Madden

 Matt Madden, a cartoonist, educator, and coach, explores the concept of constraints in creative work. Madden explains the importance of recognizing everyday constraints in any medium, such as the shape of the canvas or the deadlines for projects, and how these limitations can actually help focus creativity. He also introduces the idea of creative constraints, self-imposed restrictions that can drive innovation. Through personal anecdotes and examples from both his career and pop culture, Madden demonstrates how constraints can become powerful tools to spark creativity and produce unique, impactful work.


00:00 Introduction to Constraints

00:35 Understanding Everyday Constraints

02:35 Material Constraints in Comics

05:31 The Role of Deadlines

07:11 Creative Constraints: A Personal Example

10:20 Creative Constraints in Pop Culture

13:16 Student Success with Constraints

15:48 Conclusion: Embracing Constraints

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Empowering Writers: An Interview with Memoir Coach Marion Roach Smith

In this insightful discussion, Sue interviews Marion Roach Smith, a prolific memoirist and memoir coach who runs The Memoir Project. Marion shares her approach to encouraging writers to contribute their voices despite the world's challenges. She emphasizes the importance of every contribution, whether a blog post or a book, and advices on leveraging personal experiences for advocacy. They also discuss how to use privilege responsibly, the impact of book bans, and the significance of creative expression in the face of adversity. Marion's latest book, 'The Memoir Project, A Thoroughly Nonstandard Text on Writing and Life,' is highlighted as a resource.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 The Importance of Writing in Troubled Times

03:39 The Power of Memoir and Advocacy

07:35 Encouraging Diverse Voices and Perspectives

15:07 The Fight Against Book Bans

19:46 Taking Action and Staying Creative

26:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Overcoming Hurdles and Writing Success: LL Kirchner's Journey

LL Kirchner discusses the journey behind her Queen Pin Chronicles series, including the mindset challenges she overcame to switch from memoir writing to novels. Kirchner delves into her inspiration, drawn from a historical photo, and her process of giving herself permission to explore fiction writing. She shares insights on self-publishing, building a supportive team, and remaining flexible amidst life's disruptions, including hurricanes and moving homes. Kirchner also highlights the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, the value of self-awareness, and how she leverages tools like Scrivener to manage her series. The conversation emphasizes the significance of enjoying the creative process and staying committed to long-term goals despite obstacles.

00:00 Welcome Back to the Write Anyway Summit

00:12 Launching the Queen Pin Chronicles

00:46 Overcoming the Hurdles of Writing a Novel

03:06 The Journey to Self-Publishing Success

05:12 The Challenges of Writing a Series

06:13 Navigating Life's Obstacles

07:13 Maintaining a Writing Routine

13:27 The Role of Social Media in an Author's Life

17:15 Trusting Yourself and Your Creative Process

22:23 The Ever-Changing Landscape of Publishing

26:12 Commitment to Writing and Personal Growth

29:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Overcoming Perfectionism in Early-Stage Writing with Leslie Horn

 Leslie Horn, also known as XP Love Cat, discusses her experience as a book coach, focusing on perfectionism in early-stage writing. Leslie explains the common manifestations of perfectionism among her clients, such as moving deadlines, resistance to sharing work, and excessive world-building. She shares strategies to combat perfectionism, including redefining success, setting achievable goals, and practicing positive self-talk. Leslie also emphasizes the importance of rest and giving one's inner perfectionist a new role to encourage progress in the writing process.


00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:17 Identifying Perfectionism in Writers

04:13 Combating Perfectionism: Strategies and Mindset

10:45 Setting Realistic Goals and Self-Talk

17:48 Creative Techniques to Manage Perfectionism

20:14 Conclusion and Where to Find Leslie

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

The Craft of Compelling Writing: Insights from Laura Munson

returning guest Laura Munson shares her valuable insights on the craft of writing. Laura emphasizes the importance of scenes and the use of thoughts within them to elevate the storytelling experience. She explains the concept of 'show and tell' over the traditional 'show, don’t tell,' highlighting the critical role of the narrator in both memoir and fiction writing. Laura also discusses her Haven writing retreats and online community, The Nest, aimed at supporting writers. Throughout the discussion, she stresses the significance of connecting with the reader by inviting them into the character’s inner thoughts and feelings. This episode is packed with practical advice for writers of all levels, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to enhance their craft.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:32 The Importance of Craft in Writing

02:14 The Power of the Scene

06:40 Using Thoughts in Writing

13:53 Direct vs. Indirect Thoughts

22:33 Memoir Writing Tips

23:59 Conclusion and Resources

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Embracing Your Narrative: Overcoming Ageism in the Writing World with Joey Garcia

Author and platform coach Joey Garcia encourages writers to embrace their unique stories and overcome limiting beliefs about age. Through compelling anecdotes and professional insights, Joey addresses the question, 'Am I too old to write?' emphasizing that age should be viewed as an asset rather than a hindrance. Drawing from personal coaching experiences and the inspiring example of Dr. Ruth, Joey discusses the importance of self-belief, open-mindedness, and adaptability in pursuing a writing career. She also stresses the significance of building a supportive, diverse network and staying current with industry trends. The session concludes with practical advice for aspiring authors of all ages, emphasizing that success is driven by attitude, not age.


