Worthy Writers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Kirsten McNeill
The Worthy Writers Podcast represents confidence, creativity, and unique journeys. It offers encouragement to writers and authors who find themselves battling imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the lack of energy to achieve their creative dreams.
Discover Kirsten's writing journey while exploring your mindset in the book world. Find the confidence to continue refining your craft and living as your authentic self.
Hosted by Kirsten McNeill (book editor, multi-genre author, creative mentor) www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten Email: km@worthywriters.ca www.worthywriters.ca
Meet Brigitte Franzen – Born, raised, and educated in Germany.
1978: Interning on a family-owned livestock farm in Illinois led to a job offer that she accepted.
1980: She emigrated to the United States by herself. First, she managed the hog farm of her former host, then built her own breeding stock farm from the ground up, dealing with the challenges of doing business in a male-dominated field, establishing a credit history, and supervising employees.
1987 – 1999: Brigitte owned/operated Salt Creek Farm, selling breeding stock (pigs) into 5 states, exporting boars to South Korea, and earning industry awards.
1999: The collapse of family livestock farms as a business model as the number of factory farms reached critical mass. She closed down her business, and her 300+ customers did the same, as did most family pork producers nationwide.
2000 – 2022: Career encore! She became a Certified Financial Planner, then an Estate Planner and Business Succession Planner for farm families.
2023 – present: Brigitte is writing her memoirs, starting with the first novel Have Pigs, Will Travel
Join us on today’s episode to learn more about Brigitte and her memoir writing that began during Covid lockdowns.
She shares her favourite way to structure a memoir, and knowing the goals she has for the novel which helped her decide which stories of her life to share.
She encourages authors to follow the most rewarding path for their unique writing journey and making the most of life experiences.
Write your memoir with no regrets, and be protective of how you spend your time. Read and write what is worthwhile to you!
Connect with Brigitte on her Website for more about her journey, a sample chapter from her novel, a blog featuring her cat, and more.
Journal Prompts:
What moments from your life do you love to talk about?
What is your purpose behind writing your story?
How will your life experiences impact your readers?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Genevieve Clovis is a self-proclaimed story gremlin. She is a speculative fiction author, editor, writing coach, and owner of second-hand bookstore, Cliffside Village Books. Genevieve’s debut novel, Tea and the Transcendent, is an urban fantasy that blends ghosts and demons with cozy, tea-guzzling vibes.
In her editing life, Genevieve specializes in developmental editing for indie authors and publishers. She takes great joy in ensuring her clients’ novels are as monstrous and diabolical as intended. True to her story-gremlin nature, Genevieve runs a variety of online writer’s groups and can often be found lurking in her bookstore, doling out books that are definitely not cursed.
On today’s episode, Genevieve shares how she balances her roles and her passions in the book industry.
We talk about her process of working with writers and how to choose the best editor for your book. Then, we dive into tips on what to think about for world-building and how much time you need to spend explaining it in your story.
Find that entry point of familiarity for the reader before you share the intricacies of your fantasy world.
Overall, stay out of your own way and don’t fear the exploration of writing. Do what’s best for you.
Connect with Genevieve on her website cloviseditorial.com, and on Instagram and Facebook @cloviseditorial
Find her books on Amazon, or at her bookstore!
Journal Prompts:
What makes your fantasy world unique from the standard world?
What are you looking for in an editor?
When it comes to world-building, what are your favourite aspects and why?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Create Your Worthy Writers Lifestyle 5-Day Challenge
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Starting off as a sweet romance writer, Daria branched out in 2020 with books in cozy mystery and Christian fiction. She even has nonfiction titles in the works, reflecting her Christian faith and work in ministry. She currently lives in New York with her husband.
On today’s episode we discuss time management and writing drafts. Daria shares her experiences writing romance and cozy mystery, and how she gets into the mindset for both. Over the years, she’s learned how to have a confident perspective on writing, even when challenges come.
Daria has several strategies for managing time and creating a process that works best for you. Some of those strategies include writing prompts, changing your scenery, and remembering why you love writing in the first place.
Writing for herself first is very important to her. Even though she is passionate about writing, she doesn’t let it consume her entire life. She knows how to limit her writing time and keep herself accountable in reaching her goals.
She reminds us that there is no such thing as a perfect draft. Find the joy in writing, figure out the routine that works best for you, and create an experience that you are passionate about.
Connect with Daria on her Website, in her Facebook group, and learn from her in the No Time Writer Course!
Journal Prompts:
What are your biggest time management struggles in your writing journey?
What strategies will you use to help manage your time?
Create a schedule that works best for you and your energy.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Create Your Worthy Writers Lifestyle 5-Day Challenge
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C.H. Carter is a fantasy author with a lifelong love of the genre in all its forms. In middle school, she wrote a fan letter to Tamora Pierce and received the most encouraging reply! That experience cemented her desire to become an author. (She also still holds out the hope they can meet in person one day!)
When not writing, you can find her working on a number of rotating projects (Crochet, anyone?) and obsessing over her two rescue dogs.
On this episode, we discuss C.H. Carter’s publishing journey, and her passion for fairytale retellings. She shares her experiences querying to publishers and agents, then learning about self-publishing.
She has many indie author friends, who helped her make the decision to self-publish To Kiss the Sea. There are misconceptions about self-publishing and it being a “lesser” path. But to us, it’s just one of many options to achieve your goals.
There are many reasons a publisher or agent may reject a book, and it’s a very subjective process. One day, C.H. hopes to be a hybrid author working both traditionally and in self-publishing. This gives her
We end off this episode with her sharing experiences writing and publishing To Kiss the Sea and valuable advice about how to choose between traditional publishing and self-publishing.
C.H. Carter invites you to come play mermaids with her! Connect on Instagram, Threads, and Tiktok @chcarterwrites, and on her Website.
Journal Prompts:
What is your ideal publishing path?
What are all the ways you can market your book?
Pick 2-3 of our favourite ways to market. Start working to implement one.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Create Your Worthy Writers Lifestyle 5-Day Challenge
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Jen Anderson is a freelance writer and recovering perfectionist. She has improved her mental and physical health by letting go of perfectionism. She started Accomplist to help other people do the same, and to stop beating themselves up over unattainable standards.
On today’s episode, we discuss goal setting, perfectionism, and embracing the imperfect to give others permission to do the same.
Jen has had many fabulous experiences writing novellas, screenplays, and blog posts. She created a productivity app called Accomplist to help you organize your tasks and do your best as you’re working on your novel.
It can be difficult to achieve your goals when you feel like you’re constantly falling behind, but in your writing journey most deadlines are self-imposed. You don’t have to write every day to make your word count matter. Find the schedule that works best for you. That may evolve over time and you may change your mind on what you enjoy writing, and that’s okay! Enjoy the journey!
We also discuss how to keep your momentum going so you don’t lose your motivation to write. Jen shares how she organizes herself, as well as tips for creating your routine. Breaks and not putting too much pressure on the novel writing experience are important to her.
Finally, she shares writing exercises to help get you into the writing mode. Not everything has to be published and not everything will be a gem, but you have to start somewhere.
Align with your purpose and understand your current writing goals so you can have fun with your writing life. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Download Jen’s app Accomplist and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram @teamaccomplist
Journal Prompts:
What current goals do you want to achieve in your writing journey?
What makes writing fun for you?
How can you balance writing with other areas of your life in a way that feels the best for you?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Create Your Worthy Writers Lifestyle 5-Day Challenge
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Madeline Nixon has been a dog walker, a nanny, a baker, a shoe saleswoman, a chocolatier, and an editor, but the title she’s most fond of is author. She has published Feathers, a nonfiction short story collection about her paranormal experiences, and several educational children’s books.
