The Writer's Spark Coaching Competition

Today's guest is Fiona Fenwick, a coach and mentor who coaches creative writers, too. Fiona is part of On Creative Writing's new competition: The Writer's Spark Coaching Competition, which delivers one prize including two-hours coaching from Fiona, and more! Check it out at the link above! Closing date: Nov. 4, 2025.

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On Creative Writing's Sheelagh Caygill welcomes Fiona Fenwick, a New Zealand-based coach, who includes creative writers amongst her clients. Fiona is an author and mentor and in this episode gives insights into navigating and overcoming the most common challenges creative writers face.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting as a writer, this episode gives practical advice, real-world examples, and encouraging strategies to help you move forward with confidence.

Listeners are treated to a simulated coaching session at the start of the episode, where Fiona demonstrates her approach to helping writers clarify their goals, identify obstacles, and develop personalized action plans. This segment offers a behind-the-scenes look at the coaching process and highlights the value of having a mentor or coach to provide guidance and encouragement.

Sheelagh and Fiona dive into the universal struggles that writers encounter, such as writer’s block, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Fiona draws on her experience coaching writers from all backgrounds to explain why these obstacles arise and how they can be addressed. She emphasizes that these challenges are not signs of failure, but rather natural parts of the creative process. Fiona shares actionable techniques for breaking through writer’s block, including setting realistic goals, establishing a regular writing routine, and using prompts to spark creativity.

They touch on perfectionism, a hurdle that often prevents writers from finishing their work or sharing it with others. Fiona discusses the importance of giving yourself permission to write imperfectly, especially in early drafts, and how embracing the messy parts of creative writing can lead to greater authenticity and growth. She offers tips on silencing the inner critic and reframing negative self-talk, so writers can focus on progress rather than perfection.

Fiona provides reassurance that even the most successful writers experience moments of uncertainty. She shares strategies for building self-confidence, such as celebrating small wins, seeking constructive feedback, and connecting with a supportive writing community. For introverted writers, Fiona offers tailored advice on how to find motivation and accountability without feeling overwhelmed by social expectations.

A key topic discussed is the importance of understanding one’s purpose in writing. Fiona explains how clarifying your “why” can serve as a powerful motivator and guide your creative decisions. She encourages writers to reflect on what they hope to achieve with their work, whether it’s to inform, entertain, inspire, or make a difference in the world.

The episode also discusses Fiona’s book, Stand Out and Step Up, a reputation tool kit for life.

This episode delivers plenty of actionable advice on how to be authentic, build a support network, and maintain accountability throughout the writing process. Fiona’s compassionate and practical approach empowers writers to embrace their unique voices, persist through challenges, and celebrate their progress along the way.

Find Fiona's website: www.fionafenwick.com.

Connect with Fiona on LinkedIn.

Fiona's interview with Oncreativewriting.com.