Certified book coach and editor Nicole Bross discusses strategies and tools for neurodivergent authors with our own ADHD coach and developmental editor Rachelle Ramirez. Nicole is the author of 'A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers,' a guide aimed at helping neurodiverse authors overcome challenges like lack of motivation and disorganization. She emphasizes understanding the root causes of these issues, using various techniques such as changing work environments, visual organization, and finding the right accountability partners. Nicole also advocates for pre-emptive outlining to break down larger tasks into manageable ones, thereby reducing the feeling of overwhelm. The episode offers actionable insights and tips for both ADHD and non-ADHD writers.
00:00 Welcome to the Write Anyway Podcast
00:09 Meet Nicole Bross: Strategies for ADHD Writers
00:48 The ADHD Writer's Challenge: Finding Motivation
01:58 Tips and Tricks for Staying Motivated
03:12 Understanding Accountability: Internal vs External
05:32 Finding the Right Accountability Partner
09:58 Overcoming Overwhelm and Disorganization
12:39 The Importance of Outlining
15:51 Tools and Techniques for Organizing Your Writing
17:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Rachelle and Anne discuss the importance of creativity and writing during challenging times. They explore how writing can help individuals personally by enhancing self-esteem, resilience, and mental health, and collectively by fostering empathy and connection. Writing different types of narratives—be it fun stories or political essays—remains significant, even when the world feels tumultuous. Every form of storytelling, whether a memo, a romantic novel, or an essay, can be a powerful tool for personal expression and societal impact.
00:00 Introduction: Writing in Dark Times
00:14 The Importance of Creativity Now
00:33 Struggles and Doubts of Writers
01:27 The Value of Art and Writing
02:10 Personal Growth Through Writing
03:46 Connecting with Others Through Stories
04:11 The Impact of Fiction
10:38 Writing as a Form of Activism
13:24 The Power of Memoirs
14:00 Conclusion and Farewell
Demolish Your Comfort Zone: Why Comfort Kills More Dreams Than FailureEpisode Description:
Why does success elude you even when you're putting in the time and effort? The brutal truth: You're choosing short-term comfort over long-term results. In this game-changing episode, Sue Campbell interviews Art Turock, the "Comfort Zone Demolition Expert," about why stepping outside your comfort zone isn't enough—you need to demolish it entirely.
What You'll Learn:
Key Quotes:
"Comfort kills more dreams than failure ever will."
"Discomfort is the price of freedom."
"There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstances permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, just results."
Perfect for writers who:
Guest Bio:
Art Turock is a longtime executive coach for Fortune 500 companies and author of the new book Demolish Your Comfort Zones: Six Unconventional Practices to Crush Your Hidden Limitations. At age 55, he took up sprinting and won silver and bronze medals at the USA Track and Field Masters Championship. His quote about commitment vs. interest appeared on Starbucks cups nationwide.
Resources Mentioned:
Content Warning: Brief discussion of food and dieting from approximately 19:00-22:00.
Book Marketing Secrets from Alex Hormozi's $100M Launch with Tim Grahl
In this episode, marketing expert Tim Grahl breaks down the strategies behind Alex Hormozi's record-breaking $100 million book launch and shares actionable takeaways for authors at any level. Learn about:
Tim also shares insights from his 17+ years helping authors market their books and discusses his work with Story Grid, where he applies deliberate practice principles to help writers improve their craft.
Featured Guest: Tim Grahl
Resources Mentioned:
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Are you paralyzed by the fear of negative reviews? In this episode of Write Anyway, hosts Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez share a powerful exercise to help writers overcome their fear of criticism. Learn how writing your own worst one-star review—and its positive counterpart—can actually free you to write with more confidence and clarity.
Key takeaways:
• How to use the "worst review" exercise to identify and face your writing fears
• Why negative reviews can help you better understand your ideal reader
• Real examples of one-star/five-star review pairs from both hosts
• Why not every book is for everyone (and why that's okay!)
Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, this practical exercise will help you push past perfectionism and write for the readers who truly matter. Join Anne and Rachelle as they demonstrate how embracing potential criticism can actually strengthen your writing practice.
Subscribe to our newsletter at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe for weekly writing insights and tips.
Do you ever feel tempted to throw in the towel on your creative projects just to feel the sweet relief of freedom from responsibility? In this solo episode of The Write Anyway Podcast, mindset coach Sue Campbell dives into why that feeling of relief might be a trap—and how it can sabotage your creative goals and personal growth.
Sue breaks down:
Learn how to reframe discomfort as a necessary step toward growth and discover what might be waiting for you on the other side of creative resistance.
Subscribe to the Write Anyway Newsletter for mindset and marketing tips at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe.
Struggling with your manuscript despite reading every writing craft book? Developmental editor Lori Puma reveals what 70+ writing books left out.
Learn about Story Foundation, the Invisible Story, antagonist networks, and scene sequencing.
Perfect for first-time novelists facing common problems like lack of conflict, repetitive plots, or manuscripts that won't come together despite multiple revisions.
Includes tips on creating dynamic antagonists, building cause-and-effect chains, and troubleshooting story problems. Get Lori's free ebook "What Craft Books Left Out" at loripuma.com.
Keywords: writing craft, developmental editing, story structure, novel writing, antagonist development, scene structure, first novel, writing advice, manuscript revision, plot development.
00:00 - Introduction: Why traditional writing books might not be enough
01:00 - Meet Lori Puma: From editor to craft book detective
02:00 - Story Foundation: The missing piece for first-time novelists
03:00 - Symptoms of story foundation problems
05:00 - The Invisible Story: What happens off the page
07:00 - Common antagonist mistakes and how to fix them
09:00 - The Princess Bride example: Antagonists vs. antagonists
11:00 - Shaping sequences: Creating cause-and-effect chains
12:00 - How to get Lori's free ebook and connect
Do you ever feel like your creative life is disconnected from the rest of your existence? Author, editor, and writing coach Bill Kenower introduces the concept of "The All-Day Artist" —not about writing all day, but about bringing the spirit of creativity into every aspect of life.
In this illuminating conversation, Bill shares:
Bill Kenower is the author of "Fearless Writing" and hosts two podcasts: "Fearless Writing" and "Author to Author." His weekly essays can be found at Author Magazine (authormagazine.org).
Whether you're struggling to integrate your creative practice with daily life or looking to bring more authenticity to your writing, this episode offers valuable insights for writers at any stage of their journey.
Find Bill online at williamkenower.com for coaching services, podcast links, and more.
Subscribe to the Write Anyway Newsletter at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe for weekly writing insights and marketing tips.
Sue Campbell shares insights from her recent webinar on boosting productivity for writers. Drawing from her experiences as a mindset and book marketing coach, Sue covers key productivity philosophies, identifies different productivity tendencies, and presents two foundational productivity systems: the Autofocus System and Monday Hour One.
The episode also highlights tools, both analog and digital, to support these systems and emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving writing goals.
Additionally, Sue introduces her Goal Getter School, a program aimed at helping writers accomplish significant milestones through custom project planning and consistent coaching. Listeners are encouraged to identify their biggest productivity challenges and are offered actionable advice to overcome them.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Meet Sue Campbell: Your Productivity Coach
02:09 Setting the Stage for Productivity
10:53 Understanding Productivity Tendencies
17:36 Exploring the Autofocus System
22:05 Time Blocking with Monday Hour One
27:33 The Concept of Blissipline
28:02 Pros and Cons of Time Blocking
28:45 Analog Tools for Time Blocking
30:40 Digital Tools for Time Blocking
33:27 Introduction to Goal Getter School
36:08 Goal Getter School Structure and Benefits
42:54 Q&A Session
54:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Developmental editors Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez break down what your first page must promise—and how to deliver it for your ideal reader. From raising the right questions to dodging common traps (info dumps, action-for-action’s-sake), you’ll get practical ways to craft an opening that compels page turns and signals the book you actually wrote.
