How do we cope as writers when life hits us with illness, injury, grief, or overwhelm? This week, we’re exploring what helps, what hurts, and what’s at stake when we find ourselves "not-okay," and how we can navigate those challenges with care and creativity. Thank you for listening! For show notes and a full transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/writing-when-youre-not-okay  You can support the show here: * Patreon: https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner  * Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sarahwerner  * PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/sarahwerner  Happy writing!
 — Sarah  

I tend to get weird looks when I say I'm in a Mastermind group, but my writing career wouldn't be where it is today without them. In this week’s episode, we'll talk about what these are, what they do for you as a writer, and how to start and structure your own Mastermind group. For show notes and a full transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/ Thank you for listening! You can support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast on: Patreon: https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/sarahwerner PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/sarahwerner  Happy writing! — Sarah

Creating consistently strengthens your command of the craft and builds trust with your audience. But if you're anything like me, creating on a consistent basis feels impossible. Why are we like this? What do we do when we fail to live up to our own — and others' — standards? Thank you for listening! For show notes and a full transcript of this episode, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/consistency-for-writers-wn-157/  To support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast, become a patron on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner  Happy writing! — Sarah

So many of us -- writers, parents, employees, students -- are in a state of constant burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelm. Today's episode will help you identify where you are on that spectrum... and how we might begin to deal with it. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sarahrheawerner Full show notes & links: https://www.sarahwerner.com/burned-out-exhausted-overwhelmed-wnp-070

As if doubting our own work wasn't enough, most writers also doubt themselves. But a little positivity can go a long way. This week, Sarah shares several affirmations that can help get your mind not only ready to write but ready to write successfully and joyfully. Support the Write Now podcast on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner View show notes and more at https://www.sarahwerner.com/

Some of the most frequent questions I get asked by writers are, "How do I get my name out there?" and "How do I get noticed as a writer?" Today, we'll talk about the two things you can do to find an audience. Become a Write Now patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sarahrheawerner View show notes on my website: https://www.sarahwerner.com/ Thanks for listening, and happy writing!

Author and publishing veteran Sam Boush shares his insight into the politics behind book distribution, marketing, and becoming a full time writer.

Writer and podcaster Jonathan Small dishes all about the wild and wonderful topics and people you can discover when you uncover a good story.

Teen fantasy author Erin Forbes shares her unique perspective on self-publishing, as well as time management and how to market your book on social medias.

Podcaster and film sound designer Raul Vega shares his experience telling stories through sound with Hans Zimmer and developing his own audible mysteries.

Media strategist and life coach Cheryl Muir shares her experiences with personal branding, social media promotion, and thinking like an entrepreneur.

Author and writing coach Ginger Moran exposes the vulnerability of storytelling, the pitfalls of literary writing, and why you should trust your characters.

What happens when your childhood dream feels like it's no longer achievable? What does it mean if (and when) your five-year plan goes off the rails? Today we're talking about what happens when our writing dreams change — and what it means for us as creators. For show notes and a full episode transcription, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/when-your-writing-dreams-change-wn-156/  To support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast, become a patron on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner Thank you as always for listening, and happy writing! — Sarah

How should writers approach criticism? How do we tell if it's constructive or not? Most importantly, should we allow criticism to affect our writing?

Horror podcaster and writer K.A. Statz shares her thoughts on writing and self worth, opening up to criticism, and the surprising merits of scary stories.

Psychotherapist and author Philip Kenney sheds some light on the universal obstacles of creatives, the benefits of meditation, and trusting in your muse.

Audio drama creator Anthony Olivieri and I talk about balance, inspiration, and building both a sense of mystery and deeper meaning into your work.

Podcaster and creative writer Andrew Chamberlain shares advice on building characters, utilizing story structure, and listening to writing advice.

Podcaster Mark Millien shares how to overcome the fear of creative exposure, avoid world-building pitfalls, and flex your creative muscles through D&D!

Psychotherapist and bereavement counselor Julia Samuel shares methods of healthy grieving and finding a literary narrative within death and loss.

Alba Salix creators Eli McIlveen and Sean Howard talk about creativity and comedy, hobbies and hiatuses, and the undeniable power of roleplaying games!

