Think you don’t have time to write? You’re probably falling into one of these traps.

In this episode, I’m sharing the three biggest time traps that keep moms from writing, and what to do instead.

You’ll hear real examples from my own writing life and learn how to create consistent time for your novel (even with kids, chores, and chaos).

Don’t miss my November 8 workshop: Finally Write Your Novel: Build a Creative Practice That Sticks (Even as a Busy Mom!)

And if you’re tired of feeling “too busy” to write, coaching can help you find your flow again. Book a free consultation at https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

I’ve written and published six cozy mysteries... but I didn’t get everything right the first time.

In this episode, I share the biggest mistakes I made while writing my first series (and what I’d do differently now). From not planning the series arc clearly enough, to doubting my messy drafts, to relying too much on other people’s advice -- I’m breaking down what I learned and how you can avoid the same pitfalls.

If you’re scared of “messing up” your novel, this one will help you see mistakes as experiments, not failures.

Join my November 8 workshop: Finally Write Your Novel: Build a Creative Practice That Sticks (Even as a Busy Mom!)

And if you want guidance and accountability to finish your book with more confidence, then book a free consultation at https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time to write, this episode is for you.

We’re unpacking why writing can feel “selfish” for moms, and why it’s actually one of the most generous things you can do -- for yourself & your family. I’ll share what happened when I felt mom guilt during a writing retreat, how I reframed writing as care instead of indulgence, and simple ways to start writing again without the guilt overpowering you.

Your stories matter, and making time for them isn’t taking away from your family. It’s showing up more fully for them.

Join my November 8 workshop: Finally Write Your Novel: Build a Creative Practice That Sticks (Even as a Busy Mom!)

And if you want help building a writing practice that fits your life, book a free consultation at https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

Why is it so hard to say the words, “I’m a writer”? Because labels shape identity - and once you say it out loud, you’re accountable to it.

In this episode, I dig into why claiming the title feels so vulnerable, especially for moms. From cultural narratives that minimize creative work to the risk of judgment when you’re unpublished, fear is normal. But fear also means you care.

I’ll share the story of my own hesitation to call myself a writer, and how finally saying it out loud shifted everything. Plus, you’ll hear encouragement to practice claiming the identity in low-stakes ways so you can start believing it for yourself.

Join my upcoming workshop: Finally Write Your Novel: Build a Creative Practice That Sticks (Even as a Busy Mom!). Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SQB7g75-Sa2TYHgEAo5IJg

If calling yourself a writer feels scary but you know it’s the truth, coaching can help you step into that identity with confidence. Book a free consultation at https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

Most moms are writing tired. If you wait until you’re well-rested, your novel will never get written.

In this episode, I share practical ways to keep writing even when your energy is low. From micro-commitments (like one sentence or five minutes) to reframing what progress really looks like, you’ll hear how small, messy steps still build momentum. I’ll also talk about how I drafted a novel in three months by starting with short, doable sessions and slowly building up consistency.

If you’ve ever thought, “My brain doesn’t work when I’m tired,” I’ll help you see that tired writing still counts, and that it’s proof of resilience, not failure.

If you’re exhausted but still want to see your novel take shape, coaching can help you find the simplest path forward. Book a free consultation at https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

The words you use to describe yourself matter. Saying “I’m trying to write” feels very different from saying, “I’m a writer.”

In this episode, I dive into why claiming your writer identity changes how you show up for your work, and for yourself. I’ll share the moment I finally said the words “I’m a writer,” how finishing my cozy mystery series helped solidify that belief, and why identity builds resilience through doubt, distractions, and breaks.

You’ll also hear encouragement if you feel like calling yourself a writer would be fake because you haven’t finished anything yet. (Spoiler: being a writer isn’t about what you’ve already produced—it’s about what you’re committed to.)

Ready to start calling yourself a writer and acting like one? Let’s build that identity together. Book a free consultation at calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

Waiting for the perfect time to write your novel? Here’s the truth: it’s not coming. Life will always be full, and if not now, when?

