How Women Write

Write Emails That People Actually Want to Open with Business & Life Coach Kelsey Murphy I am so excited to finally have Kelsey Murphy on the How Women Write podcast! We've been on each other's shows, and I've been a huge fan of her work for years. She's a business and life coach for Fortune 500 companies and has worked alongside some big-name female entrepreneurs. What I love most about Kelsey is her radically honest, down-to-earth approach to writing and business — especially in her emails. They are never noisy — they're always refreshing. Even when she's selling something.  In this conversation, Kelsey and I dive into: How she shifted from a high-pressure advertising role to coaching, recognizing her own resistance to reclaiming her creative voice. How she learned to embrace writing as a lifelong journey. The importance of separating different buckets of writing — sales, personal, and business so that she could protect the therapeutic joy she has for writing. The powerful, simple formula she uses for her storytelling in her emails: What happened? What did I learn? What do I urge you to do?. How to apply the "One-Person Rule" by writing every email to one specific, ideal client (like her client Ally), which is key to making readers feel seen and heard. Kelsey's stance on building a seven-figure business without relying on social media for sales. How "writer's block" can often be solved with journaling, like writing a letter from your 80-year-old self, to check your beliefs and direction. Kelsey's energy, honesty, and wisdom are contagious. You'll be inspired to check in with your own writing practice and discover what's truly lighting you up. Links From Today's Episode: Kelsey Murphy's Website Whiskey & Work Podcast Jacq's appearances on the Whiskey & Work podcast:  How To Write & Find Flow Quitting Her 9-5, Starting A Failed Blog & Succeeding In A Copywriting Business She Loves Book: On Writing by Stephen King This is an affiliate link. If you click and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Kelsey Murphy 02:29 Early Life and Creativity 06:36 Advertising Career 08:13 Leaving the Advertising World for Coaching 13:38 Writing as a Business Skill 16:29 Journaling and Confidence 20:27 No Social Media Needed 22:11 Email Magic Begins 22:33 Learning to Write Well 24:47 Storytelling That Connects 25:22 Writing To One Person 29:57 No Schedule Just Seasons 33:27 Full Body Yes Momentum 36:25 Book Ideas Without Pressure 37:43 The Why Behind her Podcast 39:32 A Retreat That Changed Everything 41:21 Coffee Ritual And Email Vibe 43:17 Thanks And Wrap Up Meet Kelsey Murphy: Kelsey Murphy is a Business & Life Coach for Fortune 500 companies like Facebook and Twitter, working with entrepreneurs like Marie Forleo, Cathy Heller, & Celebrity Nutritionist Kelly Leveque. Kelsey is a master at helping coaches create highly successful businesses. She takes the big-hearted humans & builds lucrative businesses for them that end up impacting millions.  Previously, Kelsey was the Advertising Director for Nintendo, GoPro, and Elizabeth Arden, and she's been featured in outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and the Huffington Post. She's a firm believer that each person holds a passion and a viewpoint uniquely their own, and through her coaching and workshops, she equips people with a toolbox of actionable strategies to create the life they envision. Additionally, she hosts a top-ranked podcast called Whiskey & Work, where she shares refreshingly honest insights on navigating the waters of work, life, and family. Kelsey addresses issues like relationships, dreams, motivation, starting a business, morning routines, and living a life you're proud of. She's a champion for acting brave, embracing your imperfections, and not taking life too seriously.   Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  The Intuitive Writing Studio Private Coaching & Writing Support Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Why Traditional Writing Advice Fails in the Age of Information Overload I'm so happy to be back talking with you after missing a week. My voice decided to take a break right as Uranus moved into Gemini for the next seven years — a transit that rules communication. And instead of fighting it, I saw it as an energetic upgrade. Now my voice is back and stronger than ever. With all this fast-moving energy, AI-generated content everywhere, and the media cycle is getting louder, faster, and more confusing, traditional writing advice is dying.  The old way of writing …  working within a linear train of thought, long stretches of focus, a meticulous outline, and the ability to write for hours, isn't going to cut it.  The challenge is no longer about writing faster or harder — it's about staying connected to your body and soul while you think. The writers who will thrive in this next era are not the most productive or the best at AI prompting — they're the most anchored.  When your nervous system is overwhelmed, everything feels urgent and fuzzy, and your voice gets buried. We're writing differently over here. Discover: Why the biggest challenge right now isn't writing, but staying connected to yourself, your body, and your soul while you think Why forcing yourself to write more, faster, or using AI to write in your voice won't help Five ways to write and think differently in the age of Uranus in Gemini How to recognize the difference between regulated writing (intentional, calm, flowing) and reactive writing (rushing, restlessness, urgent, shallow breathing) Why making time for quiet and stillness when nothing seems to be happening on the page is your edge right now   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome Back (and my voice energetic upgrade) 00:39 Uranus Entering Gemini — a 7-Year Shift 01:38 GenAI and Writing Speed 03:38 Why Grounding Matters Now 05:36 Anchored Writers Thrive 08:11 Write Differently in This Era 09:21 Five Simple Practices for Clarity 13:22 Regulated vs Reactive Writing 15:03 Next Episode and Book Release Links from today's episode: Join the Intuitive Writing Studio (to access the full "Writing at the Speed of Thought" workshop recording) Sign up for Substack to be the first to know when my new book, Writing With the Moon is available and to get all the book release goodies and details about a free workshop I'm hosting Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  The Intuitive Writing Studio Private Coaching & Writing Support Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Stop Settling for Mediocrity and Start Writing Your Savage Story I met Robyn a few years ago, and her story — as she calls it — is one of hurricanes and tornadoes that you have to hear. After building a 30-year career in the fitness industry, coaching, and mindset transformation, Robyn realized that her entire life of adversity and survival was meant to be written. Like, non-negotiable, no other choice. Robyn is a writer, speaker, developmental editor, and story architect. We dive into the key moment that launched her writing career — a coach's simple advice to "write A book, not THE book." This was the spark that led Robyn to draft The Machete Mentality in a single week. You'll hear about how Robyn rarely writes sitting down, how she's busted the myths of daily writing routines, and hear her super smart trick to never ignore your drafts again. Most of all, you'll appreciate Robyn's ultimate piece of advice for writers: you must write the savage story. The part that's between you and God — you know, the parts you don't want to say out loud. That's exactly what she did, so it could stop owning her. Key Takeaways: Write a Book, Not THE Book — this simple reframe helps writers sink into the honest, imperfect writing that needs to be done.  "Obey the Obsession" Inside — when you've got multiple writing projects going on, the one you should work on has to do with the idea that won't leave you alone. Acknowledge ALL the Work — Everything you do as a writer takes energy — brainstorming, research, creative downloads are all work, so give yourself credit for these mental efforts. Writing Changes You — writing a book can be the catalyst that allows you to leave an old identity behind and fully step into a new role as an author, speaker, or whatever you choose. The Savage Story is Freedom — to free yourself from your past, you MUST write the part of your story that scares you most. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Robyn Tanner 09:54 Machete Mentality Origin 13:01 Write a Book, Not The Book 16:17 Managing Multiple Book Projects 22:35 Choosing the Next Book 24:08 AI and Authentic Voice 26:59 Writing While Moving 31:54 Writing Without Deadlines 35:18 Balancing Pushing And Resting 38:32 All the Creative Work Counts 40:38 Machete Mentality Drive 46:03 Write The Savage Truth 50:45 Closing And Call To Action Links from today's episode: Robyn on Instagram: @writer_robynlynn THE EDIT, with Robyn Robyn's book, The Machete Mentality Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  The Intuitive Writing Studio Private Coaching & Writing Support Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

The Myth of the "Shitty First Draft" and How It's Damaging Your Writing I'm sharing why the common advice to expect your writing to be "crap" is doing serious damage to new writers. I get the sentiment behind the phrase "shitty first draft" (SFD) — a term Anne Lamott coined in her book Bird by Bird. I was a fan of the SFD for years, even referring to it in my own book, Intuitive Writing. I used to think the negative label gave me permission to write without pressure. But here's the truth: calling your work "shitty" is training you to distrust your own writing. We need to stop normalizing language that tells writers they suck before they've even started. For me, writing is about clarity, truth, impact, and storytelling, not perfection or worrying about every tiny detail of grammar. A draft is simply an unfinished piece of writing, not a bad one — it's something that hasn't been shaped yet. I share this advice constantly: writing and editing are two completely different things. Writing is about letting the words fall out quickly and from the heart. A draft is simply a starting place. Key Takeaways: Avoid using negative labels (like "crap," "terrible," or "shitty") for your writing drafts — do you want your writing to live up to those labels? A draft, plain and simple, is an unfinished piece of writing, not "bad writing" The only things that truly matter in a first draft: Is it true? Did it land? Separate writing and editing: focus on quickly getting ideas from the heart out during the drafting phase, without stopping to correct as you go "Surrendered writing" means writing without controlling, judging, or forcing; the words fall out easily because you're fully present, calm, and grounded   Timestamps 00:00 Stop Calling Your Writing "Crap" 01:21 Why the SFD Actually Hurts Writers 02:31 Clarity Over Perfection 04:37 Drafts Are Unfinished 06:03 Writing Versus Editing 06:59 Cheer the First Attempts 07:47 My 5-Step Blogging Workflow 08:25 Labels Shape Outcomes 08:58 Surrendered Writing 10:02 How to Work With Me Links from today's episode: Some of these are affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I might earn a commission Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird My third book, Intuitive Writing My writing community, The Intuitive Writing Studio Ways to partner with me one-on-one on books, blogs, or online writing Contact me for a professional editor referral Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram  

Stepping Into My 'Medicine Woman Writer' Identity and Sharing the Deeper Work I'm so happy to share what's been unfolding in my writing life lately. None of this was planned by the way. This is the work of staying present and allowing what wants to unfold, to unfold.  I had planned to write a simple intro post about turning paid subscriptions on for my Substack. Well, that was my plan, but the words took a completely different path. Instead of stopping the flow and forcing myself to stick to the topic I had planned, I let the words flow.  What came through surprised me. Immediately, I remembered the text I received from a new book coaching client after just one call. Her words sparked a cascade of memories from the past three years.  You'll hear how the writing unfolded, but the real heart of the episode is the shift I'm making: embracing a calling to share the deeper, more spiritual writing I've held back. This is the writing that used to feel like "too much." The writing (so far) reflects on faith, cycles, and the parts of entrepreneurship most people stay quiet about.  After the phrase "Medicine Woman Writer" came up in a conversation with my teacher, and I received a confirmation text from a client, I knew I had to go all in. A dragonfly, symbolizing transformation and authenticity, appeared while I was editing the essay, giving me the final "yes" to publish the work that (still) felt a little scary. After writing online for 14 years, I know without a doubt that the stories I almost didn't publish are the ones that resonated most.  My writing space is now becoming a home for this work beneath the work.  I've opened up just 40 founding member spots in my Substack until tonight (Sunday night).  These spots are for 💎 The Originals who are ready to write from their own medicine, not someone else's formula, and are done using AI to write for them. They get exclusive bonuses like the Energy First Writing Initiation and a Writing Authority Audit. If you're listening after Sunday, monthly and annual subscriptions are still open Key Takeaways (the practical bits): The platform for your writing doesn't matter — focus on making it easy to serve your readers When the words are flowing, don't turn them off — even if it means publishing more, or something different than you had planned The "Medicine Woman Writer" is about helping people who feel they have nothing to say, or who have blocked throat chakras, find their voice The stories that feel scary to share, where you don't have all the answers yet, are the ones that are the most impactful and become your "medicine" at work   Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:36 Substack Update 02:28 Writing In The Moment 04:26 Deeper Essays 08:15 Medicine Woman Writer 10:38 Dragonfly Confirmation 11:48 Sharing Truth 14:04 Founding Members Offer & Perks 18:27 Final Thanks Links from today's episode: Substack Essay: Something is changing here. Substack Essay: The doors are open. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Jacqueline Fisch book coaching LinkedIn Instagram

Silence Your Inner Critic: How to Write and Publish a Book Fast I was so excited to welcome Neera Mahajan, author, book coach, and founder of The Author Circle, to the podcast. We connected on Substack, and I was immediately drawn to her story. Neera shared how a critical comment about her written English from her IT manager during a performance review became the catalyst for her incredible writing journey. That one comment prompted her to sign up for a writing course and stayed with her for years, eventually leading her to publish her first book at age 60.  Neera's writing journey is similar to learning to ride a bike—you keep going until one day, it just clicks, and all of a sudden, you're writing (or riding).  We talk about the importance of writing quickly to silence the inner critic, which she discovered after challenging herself to write and publish her first book in just seven days. These days, though, she gives herself 30 days to write the first draft of any book.  Neera also shared her highly effective writing routine: working in 15-minute increments to consistently hit her word count, and chronicling her day in a daily diary.  Her biggest message for you: Write books. A blog post lives for a day, a newsletter for a week, but a book lives forever. Key Takeaways: Your biggest challenge can be your catalyst to life-changing work. Practice over talent: Neera persisted with life-story writing for years, proving that persistence is essential to developing a strong writing voice. Writing the first draft quickly, often within 30 days, prevents the inner critic from having time to derail the process. The power of a timer: Neera uses 15-minute intervals to make the most out of her focused writing time. If you've been writing online, you probably have more than enough content to repurpose into a book. One of my favorite parts of this interview was learning about her daily writing habits. She starts her day by writing one page in her daily diary to chronicle the previous day, a habit that helps her stay on track, followed by focused blocks of writing, editing, and business-related work. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Neera 01:56 "I sucked at writing" 02:34 How Feedback From a Boss Sparked a Writing Journey 07:42 Bicycle Lesson Mindset 13:41 Owning Her Writing 17:32 Writing and Publishing The First Book in 7 Days 23:44 15-Minute Timer Method 28:29 C++ Crash Study 31:03 Book A Month Plan 32:37 Turning Blog Posts Into Books 34:37 Favorite Productivity Book 35:21 Travel And Memoir Experiments 39:57 Daily Writing Routine 44:01 Parting Advice for Writers Meet Neera Mahajan Neera Mahajan is an author, book coach, and founder of the Author Circle community. She helps creators, professionals, and experts write authority-building books and turn them into meaningful businesses. She has written multiple books (15 so far) and teaches professionals how a strategically written book can position them as an authority and attract clients for years. Connect with Neera: Author Circle, Substack publication and community Neera on LinkedIn  Her most recent book, One Book To $100K    Additional Links from this episode: These links are affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. How to Write and Publish an eBook in One Week (Neera's first book) Become a Productive Writer (Neera's favorite book) My Life in a Hundred Objects (Neera's memoir) Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing The Intuitive Writing School LinkedIn Instagram

