Season 2 Wrap-up: Reflections, Encouragement, Permission.
Season 2 · Episode 69
Sunday, July 20, 2025 • Duration 16:05
The final episode of Season 2 is a love letter to all fiction writers.
We’ve covered nearly 30 episodes this season, from character arcs to worldbuilding to the emotional ups and downs of putting your work into the world. Before we break for summer, I wanted to leave you with something real: a mix of reflection, encouragement, and a few favorite moments from this season’s guests.
You’ll hear reminders that it’s okay to:
Take your time
Be frustrated
Celebrate the small wins
Keep going even when it’s hard
If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or unsure where you’re headed, I hope this episode gives you permission to rest and reassurance that your story matters.
I’ll be back in the fall with new guests, new topics, and more tools to help you write with clarity, confidence, and heart.
⏱ Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – A Love Letter to Writers 00:19 – Welcome to Write It Scared 01:27 – Reflecting on Season Two 03:10 – Permission to Write 04:15 – Advice from Our Guests 13:48 – Final Thoughts and Future Plans 15:40 – Thank You and Goodbye
Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the Elements series, how she builds layered magical worlds, and what it really looks like to write through fear, doubt, and procrastination.
We dive into the challenges of writing a dynamic fantasy series, how to track all your world details without losing your mind, and why your first draft is supposed to be messy. Whether you write fantasy or not, this episode is packed with truth, tools, and encouragement to help you keep going.
✨ You’ll hear about:
Crafting a multi-POV fantasy series with political intrigue and elemental magic
How to approach worldbuilding without getting stuck in the weeds
The power of a “what if” and the value of trusting your process
Tools Alexis uses to stay organized (hello, series bible + style sheet!)
Her new adult fantasy romance project under the pen name Lexi Lopez
Timestamps: 00:00 – Embrace your shitty first draft 00:32 – Welcome to the Write It Scared podcast 01:30 – Meet fantasy author A.M. Deese (Alexis Marrero Deese) 02:23 – Why worldbuilding matters for all writers 03:17 – Alexis’s journey to publication + #PitMad success 07:52 – Inside the Dance of the Elements series 14:23 – Building complex worlds + magic systems 20:00 – Series Bibles, style sheets, and staying consistent 27:06 – Pushing past fear, self-doubt, and rejection 31:15 – Spicy fantasy romance + writing as Lexi Lopez
To connect with Alexis and find her books please visit
One Year Anniversary + Writing, Perimenopause, Procrastination, and Giving Yourself Grace
Writing is challenging enough without beating ourselves up along the way, right?
In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m getting personal—celebrating the podcast’s one-year milestone (woohoo!) and opening up about a topic that deserves more honest conversation: being a perimenopausal writer.
If you’ve experienced brain fog, trouble concentrating, or felt like your creativity took an unexpected vacation, trust me—you’re not alone. I share a bit of my own journey navigating perimenopause, offering encouragement and practical strategies for dealing with these temporary (but very real!) cognitive struggles.
Then, we tackle another sneaky writing struggle—procrastination vs. percolation. Not every pause or hesitation is avoidance, and I'll break down how to recognize the difference between genuinely procrastinating and when you're actually percolating (aka your brain needs processing time).
Plus, I introduce a special free resource, “The WRITE Mindset” workbook, designed specifically to help you shift those unhelpful inner critic thoughts into positive actions.
Above all, this episode is about reminding you to be gentle with yourself. Writing isn't always linear or easy—but with patience, self-compassion, and the right support, you’ve absolutely got this.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Let's stop beating ourselves up (please!)
00:23 – Welcome back to Write It Scared! (One year already? Yay!)
01:31 – The truth about being a perimenopausal writer (because someone has to say it)
Building Your Author Platform Without the Overwhelm with Nicole Meier & Gretchen Schaffer of Bookworks.co
Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m chatting with two industry experts, Nicole Meier (multi-published author and book coach) and Gretchen Schaffer (marketing and PR strategist), the brilliant team behind Bookworks.co
Nicole and Gretchen break down exactly what an author platform is (hint: it’s simpler than you think), why it's important (but not something to stress about), and how you can confidently start building yours right now—no matter where you are in your writing journey.
Here’s a peek at what we cover:
What exactly is an author platform, anyway? (Spoiler alert: it’s just your online/offline presence that connects you authentically with readers)
When’s the best time to start building your platform? (Hint: you might be surprised!)
Practical, realistic steps you can take immediately to grow your platform without feeling overwhelmed
How to clearly define your author brand, find your readers, and feel good about pitching your work
The resources and tools Nicole and Gretchen recommend to make your platform-building easier (and even fun)
Whether you’re brand-new to the idea of an author platform or looking to boost your current efforts, this episode is packed with down-to-earth advice, real strategies, and encouragement to help you succeed, minus the stress.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Let’s talk platforms without the panic!
