What do most writing craft books leave out—and how can you avoid getting stuck mid-draft? In this episode of Exit Plan Writer, I talk with developmental editor and story coach Lori Puma, author of the free ebook What Fiction Craft Books Left Out.
Free to download here: https://loripuma.com/craft-books-skip
Lori shares why genre fiction authors (romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller) struggle with missing guidance, how to build a strong story foundation, and why antagonists are the secret to page-turning plots. We also dig into my own work-in-progress, with Lori giving live coaching on character arcs, conflict, and how to avoid a “Frankenstein” draft.
If you’ve ever wondered what a developmental editor really does—or how to take your messy middle to a finished, reader-hooking novel—this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t find in traditional craft guides.
You can find Lori at www.loripuma.com
And me at www.exitplanwriter.com
An update to experiment number two. How exactly is writing going now that I’m back at the day job?
In this episode I discuss the sacrifices one has to make to obtain the things we want.
I reflect on what I learned during my hiatus from work now that I can compare the two situations properly.
Tune in to listen to why I feel unstructured time is important.
In this solo episode, I share the money lessons from my first 8-week experiment of ditching the day job to focus on writing. Running a writing business is still a business, and cash flow matters more than I first realized. I talk honestly about the “cash flow dilemma,” what it really takes to fund creative work, and why pretending money doesn’t matter only leads to stress later. I also pull back the curtain on what six-figure authors like Joanna Penn, Sasha Black, and Rachael Herron are actually earning, and how they combine multiple income streams—from book sales to nonfiction, courses, and Patreon. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an author entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to make writing sustainable, this episode gives you a grounded look at the financial side of a creative life.
Email me at Podcast@exitplanwriter.com or go to my Substack https://exitplanwriter.substack.com
A story about leaving everything and building a writing life on board a sailboat. In this episode I interview author and sailor Paul Trammell to talk about creativity, solitude, writing routines, and how he’s built a multi-stream writing life from the sea.
Mentioned in this episode:
Keywords: writing routine, author productivity, writing on a sailboat, how to write on the road, self-publishing tips, distraction-free writing, AI and writing, author life, sailing author, writing podcast, creative process.
You can find me over on Substack or write me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com
In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on my current work-in-progress and share what I’m writing, messy draft and all. You’ll hear about the beginner mistakes I’ve made, what I’m learning about plotting with two protagonists, and how it feels to let others read an unfinished manuscript.
I also dig into the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of working with an editor early in the process and what you should have in mind.
Plus, I share a personal update on my ongoing experiment: building a sustainable, long-term writing life.
If you’ve ever wrestled with your book or felt stuck between inspiration and execution, this episode is for you. It’s part reflection, part behind-the-scenes, and a reminder that clarity is a process.
🟡 Want to build your own writing life with more intention?
Subscribe to Exit Plan: Writer—my newsletter for writers who are in it for the long haul: https://exitplanwriter.substack.com
And as always you can email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com
In this episode I talk to my old writing coach Penelope Trunk about why I’m not finishing my novel - and why you might not be either. If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on an editor/writer conversation, this is it.
We unpack my 50.000 ”non-words”, the trouble with editing yourself and why building a writing desk doesn’t count as writing (even if it’s gorgeous). Penelope, in her famously blunt and brilliant style, calls me out on procrastination disguised as productivity, explains why writing groups often fail, and reminds me that writing is not planning — it’s writing.
If you’re overthinking your plot, waiting for the perfect moment, or secretly hoping your book will write itself… this one is for you.
Mentioned: Anna Karenina (a lot), The Midnight Library, Big Mouth, sailing, Scrivener (don’t) and Maxwell Perkins.
Find Penelope’s work at https://penelopetrunk.com
Subscribe to her newsletter: https://penelopetrunk.substack.com
And as always you can email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com
In this episode, Silke Krieger Genckel and I explore what it really takes to claim time for creativity—especially as mothers, writers, and women conditioned to put others first. We talk about guilt, identity, the myth of hard work, and the quiet courage it takes to take yourself seriously as a writer. Silke is embodying the Practical Magic life and I hope she inspires you as much as she inspired me.
👉 Follow the show for more honest conversations about creativity, writing, and life—and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs to hear it.
✍️ You can find more of Silke’s beautiful work on her Substack here: https://silkekriegergenckel.substack.com
Follow me on instagram @exitplanwriter
Connect on Substack : https://Exitplanwriter.substack.com
Or email my direct at podcast@exitplanwriter.com
What if your day job is riskier than you think? In this solo episode I share more about the plan to build a sustainable writing life and explain the value of intellectual property. The first experiment is all about getting rid of the day job excuse and putting the day dream of a writing life to the test. Listen in to hear me debunk the myths around making money through writing and how I’m doing so far. Transition to full-time writing with me.
This is a business of writing experiment episode.
You can follow my daily progress at exitplanwriter.com
As always , email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com
Or follow me on Instagram @exitplanwriter
FREE: Dan Koe’s book: https://thedankoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Purpose-Profit-2.pdf
Which I strongly urge you to get in print as well, it has a special place in my bookshelf.
I’ve wanted to become an author for 20 years, but life, perfectionism, and people-pleasing keeps winning. In this opening conversation I sit down with therapeutic coach Lara Rickard to name what really stops us and to declare—out loud—that I’m building my writing life in real time, mess and all.
What actually happens in this episode
If you’re juggling real-life responsibilities and still aching to write, follow along as I figure it out—one honest episode at a time.
You can find Lara on instagram @lararickard_
follow me on instagram @exitplanwriter
Or email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com and I can put your character through the Core Quadrants model
Exit Plan: Writer is a writing podcast hosted by me; Dajana Holst, an author starting from scratch and building a writing life in public. Through clever experiments in creativity, income, and mindset, you get the juicy how-to—I get the trial and error trauma. Let’s pivot together into a more intentional, independent writing life.
Thank you in advance for subscribing—it supports my unhinged life choices and gets me one step closer to never hearing the phrase “circle back” again.