The Power of Subtraction I recently joined a professional networking group. Which you might find cringey. I find many of them cringey, too, so I get it.  Sure, there are "those people" in every room, handing you a business card even when you didn't ask. But for every pushy person, there are people there who are waiting for you — and your clear, authentic signal.  Which proved itself when one lady made a beeline for me right after my first meeting. It was evidence that shows when your signal is clear, the people who need to hear it will resonate. They'll come and find you. I talk about the noise that weakens your signal: Speaking before truly listening Changing who you are to be liked and accepted Devouring low-vibration media To boost your signal, there's really nothing to add — only some things to subtract. It's a relentless, consistent act of removing all the gunk, like cleaning the build-up you can't see inside your stainless steel straw. You'll hear about a conversation I had with a neurosomatic therapist about my business name. A conversation that sent chills up the right side of my neck. A signature signal I feel.  Through our conversation, we realized that our work is very similar — to help remove blocks so that the client's own clear signal — their intuition — can come through strong.  In this episode, I share: The exact things I've subtracted to keep my own signal strong. Why "The Intuitive Writing School" is not about me, but about empowering you. Simple ways I strengthen my signal   Timestamps 00:00 Authentic Networking 01:26 Evidence of a Clear Signal 03:29 What Dulls Your Signal 05:45 Subtract To Attract 07:23 Resonance 07:49 Intuition And Removing Blocks 10:38 How I Keep a Clear & Strong Signal 12:27 Final Takeaway Links: Blog: The 11 questions to ask yourself if you're not sure which book to write Jacqueline's Substack The Intuitive Writing School Blog Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Stop Forcing the Words and Flow With Pisces Season Energy Does writing feel "hard" for you lately? I know the feeling, but I've reframed this story in my mind — it's not hard, it's different.  In this episode, I'm sharing how the current energy of Pisces season — the final season of the Zodiac, could be influencing our writing flow. With Mercury in retrograde and the mutable water sign of Pisces encouraging us to dissolve structure, forcing words or finishing projects could feel like an uphill climb. I've been there, starting a dozen things but finishing none. And … it's OKAY. There's no judgment.  I'm walking you through how to use this intuitive, watery energy to your advantage, whether that means going back to old drafts, following recurring ideas, or writing in fragments. You'll also hear about three practical Virgo shifts (because Virgo is opposite Pisces) to help you balance the energy you write with and move forward in a way that honors your body and makes for great writing. Listen in to discover: Why Pisces season makes you want to tinker instead of create. The difference between writing that's "hard" and "not as expected." How to uncover the writing your soul is calling you to do. Key Takeaways Writing is "different," not "hard": Reframe the story by recognizing that your writing flow changes day-to-day, month-to-month, and throughout the year. How to work with the dissolving nature of Pisces — a time to give space for your intuition to speak without forcing boundaries or outcomes. The goal of capturing, not  necessarily completing all the writing ideas swirling in your mind Consider writing in small bursts this season and connecting the dots later. Three practical, Virgo-inspired shifts to help your writing flow:  Write in fragments: Don't try for a polished, finished draft on your first go. Let the words fall out quickly, set them aside, and come back later. Follow your curiosity and write about recurring patterns and ideas that spark your interest, without the goal of finishing or monetizing. Carve out quiet time to create mental space for journaling and reflection to hear yourself think and allow insights to drop in.   Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:29 Why Writing Feels Hard 00:51 Moon Cycles Explained 01:31 Editing Not Creating 05:05 Reframe Hardness 05:50 Pisces Season Vibes 08:43 Virgo Balance Plan 09:19 Shift One Fragments 10:22 Shift Two Curiosity 11:37 Slow Down Reflect 13:37 Care For Your Mind 14:26 Closing Encouragement Links: Blog: 52 Writing Tasks To Tackle During Mercury Retrograde: A 2026 Guide Jacqueline's Substack The Intuitive Writing School Blog Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram Pisces season is the perfect time to experiment with your writing habits. Sign up below and look for my popular free guide: The 7-Day Writing Experiment

When Fear, Identity, and Inevitability Collide at the Writing Threshold Maybe you've felt this: wrestling with a big decision around a writing project that you know is an inevitable "yes" somewhere deep inside.  This creative conflict feels like fear, doubt, and even excitement. I recently sent out some personal invitations to the Spring cohort of The Living Draft to founders who were circling it last time, and one email sent a familiar feeling down my spine. She said, "I want to do it, and I feel the old wrestle of fear and ignoring the call swirling inside me, but I've had some bold downloads of clarity as to what needs to be written." I've been in this wrestling match with my own writing projects, so I completely understand. It's the powerful, undeniable pull to do the work, while meeting something ancient and primal in your chest that whispers, "What if I fail?" or "I don't have time. Maybe later."  While writers often label this confusion or lack of readiness, as I say, we're never going to be ready. Her message continued, "... I've had some bold downloads of clarity as to what needs to be written. Not the specific content per se, but the inevitability of an attempt to get something down on the page." Inevitability. This struck me.  In other words, "the work is going to come through whether I cooperate or not."  The words already exist, and as a writer, your only job is to allow them to come into physical form.  When that inevitable pull meets an old fear pattern, there's friction. An uncomfortable moment when we're staring down a threshold: the moment right before you step through the doorway and embrace the identity of the writer who actually attempts the writing. When we meet this threshold, we either: Shrink back, saying "maybe later," and head off to search for more time, skill, or confidence. Say "yes," even if our voice shakes, prioritizing the creative call over our nervous system's preference for the safe and familiar. Both choices are uncomfortable, but one helps you grow.  A quote from my book, Unfussy Life, rings in my ears. It's a lyric from The Tragically Hip song, Wheat Kings: "Besides no one's interested in something you didn't do."  No one cares about what we're thinking about. They care about what we do. What we attempt. What we complete.  Here's an energy-first approach to greet this threshold moment. We don't try to bulldoze the fear. Instead, we: Notice it: Acknowledge the fear without judging it ("Ah, there's the old fear pattern. I see you, and I'm moving forward anyway.") Regulate around it: Use practices to soothe your nervous system (deep breaths, change of scenery, stillness). Write anyway: Commit to beginning gently, honestly, and imperfectly, knowing that confidence is a constant recommitment that comes after taking action. The bold move is finding your internal steadiness—that quiet confidence that lets you tolerate the discomfort. You don't need a polished plan or perfect words; you only need willingness. Key Takeaways The feeling of "inevitability" is a deep knowing that a piece of work wants to be written, whether you cooperate or not. Creative conflict is a "threshold," the moment before you embark on a growth journey that changes your identity. The choice is between shrinking back with "maybe later" or saying "yes" and prioritizing the creative call, even if your voice shakes. Fear isn't a sign to stop; it's simply data that you're about to do something amazing. The wrestle is ultimately about three concepts: visibility, identity, and crossing the edge from dreamer to doer. The energy-first approach means noticing fear, regulating your nervous system, and committing to writing anyway, as confidence only comes after action. You only need the willingness to begin — not certainty, a full plan, or perfect words (none of these things exist anyway) If your muscles are cramping from this wrestling match of 'maybe later' and 'yes', consider this your invitation. The Living Draft is starting on April 16th. It's a space designed specifically for the writer who feels this inevitability. You only need the willingness to stop ignoring the call. Bring yourself, fear and all, and I encourage you to apply early, as space is super limited. I hope this episode gives you the willingness to try. Early enrollment is open until March 16: The Living Draft Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to How Women Write 00:31 The Creative Wrestle of Maybe Later and Yes 01:11 Inside The Living Draft 02:49 Synchronicity Sparks & Spring Writing 04:34 A Reader Email Moment 06:59 Inevitability And The Threshold 08:55 Maybe Later Vs Yes 11:49 The Real Fear Beneath Saying Yes to the Book 13:47 Energy First Approach to Writing Your Book 15:39 Willingness Over Certainty 17:44 Join The Living Draft Live Spring Cohort 18:36 Final Encouragement Links: The Living Draft Book: Unfussy Life: An Intuitive Approach to Navigating Change This is an affiliate link. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. The Tragically Hip, Wheat Kings Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Stop Blaming Discipline: How Safety Unlocks Your Creative Writing Flow Today, we're diving deep into a concept I've never believed in: writer's block. If the words aren't flowing, it's not a block—it's actually your nervous system running the show. When your nervous system feels unsafe, your creative energy takes a detour into survival patterns, and the symptom is that you stop writing (or don't even start). It's not laziness, procrastination, or a lack of the right time management tool. I share my own journey from reading about writing to finally becoming a full-time writer and coach, where I realized that when the words don't flow, it's about safety, not discipline. For a decade, I've seen that the number one reason entrepreneurs feel stuck is a nervous system response. When we feel overwhelmed, our brain removes us from the perceived threat, which often looks like starting a load of laundry or scrolling through social media. I walk you through the four primary survival responses—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn—and share how each one manifests uniquely when you sit down to write: Fight: Overworking, perpetual revision, and questioning everything. Flight: The heart of procrastination, like over-planning, over-researching, and starting new projects to avoid the main one. (This was my signature response!) Freeze: The classic overwhelmed, blank-page moment. Fawn: People-pleasing, holding back your truth, and watering down your words to make everyone happy. The great news is you can break this feedback loop. I introduce you to two powerful tools: The Observer Effect and The Cancel Process. The Observer Effect teaches you to pause, take an outside perspective, and simply watch your old pattern unfold without reacting, which drains its emotional power. The Cancel Process gives you an immediate way to stop a trigger—by imagining a big red X over the thought and reciting a word like "cancel" or "delete." Creative, clear writing happens when your body feels safe enough to start. No productivity hack, system, or AI tool can fix a dysregulated nervous system. If you're ready to stop fighting yourself on the page, I invite you to explore my Living Draft Container coaching process, where we regulate first, and then we write. Key Takeaways Writer's block is a nervous system response to a perceived threat, not a fault in your discipline or focus. Recognize your default survival pattern (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn) to understand how you unconsciously sabotage your writing process. The goal is to build safety around your voice and writing process, not to force consistency or productivity. Practice the Observer Effect to neutralize the emotional energy of old reactive patterns by watching them from a neutral, outside perspective. Use the Cancel Process to immediately interrupt a negative thought or trigger, giving your nervous system the pause it needs to choose a response instead of a reaction. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to How Women Write (What to Expect) 00:29 Writer's Block Isn't Real: It's Your Nervous System 01:12 My Train Epiphany: Stop Reading, Start Writing 02:17 Safety Over Discipline: Why Procrastination Kicks In 04:50 Spot Your Pattern: Fight, Flight, Freeze & Fawn 06:55 The Observer Effect: Break the Feedback Loop 09:34 The "Cancel" Process: Stop Spirals in the Moment 11:07 The Living Draft Container: Regulate First, Then Write 12:37 Wrap-Up + How to Support the Show Links: The Living Draft Container Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Navigating the Liminal Space What do you do when you're in a liminal space—that in-between psychological, emotional, or spiritual threshold where your old identity is shed but the new one hasn't fully formed? It can feel unsettling, unmotivating, and distracting. In this episode, I break down what a liminal space is and share practical, intuitive advice on how to continue your writing practice and grow your business during a transformative, yet personal time. This space is not a pause in your growth — it's the doorway to who you're becoming. The key is to stay present, keep listening, and let the words come out, knowing that clarity in writing comes through action, not overthinking. Key Takeaways: Realize that the uncomfortable, in-between stage is a natural part of growth, not a failure. Remember that clarity and confidence in writing come from the act of writing, not from waiting for inspiration to arrive. Create a safe container for your work by setting small, consistent writing goals and nourishing yourself before and after writing sessions. Ask yourself if any draining emotions you feel are truly yours or if you're picking them up from others. Give yourself permission to write as the person you're becoming — realizing there's no need to wait. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to How Women Write 00:28 The in-between space that can derail your writing 01:22 Signs you're in the threshold + why it's not a bad thing 04:33 Write through the fog: don't force clarity—draft first, edit later 06:02 A client's story: emotional drain, sensitive seasons, and staying with the work 07:09 Should you share right now? Blogs vs. books 09:01 How clarity and confidence actually arrive: action, not waiting 11:44 Five ways to support yourself in transition 13:08 Choosing your format: timelines, momentum 15:05 Create a safe container for writing 17:26 Can you publish in a liminal space? 18:26 Work with Jacqueline inside The Living Draft Container Links: Jacqueline's recent book Intuitive Writing The Living Draft Container Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Coherence in Writing: How to Write with God, Not Your Ego Today I'm talking about coherence and clarity in our writing — what it is and how it's the opposite of writing from your ego, brain, AI, or even consulting tools and people outside ourselves. For years after my departure from organized religion and the Catholic church, I unknowingly outsourced my intuition to external tools like oracle cards, psychics, and reiki. I share my journey of abruptly walking away from those practices and why consulting anything outside myself—even for a hint of resonance—can quietly erode your trust in your own voice and disconnect you from the real source of creativity. The invitation is to stop outsourcing and come back to the body. We all have an intuition because we have a body.  Key Takeaways: Coherence in writing is when you're co-creating with the divine, and the words arrive faster than your thoughts. A clue you're writing with your intuition is reading your writing back later, and you don't remember writing it. The problem with outsourcing and consulting external people, tools, or energies (like AI, psychics, cards, or reiki) might calm your mind in the moment, but ultimately dull your inner knowing and flatten your unique writing voice. Your body knows truth — it can't lie. Your body is your true pendulum, connected to God/Goddess/The Divine, and delivers your guidance as a knowing, sensation, vision, or signs. The invitation to go inward - This week, quiet all outer noise. Use a pen, paper, your journal, prayer, meditation, or a walk in nature. You don't need any outside tools to hear your voice. An Invitation to Deeper Work: If your writing feels scattered or disconnected, I invite you to reconnect to the part of you that already knows.  Learn more about the Living Draft Container. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:27 Understanding Coherence in Writing 01:42 The Role of Intuition in Writing 03:12 Personal Journey: From Catholicism to New Age and back to Jesus 04:33 The Downside of Outsourcing Intuition 08:43 Reconnecting with Inner Guidance 10:35 Conclusion and Invitation Links: The Living Draft Container Writing Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Behind the scenes of my January roundup, writing wins, and what flowed when I  stopped forcing. Welcome to a behind-the-scenes peek into my writing life and business as I share my January roundup. As a writer and business owner for over a decade, I track my stats and key performance indicators (KPIs) with both heart and brains. Every month, I review my metrics, including website traffic, social growth, podcast downloads, client consultations, and community growth. All to track progress and celebrate wins. Why I Love a Roundup Post A roundup is one of the easiest and most fun types of content to write because you're simply summarizing your actions and celebrating wins. It's so easy to check the box on your to-do list and move on without pausing to honor what you've accomplished, but roundups help you see your wins in black and white. Plus, they allow you to share a wide range of things you love, from books and blogs to products and new discoveries. Celebrating My January Wins January was a month of beautiful momentum. A few things I'm celebrating: Website Traffic: The Intuitive Writing School website traffic was up 41%! I keep older content fresh by updating top-performing articles for SEO, such as my post on Mercury Retrograde or time-based writing prompts.  Podcast Episodes: I'm celebrating 57 episodes of the How Women Write podcast (actually, this one makes 58). Substack Flow: I wrote six new Substack articles and started a new feature, Writers Gonna Write Wednesday, with text-only interviews from writers in my community. The Living Draft Launch: I launched a new writing container — The Living Draft — that treats your work as alive. It's been too good not to do again! Key Takeaways: Track KPIs with Heart and Brains: Use key performance indicators to celebrate your wins and gain clarity for any changes you'll make moving forward. Why Write a Roundup: Summarize your actions and wins over a theme or timeframe (like a month) to honor your progress. (Readers love these!) Refresh Old Content: Update and change the publish date on old, high-performing blog posts for renewed SEO and traffic. Balance Flow and Planning: Avoid forcing your writing; instead, embrace spontaneity with loose planning, like using the "surrendered first draft" method. Community Matters: Flow states are more common in group activities, and writing with a community can make a solo activity feel less lonely.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 Tracking Key Performance Indicators 03:08 The Power of Roundup Posts 06:06 Celebrating January Wins 08:43 Substack and Writing Process 11:47 Community Wins and New Writing Experience Launches 15:13 Insights and Reflections from January 18:32 Conclusion and Call to Action Links: Jacqueline's January Roundup Substack Jacqueline's author site for speaking and workshops Old blogging at theintuitivewritingschool.com/blog Episode #57: Why I Came Back to Substack — and What It Changed in My Writing Episode #52: Stop Racing Your Writing: Kairos and the Right Time to Write The Business Book Exchange Podcast The Living Draft Program Writing Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