Her debut romance novel Emergency Lullabies was released Fall 2023. When she’s not writing, you can find her hunting ghosts, planning elaborate theme parties, and baking new recipes. She lives in a suburb outside of Toronto.
Writing multiple genres is a passion of Madeline’s.
If she wasn’t a writer, she doesn’t know what she would do instead, as writing is when she feels her best. Though her children’s, paranormal, and romance stories are published, she keeps the thrillers and mysteries to herself.
Madeline shares her process for switching between genres and knowing how to choose what project to focus on when it comes to marketing. When you have multiple projects published and un-published, it’s good to have a plan on when to work on what and how to talk about them!
We also discuss the burnout she feels after she’s been “go go go!” for so long, then suddenly she’s done and wondering what she should do next.
The biggest piece of advice she offers our writing community is to keep going. You’ll learn what you need to as you go along. No matter how famous of an author you become, you will always experience ups and downs. That’s just part of the human experience!
We hope you enjoy this episode. Discover her books on Amazon and in most major bookstores. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok by searching her username MarkedWithAnM!
Journal Prompts:
What are your favourite genres to write? Which genres do you want to publish?
How do you take care of yourself while feeling burned out?
What is the best publishing path for your unique journey?
What advice would you give your past self about your writing life?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Create Your Worthy Writers Lifestyle 5-Day Challenge
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Meet Sarah – some know her as a money coach, others as an award-winning author, or InvestHER. She sees herself as a girl who dreamed of a life filled with books, slow country living, and spiritual freedom... then went ahead and made it happen.
She always admired her dad as a successful business owner. He owned a fire/water damage cleanup business, and she used to carry those heavy machines and keep hoses out of his way as he worked.
He taught her to respect herself, be unafraid of hard work, and never accept the glass ceiling that holds so many women back.
In this episode, we discuss creating a budget and knowing where to invest your money on your writing journey. Do you consider yourself a bookpreneur or more of a hobbyist? How do you track where you’re making sales and where your attention and money needs to shift?
Sarah shares answers to these questions, along with stories about how her brother helped her publish her first book, learning the best ways to spend her money, and giving every dollar a job.
She then talks about:
- different ideas for building a book funnel whether you are a fiction or non-fiction writer
- building passive income that goes beyond selling novels
- the difference between a hustler and an investHER
Collaboration is also a key part of being a bookpreneur, whether it be with other industry professionals or your reader community.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Sarah through her Main Website and Fierce Feminine Finance. Download the Book Funnel Bundle too!
Journal Prompts:
Do you consider yourself a bookpreneur? What are your goals for your book business?
What strategies in passive income and collaboration will work best for you?
What is most important for you to invest your money in when creating and marketing your book?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Beth Barany is an award-winning novelist, master neurolinguistic programming practitioner, and certified creativity coach for writers. She’s also an experienced international speaker and podcaster.
Beth specializes in helping writers experience clarity, so they can write, revise, and proudly publish their novels to the delight of their readers. Her courses are packed with useful hands-on information that you can implement right away.
She runs a 12-month group coaching program to help science fiction and fantasy writers edit their manuscripts and get published. She also offers bespoke one-on-one coaching and consulting programs for science fiction and fantasy authors and other adventurous thinkers.
When she’s not helping writers, Beth writes magical tales of romance, mystery, and adventure that empower women and girls to be the heroes of their own lives. And she makes short films and TV shows.
In this episode, we discuss honouring your creative process and being an entrepreneur in a way that works best for you and your goals.
There is freedom in being a business owner as a self-published author and creative individual.
Beth shares her experiences in writing for herself and when it’s time to think more deeply about your ideal audience. As a creative entrepreneur, there’s a lot of pressure that comes with wearing all of the hats, but with the right team and community around you, everything is easier.
Finally, we discuss how NLP helps us understand our creativity and why we write. Your journey may take some trial and error, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to explore and discover the right path for you.
Connect with Beth by subscribing to her Newsletter, listening to her Podcast, and buying her books on Amazon. She also suggests reading Transformational NLP by Carl Buchheit.
Journal Prompts
What is your favourite part of being a creative entrepreneur?
What type of support are you looking for on your journey and where can you find it?
How do you honour your creative process?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Leigh Lincoln is an author whose narratives resonate deeply with the human experience.
With a passion for storytelling that touches hearts and provokes thoughtful reflection, she has carved a path that intertwines her love for writing with her dedication to advocating for the homeless and impoverished communities.
Her journey as an author is a testament to her commitment to making people ponder the choices they make, how they treat others, and the importance of empathy.
For over three decades, she has dedicated herself to making a difference in the lives of those in need. Her first novel, “Road Home,” was born from this tireless work. It serves as a thought-provoking mirror to society. Readers are challenged to consider how they live, treat others, and desire to be treated.
On this episode we find out how Leigh accidentally became a writer and strengthened her voice. In a community meeting, her voice wasn't valued. She was “just a mom” with no experience or education to contribute to the conversation.
She returned home to journal out her frustrations and opinions. This journaling habit transformed into a novel writing habit.
There are many emotional challenges that come from writing fiction based on real life situations. Leigh has interviewed adoptees and army veterans to bring more realism into her stories. She is so invested in her writing that certain readers believe her stories are not based in fiction, but her real life.
Leigh used to see herself as a little mouse in the corner, but now she is loud, proud, and out there with her storytelling and as a person in general.
When it comes to finding your voice, Leigh believes journaling with the classic pen on paper and travelling to new places is key. It serves a purpose in the pursuit of self-discovery and quality storytelling abilities.
Connect with Leigh on her website leighlincolnauthor.com
Journal Prompts
How has writing helped your self-discovery process?
What real life experiences inspires your writing?
What are your favourite ways to connect with your ideal readers?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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As a Heart-Guided Clarity & Alignment Mentor, Author, Speaker, Spiritual Teacher, and Pilates Instructor, Nanci supports successful, empathic, and mission-driven women to embrace their perfectly imperfect self with curiosity and gentleness, so they learn to trust the wisdom of their soul, live from their dreams–not their perceived limitations, and live their happily ever NOW–not after everything else is perfect.
In this episode, Nanci talks about how we can be gentler with ourselves. It’s so easy to offer grace to others, and we forget about our own self-worth. Shifting your mindset creates room for greater transformation and leaves behind judgement and comparison.
Nanci has wanted to be a writer for her whole life, but perfectionism talked her out of a big opportunity because she was afraid of not succeeding. Instead of saying yes to a contract, she decided to do nothing and that led to a lot of self-loathing within her.
Years went by, and after struggling through her pregnancy (nearly dying), and learning about her new role as a mom, her perspective shifted. She learned that no one can be perfect.
A vision came to her that inspired her to pick up writing again. Seeing her book so clearly and in a complete form took off pressure from the experience. She realized then how much choice and control she has over her journey.
Nanci discusses how important language is when speaking to ourselves and others. You can choose to be deliberately kind to yourself and switch into more gentle language to help you forward.
We hope you enjoy this episode learning about gentle kindness and working through perfectionism. Connect with Nanci on her Website, Facebook, and in her Facebook Group, Sparkle Circle. At happilyevernowbook.com you will find her book Happily Ever Now, and a free offer called Align With Love Self-Healing Gift Set.
Journal Prompts:
How will you take action to bring more gentleness into your life?
What strategies will help you work through perfectionism?
What mindset blocks are holding you back from reaching your goals and what can you do to work through them?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Meet Amira Sookram, the creator of a realm for emotional wellness.