What is writing to you — a hobby, a second job, a meditative practice? Something else? All of the above? This week, we’re talking about the role of writing in our lives and how we can feel more satisfied and fulfilled in doing what we love. For show notes and a full episode transcription, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/its-good-to-have-a-hobby-wn-155/  To support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast, become a patron on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner  Thank you as always for listening, and happy writing! — Sarah

Writer, counselor, and all-around creator enabler Jeff Leisawitz shares tips, tricks, and stories to help get your creative goals airborne.

Blogger and busy mom Jewel Eliese shares the benefits of joining and starting online communities, as well as giving yourself permission to write.

Author, podcaster, and movie nerd Jon Negroni reveals the secrets behind breaking the rules by breaking writing conventions and trusting your writer's gut.

Making the switch to a career writer is tough, but you can do it! Here are some pointers that can help your writing dream become a reality.

Author, podcaster, and literary matchmaker Anne Bogel talks about personality tests, the value of believable characters, and how books can change the world.

Poet, author, and speaker Albert Flynn DeSilver talks about transformation through writing, striving for beauty, and our shared human birthright.

Comic book writer and publisher Kenny Porter chats about the essential relationships needed to make great comics, asking for help, and dealing with critics.

Attorney, radio host, and thriller author Mike Papantonio exposes law myths, reveals the truth of fiction, and shares some great writing tips!

Is there a correlation between an author's word count or financial success and the quality of a book? Monica Leonelle has a few things to say about that!

Writer, pastor, and podcaster Matthew Brough talks about baby steps, the ups and downs of self publishing, and how he helped his 70-year-old mother publish her first novel.

How should we navigate selling our creative work? I speak with Asa Merritt about pitching a project, which hill(s) to die on, and the pros and cons of telling a personal story on a commercial platform. TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast episode contains mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please talk to someone you trust, contact your local crisis center, or (if you're in the United States) call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.  For show notes and a full episode transcription, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/ To support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast, become a patron on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner Thank you as always for listening, and happy writing! — Sarah

Bob Stromberg shares the secrets of living a creative life, taking control of your "muse", and rediscovering the creativity of your childhood.

Short story author Erin Pringle shares how loss and grief spurred her to publish, as well as the therapeutic and calming power of creative writing.

Thriller author and podcaster Joseph Bendoski talks literary psychology, media manipulation, and the prehistoric survival instincts of storytelling.

Can you gain readers by supporting other authors? Can you make money marketing on social media? Can you successfully self publish? Audrey Knapp thinks so!

Alan Alda talks about innovative communication methods, the benefits of empathy and listening, and the joys of life's unexpected interruptions.

Win Kelly Charles was born with Cerebral Palsy, but she has never let it stop her from achieving her dream of writing and publishing books.

What do writers do when they're not working on their novels? Corey Vilhauer is glad you asked! Let's talk about online journalism, copyediting, and UX!

Fantasy author HelenScheuerer explains how exercise, daily routine, and group critiques fuel her writing and helped publish her latest novel.

NaNoWriMo Executive Producer Grant Faulkner talks about the process behind National Novel Writing Month, as well as how to develop superhuman creativity!

Scalable income? IP assets? No problem! Podcaster and author Joanna Penn shares some realistic options to turn your writing side-hustle into a career.

Sometimes it feels like everyone wants to tells us who we are — our friends, our enemies, and even random strangers on the internet. But what do we do when the identity we've chosen for ourself, such as "writer" or "creator", is challenged? For show notes and a full episode transcription, please visit: https://www.sarahwerner.com/no-one-gets-to-tell-you-who-you-are-wn-153/  To support the work I do here at the Write Now podcast, become a patron on Patreon! https://patreon.com/sarahrheawerner Thank you as always for listening, and happy writing! — Sarah

Instagram, poetry, and therapy through storytelling. Lora Mitchell shares her love of the written word and her journey to self publishing.

Author Randal Greene exposes the secret life of a full-time writer, as well as a sure-fire way to capture 'the muse' and beat writer's block!

Food and poetry? Yes, please! Nicole Gulotta dishes on deadline-free writing, building an audience, and rediscovering your forgotten passions.