In this episode, I share why starting now matters more than waiting for the stars to align. From my own pandemic writing journey to the power of small, consistent steps (like 10 minutes a day), you’ll hear how action builds confidence faster than any pep talk ever could.

We’ll also talk about what to do if you’re in a hard season, because starting doesn’t have to mean sprinting. Sometimes it’s as simple as writing for 5 minutes a day.

If you’re tired of waiting for the “right time” to write, I’d love to help you take that first step. Book a free consultation at calendly.com/joseesmith/book.

Ever feel like you’re doing it wrong because your writing process doesn’t look like someone else’s? You’re not.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why there’s no single “right” way to write a novel, and how comparison can actually kill your momentum. I’ll share what happened when I tried to force myself into someone else’s method (spoiler: it backfired), and how I eventually learned to trust my own rhythm.

You’ll learn:

• Why following someone else’s process can stall your progress

• How my writing approach shifted between my first and sixth book

• Why experimenting with your own rhythm is the only way to find what works

If you’re feeling stuck because you’re not writing the “right” way, let’s find the path that actually fits you. Book a free consultation and we’ll map out your best next step—no rigid rules required:
https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Your voice, your perspective, and your lived experience matter—especially in your writing.

In this episode, I’m sharing why moms have powerful stories the world needs, how to stop worrying about being “too similar” to other writers, and why your exact voice is what will connect with readers.

You’ll learn:

• Why your perspective as a mom is valuable in storytelling

• How to embrace your unique lens—even in a crowded genre

• How writing can be an act of reclaiming your voice and identity

If you’ve been telling yourself your story doesn’t matter or now’s not the time, I’d love to talk. Book a free consultation and let’s build a plan for getting your story onto the page, without guilt or perfectionism:
https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Every writer starts with excitement, but what happens when that motivation fades?

In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s normal to lose steam, what the “murky middle” really means, and how to reconnect with your story when doubt creeps in.

You’ll learn:

• Why motivation fades after the initial spark

• The difference between losing motivation and losing connection

• Practical ways to stay on track when the middle gets messy

If your motivation is fading and you don’t want to lose steam, book a free consultation with me. We’ll figure out exactly what’s making it hard to keep going, and how to get you writing again with confidence and clarity:
https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Your writing process will evolve with each season of life—and that’s not a bad thing.

In this episode, I’m sharing how my process has shifted from pre-motherhood to now, the “shoulds” I had to let go of, and why flexibility has made my writing sustainable.

You’ll learn:

• Why your process can (and should) adapt over time

• How to make writing work with the time and energy you actually have

• Why breaks don’t mean you’ve failed—and how to restart with confidence

If your writing process needs a reset, or you’re feeling stuck in a season of change, let’s talk. Book a free consultation and we’ll create a plan that works with your life, not against it:
https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

You don’t need to wait for a lightning bolt of inspiration to write—you need something simpler and more sustainable: a process that works for you.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to write even when you don’t feel like it, why inspiration isn’t a reliable strategy, and how building a simple, repeatable process is what actually leads to finished books.

You’ll learn:

• Why “showing up” is often more important than feeling inspired

• How a repeatable writing routine reduces resistance

• What my process looks like—and how to create your own

Need help building a writing process that fits your real life? Book a free consultation call and we’ll map out how to get your words flowing—without waiting for perfect inspiration. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Think you need hours of time, a fancy degree, or a perfect plan to start your novel? Think again.

In this episode, I’m busting three of the most common writing myths I see hold moms back from getting started—and offering beliefs that will actually move you forward.

You’ll learn:

If you're stuck because you're waiting to feel ready or “good enough,” I’d love to help. Book a free consultation and we’ll talk through what’s getting in your way—and how to get you writing again with confidence. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Writing a novel is hard. Writing six? That taught me I can do just about anything.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on what I learned from writing a six-book cozy mystery series, and how that experience shaped my creative process, built my confidence, and helped me trust the messy middle.