As the author of ‘Guilt Free Goals,’ she wove the wisdom from her degree in Health Psychology with her defiance of societal norms. Her infectious smile, enchanting dancing to Caribbean beats, and voyage to become a yoga teacher captivated many.
On our episode today, Amira talks about her multi-passionate journey for writing self-developmental books and fiction. We discuss her Feelings Wheel resource and how that can help you build more defined characters and name your own emotions.
Creatives typically feel the most joy while they’re writing compared to when they finish the project. You may find yourself looking for what’s next instead of celebrating the current accomplishment.
It’s important to honour however you feel and be aware of it so you can understand yourself better. Everyone is different when finding their flow and creating the best writing schedule. If you know your routines and energy cycles well, this will be easy for you to understand.
Amira and I also discuss guilt and how to understand it to help your creativity. She believes as long as you honour who you are uniquely and forget what everyone else is doing, you’ll figure out what works best for you.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Find Amira’s books on Amazon and stay connected on her Website, Instagram, and TikTok. She’ll be more present on YouTube and her Podcast soon!
Journal Prompts:
What is your writing process? What helps you be most productive?
Do you know how to name your emotions and honour them as you’re feeling them? What resources can help you understand your emotions more deeply?
How does guilt affect your writing process? What can you do to work through this?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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CAROLINE TAYLOR is a novelist and short-story writer who grew up in the mountain west and traveled widely, including a brief stint in the Foreign Service. A former publications manager and editor of Humanities magazine, she is the author of several mystery novels.
Death in Delmarva was a finalist for the 2016 FREDDIE award. Loose Ends was the 2018 Goodreads best thriller set in DC and a recipient of a Firebird award in 2022. The Typist also received a Firebird award in 2022.
Caroline's nonfiction book, Publishing the Nonprofit Annual Report: Tips, Traps, and Tricks of the Trade, won an APEX award for writing excellence. A collection of short stories, Enough! Thirty Stories of Fielding Life’s Little Curve Balls, features many of the stories that she has had published over the years.
In this episode, Caroline shares her writing experiences as a pantser, creating twists and turns in mystery and crime stories, as well as non-fiction. Show don’t tell was a huge piece of advice that helped her develop her fiction writing skills. As a book addict, she reads as much as she can and she’s not afraid to stop reading what she’s not enjoying it.
“Keep at it!” she says, especially when you’re faced with rejections.
Publishers have a million reasons to reject your work, but you will find the right publisher for you. Whenever you’re frustrated on your journey, just let your story sit and give yourself a break. You have a passion for writing, so get the word out in a way that feels joyful!
When creating characters, Caroline struggles to give her main characters challenges. She loves them and doesn’t want to see them in pain, but it’s a necessary part of the process to create good fiction!
Connect with Caroline on her Website, Amazon Page, Goodreads, Facebook, and LinkedIn! We hope you enjoy this episode!
Journal Prompts:
How do I make my main characters the most active part of the story?
What can I do to bring more suspense into my stories?
How can I improve my writing skills and discover the best path for publishing?
What will inspire me to keep going when I’m feeling discouraged?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Stacy Frazer is a formerly repressed creative soul turned fiction writer and Author Accelerator certified book coach.
Her mission, as per the About Page on her website, is to:
“…raise voices, to share my stories with the world, and help other creative souls do the same.
Write It Scared was born out of a desire to help others who struggle like I once did.
Today I believe we are all uniquely creative. There is a place in the world for all our voices and every single one matters. Your story matters. Your writing has merit.”
There are stories you write, then there are stories you tell yourself in your thoughts. Stories that make you question the value of your voice and your writing.
Those thoughts create resistance that manifest in different ways. Stacy helps identify that resistance, and guides you in answering the questions:
“What fears do I have around my writing life? What’s behind those fears?”
Understanding that allows you to work through your obstacles. Negative thoughts will always exist, but being aware of them is important in knowing how to use fear as a compass. How to find joy and be in flow with your creative process.
Stacy says there is no one way, no right way, to write a book. There is only the way that works for you.
Download her free mindset guide The Write Mindset to face your fears and move past creative blocks. Connect with Stacy through her Website, E-mail - stacy@writeitscared.co, Instagram, and Facebook too!
Journal Prompts:
What fears do you have about your writing life? Where do these fears stem from?
Who is part of your writing community? How and what can you learn from them?
What is your writing process? What strategies or practices help you make the most progress?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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I’m so excited to welcome Laura to the podcast!
Laura is an international Spiritual Counsellor and Clairvoyant Medium. She has a laser like way of seeing relevant details in all the areas of your life.
She is perceptive in ways that feel like your own deepest knowing, and brings a compassionate, no-nonsense presence to her work along with a huge capacity to see and outline the most positive life-affirming way forward.
Do you want to gain clarity, direction, conformation and new perspectives on your life, relationships, business and life purpose?
Clients experience life changing shifts working with Laura. She assists her clients in getting in touch with their authentic selves and exploring new opportunities in their careers, relationships, and lives. She specializes in guiding her clients through major life changes and challenges.
Laura is dedicated to assisting others in transforming their lives and finding their own guidance and inner peace.
Throughout this episode, Laura shares her take on life as a spiritual being having a human experience, not a human being having a spiritual experience.
We discuss what it means to be intuitive, authentic, and how to take action towards your goals. Yes, the angels can guide your path, but it’s up to you to take ownership of choices.
Come along on this journey with us and learn how Laura found God by connecting with nature and understand how to be in tune with your creative intuition.
Connect with Laura via E-mail, her Website, and join her Facebook group Spirit Speaks to Me.
Journal Prompts:
What helps you feel like your most authentic self?
How do you tap into your intuition to improve your creativity?
When you write, what helps you feel most connected to yourself and your story?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Listen to the wonderful Elle Turner and I as we chat about her writing experiences! She is an Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Mentor.
She helps intelligent, compassionate entrepreneurs (that’s you) lead their unique, heart-led business so that they can achieve success, fulfilment, and impact through the work they bring to the world.
Ever since she was 8, she’s been interested in writing. Her works include 4 fiction novels, a published short story collection, and a non-fiction work in progress.
Through short stories and full-length novels, she’s loved learning to develop her skills in creating captivating plots and well-rounded characters.
Her process begins with an outline, but it’s always flexible because you never know how the story will end up throughout the drafting process.
We talk about how she prioritizes writing while running her business, and though she isn’t always working on her novel, her writing muscles remain flexed when creating content for her social media platforms and other marketing materials.
One of my favourite parts of the conversation is when we discuss the “right time” to call yourself a writer. The answer is that it’s valid at any point in your writing career. It’s just about building the confidence to call yourself one and knowing that it’s always a part of you.
Elle shares details of her non-fiction project and exploring the “witch wound” in our society around leadership and speaking up to share your viewpoints.
Come listen to this episode and be inspired to follow your authentic writing journey! Connect with Elle on Instagram, then purchase a copy of her short story collection, Tapestry, on Amazon.
Elle Turner’s Podcast is Taking it Personally – LISTEN HERE to episode #113 where she interviews me about writing an entrepreneurial memoir.
Journal Prompts:
When did you first consider yourself a writer? How did you make that decision?
How do you confidently embrace that title?
What is your writing process and how does it help you refine your skills?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Thank you, Ally, for bringing your vibrant personality to the podcast. She is a poet & author from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
One of her main goals with her writing is to destigmatize living with BPD. Writing helps her explore who she is safely, honestly, and more transparently than she ever could within her therapy sessions.
A Generation of Sunflowers is her first published poetry collection. She started writing it as a way to communicate her feelings with her family, then discovered the profound impact these poems can make on a wider audience.
