Creating Happy Writers – Details, episodes & analysis

Discover the ancient wisdom that could transform your modern life! In this episode, we dive into "The Paleo Life: Stone Age Wisdom for Modern Times" by Clare Foges, a book that bridges the gap between our Stone Age ancestors and our screen-filled present.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and stimuli in today's world? You're not alone. Clare Foges explores how we can learn from our hunter-gatherer past to live more balanced, satisfying lives in the 21st century.
In this first-ever book review episode, you'll discover:

• Why I picked up "The Paleo Life" and how it surprised me with its unique approach to modern living.
• The brilliant structure that makes this non-fiction book both easy to read and incredibly helpful.
• How Clare's personal story of anxiety and her journey to find solutions adds depth and relatability to the book.
• The power of consistent chapter structure and why it's so important for engaging readers.
• How Clare's compassionate tone and well-researched content build trust and inspire change.

This episode offers insights into a book that could change how you approach your daily routine, relationships, and overall well-being.
Enjoy this deep dive into "The Paleo Life"—hopefully, it’ll inspire your writing but also motivate you to make small changes that could have a big impact on your life!

Further resources:

The Paleo Life by Clare Foges - buy the book here

Sign up for my Write Stuff newsletter here.

My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon.

Listen to the episode about chapter structure here

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

If you’ve ever wondered how to transform academic research into a compelling business book or been interested in how to navigate the challenging world of book distribution as a self-published author, this guest episode is for you!

Dr Nia Thomas is the Director of Thoughts and Ideas at Knowing Self, Knowing Others, and an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership. She practises self-aware leadership every day in her role as a Director at a Children’s Charity.

She is also a frequent blog writer and a passionate podcast host of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast. Earlier this year, she published her first book, ‘The Self-Awareness Superhighway’ - which helps leaders in workplaces and organisations explore the essence of self-awareness, the definition of leader effectiveness and the discourse on leadership at all levels.

During our conversation, we talk about:

• What led her to write this book and how she used her observations of what’s been going on in her industry to help make the book relevant to leaders right now.
• Her writing journey and the many positive things it has taught her, even when it felt tough at times. 
• How she managed the shift from academic writing for her thesis to writing a business book that would speak to her ideal reader in a way that resonates - something I support quite a few PhD authors to do.
• Her experience of getting her books into bookshops - and not just selling via Amazon. It was quite a challenging part of her journey but one she’s more than willing to share to help others.

And so much more!

This is a lovely conversation - and one that touches on all aspects of the writing process. 

I hope you enjoy listening.

Connect with Nia and her book:

• Book
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Website

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon
• My FREE email newsletter - The Write Stuff - weekly writing and publishing advice straight to your inbox. Subscribe here.

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Getting super clear on who we’re writing for and why is really important before you write a single word of your book. Once you know, you’ll feel far more inspired to write and also a heck of a lot more confident. 

But more than that, your book will work hard for you and attract the right people to your world.

In this week’s episode, you'll discover:

• Why it’s important to consider your target audience, personal motivation, and how the book fits into your business strategy.
• Some advice from a bestselling non-fiction author on the importance of knowing your target audience in the creative process.
• Three simple activities you can do to successfully identify your ideal reader and get clear on why you’re writing to them.

And LOTS more!

I’ll never stop banging on about your ideal reader - because I know how important it is for your book’s success. Creating loyal and passionate readers starts when you put them at the forefront of your creative process - not treating them merely as an afterthought but as the reason you’re writing in the first place. 

Enjoy!

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.

• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Do you look forward to each and every writing session? Do you sometimes struggle to find the joy - especially when you’re knee-deep in the first draft? 

If so, on this week’s podcast, I’ve got a wonderful conversation for you to listen to.

Natalya Androsova is an award-winning writing and dissertation coach with over two decades of teaching and coaching experience. She has coached professional writers and university writers of all skill levels–students, staff, and faculty. Her passion is helping writers become more courageous, authentic, and kind to themselves.

Through individual coaching, writing groups, and writing retreats, she’s helped hundreds of writers break through blocks and find inspiration, a more authentic voice, and greater freedom in their writing and their lives.