In this episode, I share the winding journey of my relationship with blogging and newsletter platforms, and why I've returned to Substack … for the second time.  You'll hear some useful insights about the common fears writers face when choosing a platform for their writing, and mostly about why it's okay to change your mind, evolve your opinions, and trust your work.  I've learned that changing my mind, pivoting, and shifting direction are part of the work and of trusting myself. Importantly, I know that putting my writing first (no matter where it lives) is what matters most.  This episode takes you on a journey from 2023 through today, when I went back and forth between Substack and my blog (which lives on Squarespace).  Ultimately, I landed on Substack for my primary writing platform. It's simple, community-focused, and a cozy place for writers (but you have to curate it!)  Key Takeaways Changing your mind is okay: You're supposed to grow and evolve as a writer, human, and creative. No explanations needed.  The platform is not your purpose: The goal is to keep putting your writing out there — don't let overthinking about the platform be a barrier. Simply start. Start where you can: I love Substack for new online writers because it's free, easy, and focused on writing first. With Substack, the article IS the email, so you can do double duty and don't need an email service as well (unless you're doing email marketing). Answers to the top questions business owners have about SEO, what to do with old blogs, and where to start writing if you don't have a business yet. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 Navigating Writing Platforms — Substack Vs. Squarespace 01:03 The Journey Back to Substack 02:29 Timeline of Blogging Platforms 04:23 Lessons Learned from Platform Changes 06:39 Starting Fresh on Substack 13:49 SEO and Blogging Strategies 15:50 Final Thoughts and Substack Workshop Invitation Links: Jacqueline's Substack Jacqueline's author site for speaking and workshops (Author site for speaking and workshops) Old blogging and programs at theintuitivewritingschool.com Mariah Magazine (Mentioned SEO expert) Mariah Magazine's episode on the How Women Write Podcast: 29: SEO's Soulful Side: Mariah Magazine on Aligning Your Business with Search Engines MissingLettr (Tool for sharing content across social platforms on an evergreen schedule) Intuitive Writing (Book) Unfussy Life (Book) Business Book Exchange (Co-hosted podcast) Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

I can't tell you how excited I am to introduce you to the first comedian I've had on the podcast, Lady Q!  When I realized that comedians are, at their heart, storytellers, I knew I had to have her on, and I can't wait for you to be delighted. Lady Q is a clean comedian and inspirational speaker who blends humor, faith, and healing.  She shares her incredible journey with us, starting with her time as a youth pastor who made her church's women's conference laugh in 2008, launching her 17-year career.  You'll get to hear about her joke writing process, how she finds fresh material from major life transitions—like raising kids, dating, and getting married later in life—and why she prioritizes telling stories that make people think, not just laugh.  Lady Q also leaves us with powerful tips for writers and speakers on finding your authentic voice and even what she does to protect her voice before stepping onto the stage. Key Takeaways: Your Life is Material: Experiences are the best source of content.  Comedians Say What You're Thinking: Aka, saying the quiet part out loud. A comedian's job is to be brave enough to speak the relatable, funny, and sometimes awkward observations that the audience is already thinking. The Joke Writing Process: Lady Q prepares for a set by thinking about the event, the audience, and her personal experiences related to the topic. Then, she'll write the jokes out but gives herself permission to go off-script to keep the conversation flowing. Be Authentically You: Her biggest tips for storytelling — find your voice, use your regular voice (not your work voice, or "customer service voice" as my kids sometimes say to me), and be vulnerable. She intentionally limits watching other comedians to avoid unconsciously mimicking their style, which is smart advice for writers, too! Protecting Your Energy and Voice: Before a show, she meditates, limits talking, avoids eating and her phone, and focuses on her opening line. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:18 Meet LaQuitcha Walker 02:36 Early Comedy Days 04:38 Crafting Comedy: Writing and Performing 08:10 Evolving Material: Life Changes and New Stories 14:58 Navigating Comedy in 2020 18:12 Journaling and Story Mining 20:26 The Pressure of Daily Writing 20:40 Journaling and Overthinking 21:07 The Comedian's Dilemma 21:22 Preparing for a Leadership Conference 23:31 Crafting Jokes for Different Events 28:11 Handling Audience Reactions 31:47 Being Authentically You 34:53 Final Thoughts and Tips for Speaking Meet Lady Q (LaQuitcha Lanay Walker) Lady Q is a nationally recognized clean comedian and inspirational speaker who blends humor, faith, and healing.  A two-time PrayzeFactor People's Choice Award winner and Presidential Lifetime Achievement honoree, she inspires audiences worldwide to rediscover joy, purpose, and laughter through life's challenges. Connect with Lady Q: Lady Q's YouTube Promo Video Instagram Upcoming events:  A Night of Love and Laughter, a date-night experience in Tampa, FL Live 2 Lead, Mableton, GA Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  The Intuitive Writing School Substack: Energy-First Writing Fractional CCO services and speaking LinkedIn Instagram

In this episode, we explore the subtle, often-justified reasons writers wait to start or finish their work—and why that waiting carries a significant relational cost. We dive into the difference between true writing resistance and the need to simply honor the work by giving it a proper container, rather than forcing it with pressure and deadlines. Key Takeaways: Waiting is a Decision: The decision to wait, even if it feels like the responsible thing to do, is still a choice that can accumulate a quiet cost over time. The Real Cost is Relational: The cost of waiting isn't just fewer pages — it's the fading relationship you have with your own writing. Resistance is Often Mislabelled: What's often called "resistance" is frequently grief, fear, or a nervous system signaling that the work cannot be rushed but also cannot be ignored. Writers Need a Creative Container, Not Pressure: Pushing through ("Be more disciplined!") often backfires. Instead of deadlines, writers need to honor the work with a container, where a draft can take its time to become what it needs to be with attention and flow. Start Something, Anything: I share a quick personal story to illustrate that starting something (a food blog) led to something else (stories about working motherhood and life lessons, then books) that was truly calling. Meet Your Draft: The path forward involves greeting your drafts without judgment, asking them, "What do you need from me?" and then listening. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:30 The Quiet Cost of Waiting 01:27 Personal Journey and Realizations 03:15 The Subtlety of Waiting 03:46 The Real Cost of Unfinished Work 05:20 Honoring the Writing Process 06:04 Conclusion and Call to Action Key Links: Explore Signature Services for Writing Coaching & Mentoring Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

This is a special episode for me. In 2017, as I first stepped into freelance writing, Naomi reached out, looking for support in transforming her 2009 journal entries into a book. I didn't set out to work on books, but the work found me — and I'm so glad it did. Listen in as I chat with Naomi D. Williams, the author of And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU. Naomi shares how her book came about from the raw, real-time journal entries she wrote while her son, Noah, a micro-preemie born at 26 weeks, spent five months in the NICU. We talk about the challenging process of revisiting those honest entries eight years later, and how important it was to maintain her original, authentic language — curse words and all — to serve both parents and medical providers.  We also dive into the beautiful, adventurous life she and Noah share now, including his numerous marathons and triathlons. Naomi shares the incredible origin story of NoahLand Art — her son's abstract art business, where "everyone belongs."  Finally, we discuss her current writing practice, giving herself permission to write what feels dark as well as light, and the freedom found in surrender and a non-linear writing process Hear about: The Book's Origin: And God Remembered Noah was written from raw, real-time journal entries Naomi kept while her son was in the NICU. She organized the book into 22 chapters, mirroring the 22 weeks he spent there. The Dual Purpose: The book's goal is twofold: to let parents know all their emotions are real and they're not alone, and to give providers an authentic perspective on the parent experience. Authenticity Over Polish: Naomi chose not to edit the original journal entries years later to maintain transparency, even though she became a different person through the experience. Writing Wisdom: If you're considering writing a book from your journal entries, Naomi urges you to just "do it." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Today's Guest: Naomi Williams 00:12 Naomi's Journey to Becoming an Author 01:59 The Birth of Naomi's Book 07:19 Challenges and Emotions in Writing 17:45 The Impact of Naomi's Work 21:57 Adventures with Noah 23:23 The Importance of Teamwork in Travel 24:38 Noah's Artistic Journey & Noahland Art 28:17 Early Reading and Writing Experiences 31:44 The Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 35:21 The Impact of Publishing and Future Projects 39:45 Encouragement for Aspiring Writers 41:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Meet Naomi D. Williams Naomi D. Williams is a Life Doula and Grief Coach who supports parents and family caregivers as they navigate the complex systems that accompany a life-altering medical diagnosis. As the mother of a micro-preemie given a poor prognosis, Naomi models what a good quality of life looks like despite severe neurological impairment and medical complexities. She is an author, an avid traveler who enjoys naps, getting lost in nature, and taking long, deep breaths on her yoga mat. Key Links: Buy Naomi's Book: And God Remembered Noah: A mother's heart-opening journey through 22 weeks in the NICU Naomi's Website: exceptionalliving101.org  Noahland Art Website: noahland.art Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Signature Book Coaching Services LinkedIn Instagram

Are your writing plans built for your body and nervous system, or a rigid schedule? Today, I explore the "energy-first" and "body-first" approaches to writing plans. As writers, we think we have two choices: 1) the strict, color-coded calendar or … 2) the unpredictable pull of pure inspiration Discover how to create a surrendered structure—a flexible creative container that holds your writing goals while allowing you to stay responsive to intuition, flow, and the joy of writing what's truly alive in you now. Key Takeaways for Writers: Prioritize Energy Over Rigidity: Most writing plans fail not from lack of discipline, but because they're not flexible to the writer's nervous system. Embrace the Balance: The most resonant writing comes from a balance between structure and spontaneity. Your plan should give you enough flexibility to anchor your work—not leave it feeling caged in. Listen to Your Body's "Yes" or "No": These are the only two answers your body can give you (good news!) It's your brain that jumps in to rationalize. Pivot as Needed: A surrendered structure means having a foundation for writing, while trusting intuitive nudges to shift the plan when something sparks your attention. Commit to a Creative Container: Establish a consistent commitment (e.g., publishing once a week) to create a place for your writing. Investigate What You Avoid: If a writing task keeps slipping off your plan, investigate whether it's no longer aligned or if a short 15-minute burst of action will create clarity. Invitation: The Living Draft: Write the book that's already alive inside you. A live, intimate writing experience for people who know they have a story — and are done circling it. This is for memoir, personal nonfiction, and truth-telling that doesn't come from force, formulas, or fear. Join us: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/the-living-draft Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction & Episode Summary 2:45 Prioritize Energy Over Rigidity 4:00 Embracing the Balance of Planning & Your Energy 5:15 Listen to Your Body's "Yes" or "No" 6:45 Pivoting Your Writing Plan 8:00 Committing to a Creative Container for Your Writing 9:30 Investigate the Writing You Avoid 11:00 Treating Unfinished Drafts with Love 12:30 Invitation to The Living Draft Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

What if your writing block isn't about discipline, confidence, or follow-through—but timing? In this episode, I'm inviting you to step out of the race you didn't consciously agree to and into kairos: the right time, the alive moment, the moment when your words actually want to emerge. This is a conversation about writing that honors cycles, nervous systems, and lived wisdom — rather than forcing momentum that isn't ready just because the calendar says, "new year." If January has you feeling behind, overthinking, or resistant, I invite you to try a different starting point. In this episode, I explore: Why "just be consistent" advice often backfires for intuitive writers The difference between linear time (chronos) and opportune time (kairos) How rushing your writing disconnects you from your real voice Why some seasons are meant for listening, not publishing What it means to treat your work as a living draft rather than a performance This episode is especially for you if you're writing: a book or long-form project that feels tender or alive from experience, memory, or the other side of your transformation toward a next chapter that hasn't fully named itself yet You don't need a new resolution. You may just need to start at the right moment. 🎧 Listen now and let your writing meet you where you actually are.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Women Write Podcast 00:29 The Concept of Kairos: Right Time to Write 01:43 January: A Time for Reflection and Quiet Beginnings 03:03 Understanding and Embracing Kairos in Writing 04:14 Practical Applications of Kairos in Writing 05:38 Personal Experiences with Time Management and Writing 07:09 New Beginnings and The Writing Threshold Session 08:31 Join the Intuitive Writing School Community Key Links: Sign up for The Writing Threshold Session Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