As she worked through her experiences as a caregiver and learning to grieve, her second poetry collection Bloom was born.
Rupi Kaur sparked her love of vulnerable, raw poems. For Ally, Rupi’s poems envelop her like a hug, which is the same impact she hopes to leave with her readers.
Ally reads two poems for us from her collection Bloom:
- A Love Letter to Myself
- Boundaries Are Healthy
She has a powerful, passionate voice thanks to her classical voice training and frequent readings at local venues.
Her poetry reminds you to focus on yourself and speak up for what you believe in. Understand your why as a writer and motivate yourself to inspire others with your words.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Ally on Instagram, and purchase her books on Etsy (or at Chapters Indigo bookstores if you’re in the Winnipeg area).
Journal Prompts:
Write a free verse poem about your WHY as a writer.
What impact do you hope to make on your readers?
What are you an advocate for in your community?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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Welcome, Alyssa Rodriguez, to the podcast! She is an alignment coach who knows her purpose is to help people experience their WHY with fiery conviction.
Our topic today revolves around celebrating yourself and aligning with your purpose.
Purpose is about:
- discovering what journey feels best for you
- understanding your authentic self
- bringing more satisfaction to your life
It doesn’t matter what you decide to do. It’s more important HOW you live it out.
We are always evolving throughout our lives, and it’s important to slow down and take a moment to explore what that means.
You have the power to design your life exactly how you want. Put yourself in the spotlight and think about how much richer you make the lives of others.
If you ever feel lost on your creative journey, remember that it doesn’t matter WHAT you create. It’s the process of HOW you create it.
Pay attention to the journey and appreciate it for what it is. Appreciate YOURSELF for who you are.
You have made the choice to be creative and to enjoy the experiences that come with it. Be present, in the moment, and make the most of each day.
Learn more about Alyssa on her Instagram and download the Joy Kickstarter freebie on her Website.
Journal Prompts:
What feels right for you when celebrating yourself and discovering your purpose?
What can you do every day to take a moment for yourself and how will this help you be creative?
How can you appreciate yourself as you are? How does this inspire your creativity?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
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On today’s episode, we welcome Nicole Spindler – writer, public speaker, learning & development enthusiast, and lover of all things Pittsburgh (her hometown).
She graduated from John Carroll University, specializing in human resources and management with a minor in Spanish language and culture.
She published her first book, a memoir titled Beyond Life’s Moments, in December 2020 and her debut fiction novel, The Reason Why, in May 2022.
Nicole loves spending time with family, friends, exploring Pittsburgh, traveling, staying active, mentoring fellow authors as they write their first books, and scouring the local bookstores with a cup of coffee or tea in hand.
She and I share a passion for inspiring others through our written work.
We chat about vulnerability in writing and how to find the balance of sharing openly without oversharing, whether you’re writing memoir or fiction.
Though her writing experiences have mainly been positive, there are always challenges that come in. She wrote a memoir, which involved her family and interviews from others in their traumatic journeys. When there’s more people involved, it takes more tact to write a book well.
Not only does she write from personal experiences, but she writes fiction with themes of relationships, the pandemic, and navigating the online world.
Though much of her work is modern, relatable, and based on true events, she does not see her work in the “self-help” category. It is much more than that and reaches a wide audience across multiple generations.
One of the main takeaways we hope you receive from this episode is that patience is key in succeeding in your goals. Have the courage to get your story out there and the gain the knowledge on the best way to publish.
Your stories will get people talking, and all you need to do is start writing.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Nicole Spindler on her Website and Instagram.
Journal Prompts
How do you bring patience into your writing life?
When writing more personal work, how do you know if you’re under-sharing or over-sharing?
What impact do you hope to have on your readers?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Explore Worthy Writers Editing
Podcast Guest Application
I had a wonderful conversation with Marilyn R. Wilson, a freelance writer, published author, speaker, and editor with a passion for interviewing.
Her writing career began at the age of 50 when she threw caution to the wind and answered a Craigslist ad from a New York fashion magazine, even though she had no experience.
When they accepted two of her story ideas, the doors opened on a whole new career - proof positive it is never to late to embrace a new passion.
Interviewing for her articles changed Marilyn’s life and allowed her true personality to shine through as she unpacked the lives of her interviewees.
Marilyn loves writing, but seeing a project through to the end? That’s a whole other adventure. Procrastination and the struggle to show up challenged her success. What helped her create a solid writing habit was reading 3 key books:
•The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
•Atomic Habits by James Clear
•The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
Marilyn gives wings to people’s stories and in that experience has learned about herself. She sees her creativity as a way to learn, keep things fresh, and experience life and art in a new perspective.
Creating a habit of writing may be challenging at first, but eventually it becomes second nature. Marilyn believes showing up is a life choice, and she writes to give back for all she has been given. She has something important to say, and so do you.
You are a writer if you write.
This is what you are called to do, so keep moving forward.
We hope you enjoy this episode! Connect with Marilyn on her Website.
Journal Prompts:
How do you show up for yourself as a writer?
What is your purpose as a writer? What do you have to say with your stories?
What habit do you wish to create in your writing life? How will you work towards achieving this?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill: Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Explore Worthy Writers Editing
Podcast Guest Application
My first guest of season 3 is Dani J. Norwell triumphant horn sound
We dive into learning all about her and sharing advice for finding your purpose as a writer.
A literary and women’s fiction author living in the south of Spain, Dani J. Norwell writes fiction that is real, raw, and relatable. From themes of connection and family bonds to exploration, self-discovery, and life abroad, there’s something for everyone in a DJN book.
When Dani is not reading or writing, you can find her blogging for the Sincerely, Spain blog, traveling, sipping Spanish wine, or seeking out dogs to pet on her walks around town. Her early works include two collections of short stories: Fairly Familiar and Snapshots of Spain.
Most Unlikely is her debut women’s fiction novel, which released in August 2023. She describes the theme of her book as an unlikely friendship seeing us through life’s curveballs.
Women’s fiction is about a female character in a moment of change which takes her on a self-discovery journey. Stories like hers create an unforgettable introspective experience.
Along with discussing her writing experiences, we explore the benefits of self-publishing and knowing if it’s the right path for you.
There are many pressures writers can face about taking the “right” path. To find your own process, all you have to do is keep writing. With her process, Dani finds it was different with each book and that helped her grow as a writer.
Learn more about Dani J. Norwell and the adventure of defining your genre on the Worthy Writers Podcast.
Listen to the full episode and leave a review with your insights! Connect with Dani on Instagram and her Website.
Journal Prompts:
What themes does your novel(s) or work in progress revolve around?
What genres might fit those themes to market your book?
What have you learned about yourself throughout your writing journey?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Explore Worthy Writers Editing
5…4…3…2…1… And we’re back! The Worthy Writers Podcast has been reborn for season 3. It’s always nice to have a break from creative ventures, so it’s even more exciting when you jump back into the flow.
I’ve got a fun episode for you today where I read out 3 excerpts from 3 different self-published authors. I’m not the best at doing different character voices, but I’ve been told my voice in general is calm and soothing. I hope you enjoy my readings from the following authors:
L Becker is an Urban Fantasy writer from California, USA. She has loved stories and writing since she was a child when she first fell in love with books and the stories her parents used to tell. Connect with her HERE.
Emily Craig (Hooie) is happily married to the love of her life, living out her childhood dreams of being an author. Although she never imagined writing romance novels, she loves exploring the ins and outs of all kinds of love. Connect with her HERE.