00:00 Introduction to the Write Anyway Summit

00:51 The Perfect Topic: Am I Too Old to Write?

02:07 Turning Age into an Asset

04:26 Overcoming Ageism and Self-Doubt

07:51 Embracing Vulnerability and Lifelong Learning

10:23 Building a Supportive Network

12:19 Adapting to Modern Publishing

18:00 The Importance of Feedback and Modern Writing Styles

21:12 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Writer with Jennifer Larkin

Jennifer Larkin, a certified fiction book coach, discusses the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome among writers. She explains what imposter syndrome is, why writers are particularly susceptible, and various strategies to manage it. The discussion includes identifying common imposter thoughts, understanding the five imposter archetypes, and how to reframe negative thoughts into positive affirmations. Jennifer shares actionable tips for writers to overcome self-doubt, boost confidence, and succeed in their writing endeavors.


00:00 Introduction and Speaker Background

00:47 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

01:07 Common Imposter Thoughts

03:06 Why Writers Are Susceptible

08:42 Impact of Imposter Syndrome

12:18 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

13:17 Imposter Archetypes

22:13 Practical Steps to Combat Imposter Syndrome

23:38 Conclusion and Resources

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Facing Madame X: Tools for Women to Overcome Self-Sabotage

Jamie Rose, a memoirist and coach, shares invaluable tools to silence the inner critic, also known as Part X, which discourages writers and blocks creativity. Jamie talks about her new book, 'Facing Madame X,' which explores feminine power and the struggles specific to women writers. She discusses the concept of Part X, how it manifests as self-doubt and procrastination, and offers practical tools such as the 'Plane of Will' and 'Cosmic Rage' techniques to overcome these obstacles. Jamie also emphasizes the importance of inner motivation and the challenges all writers face, regardless of their success or experience level. The episode highlights Jamie's personal journey, including her experiences with her mother and the emotional challenges while writing her book. Jamie encourages writers to stay committed to their craft and find fulfillment in their creative processes.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:58 Understanding Part X

02:41 Facing Madame X

04:20 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing

07:27 Inner vs. Outer Motivation

11:20 Balancing Writing and Life

18:55 The Temptation of AI in Writing

19:34 The True Motivation Behind Writing

20:33 The Pleasure of Crafting Words

22:45 Overcoming Procrastination with Tools

23:07 The Plane of Will: Building Writing Habits

26:32 Confronting the Inner Critic: The X Voice

28:32 The Cosmic Rage Tool: Defeating Self-Doubt

33:13 The Reality of Writing: Challenges and Rewards

34:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

The Power of Language: Transforming Your Writing Mindset with Gabriela Pereira

Gabriela Pereira, founder of D-I-Y-M-F-A, discusses the critical role of language in shaping a writer's mindset. Pereira emphasizes the importance of precise language, both in self-identification and in handling obstacles. She urges writers to eliminate the word 'aspiring,' and to reframe negative self-talk by shifting 'can't' to 'won't' or 'don't.' Gabriela also recommends a practical exercise to help writers identify and reframe limiting beliefs. The episode highlights the transformative power of language and encourages writers to treat their self-dialogue with the same care as their writing. Gabriela also provides insights into her work with D-I-Y-M-F-A, an alternative to a traditional Master of Fine Arts in writing.


00:00 Introduction to Gabriela Pereira and the Importance of Inner Language

00:50 The Power of Precise Language in Shaping Mindset

02:04 Embracing the Identity of a Writer

05:57 Reframing Obstacles and Identity

09:04 The Impact of 'Can't,' 'Won't,' and 'Don't' on Writing

11:54 Practical Exercise: Shifting 'Can't' to 'Won't' and 'Don't'

17:14 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Gabriela Pereira

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Balancing Writing with Life as a Caregiver: Insights from Daria White Osah

In this episode of the Write Anyway Summit, Daria White Osah discusses her program, 'No Time Writer,' and how she helps primarily women authors, many of whom are caregivers, carve out time for writing without guilt. Daria emphasizes the importance of overcoming internal conflicts around writing, urging authors to see their writing as valuable and necessary. She shares practical strategies such as flexible scheduling, utilizing small time pockets, and maintaining a commitment to writing despite life's interruptions. Daria also highlights the emotional consequences of not writing, including regret, and stresses the importance of modeling self-care and pursuing dreams for one's family. Finally, she encourages writers to recommit quickly to their writing goals and view their voice as important and worthy of being shared.