01:16 – Meet Nicole Meyer & Gretchen Schaefer of Bookwork
3 Revision Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How to Avoid Them!)
Revision can feel like staring into an abyss. Where do you even start? What if you mess up your story? I get it—the revision stage can feel pretty overwhelming. But in this solo episode of Write It Scared, I'm here to help you tackle it head-on.
I'll walk you through three big revision mistakes I've personally made (more than once!) and how you can steer clear of them:
Mistake #1: Jumping right into revisions without resting your manuscript. Trust me—stepping away after your first draft makes a huge difference.
Mistake #2: Skipping the cold read. This simple step will give you clarity and perspective (no red pen allowed!).
Mistake #3: Editing from start to finish, page by page. There’s a better, less overwhelming way—I promise.
We’ll also chat about how approaching revisions systematically—celebrating milestones, analyzing structure, and focusing on specific story elements—can make the whole process feel more manageable and even enjoyable.
If you're in the revision trenches or gearing up to dive in, this episode will give you the practical tips, encouragement, and confidence boost you need.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Revision doesn't have to be terrifying (I promise!)
01:21 – The top three revision mistakes writers make (myself included)
04:13 – Why your manuscript needs a nap after the first draft
06:05 – The magic of a cold read (seriously, put that red pen down!)
08:34 – Stop editing linearly—there’s a better way!
09:50 – How to take a step-by-step, systematic approach to revision
13:14 – Wrapping up + resources to help you revise smarter
Dual POV’s and Writing Despite Rejection with Author Alexandria Faulkenbury
Season 2 · Episode 55
Sunday, April 20, 2025 • Duration 32:19
Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible.
In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025.
Alexandria generously shares the highs, the lows, and all the messy moments in between on her journey from childhood storytelling dreams to becoming a published author.
We dive into:
Alexandria’s personal path—from early passion, to academic detours, to rediscovering writing amidst life's busy chaos.
Her experience navigating the notoriously challenging query trenches (the struggle is real!).
What it’s like working with a small press—and why that path can be rewarding.
How she handled the complexity (and occasional panic!) of writing dual POVs.
Practical advice on balancing writing with real-life responsibilities (spoiler alert: it’s tough, but doable!).
Why it’s crucial to celebrate every small win along the way.
Whether you’re an aspiring writer, deep in the query trenches, or just dreaming about writing someday, Alexandria’s story will inspire you and remind you that every step matters.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – A quick personal epiphany (because those happen!)
00:25 – Welcome back to Write It Scared!
01:28 – Meet Alexandria Faulkenbury
02:53 – Alexandria’s writing journey: twists, turns, and surprises
Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study with Katniss Everdeen
Season 2 · Episode 54
Sunday, April 13, 2025 • Duration 23:15
Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what that means.
I know—a “flat” arc might sound boring, right?
But trust me, flat arcs can be incredibly dynamic and emotionally engaging.
Think of characters like Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Katniss doesn’t fundamentally change who she is, but her unwavering strength, determination, and beliefs begin to transform everything around her.
Here’s what we’re diving into in this episode:
What a flat (also called “steadfast” or “static”) arc really is—and why it’s misunderstood
The key difference between flat arcs and positive or negative arcs
How to craft a flat character who feels vibrant, real, and deeply relatable
Using Katniss Everdeen as a practical case study to explore how flat arcs work within traditional story structures
Practical, actionable tips for creating compelling flat arc characters readers will love
If you’ve ever struggled with characters who resist change or wondered if every protagonist truly needs to transform, this episode is exactly what you need.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – What exactly is a flat character arc?
01:30 – Quick refresher: Positive vs. Negative vs. Flat arcs
01:52 – Defining flat character arcs clearly (and busting myths!)