Arabella Federico is an award-winning/bestselling author of unique scifi-fantasy romance crossover books. She has a passion for being different & making stories her own, so if you’re dying to read a book where you will not guess what’s coming next, the Mark of Creation Chronicles is the series for you!
Book 1, The Mark of Chaos and Creation
Book 2, The Mark of Dreams and Darkness
Connect with her HERE.
Journal Prompts:
With each prompt, answer it as yourself or in a short fiction story.
- What would you do if you were trapped in a dream world?
- Who are your favourite people to travel with? Where would you go next?
- Write a speech to fight for a cause you’re passionate about.
Do you want a piece of your story read out by Kirsten? Go to my Contact Page for instructions. Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Explore Worthy Writers Editing
Welcome to the Worthy Writers Podcast - a place of sunflower sunshine, passionate creativity, and unbridled confidence.
It is bittersweet to say that today is the last episode of Season 2 on the podcast – don’t worry, I’ll be back February 1st, 2024.
Thank you so much to the guests who have been featured on this season, and the ones who recorded with me so far for the next!
In this solo episode, I discuss the difference between original and unique content, and how that effects your journey as a writer.
Learn valuable insights to create content that comes from your special imagination.
We need your creativity, and I’m here to encourage you forward. I end the episode with a poem I wrote titled “Me”. There’s also mention of future opportunities for you to have your work read by me. Perfect for writers who aren’t ready to be interviewed but would love more exposure!
You are worthy of everything you desire. Listen in to this episode to end off the year with a feeling of hope and empowerment.
Happy holidays!
Journal Prompt:
What is the difference between unique and original in your eyes?
What are your goals for the rest of 2023? What are your goals for 2024?
What value do you add to the writing community?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Today I'm thrilled to chat with author Cathrine Swift about the art of character development & inclusivity.
Cathrine explains her process of outlining yet also allowing characters to emerge and take on lives of their own. She gives the example of a drummer character that evolved into a much bigger role than originally planned!
We discuss using tools like astrology and enneagrams to build multifaceted characters that interact uniquely with others. Catherine stresses making sure characters aren't static - they speak and act differently depending on the situation.
She also candidly shares her challenging but rewarding journey balancing writing and motherhood. She advocates embracing imperfection and flowing with the seasons of life.
Tune in to hear Cathrine Swift's top tips for crafting authentic characters!
Key Takeaway: Let your characters guide the story. Be flexible and take your time crafting them.
Find Catherine on Instagram and TikTok!
Journal Prompt:
What strategies can you implement to develop dynamic, inclusive characters?
How can you embrace flexibility in your writing process?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I spoke with Shelley Settles, an author who writes both fiction and nonfiction books.
We discussed how Shelley first got into writing after being dared by her writer's group to write dialogue. This challenge resulted in her publishing a novel under a pseudonym. Shelley emphasized that you don't have to be perfect to start calling yourself a writer - you just have to start writing.
Other topics we explored include universal laws and how our thoughts dictate our lives, using the law of polarity to move from negative thinking to positive thinking, and handling writer's block by understanding where creativity comes from.
Shelley shared so many nuggets of wisdom! A major takeaway was the importance of knowing we are worthy and capable of achieving our writing dreams.
Let Shelley know if you'd like a free audiobook copy of her book on Christian mindfulness and universal laws. Just DM her on Facebook at Shelley Audette Settles.
Journal Prompt:
What limiting beliefs about yourself and your writing do you need to break through?
How can you rewrite your inner narrative?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Is marketing more exhausting than writing itself?
Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with Amanda Jaeger, a psychological thriller author, where we dived deep into the world of marketing for writers.
Amanda takes us behind the scenes of her journey from:
- Hosting multi-author Facebook parties
- Streamlining launch sequences for her Emily Ellis trilogy
She emphasized the importance of starting with your ideal reader's journey in mind and then reverse-engineering tools and touchpoints to guide them through the rabbit hole.
When asked for final words of wisdom, Amanda encourages us to "meet your energy" when it comes to marketing. If something isn't working or draining you, move on and find what fuels you. Focus on consistency with channels and strategies that align with your goals and capacity.
Tune in to gain insights and inspiration for your own marketing strategies as a writer.
To get your hands on Amanda's thriller trilogy, find her on Amazon or connect via her website at AmandaBJager.com.
Journal Prompt:
What marketing tactic have you been avoiding because it feels too overwhelming?
How could you implement it in a way that suits your energy?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Confidence & Writing Lifestyle Coach | Book Editor | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I chat with fellow indie author and co-owner of the Worthy Writers Nook Facebook Group, D.C. Cook, about navigating self-worth and confidence as a writer. D.C. Cook, also known as Danielle, writes YA and adult romance novels under her pen name.
We discuss her journey from fanfiction to publishing original works, including her recent fantasy romance retellings. When it comes to writing that first draft, Danielle shares this key advice: "First drafts are perfect because all the first draft has to do is exist." She reminds us not to stress or over-edit too early - just enjoy the creative process.
Tune in to hear more of Danielle's wisdom on writing with confidence and passion!
Want to connect with D.C. Cook? Find her on Instagram and check out her editing services on her website.
Journal Prompt:
How do you define ‘worthy writer’?
How do you stay confident in yourself and your writing abilities as an indie author?
What strategies help you block out negative opinions or reviews?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
The art of writing is a deeply personal journey, and every writer faces the decision of what to keep private and what to share with the world. So, where should one draw the line?
Join me in today's episode as Aija Louise and I delve deep into the topic of private writing versus public writing. Aija opens up about her writing journey, which she describes as "unconventional." From using it as a therapeutic tool for mental health to her evolution as a writer intertwined with her spiritual and healing journey.
Aija's powerful message is clear: Self-expression and creativity is the most potent magic in this world...There is nothing greater that we have as humans than the capacity and the ability to express and create.
Connect with Aija Louise on Instagram
Journal Prompt:
When was the last time you wrote something just for yourself, without concern for outside opinions? How did that feel?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with YA fantasy author Kaitlyn King. Starting her writing journey as a teen, Kaitlyn transformed her passion into a successful career, stepping into the spotlight with her first book at 27. Today, Kaitlyn crafts inspiring faith-based tales that resonate with young readers, grounding them in their beliefs.
Kaitlyn opens up about her initial inspiration: the lack of books reflecting her experiences as a Christian teen. With her vision, she's addressing this literary gap.
As we wrap up, Kaitlyn offers wise words that her husband always imparts to her. His advice to follow your passion and allow yourself to explore new story ideas is a reminder that creativity knows no bounds.
Want to hear about faith and writing? Listen to this episode!
Learn more about Kaitlyn’s work by connecting with her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and her newly-launched Patreon.
Journal Prompt:
How has your faith or personal beliefs influenced your creative process?
Are there specific stories or teachings that inspire your narratives?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Today, we have the pleasure of hosting MJ Foley, who transitioned from an ER career to becoming a fiction writer. With her recent debut novel, "The Foreboding," MJ shares the incredible journey of how a vivid dream became a tangible story. Her story is a testament to the power of inspiration and the unexpected sources it can emerge from.
As we wrap up, MJ emphasizes the importance of not letting job titles or societal roles limit us. While managing a career, we can still pursue other dreams like writing. Life is not about staying in one box but rather embracing our many passions.
Considering a career shift? Or curious about how life's twists and turns can influence your writing? Tune in for an inspiring discussion.
Stay connected with MJ on Facebook and Instagram, and be sure to check out her website for more!