During our brilliant chat, we discuss:

• How to approach your writing as a joyful practice - a little like you might treat a yoga practice - and creating a space both mentally and physically that can help you complete your best work.
• Managing writer’s block and how to feel inspired and motivated to continue - even when trying to control that voice of self-doubt.
• The importance of self-compassion in the writing process and how we should all embrace the journey for what it is - full of ups and downs and twists and turns.
• Natalya’s own writing process and how she approaches each book she writes - and how she uses that to support the writers she works with, too.

And LOTS more!

Natalya and I approach the writing process in such a similar way, but what I took from this conversation is how to embrace a more purposeful—almost spiritual—side to my practice and treat it with the love and respect it deserves—that I deserve! 

Natalya’s words really struck a chord with me, and I’ve been working on a more intentional practice ever since. Thank you, Natalya!

I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it!

Connect with Natalya and her books:

• Books
• Instagram
• Website

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Chapter structure - sounds like a yawnfest, right? But before you assume this is one for the insomniacs out there, let me just say it’s something most authors struggle with when attempting to write their first non-fiction/business book in their niche. 

Why?

Because it’s something we assume will be simple, but when we come to do it, it actually feels rather confusing! Fear not, though. Structure is my bag. My bread and butter. My thing.

So in this episode, I’m giving you a simple framework for structuring your chapters that will make everything much easier.

You'll discover:

• My 4-step structure to writing great chapters - it’s how I write mine and how I advise my authors to write theirs.
• Why it’s important to have each chapter structured in a similar way - hello, readers!
• How story can be an important part of each chapter you write and why - we want to hook those readers and keep ‘em hooked, baby!

And LOTS more!

So, if getting your chapter structure nailed down has been a head-scratcher for you - this episode will have you out of the gates and writing in no time. No more overwhelm or confusion. Just a simple, straightforward blueprint for you to follow.

Enjoy!

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Something I’m asked in almost every interview I do or when I’m working with authors is: When is the right time to call yourself an author? It’s a tricky one because a lot of it comes down to our own confidence levels - and that sneaky imposter syndrome we can all feel from time to time.

But I believe we all need to take ownership of our narratives. So, I’ve dedicated this podcast episode to unpicking why we can feel hesitant to use the ‘author’ label and how we can step into authorship with confidence and conviction instead.

During it, you'll discover:

• My own journey to calling myself an author, including the impact of childhood bullying on my reluctance
• How imposter syndrome can hinder us from embracing the "author" title
• Why it’s time to claim the "author" label on our own terms, without waiting for permission or milestones

And LOTS more!

It’s perfectly normal to feel hesitant to use the term ‘author’, particularly if we’re yet to publish anything. But I believe that the sooner we do, the more confident - and dare I say proud - we’ll feel about our achievements.

It’s time to step into authorship - are you ready?

Enjoy!

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
  
  
• Subscribe to my Substack - The Write Stuff - which is full of advice on writing and publishing a book in your niche.
  
  
• Ways to work with Steph Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Selling books goes far beyond launch week - but you know that, right? The challenge can be sustaining momentum and enthusiasm for your book so it continues to sell way past the first few months of its life. 

It’s something I see time and time again from authors I work with - but it’s also something I’ve struggled with myself.

In this episode, I share some of my best strategies for long-term sales success — from people I’ve worked with (hello, Sunday Times bestseller) and also from authors I follow. 

During it, you'll discover:

How to sustain enthusiasm and motivation for long-term book-selling

• Practical strategies for both online and offline sales - it’s packed full of stuff you can start doing today!
• The simple way in which a bestselling author continues to successfully promote her book on Tiktok and Instagram - years after its release
• Why I believe long-term selling is challenging for authors and how you can use so much of the content you already have to keep talking about your book long after it’s released.

And LOTS more!

Selling books long-term needs a strategy - you can’t wing it or assume you’ll still have as much excitement about your book two years from now. But in order to keep sales coming in, you have to keep talking about it. 

This is an episode that’s going to help you get on top of your selling game - and you’ll walk away with so many fresh ideas and strategies, you’ll be chomping at the bit to get started.

Enjoy!

Books/resources mentioned in/linked to this episode:

• Lucy Werner’s books - Hype Yourself and Brand Yourself
• More Sales Please - my conversation with sales expert Sara Dalrymple
• Dr Julie Smith on IG - for book promo inspo

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
  
  
• Subscribe to my Substack - The Write Stuff - which is full of advice on writing and publishing a book in your niche.
  
