EPISODE · May 7, 2025 · 17 MIN
#27: Burn the Candle: A Gentle Nudge Toward an Abundant Writing Life
from The Confident Fiction Author · host Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
There’s a candle on my stove that I once treated like treasure. I’d light it only on “special” days—afraid that once I'd burned it down, I'd lose that treasure.One day, I realized something simple but powerful:I could burn the candle, enjoy it fully, and then… buy another one.There is no shortage of lovely candles, but I was subconsciously stuck in thinking that I needed to be careful not to burn through that one too fast.That’s what a scarcity mindset looks like.And you know what? It shows up in our writing lives, too—especially when it comes to story ideas.Maybe you’ve clung to your first novel a little too long, polishing and perfecting out of fear that this might be the only good idea you’ll ever have.But what if that’s not true? What if your creativity is renewable—like candles on a shelf, waiting to be chosen?In today’s podcast episode, I’m exploring the difference between scarcity and abundance thinking when it comes to your stories. You’ll hear:How to build confidence that new ideas will comeWhy you shouldn't "fear the world too much" ("A Christmas Carol")3 actionable ways to cultivate an open, idea-rich mindsetAnd if you already do have too many ideas? This episode will help you write those stories in ways that feel fresh, inspired, and doable.Listen to this week's episode and let’s burn the candle, yes?***Free resources for you:The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkitDictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictationDictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes
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There’s a candle on my stove that I once treated like treasure. I’d light it only on “special” days—afraid that once I'd burned it down, I'd lose that treasure. One day, I realized something simple but powerful: I could burn the candle, enjoy it fully, and then… buy another one. There is no shortage of lovely candles, but I was subconsciously stuck in thinking that I needed to be careful not to burn through that one too fast. That’s what a scarcity mindset looks like. And you know what? It ...
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#27: Burn the Candle: A Gentle Nudge Toward an Abundant Writing Life
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