Journal Prompt:
Think about a big change in your life. How did it affect your writing? Did it bring new ideas or stories to mind? How did you evolve as a writer and individual?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In today's episode, I'm delighted to sit down with Emma-Louise Smith, a passionate writer from the UK, with a flair for horror, thriller, and fantasy genres. Emma was the winner of my 1:1 coaching program scholarship this year, and we'll chat about her experiences and what she learned during the program.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on writing programs, emphasizing not just skill enhancement but also the pivotal role of mindset in the writing process. Emma and I discuss the challenges writers face, including the solitude of the journey and the battles with self-doubt and internal criticism, shedding light on the importance of fostering a positive mindset and self-confidence.
She also shares her best piece of advice, and that is to embrace the joy of writing and celebrate every word you pen. Perfection is an illusion, and the true achievement lies in the process itself. When self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself of your worth and silence that inner critic.
Get inspired by Emma's resilience against internal criticism. Tune in!
Connect with Emma on Instagram to follow her publishing debut.
Journal Prompt:
When have you caught yourself in negative self-talk lately?
How can you reframe that voice to lift yourself up instead?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Ever felt drained by your own passion for writing? You're not alone!
In this episode, we're joined by the talented Serena Langer, an epic fantasy and dark urban paranormal writer from the South of England. Together, we dive into a topic that resonates with many writers: burnout and self-care.
Serena shares her own journey with burnout, recounting the moment when she realized she had hit a breaking point. We discuss the various ways burnout can manifest, such as exhaustion, stress, and the loss of creative focus.
In a world constantly plugged in, Serena's minimal social media presence isn't just refreshing—it's a testament to the importance of boundaries. She emphasizes: Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for every writer.
Feeling the writer's fatigue? Serena's story might be just what you need. Tune in!
Journal Prompt: Reflect on your work habits. Are signs of burnout creeping in? How do you value self-care in your routine?
What steps can you take to incorporate more breaks and relaxation into your schedule?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Our guest today, A.W. Mason knows a thing or two about facing rejection and turning it into success. This dark fiction writer braved numerous rejections while submitting stories over the years.
In this episode, we explore how he found inspiration in Stephen King's own struggles with rejection and delve into coping strategies, including navigating the stages of grief to effectively handle setbacks.
Join us as we discuss this author’s journey and the profound impact of rejection on his craft.
You'll walk away motivated to take chances, learn from critiques, and keep working toward your writing dreams. As A.W. Mason says, every attempt brings you closer even if it's not a good fit this time. Don't be afraid to seek your story's audience.
You can find A.W Mason on Instagram, and Twitter, and be sure to check out his author page on Amazon.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on a recent rejection or setback in your writing journey. How did it make you feel, and how can you turn this experience into a stepping stone toward your writing goals?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Today I’m visiting with Aluko Deborah J.B., law student and creative writer. She loves to write to help people find motivation and work on their wellness mindset and she’s here to visit about how she keeps writer’s block at bay, even while dealing with criticism on social media.
Aluko’s key advice for beating writer’s block is to find the niche that really interests you, that gives you a sense of purpose, so you can really hone that skill. She also has some great advice for how to handle criticism - both constructive and destructive - and how to tell the difference.
Connect with Aluko Deborah J.B on Instragram at www.instagram.com/alukodeborahj.b
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on a piece of criticism you’ve received. Is there some wisdom to it that you can try? What can you do to improve while staying true to yourself?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
A Subito Media production
Ever wondered about juggling two different writing moods? Today, Brittany Putzer shares how she dances between sweet YA tales and the spicy 18+ stories. Not only is she an author of six books available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, but she’s also an avid reader, cosplayer, and convention enthusiast.
Brittany's writing is all about feelings. She lets her characters and moods guide her pen. Plus, she loves the buzz of book conventions, both as a fan and a writer. Her stories of connecting with readers and other writers remind us of the joy in every bookish gathering.
She believes in the power of friendships in the book world, reminding us that it's not just about books but the amazing people behind them.
If you've ever thought of diving into the convention scene, Brittany's insights are a must-listen. She offers tips on making friends and finding your community.
Connect with Brittany Putzer on Instagram and Facebook. Also, if you're curious, explore her podcast, "Live, Laugh, and Read" available on Spotify and Google Play.
Journal Prompt:
How does your mood influence your writing or reading choices? Do you jump between different story types depending on your mood? How do your reading choices influence your mood?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
We have the pleasure of hosting Angela Cairns, an accomplished women's fiction writer and the brilliant mind behind the "Ellie Rose" series. But there's more to her than mesmerizing tales. As a unique writing coach, Angela’s backgrounds in physiotherapy and acupuncture takes this conversation to a whole new level.
Ever felt your story idea was floating around aimlessly? Angela believes the answer lies in connecting with our bodies. From tapping into the energy after a workout to understanding human nuances, she reveals how the physical can fuel our creativity.
In Angela's words of wisdom, she emphasizes the importance of self-care—both mentally and physically. Just as vital is the nurturing of our creative spirits. She also adds that, even if you're working on an original project, it doesn’t mean you have to tackle it alone.
Tune in to discover the power of the mind-body connection in overcoming creative obstacles.
Stay connected with Angela on Facebook and Instagram. For insights into coaching, visit her at www.angelacairns.com.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on a physical activity you genuinely enjoy. How does it affect your mood or perspective? Could this passion be a muse for your writing? How?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Winnie Tataw, a five-time self-published author and the founder of Win's Books.
Winnie revealed how her endeavors began in 2020 with a simple mission: offering free interviews for indie authors on her website. But as we all know, one thing leads to another. Due to overwhelming demand from new authors, she created The Authorpreneur Yellow Pages, a comprehensive resource for writers. But Winnie didn’t stop there. She envisioned a community where authors could continuously connect and evolve. Thus, her membership program was born.
One of the most inspiring takeaways from our conversation was Winnie's words of wisdom: find what you love to write about and your writing will find who loves to read it
If you're looking for some inspiration and insights into building a supportive writing community, this episode is a must-listen.
Connect with Winnie on Instagram and explore her Mystic Writer's Program
Journal Prompt:
Whether you’ve already published, are on the verge of, or just contemplating it, what are your emotions surrounding this milestone? Write down your fears, hopes, and everything in between.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of self-publishing with the brilliant author, J.R. Mason. She is the author of the popular Confession series and has recently finished her first psychological thriller, Stolen Pieces.
J.R. Mason discusses her experience with editing and the importance of finding a trusted and experienced editor. She enjoys the control of being self-published but acknowledges that it comes with the responsibility of making all the decisions herself. This highlights the double-edged sword of self-publishing, where authors have the freedom to make their own choices but also bear the burden of ensuring the quality of their work.
For budding authors, J.R. Mason imparts a golden nugget of wisdom: to take your time with your stories and not rush the process. It's important to tell the story you want to tell and ensure it's the best version possible.
Tune in to learn more about J.R. Mason's journey as an author and gain valuable insights into the editing process.
Connect with J.R. Mason on Instagram and be sure to check out her website too!
Journal Prompt:
Have you ever felt the pressure to rush your writing process? How did you navigate that?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rietta Boksha, a talented writer who shares her personal journey through the highs and lows of writing.
We dive deep into topics such as dealing with negativity, handling bad reviews, embracing criticism, and celebrating the joy of receiving good reviews. Rietta's insights and experiences are truly inspiring, and I believe they will resonate with all writers, no matter where you are on your writing journey.
Throughout the conversation, Rietta shares valuable tips and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset while writing, as well as in everyday life. She even recommends some books that have had a profound impact on her own mindset, including "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn and "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert.
If you've ever felt alone in your writing journey or struggled with taking criticism, this episode is an absolute must-listen.
To connect with Rietta and discover more about her work, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram.