There are affiliate links on this page. If you click something and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission. When You're Hiding, Not Blocked: Finding Your Authentic Voice Through Story When I published my book, Unfussy Life, I was also publishing the stories I almost didn't tell. I started my writing journey safely, with plant-based recipes, occasionally sneaking in a small family moment.  I learned quickly that stories create connection in a way that advice alone never could. But when it came time to write my own book, I froze. I was writing — as in putting words on a page, but I wasn't sharing the WHY behind the words. That first draft was 50,000 words of hollow advice — 95% ego and performance. It took being told by a stranger, "This isn't a self-development book. It's memoir," to finally see what was missing from my manuscript.  Once I started adding my stories — about layoffs, immigration, love, and starting over — the book came alive, not because they were dramatic, but because they were true. I realized that force doesn't create truth, and linear thinking doesn't unlock story.  The parts we're most afraid to share are often the most resonant. I now write with flow, not force. What I see in so many writers isn't a writing problem, but a relationship with their draft that's frozen in fear and perfectionism. They're waiting for clarity, permission, or the perfect time to start.  The Living Draft is my answer to this. It's a live experience built for people ready to stop circling and start allowing the book that's already here, safely and with an open heart.  Key Takeaways: Stories spark connection, while advice on its own doesn't. Being "blocked" often has nothing to do with creativity or skill — it's often hiding. Pushing through your writing with intense discipline often yields technically fine but hollow, lifeless work. Writing with flow, non-linear thought, and instinct—rather than a rigid outline or strategy—allows your true voice to shine. Start seeing your book draft as a living, breathing piece of work that only needs a different kind of attention to come to life. The most resonant parts are often the ones writers are reluctant to write. The book you want to write isn't asking to be perfect — it's asking to live. Early enrollment now available for 📖 The Living Draft. Timestamps: 00:00 The Stories I Almost Didn't Tell 01:07 The Journey to Writing My Book 02:47 The Breakthrough Moment 03:34 Transforming My Writing Approach 08:38 Introducing the Living Draft 11:08 Invitation to Join the Living Draft Key Links: Sign up for The Living Draft — space is very limited! Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Why Your Personal Newsletter is Your Product Business's Highest Converting Tool. I'm excited for you to get to know my friend Nicole Pond. She's a passionate entrepreneur, homeschooling mom of three, and CEO behind the family-owned skincare businesses The Yellow Bird and The Soap Bar. She's the founder of The Yellow Bird, established in 2015 to make clean, natural, and simple-ingredient skincare accessible and affordable for families, particularly those with chemical sensitivities and allergies. I've been obsessed with The Yellow Bird products (my faves are the bar soap, face oils, masks, deodorant, lotions, and bug spray) … but what I love even more than the skincare is Nicole's approach to newsletters.  For years, I've used her newsletters as stand-out examples with my community and clients. Sitting down to read her special Notes From Nicole feels like an oat milk vanilla latte with cinnamon on top, sipped from a cozy chair. And today, you get to hear her approach — which is such a great reminder that you can (and should) keep your newsletters simple. Probably even simpler than you think What you'll hear about today: How personal connection drives sales (while maintaining privacy). Her monthly "Notes from Nicole" email delivers higher open and click rates than her product newsletters. Sharing unique snippets — like what she's cooking, reading, and her hobbies — builds genuine trust and a loyal community. The challenges of writing "micro-copy" — for the built-in limitations of product labels — there are some great lessons here for ALL business owners! Authentic influencing and how brand owners can embrace genuine, honest influencing by connecting with customers' values and building trust, rather than relying on fear-based marketing tactics. How Nicole fosters a love for writing and storytelling in her kids, including running a unique writing club that encourages creative expression without the pressure of editing or formal structure (try this at home, friends!) Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Nicole Pond 00:59 Nicole's Newsletters: A Personal Touch 04:44 The Birth of The Yellow Bird 07:40 Challenges and Adaptations in a Product Business 08:50 The Power of Newsletters and Personal Connection 16:24 Influencer Marketing and Authenticity 23:47 The Value of Genuine Engagement 24:30 Challenges of Selling Your Physical Products 26:27 Crafting Effective Product Descriptions 28:24 The Importance of Clear and Honest Branding 35:24 Encouraging Writing in Children 38:07 The Power of Writing Clubs 39:12 Journaling and Personal Growth 43:20 Final Thoughts Meet Nicole Pond: Nicole is the Founder and CEO of two family-owned skincare businesses, The Soap Bar and The Yellow Bird. A passionate entrepreneur, homeschooler of three children, and creative/serial crafter, she balances running her businesses with being a dedicated mother, avid reader, and enthusiastic home cook. When she's not managing her teams(children) or developing new products, you'll find her crafting handmade items or diving into a good book (or possibly napping). Key Links: The Yellow Bird Website The Soap Bar The Yellow Bird on Instagram Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing The Intuitive Writing School Community LinkedIn Instagram

Stop Forcing It: How Energy-First Planning Transforms Your Writing In this episode, we challenge the persistent advice that "to call yourself a writer, you must write every day." Absolutely not. I used to think that I needed to write every day to make progress, get seen, and practice. Even top athletes don't practice daily, so why should you as a writer? You'll hear me share what writing every day looked like for me, and how, when I stopped writing daily, it changed everything. What you'll discover today: Why the "write every day" rule is BS. The problem with following a plan regardless of how you feel. How Energy-First Planning helps you show up for your writing more consistently — and for the long run) How the four phases of the moon can drive your writing activities without burning you out (New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon). Why resting when it's time to rest can help you avoid burnout later and produce better work. How to create YOUR Energy-First plan this month The goal is more writing flow, not force. Writing with your energy cycle is a creative guardrail that creates harmony and momentum for a writing practice that lasts. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:29 The Myth of Writing Every Day 02:10 Energy First Planning Explained 06:39 Aligning Writing with Natural Cycles 09:34 The Four Phases of the Moon for Writers 13:40 Creating an Energy-First Writing Plan 15:45 Invitation to 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing 16:53 Conclusion and Community Invitation 🕯️ Your Invitation: Sign up for the calm, cozy, and quiet experience that happens in your inbox from December 24 through January 6.  Sign up for 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing: Slowing Down for an Intentional 2026 Three years ago, I discovered the 13 Holy Nights while looking for a special way to pause and honor the holiday season. In this episode, you'll hear my personal experience with the powerful practice of the 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing, observed from Christmas Eve (December 24) through Epiphany (January 6). I fell in love with this intentional 13-night practice that invites us to opt out of the holiday hustle, go inward, and create a strong foundation for the year ahead. It's been fun to share this process with The Intuitive Writing School community over the past few years, too — as I'm always inviting them into my personal writing, spiritual, and creative practices (which, really, are all related). It's a simple yet profound daily commitment to yourself: Morning: Read prompts and notice what arises throughout your day (images, animals, thoughts). Evening (after sundown): Spend 5-10 minutes free-writing your observations, then write for 20 minutes with intentional "future-state journaling" focused on a specific month in 2026. Repeat daily until we get to the end of 13 nights (hear the breakdown in the episode). This experience is designed to be a safe, quiet, and calm way to tune into your intuition and ensure that how you start 2026 — is how it goes. Key Takeaways: Discover the symbolism behind the 13 nights and how this time connects to the energetic shift from the season of harvest (fall) into conservation (winter). Why the 13 Holy Nights are a practical way to honor our need for rest and introspection during the darkest time of the year Learn the powerful 20-minute daily practice that will help you tune into and intentionally map out the energy for each month of 2026 Hear surprising synchronicity stories from past participants who have used this practice to envision and manifest the year ahead Just 13 nights can help you compost what needs to go and plant the inner seeds of new life before the new year officially begins. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:29 Embracing Presence This Holiday Season 02:11 New Family Christmas Traditions 03:43 The Concept of 13 Holy Nights 04:40 The Significance of the Number 13 05:38 Winter's Energetic Transition & Call Inward 06:56 Practicing the 13 Holy Nights of Intuitive Writing 09:07 Personal Insights from the Intuitive Writing Practice 11:11 How to Participate in the 13 Holy Nights 13:18 Community Feedback and Invitation 15:46 Conclusion and Call to Join Us 🕯️ Your Invitation: This calm, cozy, and quiet experience happens in your inbox from December 24 through January 6. SIGN UP NOW

As soon as I read her Substack article on future-self journaling, I knew I wanted to invite Magdalena on the show. I've used similar tools in the past, but I just love how she simplified the journaling process and explained it in such practical terms.  Magdalena shares her incredible journey, from being told she would never walk again at age 14, having been affected by Chernobyl radiation, spending two years in the hospital, to becoming a high-achieving corporate employee and eventually a coach and writer.  A comment from an ex-boyfriend prompted her to pause her writing for nearly 20 years. It was ultimately a family health crisis that brought her back to the page. We dive deep into her 20-minute writing exercise, Future State Journaling, and discuss the science behind why it works, including the connection between handwriting and brain rewiring.  You'll hear about the three simple steps and some practical examples from her community. Whether you're asking for a raise, want a clean home, or want to write more, you'll hear about how to write your script and then take micro-actions.  Magdalena also offers wisdom on maintaining a writing habit in "stolen moments" — literally, everyone has time to write.  Key Takeaways: How Magdelena's journaling practice helped her process emotions during an extremely challenging time. How to apply the scripting method to navigate challenging family dynamics (like the holidays). Great writing isn't about grammar or semi-colons — it's about sharing your vulnerable, honest stories. Learn the 3-step process to Future Scripting: 1) See it (mental rehearsal), 2) Write it (by hand for better brain rewiring), and 3) Act as if it has already happened (take tiny action steps). Why 20 minutes is the sweet spot for journaling that signals to your brain that it's a manageable task with a clear start and end. The surprising reason you might want to wait at least 24 hours before taking a related micro-action or following the future state journaling process again Integration and brain rewiring happen through tiny practice steps, giving you data points to work with before a high-stakes conversation or event. You'll love Magdalena's advice to Substack writers: Just. Keep. Going. Maintain tenacity and keep publishing, as you never know whose life your story might transform. Key Links Mentioned: Visit Magdalena Ponurska's website Magdalena's article: The 20-Minute Writing Exercise That Neuroscientists Say Can Solve Your Hardest Problems Connect with Magdalena Ponurska on LinkedIn Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:29 Meet Magdalena: The Viral Substack Author 01:48 Magdalena's Writing Journey 04:10 Early Life and Challenges 08:15 Journey to the US and University Education in Psychology 12:47 Career Path and Personal Growth 18:19 The Power of Writing and Resilience 24:12 Experimenting and Growing on Substack 31:09 Exploring New Modalities and Building Community 31:42 The Importance of Servant Leadership 32:00 Engaging with Readers and Celebrating Success 33:51 Introduction to Future State Journaling 34:48 Steps and Techniques for Effective Journaling 37:08 Practical Applications and Success Stories 40:30 Integrating Journaling into Daily Life 47:58 Getting to Know Your Learning Preferences 49:45 Current Writing Projects 54:22 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom for Substack Writers Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Work with Jacqueline  LinkedIn Instagram

It's easy to lose momentum on your writing project during the holidays, but getting back on track is easier than you think. This episode dives into the three core habits that will help you reestablish your writing flow: BEing the Writer who makes consistent progress, prioritizing your writing Repetition — regular writing sessions, even in small 30-minute chunks (this adds up!) Leveraging discipline to make your writing time non-negotiable We discuss how to shift your mindset from finding time to making time for your writing, and the important message you send to your unconscious mind when you prioritize your creative work. Plus, you'll hear 8 simple, actionable strategies you can implement today to put your writing first, including: Blocking specific writing time on your calendar. Starting with just 30 minutes a day. Boosting accountability with pen-and-paper commitment and community. Creating before you consume (writing before checking email or social media). Planning your next day's writing task the night before. Tracking your writing flow, not just your word count. Celebrating your progress. Life happens, breaks are necessary, but having a plan for your return ensures you can confidently walk back to your desk and know that you are a consistent, great writer. Key Takeaways: The only moment that matters for getting back to writing is right NOW — ignore past and future distractions. Three essential habits for restarting your writing are: BEing the writer (embodying your identity as a productive creative), Repetition (consistent, dedicated time), and Discipline (making writing non-negotiable). You don't find the time to write, you make the time. This requires deliberate work and prioritizing creation over consumption. Putting your writing first sends your unconscious mind essential messages: "You're important," "Your work matters," and "The world needs your words." Key Links Mentioned: Substack: Dream Nudges: How My Subconscious Finally Got Me to Finish the Damn Books The Intuitive Writing School Community Jacqueline's book, Intuitive Writing Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:29 Post-Thanksgiving Writing Challenges 01:35 Key Habits for Writing Success 05:46 Eight Strategies to Get Back on Track 09:31 The Importance of Community and Accountability 11:04 Conclusion and Invitation Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

An Author-Entrepreneur's Journey with Jodi Brandon I'm excited for you to meet Jodi Brandon. We connected in person years ago, and she's one of my favorite humans in the book world.  If you want to DIY your book writing, self-publishing, and marketing, Jodi literally wrote the book on the topic. With more than 20 years of experience in book publishing and editing, she's helped 850+ business owners, CEOs, and leaders bring books to life. One of my favorite things about Jodi's writing is her clear, direct, and no-fluff advice for business owners who want to write a book. She just released the third edition of Write. Publish. Market, which is THE go-to guide for business owners who want to get a book out into the world. What you'll learn about today: Why a book is a living thing. If you're worried about publishing your book and then wanting to make changes — whether driven by your industry or a fresh opinion … simply create a new edition. How to leave margin in your schedule for inevitable life events — and STILL finish your book. Jodi's "line in the sand" regarding the responsible use of AI in book creation and the importance of copyright. What a realistic writing process looks like for busy entrepreneurs — we're not writing for eight hours a day. Smart ways to track your personal productivity data to create a book-writing schedule that works for you. Strategies for overcoming roadblocks, including how Jodi dealt with early perfectionism. If you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or leader who wants to write a book and a little nervous about the commitment — Jodi has the most encouraging words for you. (Really, I love this so much!)  This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur ready to demystify the process of becoming an author and publishing a book that grows their business. Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Jodi Brandon, Book Publishing Strategist & Coach 02:05 Celebrating Wins and Book Editions 03:05 Challenges and Successes in Self-Publishing 05:07 Realistic Writing Schedules for Entrepreneurs 10:23 AI in Book Writing and Publishing 13:41 Jodi's Writing Process 20:06 The Importance of Copy Editing 21:18 Marketing Your Own Nonfiction Book 22:53 Brain Dump Techniques 24:58 Early Writing Memories  26:47 Overcoming Perfectionism 31:10 Advice for Aspiring Authors 34:17 Writing and Editing Rituals 36:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Jodi Brandon: Jodi Brandon is a book publishing strategist and coach for business owners and leaders, and the founder of Jodi Brandon Editorial. Jodi has used her 20+ years experience in book publishing to partner with 850+ business owners, leaders, and CEOs to write, publish, and market a book to use as a marketing asset within their business ecosystem. She is the author of Write.Publish.Market., 3rd Edition, and the host of the Write Publish Market podcast. Jodi Brandon Editorial Website Write Publish Market Podcast Jodi Brandon's Book Jodi Brandon Editorial Instagram Jodi Brandon Editorial LinkedIn Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