  
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

What’s it like to be published by a ‘big 5’ publisher? How can you find time to write when you have a job, a young family…and a global pandemic to contend with? These are just a few of the questions I ask this month’s guest - Dr Emma Hepburn - aka @thepsychologymum. 

Emma is a clinical psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology who has over 20 years of experience working with and treating mental health difficulties and working with brain conditions in both the NHS and private sector. 

She is the author of four books, including “A Toolkit for Modern Life,” “A Toolkit for Happiness,” and “A Toolkit for Your Emotions.” She has been featured on the BBC, in the Huffington Post, and the Sunday Telegraph and has a regular column in Psychologies magazine.

During our brilliant chat, we discuss:

• Emma’s author journey, including her experience working with one of the Big Five publishers - Hachette - and why she believes great books come from having a great team around you.
• Why we can struggle with imposter syndrome as writers - and often don’t even call ourselves authors, despite having written several books. 
• The opportunities that being an author has given her -  helping her spread her message further - and why timing played a part in the success of her first book - March 2020, anyone?
• How Emma managed to fit in writing during the years of COVID - particularly when working for the NHS - and the different experiences she had writing each of her books when it came to time management!

And LOTS more!

I’ve been a big fan of Emma’s since I started reading her monthly column in Psychologies magazine - not to mention her artwork on Instagram, which is incredible at demystifying the brain and giving her audience practical tools to help with their mental health. 

This is a wonderful conversation, so I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed having it!

Connect with Emma and her books:

• Instagram
• Emma’s books

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
  
  
• Subscribe to my Substack - The Write Stuff - which is full of advice on writing and publishing a book in your niche.
  
  
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Are you a non-fiction writer looking to leverage the power of AI to enhance your writing process? From research to editing, AI-powered tools can help you streamline your workflow and create better content faster.

In this episode, I share my top picks for AI tools to assist you at every stage of the writing journey.

During it, you'll discover:

• How AI can help you find relevant information quickly during the research phase, saving you countless hours of trawling through articles and publications.
• AI tools for brainstorming and outlining so you can easily generate new ideas and structure your book.
• How AI-powered editing and proofreading tools can help you refine your manuscript and catch errors you might have missed.
• My favourite AI tools for writers, including Othersideai, Copy.ai, Writesonic, and Grammarly - and how to use them effectively.

And LOTS more!

Incorporating AI into your writing process doesn't mean replacing your ‘humanness’ - i.e. your creativity and expertise. Instead, it's about tapping into these powerful tools to enhance your skills and free up more time for the actual writing. Hurrah!

Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode will provide practical insights and recommendations to help you harness the power of AI in your non-fiction writing.

Enjoy!

Books/resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 28 - Using AI to Write Your Non-Fiction Book
• The Creative Penn Podcast - How Generative AI Search Will Impact Book Discoverability in the Next Decade
  
  

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
  
  
• Subscribe to my Substack - The Write Stuff - which is full of advice on writing and publishing a book in your niche.
  
  
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music

Once you’ve finished your first draft, you might be wondering what on earth to do next! Do you send it straight to your editor? How can you refine it down to a draft you can be proud of? 

In this episode, I share my step-by-step guide to self-editing your manuscript before you send it to a professional.

During it, you’ll discover:

• Why it’s important to self-edit your work and how to get your manuscript into the best shape possible before sending it to an expert.

• The five stages to self-editing and how to approach each of them with confidence - plus two additional tips to help you through the process.

• The right time to send your work to beta readers so you can get that all-important feedback before publication.

And LOTS more!

Self-editing can feel daunting if you’re a first-time author - especially if you don’t feel confident in your grammar and punctuation skills. But this isn’t about perfection; it’s about getting your manuscript into as good a shape as YOU can before handing it over to the pros. 

Using the stages I share in this episode, you can be sure your editor will be in the best position to do their magic!

Enjoy!

Books/resources mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 34 - with guest editor Jessica Brown
  
  

Further resources from me

• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
  
  
• Subscribe to my Substack - The Write Stuff - which is full of advice on writing and publishing a book in your niche.
  
  
• Ways to work with Steph 

Connect with Steph:

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

Use #creatinghappywriters

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon

Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

Apple Podcasts 
Spotify
Amazon Music