Journal Prompt:Have you ever found negativity or criticism holding you back? How did you manage to push past it and keep moving forward with your craft?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Ever heard of sustainable storytelling? In this episode, we're thrilled to have the amazing Chelsea Pennington, the author behind the holiday romance story, "The Mistletoe Connection", to shed some light on this.
Chelsea takes us through her personal journey as a writer and how she stumbled upon the concept of sustainable storytelling. She emphasizes the power of a positive mindset in writing, encouraging us to see it not as a draining struggle but a source of joy and fulfillment.
By shifting our mindset and making writing a practice that brings joy, we can approach our craft with more enthusiasm and fulfillment.
Listen to the episode to learn more about sustainable storytelling and how it can transform your writing journey into a fulfilling experience.
Journal Prompt:
Reflect on your current mindset towards writing. Is it a source of joy or a struggle for you? How can you shift it to make your writing process more joyful and sustainable?
Connect with Chelsea on Instagram.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten Mcneill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mc
In this episode, we're excited to have Lilian Sue, a PR Coach and Publicist who specializes in empowering authors.
Lilian talks about the most common mindset challenges that authors face, including stress, anxiety, frustration, and imposter syndrome.
We also discuss the value of having a healthy mindset and coping mechanisms when dealing with limiting beliefs and mental blocks. These mechanisms aren't about eliminating negative feelings altogether but equipping authors to manage them better when they arise.
Listen to the episode to find out how to overcome self-doubt and gain the confidence you need to succeed in your writing journey.
Journal Prompt:
How have you handled your emotional triggers in the past?
What coping mechanisms are you willing to explore to overcome your limiting beliefs?
Connect with Lilian on Instagram.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, we welcome Tracy Brown, a published author who writes under T.L. Brown.
Tracy walks us through her approach to building confidence. If you're struggling with confidence, begin by engaging in low-risk activities. These small wins, both in your writing and other areas of your life, act as the building blocks that can strengthen your overall confidence.
We also delve into the importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals. Tracy shares her own experiences, encouraging us to seek out connections with people who can understand our journey, celebrate our victories, and provide guidance through challenges.
Listen to the episode to find out how to confidently promote your book and overcome self-doubt!
Follow and connect with Tracy on Instagram
Journal Prompt: What's one small step you can take today to boost your confidence in your writing or other areas of your life? What will that look like for you going forward?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I'm thrilled to host a special guest, Grace Phillips, all the way from Indianapolis. Grace shared her personal story of using writing as a means to cope with her mental health journey.
Writing about her experiences has been both a healing process and a challenge for Grace. Initially, she began writing as a way to process her grief and emotions. However, she soon realized that it was important to acknowledge and accept that these feelings still exist, even though she's in a better place now.
Listen to the episode to learn how Grace has transformed her struggles into strength, and how her journey can inspire others going through similar experiences.
Connect with Grace on Facebook and Instagram, or check out her website.
Journal Prompt: How can writing aid in your personal journey towards mental health and self-discovery?Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Havelah, a talented writer who opens up about her writing journey, starting from her early days of crafting short stories that gradually evolved into longer narratives.
She reflects on her growth as a writer and acknowledges that everyone has to start somewhere, even if the initial attempts may not be perfect.
She also talks about experiencing imposter syndrome after publishing a book and how it affected her writing. The conversation touches on the challenges of feeling like an imposter and the guilt associated with not writing as much as others.
Tune in to gain insights into the struggles of imposter syndrome and how it can impact writers. You can find Havelah on Instagram and her website at https://www.instagram.com/havelahmclatwriter/ https://havelahmclat.wixsite.com/home
Journal Prompt:
In your writing journey, have you experienced moments where you compare your progress and success to that of other writers?
How has this comparison affected your perception of your own path as a writer?
What can you do to avoid the toxic effects of comparing yourself to others?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I chat with fantasy author Sarina Langer.
Sarina talks about what it’s like to have critique partners and beta readers give feedback on your books. We also chat about the importance of staying true to yourself and your book, because no one knows your book and the world you’ve created better than you do!
Listen now to gain insights on self-publishing and dealing with critiques.
Connect with Sarina on Twitter and Facebook.
Journal Prompt:
As a writer, how do you cope with feedback you receive from others? What strategies can you start to implement?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Have you heard of the Law of Attraction but don’t understand what it is?
In this episode, we have guest Arabella K. Federico explain how she incorporates the law of attraction in her life and the effect negative thinking can have on both your mental health and writing.
She attributes her success as a writer to this practice, that she continually learns more about, and delves into the magnitude of impact it can have in your writing career.
Listen to the episode to find out how to start bringing the law of attraction into your life as a writer. To practice, start by asking the universe to see something you wouldn't normally in day-to-day activities.
Journal Prompt:
What negative thoughts have you had recently that have impacted your confidence as a writer? How can you change your thought process to encompass a positive outlook?
You can find Arabella on her Website, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, I have a special guest, L Becker. She's a Fantasy Romance author with a 5-year plan to create her entire Shadowgate Series. Pro tip: 5-year plans can take as many years as you need.
Becker gives advice on writing your first book as a new writer. We discover the importance of moving past your first draft and the key ability to step back in order to recognize the flaws with constructive criticism and objectiveness.
Listen to find out tips and tricks on the process of writing a book!
Connect with L on Instagram and her blog.
Journal Prompt:
In the process of writing, have you found yourself comparing your path as a writer to the success of other writers?
Do you often find yourself thinking you are on the wrong path as a writer?
Have you found it difficult to release attachment to your first draft? Whymight that be?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
In this episode, we have our first guest and romance writer, Emily Craig. Listen on Spotify or whatever your favourite streaming platform is!
Emily speaks on the process of character development and the connection between the fictional characters and events from her personal life. Emily delves into the complexity of multifaceted sides to each character in her novels and the trickiness of basing fictional characters off of real people.
Writing allows the space to grow and expand on self reflections. Through personal experiences, heartbreaks and connections, Emily explains the impact of writing to heal herself and her readers.
Lastly, Emily releases details of her third novel release and leaves us with a message to never give up on storytelling.
You can find Emily on Instagram + TikTok + Facebook + Twitter
Journal Prompt: What's something you learned about yourself which led your life in a whole new direction?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten Mcneill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Welcome to Worthy Writer’s Podcast!
In this episode, I speak on what makes a worthy writer, what our inner critic whispers which affects our mood, and how to retrain that voice.
The key?
Listen to find out! I drop the big secret to being a confident writer.
In this episode, we delve into how to achieve a more confident you, while also making the important distinction between confidence and arrogance.
Not every day is sunshine and rainbows but there is a powerful impact of positive thinking and confidence that helps to ease the storms of life.
This episode is jam packed with journal prompts and activities to help you add strategies to your toolbox.
Journal Prompt: Where are your negative thoughts coming from and is this something you actually believe? What negative thoughts have come to you from yourself and from other people?
Never forget that you are worthy!
Kirsten McNeill
Book Editor | Confidence Coach | Artisan
Worthy Writers Editing
linktr.ee/kirsten.mcneill
Self-Editing Coach & Podcaster Elzevera Albada Jelgersma
My community of writer and reader friends is incredible and always growing. Connecting with Elzevera has taught me a lot about editing and helped me navigate the bookish community.
Throughout our chat, she shares her start in the writing world and how that evolved into her editing career. She’s passionate about the self-editing process. Teaching others the best routine for them to self-edit and why it’s so important is a huge part of this episode.
