Don't Kill the Inner Critic with April Dávila

"Weird isn't weird if you own it. It's your superpower."  Michael Dargie catches up with novelist and writing coach April Dávila for a conversation full of unexpected turns, from evacuating wildfires in L.A. to fondling caramel tubes at Starbucks (it's a writer thing). This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. April shares how she helps writers navigate the mental blocks that stop them from putting words on the page. Her approach blends mindfulness with craft, helping people move past their inner critic, beat imposter syndrome, and finally get the damn thing written. Her motto: persistence over talent, every day of the week. She also talks about her upcoming nonfiction book on mindfulness and writing, belly dancing as self-care, and how asking weird questions is part of the job. And yes, her first novel is set on an ostrich farm in the Mojave. Because why not? This episode is for anyone with a story in them—and a little weird in their heart. Quotable Quotes "There are two kinds of writers—those who get published, and those who quit." "Persistence over talent. Every day of the week." "You don't kill your inner critic. You just tell her to wait her turn." "Once a story gets its hooks in you, you're kind of screwed." "Weird isn't weird if you own it. It's your superpower."  Episode Highlights Wildfire Evacuation | The things you grab when you have 20 minutes Writing & Mindfulness | Coaching authors through fear and resistance The Inner Critic | Why she belongs in the corner, not the driver's seat Weird Questions | Life as a curious fiction writer Books & Backgrounds | Grapes of Wrath to pandemic romance Belly Dancing | April's answer to self-care and teenage independence Walking as Writing | Why movement unlocks creativity Creative Lives | Novels about ostriches, ultramarathons, and gold miners COVID Reading | Escaping reality with fantasy and HEA romance Rebels in Waiting | Own your weird, find your people, write the story LINKS FROM EPISODE April's Website (aprildavila.com) April's LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/aprildavila) Daily Writing Group (aprildavila.com/write) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com