You’ll hear:

• Why I focused on one book at a time instead of overplanning the series arc

• How I kept going even when my first drafts felt chaotic

• What changed in me once I realized I could finish hard things

If you want to build a writing practice that gives you momentum—and helps you actually finish—coaching can give you the support and strategy you need. Book a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Want to feel like a “real” writer? Here’s what worked for me.

In this episode, I’m diving into how publishing my books—on my own terms—helped me finally claim my writer identity. I share why self-publishing felt like the right fit, the confidence that came from reader feedback, and how this journey gave me the courage to build a coaching business, too.

You’ll hear:

• Why I chose self-publishing (and how it empowered me)

• How publishing multiple books helped me believe in myself

• Why claiming your identity is just as powerful as hitting “publish”

Want help stepping into your writer identity—without waiting for a book deal? Let’s talk. Book a free consultation call and we’ll map out your next steps and how coaching can help you finish your novel and own your voice. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

What could you create in two years with a little consistency—and a lot of heart?

In this episode, I’m sharing how I wrote and published six cozy mystery novels before becoming a mom. I talk about starting my first book as a creative escape during the early days of the pandemic, how I let go of perfection, and the mindset shift that made me believe, “Why not me?”

You’ll hear:

• Why writing for joy was the spark I needed to finally begin

• How self-publishing helped me take my dream seriously

• What I learned about consistency, confidence, and commitment before motherhood

If you're ready to stop waiting for the “perfect time” to write your novel, I’d love to support you. Book a free consultation call and we’ll make a plan to help you finish your book—on your terms, with real accountability. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

It’s easy to say “someday”—but what happens if that someday never comes?

In this episode, we’re looking at what’s really at stake when we keep putting off our writing dreams. I’m sharing my own story of feeling lost after becoming a mom, and how coming back to writing helped me feel like me again. If you’ve been waiting for the right time, this conversation is your gentle nudge to stop waiting and start now.

You’ll learn:

• What happens emotionally and creatively when we keep delaying our writing

• Why prioritizing your novel is a powerful way to reclaim your identity

• How to start small and commit now—even in a full, messy season of life

Ready to stop putting your novel on the back burner? Book a free consultation call where we’ll talk about your story, your time, and how I can help you finish your novel with support and structure. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

Mom guilt is real—but it doesn’t mean going after your writing dream is wrong.

In this episode, I’m talking honestly about the tension so many moms feel when we want to write but also want to be fully present with our families. If you’ve ever questioned whether your novel is worth the time, this is your reminder that your writing matters—and so do you.

You’ll hear:

• Why creativity often triggers guilt in a way work doesn’t—and how to challenge that

• How grounding yourself in your why helps quiet the “selfish” narrative

• Why your family benefits when you feel creatively fulfilled and connected to yourself

Ready to create a writing routine that feels good and fits your real life? Book a free consultation call where we’ll talk about your novel, your time, and how I can support you in finally finishing your book—with compassion and structure. https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

In this episode, we’re talking about something that weighs on so many moms: the guilt of wanting something for yourself—especially something as big and beautiful as writing a novel. If you’ve ever felt selfish for carving out writing time, this is your reminder that it’s not only okay to want this—it’s essential.

You’ll hear:

• Why wanting time to write doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your family

• How reconnecting with your creative identity helps you feel more grounded as a mom

• Why investing in your writing actually helps you show up more fully for the people you love

Ready to create a writing routine that nourishes you and fits your life? Book a free consultation call where we’ll talk about your story, your writing time, and how I can help you finish your novel.
https://calendly.com/joseesmith/book

Come say hi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseesmithbookcoach/
Subscribe to my Substack: https://joseesmith.substack.com/

If the idea of writing every day makes you break into a stress sweat, you are absolutely not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing how to build a writing routine that supports your life—not one that overwhelms it. Because real writing habits? They’re flexible, forgiving, and sustainable.

You’ll learn:

• Why it’s totally okay to skip days and still be a “real writer”