Writing as a Life Craft: Dissolving Blocks by Embracing Self-Improvement What could be blocking your writing?  Chances are, it's not actually the classic "writer's block" or surface-level worries about grammar and word count. The real barriers often run deeper — unconscious baggage from academic or corporate conditioning (sometimes both) that may have taught you to write to "prove" something or follow a set of rigid, often unwritten, rules. I share my journey of unlearning 13 years of corporate communication habits, including three layoffs that forced me to question my professional identity.  In the online space, genuine curiosity is everything. Your readers are not your bosses. They value curiosity, vulnerability, and your unique perspective. The episode challenges you to answer some tough questions, like:  Are you writing for your critics or your fans?  Are you seeking validation or writing for the joy of the craft?  Writing is so much more than just a skill; it's actually a "life craft," intimately tied to healing and personal transformation.  Maybe the part I love the most: By clearing blocks to living, the writing blocks dissolve.  I encourage listening to my inner voice, surrendering to the words that want to come through, and trusting that my craft improves simply by showing up. Listen to your inner voice, surrender to the words that want to come through, and trust that your craft improves simply by showing up. Key Takeaways: Your perceived writing "blocks" could be wrapped up in your former identities. The surface-level worries (grammar, length, frequency) may be masking deeper blocks related to academic/corporate conditioning, the fear of "doing it wrong," and a need to fit into expectations. There's no need to have every piece of writing first into a tidy lesson. As long as you write from the scar, not the wound, sharing your story is powerful and grounding. Know who you're really writing for. Are you writing for the approval of former teachers, bosses, or critics, or for the connection with your actual readers who want to hear from you? In authentic writing, the goal is for the reader to know your perspective, feel less alone, and connect, not just to sell them something. Writing is a LIFE craft, and seeing it as a continuous path of self-improvement and healing dissolves creative blocks and removes the pressure of proving you're a "great writer." Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 Overcoming Writing Blocks 01:39 Personal Transformation Through Writing 03:39 Identity and Writing Challenges 04:16 Corporate and Academic Conditioning 06:11 Embracing Your Authentic Writing Voice 06:32 The Role of Editors 07:15 Writing for Yourself, Not Others 08:56 The Craft of Writing 18:30 Healing and Transformation Through Writing 22:33 Reflecting on Your Writing Journey 24:07 Redefining Your Writing Identity 25:10 Conclusion and Call to Action I want to hear from you! Email me and share in as few or as many words as you like: "Why do you write?" — hi (@) jacquelinefisch.com Quick Links: Blog: 10 Lessons From Being Laid Off 3 Times in 5 Years The Intuitive Writing School Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

We're a week into November, and if you're participating in a writing challenge this month, I hope you're happily plugging away. In this week's episode, I explore the reality of how writing projects confined to only one month out of the year typically unfold.  Now, if you're like many hopeful authors, you might feel the pressure to write during this month, spurred by challenges like NaNoWriMo.  The insights you'll hear today about just how EASY I know writing a book can be came from a meme. More than just good for a quick laugh, this one really helped energy-first, intuitive writing click for me. Based on my observations from writing communities on Facebook (but really, I think they're more like echo chambers of complaining).  Writing isn't just a November affair; it can—and should—be a year-round endeavor. Not necessarily daily, but steady and consistent. Many potential authors commiserate in these online groups because they believe that writing must be hard and painful, leading them to rush the process and confine it to just 30 days.  This fake urgency can translate into the energy we unconsciously infuse into our writing work, affecting how our readers perceive it.  My clients know that it's essential to enjoy the writing journey rather than just aiming for "done." Key Takeaways: Writing is a year-round journey, and doesn't need to be confined to just one month a year. Enjoying the writing process is essential for producing engaging work (and for supporting YOU, the author). Rushing through writing projects can lead to a disconnect in energy and reader experience. Mindset shifts around the concept of time can help make writing a priority — flow, not force. Your writing life will naturally ebb and flow — and while consistency is key, daily writing isn't necessary. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:29 November Writing Challenges and Cringy Memes 01:27 The Reality of Writing Projects 03:18 Rethinking Writing Challenges 04:37 Reevaluating Your Relationship with Time and Writing 07:52 The Ease of Writing Like Reading 14:10 Writing from a Place of Truth 16:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Quick Links: Blog: The Ultimate NaNoWriMo Alternative: How To Create a Writing Habit this Fall Without Burning Out Quiet Coaching Signature Services: The Quantum Writing Accelerator The Intuitive Writing School Community Book: Unfussy Life: An Intuitive Approach to Navigating Change Book: Intuitive Writing: The Remedy for Writer's Block and the Secret to Authentic Communication Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram

Working with Planetary Energy for a More Sustainable Writing Practice Want to hit your writing goals this November? It's November, and maybe you're already a few thousand words into your latest manuscript … that is, if you're carrying on with a variation of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) since the popular challenge shut its doors earlier this year.  I understand the excitement — I used to participate myself. The nonprofit officially closed its doors in March 2025 after inspiring writers for over 20 years (and possibly leaving many more feeling disheartened and frustrated). Despite its popularity, though, NaNoWriMo doesn't boast many "winners." The completion rate has consistently been between 10-16% over the years, yet participation has steadily increased. In today's episode, I share my experience with the writing challenge — the good, the bad, and the dusty. If you're rolling along with a similar writing challenge this month, I also share some key insights to help you manage your energy and make progress on your latest writing project. Key Takeaways: The key reasons writers end up feeling frustrated and uninspired with NaNoWriMo-style intense 30-day sprints. How intense writing challenges can lead to burnout and lower-quality writing, especially when they don't account for daily energy fluctuations, particularly among women with menstrual cycles. Easy ways you can work with your natural energy rhythm, combined with the moon, to create a more sustainable and fulfilling writing habit. If you end up feeling exhausted or scattered partway through the month, there's a key reason why — and it's not your fault. Discover a simple approach to help you create a sustainable writing practice this month that inspires your best writing yet. How joining a supportive writing community can provide accountability, inspiration, and a judgment-free space to develop your authentic voice. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write Podcast 00:28 The Rise and Fall of NaNoWriMo 01:04 My NaNoWriMo Journey 02:34 Writing Challenges and Realizations 05:06 Energy and Writing: A New Approach 09:56 Astrological Insights for November Writing 21:30 Community and Support for Writers 23:27 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Community   Quick Links: Blog: The Ultimate NaNoWriMo Alternative: How To Create a Writing Habit this Fall Without Burning Out Quiet Coaching Signature Services: The Quantum Writing Accelerator The Intuitive Writing School Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram  

 There's No Trust Recession for The Quiet Writers If you've been feeling pressure to perform in your business and to show up more often and louder than before on social media, you're not alone. I've fallen down the rabbit holes, too. Chasing views and likes, only to check the data and see the evidence — it doesn't drive my business and is leaking energy from where I can use it more effectively. In this episode of How Women Write, I'm flipping the script. While some online experts talk about a "trust recession" in online business, I'm not buying it.   Hear how I've built a solid business in a decade. This isn't overnight success — it's experimentation, creativity, trying new things, and recommitting. I created a sustainable online business not by being the loudest voice, but by being calm and real. You'll hear how I've learned to respond to my own inner stirrings to keep creating what truly excites me. Hear about some key insights as I reflect on my journey — from management consulting to three-time author and intuitive writing coach. This is about doing things your way (which might look different from the crowd), listening to what people need, and focusing your energy where it truly makes an impact. Key takeaways: Why authenticity, genuine expression, and deep connection are a winning combination for the quiet writers. Real connection over relentless social media creation is fuel. Check your energy for where you might be writing social hooks and captions in your head instead of doing the deeper writing you're called to. The online voice to trust most isn't the loudest (or the one with the best dance moves). How aligning your writing process with nature's rhythms — the moon and your menstrual cycle (if you have one) makes writing feel like BLISS.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:52 The Pressure of Social Media Visibility 01:40 Challenging the Trust Recession Narrative 02:22 Experimenting with New Business Strategies 03:29 The Ineffectiveness of Social Media for Some Businesses 05:18 The Journey to Becoming a Full-Time Writer 07:50 Writing and Publishing Milestones 13:31 Reevaluating Social Media 16:22 Focusing on Energy and Authenticity 27:32 Conclusion and Invitation Quick Links: Blog: The Ultimate NaNoWriMo Alternative: How To Create a Writing Habit this Fall Without Burning Out Blog & Video Lesson: How to Turn Your Blog Into a Book Substack: Humor & Healing from the Ground Up (the broken bone story) Missinglettr Quiet Coaching Signature Services: The Quantum Writing Accelerator The Intuitive Writing School Community Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

 Surrender, Flow, and Divine Inspiration in Your Creative Process In this episode, I share some simple insights on seeing your writing process as co-creating with God.  It's super simple, yet this is THE subtle shift in approaching your writing process that makes it feel infinitely easier to release the pressure of being the sole creator. When I say co-creating with God, I'm referring to Divine energy, Jesus' light. You and I, we're simply vessels, bringing writing to life through us. Surrendering to this process allows for light-filled, natural, and powerful creation. Key Takeaways: Writing from the heart, co-creating with God (energy, universe, divine), takes pressure off as we are the vessel. Co-created writing is naturally light-filled, without forcing or proving. Let go of limiting beliefs about writing, bad teachers, grades, and old rules, especially for online and business writing. BE the person with finished work in your mind; your calm, peaceful, relaxed state is as important as what you write, and your body needs to feel safe. Notice nervous system responses in your writing process: fight (overworking, criticizing), flight (procrastinating, over-planning), freeze (overwhelmed, stuck), and fawn (people-pleasing, holding back truth). Stop editing while writing; start with one honest sentence, ignoring typos, writing as if you don't have a backspace button. There's no such thing as writer's block, only being full or empty.  Share your words with the world, trusting the right people will read and experience transformation. Writing is sacred, and I invite you to treat it with reference, as an honor. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:29 The Concept of Co-Creation in Writing 03:29 The Power of Words and Divine Inspiration 04:57 Six Steps to Co-Creation 05:10 Step 1: Release and Rewrite Old Stories 07:16 Step 2: Holy Embodiment 10:27 Step 3: Writing the Surrendered First Draft (SFD) 12:08 Step 4: Let the Draft Rest 12:49 Step 5: Surrendered Editing 13:51 Step 6: Release and Trust 14:18 The Role of AI in Writing 15:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Join The Intuitive Writing School Community The Intuitive Writing School helps you write fast, honest, soul-led words by trusting your intuition—not the algorithms. What You'll Get: 💫 Clarity & Confidence — finally trust your voice and write with ease, flow, and purpose. 🪶 A Proven Intuitive Framework — simple, soulful tools to write without overthinking, forcing, or stressing. 🌙 Energy-First Guidance — learn to write in sync with your cycles, astrology, and nature's rhythms. 🔥 Hands-On Support & Community — connect with like-minded writers and get real (and kind) feedback that fuels your momentum. ✨ Magnetic Messaging Skills — craft content, emails, and stories that feel authentic—and actually convert. Join the community. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

You're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Who's in your circle? Who are the regular characters in your day-to-day life, but also online? Do the people you surround yourself with have similar goals? I've been running an online writing community since 2018, with the foundation of the experience being the regular Co-Writing & Chill sessions we enjoy each week. I intentionally call them "Co-Writing & Chill" because that's how we want the writing to feel — easy, effortless, relaxed. When our nervous systems can relax, only then can we write. Since 2018, one of the biggest challenges has been to describe just what happens in a co-writing session. It wasn't anything I'd participated in before I created this sacred container myself. And members constantly describe it as "magic." Though "magic" doesn't really make for clear, compelling sales copy, I think I've discovered what does … The Law of Proximity. Get to know how you can use this simple idea to support your writing success. Key takeaways in this episode: The Law of Proximity suggests that individual elements grouped close together are perceived as belonging together.  This concept also applies to the people you surround yourself with — online and off — who influence your personal and professional growth. When you belong to a community with a common goal — like writing, you automatically experience a boost in productivity and inspiration. If your writing community looks more like a critique group, where you might receive challenging feedback on your writing, this could be keeping you stuck. Giving feedback is an art. In our co-writing sessions, we intentionally nurture a chill environment where members can bring their full selves and receive encouragement. Surrounding yourself with others with similar writing goals helps you overcome writing resistance. When everyone else in the virtual or physical room is writing, you may as well buckle up and get writing too. Prioritizing writing earlier in the day helps most writer-entrepreneurs make the most of limited willpower, side-stepping decision-making fatigue completely! Relentlessly auditing your surroundings, both physically and online, to make sure you're associating with supportive and uplifting people who are also interested in growing as writers. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:47 The Law of Proximity 01:16 The Power of Co-Writing Sessions 02:27 Creating a Nurturing Writing Community 07:50 The Magic of Scheduled Writing 09:41 Optimizing Your Social and Physical Spaces 10:43 Investing in Yourself and Your Writing 11:51 Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Community Join The Intuitive Writing School Community The Intuitive Writing School helps you write fast, honest, soul-led words by trusting your intuition—not the algorithms. What You'll Get: 💫 Clarity & Confidence — finally trust your voice and write with ease, flow, and purpose. 🪶 A Proven Intuitive Framework — simple, soulful tools to write without overthinking, forcing, or stressing. 🌙 Energy-First Guidance — learn to write in sync with your cycles, astrology, and nature's rhythms. 🔥 Hands-On Support & Community — connect with like-minded writers and get real (and kind) feedback that fuels your momentum. ✨ Magnetic Messaging Skills — craft content, emails, and stories that feel authentic—and actually convert. Join the community. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Substack: Energy-First Writing Book Coaching LinkedIn Instagram

 Manifest Your Manuscript: Clear Blocks and Write Your Book Embodying the Successful Author Identity The number one mistake new authors make when they set out to write their books doesn't have anything to do with outlining, planning, or even book positioning.  —> It has to do with identity.  You'll hear how starting from a place of lack can muck up the writing process. Instead, when you see yourself as a successful author before and while you write, you shift your energy and even your approach.  A successful author moves differently through the world than someone who wants to be one.  The cool part is that this makes the entire book-writing process way more enjoyable and effective. Key Takeaways: Don't wait until your book is a bestseller to embody the energy of a bestseller author—this creates a mindset of scarcity.  The power of identity shifts, and by starting with BE-ing a successful author, you change your energy and approach to writing, editing, and the entire publication process. Successful authors have beliefs and emotions that someone wishing they were an author doesn't. Write your book from a mindset of KNOWING that your book is changing lives, you're receiving speaking requests, and 5-star reviews are stacking up. Managing any negative thoughts that creep in while writing is key (I share my effective "cancel process with you) Reminding yourself that you ARE an author with a fabulous book infuses your words with that great energy. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to How Women Write 00:28 The Biggest Mistake New Authors Make 01:58 Embodying the Successful Author Identity 04:55 Practical Tips for Maintaining a Positive Mindset 06:23 Join the Manuscript Manifesting Masterclass 07:36 Conclusion and Call to Action Manifest YOUR Manuscript Join me live on October 7 in the free Manuscript Manifesting Masterclass, where we'll clear the blocks to writing your book. It's an author activation & awakening experience, practically grounded in action steps you take immediately.  You'll:  Shift your creative frequency to one of limitlessness. Develop an unstoppable power of prose. Get clarity on the next steps for your beautiful book. Quick Links: The end of NaNoWriMo (and my sustainable alternative) Sign up for the Manuscript Manifesting Masterclass Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching LinkedIn  