With her coaching services, Self-Edit Like a Pro Course, and Self-Editing Road Map, writers gain more confidence about their editing routine. She offers skills to help them bring their book as far as they can on their own before moving to the professional editing stage.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
Elzevera Albada Jelgersma
www.instagram.com/willowediting/
www.willowediting.com/product-page/self-editing-roadmap
www.willowediting.com/courses
Kirsten McNeill
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten/
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song: Jorikbasov from Pixabay
YA Fantasy & Romance Author Stephanie B Whitfield I’m so lucky to hear her story, which started out with discouragement. Then, she found her inspiration to climb out of that negativity and follow her dreams.
Learn her journey of getting into writing and how that allowed her to work through a tough spot in her life. Stephanie and I explore what she loves about writing and what to do when the dreaded writer’s block hits. Not to mention burnout!
She has plenty of inspiration and advice for fellow authors of all experience levels. Plus, we discuss creating your writer community. We even chat about one of my favourite craft books: On Writing by Stephen King.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY! Contact Info:
Stephanie B. Whitfield
www.instagram.com/authorstephaniebwhit/
https://linktr.ee/Authorstephbwhit - all her books, including the Hidden in Roll series, Goodreads, her website, and more!
Kirsten McNeill
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten/
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form. www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song: jorikbasov from Pixabay
The Writing Myth: Worthy Ideas Are Special & Unique
Episode eight, exploring the sentiment that worthy ideas are special & unique, may just be my favourite one yet!
What do each of these words mean? How can we define them clearly? Subjectivity definitely comes into play here.
Through this episode, allow me to share how I feel about this writing myth of what makes an idea worthy. It’s time to get vulnerable, and dive deep into what it means to be human, confident, safe to be yourself, and express all of that in writing.
This validation does not need to come from anywhere but your own heart. Do you agree with what I have to say? Take a listen!
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” at www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song: Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
Writing Strength From Within was a powerful experience. Even though it wasn’t the first one I ever tried to write, it was the first one that really showed me what I was capable of.
Join this journey as I explore what the experience was like to create this book and everything I learned. I also talk about my college experience and what I enjoyed about the classes I took, and what could have been improved upon.
Comparing where I am today to where I was, I know how I’ve matured as a writer. There are many choices I wish I’d made differently, but I wouldn’t change a thing now. My journey happened just how it was meant to, and gave me the knowledge and expertise I needed to move forward in the future.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form at www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song: Music by Jorikbasov from Pixabay
Though the title of this is “what is a debut novel?”, the inspiration comes from a writing myth that a debut novel is a writer’s first novel. I may have already busted this myth before, but now it’s time to take a deep dive into what the definition of a debut novel truly is.
Along the way, I’ll explore choices I’ve made as a self-published author and how you can use my knowledge to learn going forward. Then, I discuss the difference between what is best-selling and what is best written. There is a key distinction here that all authors should remember!
Follow me as I explore the pitfalls writers face portrayed my social media, television shows, and celebrities who can’t wait to write their biographies.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form on www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song: jorikbasov from Pixabay
Writing my first novel was tough, especially when I went through all this trouble just to cast it aside with no chance of publishing it. I think the important lesson here is that not every piece you write has to lead to publication.
In episode five, I demonstrate what you can gain from the experience of writing without having to share it. Learn more about the inspiration for my manuscript and the knowledge I gained along the way as I researched publishing houses.
It’s okay to explore when you’re starting your writing career, discovering what you enjoy and what it means to be authentic. I look forward to sharing this journey with you as well as more about my stories that have actually become physical books.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” on www.worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song:
Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
What is this myth that real writers find writing easy? In today’s episode, I explore why this is a false statement and why the phrase “real writers” makes no sense at all.
I begin the discussion with nature versus nurture, then meander through the fields of What Makes a Writer and across the valley of Inspiration.
Is writing really that hard? I’ll take you through an exercise so that you can decide for yourself. As always, I encourage you to embrace who you are and not let anyone else take your journey for you. Consider this myth a phrase of the past. Unless you’re implying there are imaginary writers?
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact formon worthywriters.ca/contact
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song:
Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
Were my childhood writings good? No. But that’s okay! I’ve been writing since I was seven years old. That was decades ago. I’ve learned so much since then.
In this episode, I share my memories of stories I’ve written up to the age of twelve. Pirates, animals, spooky tales, and quirky stories. All of it comes together as I learn what type of writer I want to be.
One of the themes I explore is validation. Craving it from others, especially as a child. I didn’t need that though, as I was determined to continue writing. That’s how passionate I am. Nothing can stop me and only I define this.
Gain more inspiration from tidbits I share, as well as quote from famous authors.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Website: kirstenmcneill.com (worthywriters.ca coming soon!) (contact, editing and mentoring, services, books, Worthy Writers Bookstore, monthly newsletter, and more!)
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Go to kirstenmcneill.com/contact and select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form.
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo!Credit for theme song: Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
Writing is a solitary activity? I don’t think so!
I’m ready to break down the barriers stopping us in our writing lives because of the fear these writing myths create.
Learn the four themes that demonstrate just how connected you are within a community when you’re working on your novel. I share fun scenarios you can picture yourself in as you indulge in your writing life. Feel like you’re right there with me in a café and gain ideas for story inspiration.
Connection. Passion. Community. Three key words that describe a writer’s life. Are we ever truly alone? No!
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Website: kirstenmcneill.com (worthywriters.ca coming soon!) (contact, editing and mentoring, services, books, Worthy Writers Bookstore, monthly newsletter, and more!)
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Go to kirstenmcneill.com/contact and select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form.
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo!Credit for theme song: Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
Let’s officially kick off the Worthy Writers Podcast with a look into the inspiration from my favourite childhood books.
Explore the influences of my childhood in book series such as The Magic Tree House and authors such as Robert Munsch. Without these authors, characters, and my family, I never would have been encouraged to read consistently and express my creativity.
While sharing whimsical tidbits about me and my young life, I share themes and characters that have empowered me in books at home and from the library. My high school band days and Jurassic Park even come into play.
Discover inspiration to reminisce about your creative life.
Contact Info:
www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Website: www.kirstenmcneill.com (worthywriters.ca coming soon!) Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form.
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo! Credit for theme song:
Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay
Welcome to The Worthy Writers Podcast with Kirsten McNeill!
I've wanted to start a podcast for a long time, but I wasn't sure if I had the time or the topics to discuss. What I learned is that you don't have to be perfect at public speaking, audio editing, or even an expert on your subject to start a podcast. You just have to be willing to try!
With anything, you learn along the way.
My brand, Worthy Writers, represents encouraging authors and all types of creatives to live their dreams. In this trailer episode, you'll learn more about me, my goals to offer encouragement, and how I will share my writing journey.
There is so much content out there about how to perfect your writing craft, how to edit, what to do when you're ready to publish, but how much do we have about the mentality of it all? The Imposter Syndrome, the self-doubt, the comparison we all fall prey to.
Worthy Writers is about finding confidence in your work and navigating your journey the best way you see fit. I welcome you on my podcasting journey and hope you find value in my words as I share my wisdom and experiences.
Never forget that YOU ARE WORTHY!
Contact Info:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/editor.kirsten
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/kirstensworthywriters
Website: kirstenmcneill.com (worthywriters.ca coming soon!) (contact, editing and mentoring, services, books, Worthy Writers Bookstore, monthly newsletter, and more!)
Is there a topic you’d like to hear discussed on The Worthy Writers Podcast? Go to kirstenmcneill.com/contact and select “Worthy Writers” in the contact form.
Thank you to Becca Johnson (@beccajohnsoncreative on Instagram) for teaching me audio editing. Thank you to Stacy Dawn (@bystacydawn) for designing my podcast logo!Credit for theme song: Music by jorikbasov from Pixabay