Worthy Writers Podcast

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 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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? 

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!

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. 

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 

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.

Contact Info:

Stephanie B. Whitfield

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

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

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.

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.

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:

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.