What you’ll learn
Timestamps
Try this
Mentioned
Quote
“Your job as a fiction writer is to raise questions. Why I turn the page is because there’s a question in my mind.”
Links
If this episode helped you rethink your opening, share it with a writer friend and leave a rating—it helps more writers find the show.
Sue Campbell, a mindset coach for writers, reveals the hidden inner narratives that quietly sabotage creative progress — and shows how to rewrite them so you actually sit down and finish your work.
This episode is full of practical, moment-by-moment strategies: how to surface limiting beliefs, neutralize them, and replace them with believable, emotionally motivating alternatives. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll write tomorrow,” or “I hate social media,” this episode gives you the tools to change the story and get writing — even if it’s just one sentence.
Who this episode is for: Writers who feel stuck, procrastinate, avoid revision, dread marketing, or want concrete mindset tools to finish a book and grow an author platform.
Why listen:
Key takeaways:
Memorable quotes:
Resources mentioned:
If this episode moved you, try the one-sentence rule for the next three days and notice how it changes your momentum.
Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a writer who needs to rewrite their inner story.
Is your novel bursting at the seams? Developmental editor Anne Hawley reveals how she cut 100,000 words from her historical novel – and how you can trim your manuscript without losing its heart.
Anne shares battle-tested strategies for identifying and eliminating excess content, including:
Plus: Learn why "the reader needs to know this" might be your biggest obstacle to a leaner, stronger story.
Whether you're writing fantasy epics or middle-grade fiction, these practical tips will help you craft a manuscript that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Subscribe to our newsletter: pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe
Join the Happily Ever Author Club for more resources:
Is your novel bursting at the seams? In this episode, developmental editor Anne Hawley reveals how she cut 100,000 words from her historical novel – and how you can trim your manuscript without losing its heart.
Anne shares battle-tested strategies for identifying and eliminating excess content, including:
Plus: Learn why "the reader needs to know this" might be your biggest obstacle to a leaner, stronger story.
Whether you're writing fantasy epics or middle-grade fiction, these practical tips will help you craft a manuscript that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Join the Happily Ever Author Club for more support and resources: storypath.me/hea
Subscribe to our newsletter: pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe
In this episode of The Write Anyway podcast, Sue Campbell interviews Neroli Lacey, an accomplished author known for her “delicious fiction for clever women.”
They discuss the successful launch of Neroli's latest book, The Perfumer's Secret, covering her marketing strategies, the importance of building a brand and community, and the unexpected joys of marketing.
Neroli shares her journey from resisting marketing to embracing it, her experience with a hybrid publisher, and how she built a mailing list of over 3,000 subscribers.
Additionally, they delve into the significance of a long-term vision for a writing career and the importance of balancing creative work with marketing efforts.
The episode is rich with insights and actionable tips for both seasoned authors and aspiring writers.
00:00 Introduction to Indie Publishing
00:16 Meet Neroli Lacey: Author and Journalist
00:58 The Perfumer's Secret: A Successful Book Launch
03:00 Marketing Strategies and Challenges
09:48 The Impact of a BookBub Deal
12:56 Building a Community of Writers
14:38 Growing an Email List
17:32 Balancing Writing and Life
26:25 The Importance of Mindset and Coaching
28:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Are you an ADHD writer struggling with traditional writing methods? In this episode, ADHD coach and developmental editor Rachelle Ramirez shares proven strategies to help neurodivergent writers move from blank page to finished manuscript.
Key Topics:
Key Takeaways:
About Our Guest: Rachelle Ramirez is a developmental editor and ADHD coach who brings both professional expertise and personal experience to help neurodivergent writers succeed.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect With Us: Subscribe to our newsletter at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe for weekly writing insights and tips.