 Explore Jenny Blake's journey as an author, speaker, and strategist, covering her writing process, books, and insights on navigating a creative career. " I cannot imagine not writing another book because it is such a soul project and it is just one of the artifacts in the world that gives me life every day, physical books. And I want to contribute to that, no matter what the math says on paper." Jenny Blake Some fun numbers for you on today's podcast guest: 27 nos and one yes, which is all Jenny needed to land a publishing deal. 200,000 words written on Substack in 2 years, showing an impressive commitment to her curiosity and craft. 15 minutes a day was all it took to build the momentum needed to write her first book. You'll hear more numbers in today's episode. What these show me is someone who cares.  When a friend sent me a Voxer message one day, "You HAVE to follow Jenny Blake! I think you'll love her." One long, deep, and winding rabbit hole later, I devoured her book, Free Time (her third), binged podcast episodes, and signed up for her newsletter. Just one newsletter in, and I felt such a connection with her that I asked to be on her Free Time podcast.  Perhaps a little forward (we just met!), but I knew she was a kindred spirit, and I wanted to be in the virtual room with her. Spoiler, she said yes (find my interview with her below). Some key takeaways from our coffee and salty almond butter-fueled chat: Writing prompts on Jenny's old Apple computer as a kid sparked a deep love for following a story seed. Post-It notes or Kanban boards in Notion support her non-linear, yet tactile writing process — and she took a different approach for each of her three books:  Life After College (first book): Started as a blog, written with short tips, quotes, and questions, like "Twitter meets What Color Is Your Parachute?". Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One (second book): Developed while self-employed and short on money, requiring her to balance writing with running her business. Free Time: Lose the Busywork (third book): Written during the pandemic, allowing for a dedicated five-month period of focused writing. Daily writing habits — think just 15 minutes a day can give you huge progress with your writing projects  in the personal essay genre, you're not supposed to be an expert,  That challenging moment when finishing a book and shifting your focus to marketing  Insights into why Jenny runs a social media-free business  The evolution of her Substack publications, like "Rolling in Doh," focuses on personal essays and the "stickier sides of self-employment" How writing from the "wound" rather than the scar can be a nurturing way to explore issues, challenges, and life experiences without needing to wrap up the lessons in a tidy little bow for readers. If you've got a blog, memoir, or business book on your heart, enjoy this episode! Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Guest: Jenny Blake 02:15 Early Writing Memories and Inspirations 04:23 The Role of Books and Memoir Writing 08:56 Navigating Personal Essays and Vulnerability 17:56 The Fascination with Elizabeth Gilbert's Memoir 22:10 Writing Process and Inspiration for each of Jenny's Three Books 33:47 The Power of Small, Daily Writing Habits 36:01 The End of NaNoWriMo 39:08 Challenges in Book Writing 42:20 Social Media and Book Publishing 48:26 Substack and Subscription Fatigue 52:51 Exploring Personal Essays 54:00 Current Writing Projects 01:01:42 Writing Rituals and Final Thoughts About Jenny Blake: Jenny Blake runs a Delightfully Tiny media and IP licensing company. She loves helping people set their time free through smarter systems, and is the author of three award-winning books: Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business for leaders and small business owners; Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One high net growth individuals navigating what's next; and Life After College, a portable life coach for twenty-somethings. For nine years, she hosted two podcasts with over two million downloads combined. Jenny also publishes personal essays about the stickier sides of self-employment at Rolling in Doh, a 2024 featured Substack publication. Connect with Jenny Blake: Jenny's website: https://jennyblake.nyc/ Jenny's Books: Life After College Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One  Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business Rolling in Doh on Substack Quick Links: YouTube: Quarter Life Poetry – Circle Back, Cake The end of NaNoWriMo (and my sustainable alternative) My interview on Free Time about intuitive writing and video-free business (when I was video-free ;) Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching LinkedIn

 Authenticity is one of those words that's thrown around. It's definitely in the category of overused.  But, is this the case only because many people don't understand it? Today's guest, Elaine Chung, realized that while at work, she wasn't mixing the different layers of herself. Instead, she was suppressing them. And in 2020, when she had three kids at home, she noticed the differences in watching her twins play (which she hoped they'd do more of so she could get her work done at home). She'd see one twin play with one thing for 20 minutes, which, according to her research, was actually a very long time for a little one. And then her other kid would play for literally like five seconds.  While most parents would say, "Oh, they're just different," that reasoning wasn't good enough for Elaine. She needed to know why.  With that curiosity, she went down the rabbit hole of research papers and spoke with researchers themselves to understand that there are different bodies of science around, personality development, early childhood development, and understanding the neuroplasticity of the brain. This led her to explore play, and when a friend asked her a pivotal question, she realized that she didn't want to continue down her career path  and become CCO at a digital health startup or even a chief marketing officer. Reflecting on the bravery of her kids, she wanted more of that, too. After leaving corporate to start her business, she began to wonder how people embraced their diverse identities. This curiosity led her to submit a TEDx in Asheville, where she was selected, and she soon realized there was much more to explore on this topic.  You'll love hearing how Elaine approaches her book writing with experiments and research, and the baby steps she took to increase her writing output in the early days of book writing. What you'll hear about: How Elaine's book, The Illusion of Authenticity, challenges traditional notions of authenticity, encouraging leaders to build connected, high-performing teams by embracing their full, "mixed Play-Doh" identities. Her brave leap of faith into entrepreneurship after 20 years in the corporate world, driven by her passion for play research and to be a brave example for her 3 kids. Elaine's book-writing process started with a mom's writing group, with stream-of-consciousness writing to overcome initial hurdles. Her journey from writing once a week for about 6 months to publishing her book within a year. Integrating our various identities, rather than compartmentalizing them, and honoring our full selves — including our values and principles — shapes how we operate in our home lives and at work. The 38 Tries Challenge: Elaine's next writing project is starting with a social experiment, inspired by the research on toddlers falling 38 times a day when learning to walk. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Elaine Chung and Authenticity 01:25 Elaine's Professional Background and Corporate Connection 03:45 Elaine's Leap into Entrepreneurship 09:32 The Spark for Writing 'The Illusion of Authenticity' 09:50 Exploring the Concept of Authenticity 18:11 Redefining Authenticity 18:55 Elaine's Book Writing Process 20:10 Overcoming Book Writing Challenges 25:57 Happy Surprises of Becoming an Author 28:11 Introducing Elaine's 38 Tries Project 33:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans About Elaine Chung: Elaine Chung is a leadership strategist and author of The Illusion of Authenticity. She helps leaders build connected, high-performing teams by rethinking authenticity and reconnecting with what makes us most human. Drawing from neuroscience, organizational behavior, and the science of play, she transforms how teams collaborate, lead, and grow—like kids do: curious, resilient, and wired to learn together, especially at the edge where discomfort meets the breakthroughs teams need most. Connect with Elaine Chung: Elaine's website: https://www.beyondthechange.com Book: The Illusion of Authenticity. Elaine on LinkedIn: How her book all started:  Video: https://vimeo.com/1022971034 Apply to participate in the 38 tries challenge for leaders and adults (the topic of Elaine's next book: beyondthechange.com/38-tries-challenge-application Virtual book club for up to 6 peers: https://www.beyondthechange.com/book-club-cohorts. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching LinkedIn

From Childhood Reader to Award-Winning Memoirist and Publishing Expert I'm so excited for you to get to know Stacey Aaronson. I've been so grateful to have partnered with her on a few of my clients' books. I coach them through the writing process, do some big picture and developmental editing, and then Stacey takes them across the finish line to holding a beautiful book in their hands. Having Stacey on my book birthing team is the best. If she ever stops doing what she's doing, I'll have to change what I do, too. Yes, she is THAT good. Stacey can take on virtually any aspect of the book-making process, from ghostwriting to editing, proofreading, and cover and interior design, as well as helping you get your self-published book into the necessary platforms to share it with the world.  As a gifted writer, thankfully, she has a book of her own, too (and I can't wait for her to write more!) If you want to write memoir, or you've lost your mother, I can't recommend her book enough, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother. She's intuitive, practical, and soul-led, and you're going to love her. She's been a part of bringing over an impressive 300 books to life, so she knows a lot about the book-writing and publication process. Hear about..  Stacey's remarkable reading ability left jaws on the floor when she showed everyone at just three years old that she could read without any teaching. How her seventh-grade English teacher recognized and fostered her writing talent (I'm thrilled to hear a positive seventh-grade teacher story!) After two decades in retail and HR, Stacey pivoted to publishing, founding "The Book Doctor Is In" in 2012. How she built her one-stop book publishing shop following a dark time in 2020 — she does it ALL: handling everything from ghostwriting, editing, cover design, layout, and publishing facilitation. Her memoir writing process for her award-winning memoir, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother A simple technique to help you jump into your writing project the next day. How Stacey wrote her book with a strong sense of urgency and divine inspiration in record time, with most of it flowing smoothly, but the last chunk proved to be challenging. How editing daily as she drafted helped her finish with a pretty strong manuscript. Helpful tips for authors who want to write memoirs. Navigating decision fatigue when you're writing or editing your book. Enjoy! Settle in. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Stacey Aaronson & Some Serendipity 03:34 Stacey's Early Love for Reading 05:56 Challenges in Elementary School 11:55 Career Journey and Reinvention 16:43 The Birth of 'The Book Doctor Is In' 26:21 Memoir Writing Process 34:13 Crafting Chapter Titles 35:50 Daily Writing Goals and Techniques 37:39 Mining Memories for Memoir Writing 40:16 Balancing Personal Stories and Relevance in Memoir 47:30 Editing and Feedback Process 54:32 Advice for Aspiring Memoir Writers 59:26 Future Writing Projects About Stacey Aaronson: Stacey Aaronson takes authors by the hand from manuscript—or no manuscript!—to market as a one-stop shop in publishing top-notch self-published books that rival the quality of legacy publishing from cover to cover. She is the founder of The Book Doctor Is In (2012), where she relishes being a trusted partner as a ghostwriter, editor, cover designer, layout artist, publishing facilitator, graphic and website designer, cheerleader, and more! She has been delighted to be involved in the full or partial production of over 300 books, many of which have won notable independent book awards, both with her own clients and as a layout artist for She Writes Press. She is also the author of the award-winning memoir, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother.    Connect with Stacey Aaronson: Buy Stacey's book, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother. Business Website: www.thebookdoctorisin.com Author website: www.staceyaaronson.com Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Buy Intuitive Writing (Stacey was my book cover designer!) Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn There are affiliate links on this page. If you click a link and make a purchase, I might receive a small commission.

Authenticity, Creativity, and Healing Through Words " If you heal your wounds, then your gifts can come out." Dana Park Dana Park has been a long-time writing community member. Seemingly out of nowhere (to me anyway), she announced she was working on a collection of poetry after she had been showing up to community co-writing sessions and sharing the writing she was doing for one of her businesses. "Cool," I thought. As an author and writing coach who works with entrepreneurs, much of my work is focused on clarity and directness, not creative prose.  But then I read Dana's collection from her first book, "Spiritual Warrior: A Light-Filled Collection of Chakra Awakening Poetry," and I was inspired.  In the past, I never really understood poetry, but Dana's words just hit different. Now, I turn to her book and uncover new wisdom every time. Her words help you get to know yourself, clear blocks, and show you where you may need some healing and some extra love. You'll be inspired by her personal healing journey, her path to reconnecting with the true Jesus, and how it brings life to her work.  Beyond her poetry book, she's working on a homeschooling writing curriculum. As a former fifth-grade teacher, she knows a lot about what it takes to support kids in their writing. A non-negotiable skill, especially in an age where kids are turning to AI to write for them. Here's what you'll discover today: How Dana integrates chakra understanding into her creative process, using essential oils, crystals, and yoga to activate these energy centers for more writing flow How Dana approached poetry writing. It involves sitting in silence, lighting a candle, and writing with a pencil on paper, emphasizing an intuitive, brain-free, and body-first approach. How our brains can hold us back from sharing our words with the world. How Dana's latest project, a homeschooling writing curriculum, aims to make writing accessible for parents and kids, by incorporating prompts focused on concepts like joy, compassion, and gratitude. Why it was important for Dana to push past fear and perfectionism to share her words, highlighting the freedom and growth she experienced by publishing her work despite potential judgment. How a writing project comes to life through the seven chakras. Why writing is a fundamental skill, especially in the age of AI, to ensure kids can communicate effectively and use their brains properly. Quick Links: The Intuitive Writing School Community Intuitive Writing Book Follow Your Genius, Not Your Bliss Class Homeschooling Writing Curriculum (coming soon!) Enjoy!   Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Dana Park & Discover Her Journey and Inspirations 02:05 The Spark Behind Chakra Awakening Poetry 06:23 Understanding the Chakras and Writing Process 12:30 Dana's Fiction Project and Writing Background 15:09 Creating a Writing Curriculum for Kids 21:42 The Importance of Writing Without AI 23:49 Writing Habits and Rituals 28:08 Overcoming Writing Fears 31:23 Writing Through the Chakras 34:07 The Role of Faith in Writing 39:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Dana Park: Dana loves words. Reading from a young age, stories have always fascinated her; in fact, they were a lifeline. As the years progressed, she knew she wanted to write, and she did, but very few people saw these writings. The biggest obstacle was herself.  Seeking and learning truths throughout adulthood, she discovered the healing path. This path allowed the words hidden on hard drives, notebooks, and tucked away inside the head and heart the freedom to be seen. Now, after much healing of childhood wounding, the fear of judgment is gone, and the words, whether poetry, fiction, or even a homeschool writing curriculum, are available to serve others on their own unique path through life.  Connect with Dana: Poetry on Instagram: @inner.light.writer Fiction on Instagram: @innerlight.author Empowered Writing on Instagram: @empowered_writing Join Dana on her mission to help teach a million kids to write at www.empoweredwriting.com Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Perfectionists, this one is for you. You'll love hearing how Cristy overcame being a perfectionist as a writer. I find this particularly interesting, given her background in clinical research. She's definitely playing in a whole new world now with somatic practices and astrology. Cristy had a daily blogging practice at one point — helping her write and publish quickly — an excellent way to put your writing out there over and over. I think you'll also love hearing about her writing rituals — from setting a Pomodoro timer (so good for focus and getting through resistance), writing teas, and queuing up a particular playlist when it's time to write. What you'll discover in this episode: Cristy's journey from clinical research to writing, teaching, and publishing. The inspiration behind her book, Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven: Seven Micro-Practices to Engage Your Somatic Wisdom. Writing is a lifelong pursuit and a form of self-discovery. The benefits of setting writing rituals, and you'll hear about Cristy's "writing tea" and a dedicated playlist. How you can use the Pomodoro timer for writing productivity. The importance of separating writing from editing and letting the words "sit" before revising. Fun ways you can use astrology to make sense of your personal cycles — Cristy has a Gemini Sun, Pisces Rising, and Aquarius Moon. Quick Links: Jacq's Episode on the Somatic Wisdom podcast Pomodoro Technique Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Cristy De La Cruz 01:47 Cristy's Background and Writing Journey 03:13 Overcoming Perfectionism and Procrastination 05:24 Daily Blogging and Writing Practices 07:58 Cristy's Book Writing Process 18:57 Editing Process 20:57 Writing Rituals 24:39 Editing Challenges 28:15 Astrology and Writing 37:37 Saturn Returns and Life Lessons 40:57 Final Thoughts   About Cristy De La Cruz Cristy De La Cruz is the host of the Somatic Wisdom podcast and author of Unleash, Unlearn, and Enliven: Seven Micro-Practices to Engage Your Somatic Wisdom. After spending over a decade in clinical research for a medical device company, she transitioned to creative embodiment through a portfolio of writing, teaching, and publishing. She's a practicing astrologer-in-training, with Pisces rising, Gemini sun, and Aquarius moon. With collaborator Patrick Geary, she's a co-producer for Loving Astrology, a learning path that combines energetics with cosmic wisdom (via Substack). Connect with Cristy De La Cruz: Cristy on LinkedIn Somatic Wisdom podcast Substack Loving Astrology Substack Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