00:00 Welcome to the Write Anyway Summit

00:16 Understanding the Guilt of Writing

03:06 The Consequences of Not Writing

07:38 Finding Time to Write

15:49 Handling Interruptions and Staying Committed

21:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

24:33 Where to Find More from Daria White Osah

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Planning for Resilient Writing Habits with Claire Fishback

Claire Fishback discusses her 'Plan For Anything' approach, which she developed during recovery from a concussion in early 2020. Claire emphasizes the importance of creating a joyful and flexible writing practice. She outlines her tools for resilience, perseverance, and consistency, offering practical advice like 'Give It 20,' 'Commit to Old Musty,' and 'Make It Fun.' Claire shares insights from her coaching experiences and answers questions on overcoming writer's block and maintaining motivation. Listen in to discover how to integrate writing into your life in a way that suits your unique circumstances.


00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:16 The Importance of Planning for Writers

00:37 Inspiration Behind 'Plan For Anything'

03:53 Resilience Tools for Writers

08:22 Perseverance Tools for Writers

12:40 Consistency Tools for Writers

16:16 Activating Your Writing Brain with Music

16:41 The Power of the 'Give It 20' Method

17:14 Overcoming Inner Saboteurs

18:06 Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Environment

19:14 Personal Writing Rituals and Tools

20:33 Reconnecting with Your Manuscript

22:24 Managing Writing with Chronic Health Issues

23:25 Understanding the Spoon Theory

24:50 Rebooting Your Writing Practice

29:48 Final Thoughts and Resources

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Unlocking the Writer’s Mind: Chris Banks on Mindset and Storytelling

Chris Banks, founder of ProWritingAid, joins the Write Anyway Summit to discuss his upcoming book on mindset for writers. Chris shares his journey of realizing the importance of mindset in writing, inspired by his background in psychology and his interactions with writers using ProWritingAid. He reveals how emotional challenges and limiting beliefs impact writers and offers insights into overcoming these obstacles with small, consistent practices. Chris also introduces Novel November, a challenge encouraging writers to complete a 50,000-word novella in a month, fostering community and accountability. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of mindset and community in bringing more diverse and well-written stories into the world.


00:00 Welcome to the Write Anyway Summit

00:16 The Journey to Writing a Book on Mindset

01:37 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing

05:41 The Power of Mindset in Writing

08:31 Uncovering and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

13:19 Small Changes for Big Mindset Shifts

20:46 The Impact of Stories and Community

21:50 Join the Novel November Challenge

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

Bridgett Davis on Memoir Writing as Advocacy and Community Storytelling

Sue Campbell interviews memoirist and novelist Bridgett Davis, who discusses the importance of blending personal narratives with advocacy in memoir writing. Davis highlights her approach to memoir as communal storytelling and underscores the role of research in providing cultural context. She shares insights from her memoirs, 'The World According to Fannie Davis' and 'Love, Rita', and discusses how personal stories can address broader social issues. The conversation also offers practical advice for aspiring memoir writers, including the significance of curiosity, the power of writing regularly, and the benefits of sharing work through newsletters.


00:00 Introduction to the Session

00:33 Bridgett Davis on Memoir Writing

03:59 The World According to Fannie Davis

07:44 Love, Rita: A Sister's Story

11:01 Advice for Aspiring Memoirists

15:52 The Impact of Memoirs

22:31 Current Projects and Closing Remarks

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Sue Campbell Sue Campbell

BILL KENOWER: Embracing Your True Writing Passion

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Anne Hawley engages in a compelling conversation with author and writing coach Bill Kenower. They discuss Bill's belief in living as an 'All Day Artist' and the importance of writing what truly resonates with one's heart. Bill emphasizes viewing all of life as a creative experience, sharing insights on how to turn tasks like marketing into enjoyable and creative endeavors. He also explains the distinctions between following genuine interest, discipline, and perfectionism, using personal anecdotes to illustrate his points. This episode is a call for writers to follow their curiosity and trust their instincts, ultimately finding fulfillment and success in their creative work.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:49 The All Day Artist Concept

02:58 Fearless Marketing for Writers

04:47 Creativity in Everyday Life

06:07 Finding Your True Writing Path

11:10 The Myth of Laziness

17:47 Perfectionism vs. Satisfaction

25:41 Embracing Public Speaking

27:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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