In this episode of Write Anyway, developmental editors Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez dive deep into the often misunderstood concept of point of view (POV) in storytelling.
Key topics covered:
Featured book examples:
Practical takeaway: Study the POV choices in your favorite books to better understand how successful authors handle narrative perspective.
Connect with Anne:
Find her novel Restraint on Amazon
Subscribe to the Write Anyway Newsletter at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe
In this episode, Rachelle Ramirez talks with renowned author and writing teacher Laura Davis about the transformative power of writing retreats. Laura shares insights from her extensive experience leading various types of retreats, from focused work weekends to international adventures.
Key Topics:
About Laura Davis:
Laura Davis is the author of six groundbreaking nonfiction books, including the bestseller The Courage to Heal and her recent mother-daughter memoir The Burning Light of Two Stars. She specializes in building writing communities where people can find their voice and develop their craft.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Learn More:
Visit lauradavis.net to explore upcoming retreats with Laura Davis
Subscribe to Write Anyway:
Get weekly writing insights and tips at pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe
Sue Campbell talks with Dr. Rachel Meredith, a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist, about practical ways writers can improve their physical energy to enhance creative output. With over 25 years of practice experience, Dr. Meredith shares actionable advice for writers struggling with fatigue, particularly those over 40.
Key Topics Covered:
Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Guest Bio: Dr. Rachel Meredith is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience. She practices at Receptive Medicine in Portland, Oregon, where she takes a holistic approach to helping patients optimize their health and energy levels.
The Write Anyway podcast is produced by Pages and Platforms and the Happily Ever Author Club.
In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, host Anne Hawley interviews certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping practitioner Helen McConnell about using tapping to overcome writer's block and creative barriers.
Episode Highlights:
Guest: Helen McConnell
Certified EFT tapping practitioner with 14 years of experience
Specializes in helping people resolve trauma, relieve pain, and clear mental blocks
Returning host of "What's Bugging You" podcast
Resources Mentioned:
Helen's website: purposeprosperityhappiness.com
Contact Helen: helen@helenmcconnell.com
Write Anyway newsletter: pagesandplatforms.com/subscribe
Special Opportunity:
Helen is seeking three writers to participate in writing-related tapping sessions for her podcast "What's Bugging You." Interested writers can contact her at helen@helenmcconnell.com.
In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, book coach and author Anne Janzer discusses how writers can stop beating themselves up about productivity. She shares insights from her experience coaching writers and authoring books like The Writer's Process and The Writer's Voice.
Key Discussion Points:
Notable Quotes:
"Every writer knocks themselves around about their productivity." - Anne Janzer
"Perfectionism is often fear in disguise looking really productive and important." - Anne Janzer
"Nothing is wasted in writing." - Anne Janzer
Resources Mentioned:
Connect With Pages & Platforms:
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In this episode , hosts Sue Campbell and Rochelle Ramirez explore the pervasive fear of criticism that many writers face, offering practical strategies to overcome it. They discuss how fear can paralyze writers, especially in memoir and fiction, and the impact of social media criticism.
The episode addresses the psychological aspect of fear, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between real threats and exaggerated fears.
The hosts provide methods to fortify resilience, like shadow work and approaching writing with a playful mindset. They also suggest practical steps like writing under a pen name or practicing in low-stakes environments to build confidence.
The discussion aims to empower writers to push through fears, allowing their stories to reach and impact others.
00:00 Welcome to the Write Anyway Podcast
00:39 Understanding the Fear of Criticism
03:06 Strategies to Overcome Criticism
07:42 Building Resilience and Self-Trust
13:58 Practical Tips for Writers
22:07 Embracing Rejection and Criticism
24:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Want more help maintaining a creative practice despite life's obstacles? Subscribe to the Write Anyway newsletter from Pages & Platforms.
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