What kinds of bad behavior have you brought to the office? It's an uncomfortable question, and one that today's guest, Kim Benoit, explores with a perfect portion of practicality and relatability. As the author of the bestselling book, "We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace," Kim shares insights and stories from her 20 years of leadership experience. The idea for her book was sparked over a casual dinner, where she began to wonder how her own employees might perceive her. This self-reflection led her down a path to explore the idea that everyone plays a role in workplace dynamics, both good and bad. Kim's diverse leadership background gives her a wealth of experience and styles to draw from—spanning various industries from criminal justice to corporate retail. Actually, her book was kind of an accident. What she initially thought would be a workshop, one evening while washing dishes, the entire outline for the book simply "presented itself." Kim was a member of my writing community while writing her book, and I'm thrilled to hear about how it gave her the camaraderie and accountability she needed in her writing journey—giving her the support and structure she needed to get the writing done. Even as an "accidental author," she bumped into some common writing challenges with self-doubt, isolation, and even owning the identity of an author. What you'll discover in this episode: If you're not making mistakes at work, or even trying not to, those are actually mistakes. How Kim went from academic writing, and not even having a nonfiction book on her radar, to writing and publishing one. How talking it out with talk-to-text on your phone can help you get through writing blocks. Creating writing "blocks" and even writing in the same spot helps you get in the writing zone. Practical advice for first-time authors, like setting realistic deadlines and backing into a timeline. How writing a book gives you a big credibility boost and a platform to help open new doors. A first peek into Kim Benoit's future writing projects, including ventures into fiction, a super fun rom-com, and even a murder mystery. When you're getting the nudge to write a book, trust it—you never know where it may lead! Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Kimberly Benoit 02:28 The Spark for her Book 03:09 Exploring Toxic Workplaces 03:28 Kim's Professional Background 12:05 Writing Process and Challenges 21:24 The Positive Impact of Publishing a Book 22:59 Embracing Your Identity as an Author 24:36 Creating Real Change Through Writing 26:22 The Role of Reading and Writing in Shaping Identity 26:54 The Challenges and Importance of Support in the Writing Process 28:25 Writing Rituals and Techniques 30:50 Transitioning from Academic to Conversational Writing 34:08 Kim's Next Writing Projects About Kim Benoit: Kimberly J Benoit is a strategy & leadership consultant with 20+ years of leadership experience. She coaches, consults, and speaks for organizations needing fresh strategies to keep great leaders, unite teams, and combat dysfunction.  As the bestselling author of the book, "We've All Done It," and host of the podcast of the same name, Kimberly's on a compassionate, sometimes humorous mission to help us understand how we all play a role on our challenges and successes, so we can become more confident leaders, teams, and organizations in the process. Based in Vienna, VA, Kimberly partners with clients globally. Website: www.kimberlyjbenoit.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-j-benoit/ Podcast: https://wevealldoneit.buzzsprout.com Kim's Book:  We've All Done It: Getting Real About the Role We Each Play in a Toxic Workplace Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

While you'll hear from plenty of author-entrepreneurs who have finished their books, I'm also committed to sharing real-life stories of women behind the scenes who are in the middle of the writing process. I had the pleasure of chatting with Caroline Peterson, a phenomenal (and hilarious) writer, traveler, and former advertising copywriter who's editing her memoir. Caroline shared her fascinating journey from the corporate ad agency world to starting her own creative business as a writer and travel advisor. I thought it was super cool to hear about her early love for journaling, which eventually led her to write a memoir. A case for saving those old journals, for sure! As a professional copywriter, she found writing the easy part, and the editing part, the most challenging. She's currently in the middle of editing her memoir, which centers on her healing 84-mile (mostly solo) hike across Hadrian's Wall Path in England. You'll appreciate her honest reflection on the emotional toll of editing her memoir and revisiting the difficult bits. But there's also the joy of seeing her own growth in her words. Takeaways from this episode: It's okay if the exact topic or outline of your memoir isn't clear from the start — let yourself wander through your journals and memories and allow the themes to emerge. Balancing a sense of presence during an intense hike when you're working on a book. "Writing in the cracks" — those 20-minute snippets of time can prove to be super productive. Writing a memoir is a healing journey — make sure you give yourself hefty doses of self-compassion (and take plenty of breaks). Your writing will also show you how brave and resilient you are. As a creative service business owner, it's essential to put your writing first—it actually fuels your professional creative work and can even prevent burnout. Community while writing is invaluable for accountability and emotional support. Trust your writing process—writing a book takes time, and everyone's journey is unique. Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction 01:41 Caroline's Writing Journey 02:32 Memoir Writing Process 04:49 Hiking 84-Miles Across England 07:43 Challenges and Reflections in Memoir Writing 12:20 Balancing Writing and Life 24:04 Managing a Writing Schedule 24:25 Finding Creative Inspiration 27:20 Writing on the Go 32:14 Editing Challenges and Deadlines About Caroline Peterson: Caroline Peterson cut her teeth in the ad agency world, leaving it as a Senior Copywriter to open her own creative business as a writer and travel advisor. She lives in Hawaii with her ER doctor husband and two wily cats, and is slowly learning the art of savoring life—which means she's probably in Japan or planning her next trip there. Brave enough to travel alone, Caroline believes in sincere, sustainable adventures and sharing those experiences through her writing. Follow along on Caroline's adventures: Website: carolinepeterson.com Brave Enough to Try Newsletter: carolinepeterson.substack.com Instagram: @iamcarolinepeterson Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Writing Community Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Multi-passionate, portfolio career, lots of commas after your name?   However you describe your non-linear career path, know that you're not the only one (and your experience is gold). Really, having a diverse list of professional and personal experiences makes you more interesting. —> And it makes for great book content. While many of the guests you'll hear from on the How Women Write podcast have a finished book out there, I intentionally want you to hear from my book coaching client, Kim Wensel, who is in it with her first book. She's in the middle of book drafting. No one talks about this phase. Until now. She set out to write her first book at a literal cabin in the woods, and while she got lots of winter hikes in (in Maine 🥶), she ended up completely reworking the material a couple of times.  I love that Kim came on the podcast to talk candidly through her writing process, because she set out to write her book, thinking it would be a linear process — draft, edit, publish. When really, it's more like drafting from many transcripts and notebooks, and then the fluidity of draft, edit, draft, draaffffttt… is actually a better description of the book writing process. She initially had an ambitious self-publishing timeline, and while she could have stuck with it, she trusted the process and pivoted on purpose — not out of boredom.  Here's what you'll discover in this episode: How we were taught to write in school isn't how we write nonfiction books or for business How to balance your personal passion projects with the need to make a living A fresh perspective on the value of past experiences, even the ones you think are "failures," is actually shaping a distinctive career journey Why you should take your reader more seriously — there's no need to dumb your writing down to a list of bolded bullets. Let them wander and get lost in your world of words. What to do when you bump into self-doubt in your career, and while you're writing your book What IS a book draft, really? The importance of creating "white space" in your business and life to spark new ideas and projects Kim's perspective on the evolution of her book's direction, from a "teach-y" business book to a more personal, question-driven approach How to write your book when you're not completely clear on who you're writing it for Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to Kim Wensel & Her Book Writing Process 03:21 Embracing a Non-Linear Career Path 05:26 The Journey to Entrepreneurship & Personal Branding 12:46 Beginning The Writing Journey 19:12 Navigating the Book Drafting Process 21:30 Finding the Spark for the Book 27:10 Balancing Openness and Professionalism in Book Writing 28:21 The Evolution of Writing a Book 29:26 The Challenges of Writing and Editing 30:48 Transforming a Business Book into a Memoir 33:29 The Emotional Journey of Writing 40:15 Shifting the Book's Focus to Reader-Centric Questions 45:03 The Book Writing Process and Personal Growth 50:19 Final Thoughts About Kim Wensel: Kim Wensel is a writer, champion of the non-linear career path, and founder of The Bench, a community for women who love their work but want it to come at less of a cost. For ten years, she ran Pattern of Purpose, a solo shop supporting small businesses in brand development and copywriting.  Early in her career, she learned to do the most with the least, managing fundraising and communications plans for various national and global nonprofits. She earned her Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan and her bachelor's degree in communications from Virginia Tech. A native Washingtonian, she recently relocated to Pittsburgh, where she never takes a sunny day for granted. Connect with Kim on her website. Follow Kim on Instagram. Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Book Coaching Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Think SEO isn't for authentic & intuitive business owners? SEO is for EVERYONE. Following an eye-opening conversation with Mariah Magazine, an award-winning SEO consultant and educator. We dove deep into the world of search engine optimization, and let me tell you, she's the best I've talked to on a topic that can be tricky.  Mariah's superpower is breaking down technical topics in simple and tactical ways that most of us can understand. What a gift! We discuss why SEO is so crucial for nonfiction authors and service-based businesses. Mariah breaks down what SEO actually is and why Google still dominates the search landscape in 2025, even with the rise of AI. You'll also love hearing about how Mariah landed in the SEO world. And even tried to leave, but came back to it.  We had a really honest conversation about the common misconceptions surrounding SEO, particularly the "wild west" nature of it and why focusing on user experience is super important.  As a content creator, I loved hearing her perspective on how to create content that genuinely serves your audience and builds trust — not just chasing keywords. What you'll learn in this episode: Why SEO is crucial for online businesses and how it helps your ideal clients find you. The importance of optimizing your entire website's foundation before thinking about content creation, like blogging or podcasting. Why your home page is probably the most important page on your website to optimize for SEO — and exactly what you should include to help you get found. Choosing clarity over anything fuzzy or confusing, especially for your home page, is super important. Practical tips for optimizing your homepage to improve your search engine rankings. Mariah's candid thoughts on using AI for content creation and why human touch matters (and let me tell you—she tried to make it work!) How to infuse your unique voice and perspective into your content to build trust—because people buy from people they know, like, and trust. What to do with your old blogs if you've pivoted your business. You'll also get to hear about some of Mariah's creative adventures with a sourdough micro-bakery and creating a successful Instagram account featuring the best coffee around Buffalo, NY. She totally inspired me! Timestamps:  00:00 Introduction to SEO Confusion 01:13 Meet Mariah Magazine 03:19 Understanding SEO Basics 08:34 Blogging for SEO 17:54 Optimizing Your Home Page for SEO 25:48 AI and SEO 35:55 The Downsides of Using AI for Writing 38:59 The Importance of Authenticity in Content 47:09 Mariah's Journey to Entrepreneurship 53:43 Starting a Micro Bakery 57:33 Favorite Writing Fuel 01:00:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Quick Links:  Mariah on Instagram Mariah on YouTube  Mariah on LinkedIn Mariah on Threads Freebie/Resource Links: Mariah's Roadmap to Successful SEO Mariah's SEO Tools Expert List Mariah's YouTube SEO Checklist About Mariah: Mariah is an award-winning SEO Consultant & Educator, YouTube Content Creator & host of a top 10% podcast; Curiously Guided. She's a firm believer that showing up on Google and organically marketing your business doesn't have to be as difficult & overwhelming as everyone makes it (which is what ultimately inspired her to start her YouTube channel in the first place!) – Since 2015, she's guided hundreds of clients and students to achieve page-one search results through actionable and practical strategies, ultimately inspiring them to take SEO into their own hands. She's been quoted on Forbes, interviewed on Business Insider & USA Weekly, and worked directly with Semrush Academy as a Course Writer & SEO Subject Matter Expert. When she's not zippin' through cyberspace, she's exploring new coffee shops in search of the best vibes, yapping about Human Design, or testing out new recipes she found on Pinterest. (Because life is too short to eat the same 5 dinners.) Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Work together Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