05:09 – How to craft dynamic, compelling flat arc characters
07:17 – Examples of iconic flat arc characters
07:42 – Deep dive: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games
08:10 – Story structure and the flat arc: how it fits in
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz
Season 2 · Episode 53
Sunday, April 6, 2025 • Duration 41:35
If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive into how writing short stories can help you:
Stay creatively engaged between big projects
Sharpen your storytelling and character work
Play with structure, POV, and genre in low-stakes ways
And even reignite your joy when you feel stuck
If you’ve been feeling creatively blocked or craving something new, this conversation might be the nudge you need to try something shorter, messier, and wildly fun.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Why having a strong story vision matters
01:18 – Meet Demi Michelle Schwartz
03:38 – Demi’s journey to becoming an author and editor
06:50 – The unexpected benefits of short stories for novelists
13:20 – How to approach writing short stories with purpose
21:31 – Making your short stories character-driven
22:15 – We chat about A Pinch of Cinnamon and Lore
22:32 – Flat arcs in short fiction: when characters don’t change
25:39 – POV choices in short stories
27:57 – Demi’s advice for first-time short story writers
29:41 – Facing writing struggles (and getting through them)
32:44 – Navigating self-doubt as a writer
35:11 – Why writing community makes all the difference
39:25 – Demi’s current projects and where to find her
Demi Michelle Schwartz is an author, editor, publicist, and the host of
How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad
Season 2 · Episode 52
Sunday, March 30, 2025 • Duration 17:06
Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode.
This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-deception, and slow-burning transformation, and when done right, they’re unforgettable.
In this episode, I break down:
What sets a corruption arc apart from other negative arcs
The false beliefs that fuel the fall
How to structure a story that shows the slow unraveling of a character’s integrity
And of course, I use one of the most iconic examples—Walter White from Breaking Bad—to illustrate how a seemingly good person can become something much darker
Whether you're working on a villain origin story, an anti-hero arc, or just love exploring the more complex, shadowy corners of character development, this episode will help you craft a corruption arc that sticks with your reader.
And don’t miss next week’s episode—I’ll be joined by author and editor Demi Michelle Schwartz, who’s sharing how writing short stories can sharpen your novel-writing skills in surprising ways.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – What is a corruption arc, really?
00:17 – Quick hello & what we’re unpacking today
01:17 – A refresher on negative character arcs
02:28 – The anatomy of a corruption arc
04:59 – Walter White’s descent into darkness
05:54 – Plot structure and the corruption arc
07:44 – Breaking down Walter White’s transformation
14:52 – How to craft a strong, believable corruption arc
Corruption arcs are tricky—but so rewarding to write. They push us to look at how people change, what they justify, and the line between and . And spoiler: it’s never as clean as we think.
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen
Season 2 · Episode 51
Sunday, March 23, 2025 • Duration 41:09
Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent?
That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which approach is right for you.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 – Meet Amy Neilsen, A librarian-turned-literary agent 00:34 – Amy’s unexpected journey to publishing Worth It 06:52 – The highs and lows of getting published 10:17 – Why having a writing community matters 12:37 – Live pitching vs. cold querying—how do you choose? 21:24 – How to overcome pitch nerves (without spiraling) 22:03 – How to make your live pitch count (and what not to do) 23:20 – Why agent feedback is gold (even when it stings) 25:56 – Must-have comp resources for querying writers 28:02 – How to make real industry connections 37:14 – The power of a solid writing community 38:13 – Where to connect with Amy
06:54 – Procrastination vs. Percolation: what's really holding you back?
13:35 – Final thoughts and what’s coming next
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway from this episode, I hope it’s this: your struggles—whether hormonal, creative, or somewhere in between—are temporary, normal, and manageable. Keep engaging with your story, lean into support when you need it, and give yourself the kindness and grace you’d offer a friend.
Happy writing, friends—you’re doing great, even when it feels messy!
04:11 – What an author platform really is (and isn’t)
11:53 – Practical tips you can use right away to build your author platform confidently
25:01 – How Bookwork can help you (plus final thoughts)
Final Thoughts
Building your author platform doesn’t need to feel like another full-time job. Nicole and Gretchen reminded me that the key is authenticity and simplicity. So take a deep breath—your readers want to know the real you, and building connections can actually be enjoyable.
Ready to dive in? You’ve got this!
Happy writing (and platform-building!), friends!
To learn more about Bookworks, Nicole Meier and Gretchen Schaffer, please visit their website
13:54 – Final thoughts and encouragement for your revision journey
Revision doesn't have to feel like punishment. Done right, it's actually a rewarding, creative part of the writing process. So take a deep breath, grab a fresh coffee (or tea!), and let's tackle revisions together—step by step.
05:01 – Inside the story of Somewhere Past the End
09:38 – Real talk: navigating the query process
15:10 – What it’s really like to work with a small press
17:40 – The very real struggles of writing (it’s okay—we all have them!)
26:16 – Balancing writing with the chaos of everyday life
30:30 – Alexandria’s final words of wisdom and encouragement
Guest info:
Alexandria Faulkenbury holds an M.A. in multicultural and transnational literature and lives in South Carolina with her family. She is a part of the 2025 debutante ball, a collective that celebrates the journey of women writers as they publish their first book. Her work has been featured in The Maine Review and MER Literary, among others.
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