As we went around the table at the Mexican restaurant that evening doing our 90-second introductions, when Monica shared that she had a candy business AND a book, my ears perked up. As soon as the women's networking meeting was done and I wiped the chips and salsa from my lips, I bee-lined for Monica, "I have a podcast for female writers, will you be a guest?" Clearly, she said yes, and our conversation was so inspiring that we could have gone on for hours.  I devoured her first book, Do You Think This Is All There Really Is? On a recent trip, I dog-eared and made notes in the margins.  It turned out that the woman I met at my second networking meeting and I had a lot in common. From living in Chicago to the meaning behind finding dimes, to mold (not a fun one), and so much more.  Sitting and wondering, "Is this really all there is?" while in a corporate meeting after returning to work after my first maternity leave. I knew where she was coming from. It was this question that sparked so much for me.  I think when we become moms, this question becomes urgent for many of us.  Here are some juicy topics we cover:  How Monica left a good on-paper corporate career to become an author and business owner, driven by a sense of unfulfillment Living a life led by God's Divine  Overcoming self-doubt as a writer using automatic writing, ignoring grammar rules, and trusting her intuition. Overcoming all the many obstacles that stood between Monica's book draft and holding a published copy in her hands Trusting God's timing (it was 10 years from idea to final book!)  How she used early negative experiences with teachers to fuel her writing, but not after totally pausing on reading and writing for years About Monica: Monica Marks is a speaker, author, and the owner of Yumbitz, a gummy company.  Quick Links:  Monica's book, Do You Think This Is All There Really Is? Monica's website Yumbitz Monica on Instagram Monica on TikTok Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Work together Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Have you ever excitedly started out on a writing project and let the words pour out for weeks, only to lose steam? When you take a step back, the words feel jumbled. Everything appears messy, out of order — it feels like chaos. Most people bump into chaos in their writing and do one of three things: Feel overwhelmed and do nothing. Switch to another writing project that feels easier. Trust that the order is in there and push through. Which one do you typically default to when the writing feels hard? Usually, all we need is to pause, reassess the project, and even other areas of our life before moving forward again. What you'll hear about in this episode: Chaos in your writing can be representative of chaos in other areas of your life Writing can feel messy and chaotic at times — the key is to trust that order will come through When a writing project feels overwhelming, how you can switch your focus so you can get moving, because once you get going, you'll find your flow and create momentum Why it's totally normal for your feelings to change throughout your writing project Links: Writing Miracle Power Hour Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Writing Vitamins Newsletter Work together Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Let's tackle a challenge I hear a lot — "posting and ghosting." When you've been on a break from sharing content on social media or in your email newsletter and want to jump back in, how do you dive back in? What do you say? What should you skip? If you haven't connected with your audience in a few months or even years, there's often a lot of guilt and self-consciousness that comes with returning. Sorry to break it to you, most people aren't thinking about your absence as much as you might believe. This episode will show you practical, actionable ways to re-engage your audience. Topics covered:  Understanding and overcoming the guilt of "posting and ghosting" How to reestablish trust by focusing on direct and authentic messaging, including what to say What NOT to say when you reconnect with your audience How to be visible and consistent — you may need to remind your audience who you are and what you offer The importance of reconnecting with your followers and subscribers sooner rather than later Strategies for crafting your return message Dispelling the fear of "bothering" your audience This quick episode shows you how to break your content silence and reconnect with your community. Links: Writing Vitamins Newsletter Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

In a world where more creative business owners are turning to generative AI to write for them, authentic, heartfelt, and true stories are even more valuable. We need YOU! Instead of co-creating with AI, I invite you to tune back into your God-given, unique voice. We're also not meant to write and create alone in a vacuum. We need others. So, the next time you're compelled to ask your custom-coded ChatGPT to write your next email for you, step away from the computer, get quiet, and trust that you already have everything you need to write (you do!) If you've been using AI to write for or with you, try taking a break to flex your writing muscles again—use it or lose it! It might be uncomfortable at first, but trust me, we want to hear from you, not your trained robot. 💫 5 Key Takeaways: Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are creating soulless and flat content. Gen AI can't replace your God-given connection to the Divine, authentic voice, experience, and unique stories. Training AI to reflect your voice only captures a sliver of a moment in time—you'd be missing out on capturing your ongoing growth and experiences. Consistently writing for yourself strengthens your creative muscles and preserves your unique voice. While AI has valid applications for accessibility and acting as an assistant (like transcriptions, translations, and basic grammar checks), it can't replace our human intuition. 🔗 Links: Study on AI impacting brain activity Resources: Sign up for the free weekly Writing Vitamins Newsletter - https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/newsletter Join The Intuitive Writing School Membership for $99/mo, no contract - https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community Free Guide: Announce your new business or a pivot with the actual scripts I used to launch my business - https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/blog/announce-your-business Follow Jacqueline on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theintuitivewritingschool/ Follow Jacqueline on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theintuitivewritingschool Send Jacqueline a connection request on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-fisch-writer/ Timestamps: 00:00 Writing with Gen AI 00:31 The Rise of AI and Its Impact on Writing Jobs 01:48 Personal Experiences with AI 03:00 The Limitations of AI in Capturing Your Authentic Voice 06:20 The Problems with AI-Generated Content 09:11 The Value of Human Creativity & Co-Creation with God 15:13 Practical Uses of AI in Business 19:50 Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Voice & Trust Your Intuition

Substack vs. Your Website: Where to Publish Your Writing Today, I'm talking about something I get asked about a lot: Substack. When many business owners are starting out online, they want to get their writing out there — blogs, newsletters, and social media. This is great! Get out there!  And a common question is, "Where should I put my writing?" These creative business owners turn to platforms like Substack because that's where people are already hanging out and it's free and easy to start. I totally caught the Substack bug, too in 2023. I jumped in, gave it a solid year, and then made the move back to my own website.  In this episode, I'm diving into my whole experience. I'll share why I initially thought Substack was a great idea, what I loved about it, and why I ultimately decided it wasn't the right long-term fit for me. Substack is awesome if you're just starting out and haven't built a website yet. It's free, super easy to use, and you can set it up to resemble a website, complete with an about page, a podcast, audio embeds, and even a newsletter. It can save you from needing separate email marketing software initially, which is a huge plus. You can just get writing and publishing. Something I'm all for because getting started often leads to overthinking and landing in the land of inaction and doing nothing. A place that won't grow your business.   💫 6 Key Takeaways: If you stopped blogging on your website in favor of Substack, make sure you check your data to see your views and measure growth.  If you offer services or digital products on your website, your website is also the best place to host your blog.  Substack is a decent free option for new writers or those without a website to start publishing, offering features like blogging, podcasting, and newsletter capabilities. While Substack gives you a simple way to build an email list and potentially monetize, it lacks advanced email marketing features (like segmentation) that most platforms offer. Substack may be a good platform for you if you write about topics that get censored on social media. Substack is a third-party platform, and I'll always prefer having my writing on a site that I control. 🔗 Links: The Intuitive Writing School Blog Masterclass: 5 Ways to Enjoy a Relaxed Summer of Writing Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:18 Exploring the Pros and Cons of Substack 02:51 My 1-Year Experience with Substack 05:37 Challenges and Limitations with Substack 09:46 Returning to My Blog 15:30 Invitation to my free masterclass: 5 Ways to Enjoy a Relaxed Summer of Writing

When I created the How Women Write Podcast, I knew I had to invite today's guest. Brenda Terry is an NLP Trainer, Master Coach, and Business Mentor dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs break through mental blocks, build confidence, and achieve meaningful success.  In 2019, after I'd been working with Brenda on her website copy and content for about a year, I became her client. I'd experienced what she calls NLP breakthrough coaching. She has truly helped improve my life. When I saw she had opened a membership, I was excited to get in there. The "Brenda effect," as some of her clients call it, is real, and I wanted a regular dose. If you've heard of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming, not Natural Language Processing), you might know that it's a tool for upgrading our brain's operating system to support us in reaching our goals. We take what's inside the nervous system and upgrade it so that our unconscious mind can align with what we consciously desire.  We can use NLP to support our writing habits and the words we write. We do this through focus, language, behavior, beliefs, and expectations. We get into some good discussions about generative AI for writing. Our readers and clients want you—not something computer-generated. Remember, your writing is more than words on a page—it's your soul speaking.  Writing and strengthening our writing voices is a gift. When we skip those steps and ask generative AI to write it for us (even if we trained it), we're missing out on the growth. 💫 6 Key Takeaways: Mindfulness can be efficient — there's no need to create a six-hour morning routine before you settle in to write. Your body is always speaking to you—when you listen, you'll get more done. Most people are visual, so when you edit your drafts, incorporate visual words. Following visual systems, people are auditory and kinesthetic. So, in our writing, we'll incorporate words that speak to their dominant representational system. When we say yes to transformation, we're saying yes to the journey more than reaching the goal of what we say we want Generative AI (aka, ChatGPTing) is inauthentic and ineffective. It's better for your brain to write for yourself. Your readers and clients want you. If your writing feels too corporate, academic, or jargon-filled, don't try to change it as you write. Simply write how you write and edit later. ✅ 4 Practices to Try: Weave mindful moments throughout your day while lying in bed, waiting for the morning coffee to brew, and enjoying a walk Future Pacing:  In your sales copy, focus on the after state of working with you, more than problems (problems are still important to focus on; just keep it more balanced on the positive). To get past any resistance to writing, try a mantra like Brenda's: "The past is over. It served me well. And that's not who I am anymore." As you write anything, remember that someone is waiting to hear the exact words you're about to write and focus on writing with the highest outcome in mind. 🔗 Links: Brenda's website Empowered CEO Society Jacqueline's Copy & Content Coaching Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:09 A Glimpse into Jacq's Podcast Journey (a long time in the making!) 02:50 Writing Routines and Inspiration 03:42 Morning Routine and State Management 06:25 Overcoming Physical Challenges 10:40 Understanding NLP 14:52 Applying NLP in Writing 19:50 The Importance of Authenticity in Writing 29:52 Reframing Perspectives for Writers 32:10 The Power of the Butterfly Effect 32:39 Creating for Others & Getting Out of Our Minds 34:55 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Uncertainty 36:58 The Importance of Consistency and Focus 39:47 Mindset and Business Strategy 47:13 Brenda's New Membership: The Empowered CEO Society 55:18 Personal Insights and Final Thoughts   ABOUT BRENDA TERRY: Brenda Terry is an NLP Trainer, Master Coach, and Business Mentor dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs break through mental blocks, build confidence, and achieve meaningful success.  With over 30 years of business experience, including growing a 7-figure company, Brenda combines practical NLP techniques and proven strategies to empower her clients to create thriving businesses they love. Through her programs like the Empowered CEO Society, she provides the tools and guidance to turn big dreams into reality.

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book? I mean, literally, writing while you're sleeping.  You're going to love this conversation with Malika Semper. We explore how her first book came together, sparked from sentences strung together in the middle of the night. If she ignored them, she couldn't go back to sleep, so she'd get up at 2:00 a.m. many nights and get writing.  Malika is a certified astrologer, a teacher, and now, an author. She's about to release her first book, Tales of the Zodiac. The story behind this beautiful coffee table book is just as fascinating as the book itself.  Malika's book-writing process is possibly the best example of surrendered, intuitive, and feminine writing I've ever seen. You'll see how she balanced the divine downloads with the practical putting of the materials together.  In her creative writing process, we see how she stayed completely open, trusted the words pouring onto the page, and kept the mind chatter out of the process. It really shows in the soulful and vulnerable writing of her debut book.  Malika's journey is a reminder that creativity can't be scripted. The words may come at inconvenient times, but it's our job as writers to capture them and get them onto the page. 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Favorite Writing Fuel (it's decaf!) 03:38 Inspiration Behind Tales of The Zodiac 06:50 The Writing Process — Dream Time Downloads 10:14 Balancing Creativity and Structure 13:31 Turning Inspiration into a Book 16:30 Navigating Editing of Creative Writing 19:34 Navigating Vulnerability in Writing 20:03 Challenges in the Creative Process 22:56 Astrological Insights and Writing 28:09 A Synchronistic Book Release 30:19 Early Memories of Reading & Writing 34:59 Future Projects 37:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ✨ 5 Key Takeaways: The muse doesn't have a schedule or boundaries. Be ready to capture ideas wherever you are, even in the middle of the night. Writing while in a dreamy, relaxed state is the BEST way to keep the inner critic and any censoring out of your first drafts. Writing when inspiration strikes or first thing in the morning can help. View writing as a non-linear creative process. You can bring structure in later. Collaboration can bring your vision to life. Finding the right people to work with, whether an artist or an editor, can make all the difference. Writing can be a vulnerable experience—sharing your authentic voice is worth it. It's truly what connects us all. ✅ 3 Recommended Actions: Keep a notebook and pen on your nightstand. Write in as relaxed an emotional state as possible for the best writing. Explore the energy of your sun, moon, and rising signs in Malika's book to get to know yourself and inspire your own creativity. 🔗 Links: Malika Semper's Website Pre-order Malika's book, Tales of the Zodiac (it comes out on Saturday, June 21!) Artist Caitlin Grabenstein Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy Stacey Aaronson Book Design & Formatting Jacqueline's Book Coaching & Editing Services

⚠️ Caution: This episode of How Women Write might make you want to escape to a secluded New England cabin in the woods with walls lined with books to cozy up to a weekend of reading (and some writing, too). I think you'll find this incredible conversation with Madeleine Eno, a book coach, editor, and ghostwriter, super delicious. Madeleine was my developmental editor for my book Intuitive Writing, and she really helped me bring it all together and make it shine. She's got so many superpowers, from book mapping to uncovering an author's "golden thread" to understanding human design, and I'm always fascinated by her work. It was so interesting to hear how she helps people uncover the heart of their book. Before settling into her space of writing, ghostwriting, editing, and human design, she danced around words in other creative roles before finally accepting that she was meant to claim her space in the literary world. I loved hearing about her ghostwriting experiences and how she gets into someone else's voice while never compromising her own. I think you'll really enjoy this conversation as much as I did! We also get to hear about the children's book Madeleine is working on right now, and the delightful way she rewards herself after completing a challenging writing project 👀   ✨ 6 Key Takeaways: Reading fiction novels can show you all the human foils, foibles, and aspirations. Everyone has a story, and finding your "golden thread" is key. The clearer your thread, the easier the drafting will be. Tools like human design can help, too! The Incarnation Cross in human design can help you uncover your soul's purpose, which can help you answer the question, "What should I write?" The better the book map, the better your draft. Inspiration comes from everywhere: Be open to inspiration from books, nature, a simple break, or even movies (even though we writers already spend a lot of time at the screen). Editors improve your writing. Working with an editor will push you and improve all your future writing. Editors have stretched every writer in the most powerful ways.   ✅ Practices to try Consider a book mapping session with a coach like Madeleine to clarify your book idea. (She helped me map Intuitive Writing and was my developmental editor!) Discover how other writers and creators you admire find inspiration and try those techniques yourself. Write for yourself first before writing for others. If you're stuck in your writing, try changing your environment to get a fresh perspective. Reading a poem in the morning before writing can open up your creative world.   🔗 Resources Mentioned Visit Madeleine's website  Movie: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life The Intuitive Writing School Community Jacqueline's book, Intuitive Writing: The Remedy for Writer's Block & The Secret to Authentic Communication   🎧 Related Episodes 20: The Vulnerable Writer: Orly Levy on Emotional Wellness & Creative Expression 15: Astrology and the Writer's Flow with Claire Gallagher 05. Mercury Retrograde for Improving Your Writing: Review, Revise, and Repurpose 🌟 Enjoying the show? The best way to thank us is by leaving a rating or review. ✍️ Check out Jacqueline's personal business essays and other books on JacquelineFisch.com. 💌 Subscribe to the Writing Vitamins newsletter for access to free writing tips to write your books, website copy, and blogs faster.   Note: None of what you learn is health or mental health advice. For entertainment purposes only.