Becca Syme is at it again, telling us how to quit what we should quit (and how to keep going when it’s the right thing to do). Don’t miss this amazing episode! Becca Syme (MATL) is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and has individually coached more than 6000 authors at all levels. She is the author of the Quitbooks for Writers series and the popular Write Better-Faster course, and the host of the Quitcast for Writers podcast and YouTube channel. She also writes mystery novels and lives on one o...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 533
Rachael's got a new diagnosis! And a new office. (And they both start with the sound Awwww.) Listen as she takes you on that journey, and then enjoy Elle Hartford's delightful story! Elle Hartford has written in several genres but is currently working on a cozy mystery series with an alchemical twist. As a historian and museum educator, she firmly believes in the value of stories -- and fantasy in particular -- as a mirror for complicated realities. Though she grew up on the beaches of the Pacif...
Nov 06, 2025•46 min•Ep. 532
In which we talk about perfectionism and how to get out from under it, as well as loving yourself as who you are. Kaila Yu is an author based in Los Angeles. Her debut memoir, ‘Fetishized: A Reckoning with Yellow Fever, Feminism, and Beauty,’ was just published with Penguin Random House's Crown Publishing. She's also a luxury travel and culture writer with bylines in The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, Condé Nast Traveler, and many more. 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http:...
Oct 23, 2025•30 min•Ep. 531
Rachael’s so excited to have Lorena on the show today! Lorena Hughes is the award-winning author of The Night We Became Strangers, The Queen of the Valley, The Spanish Daughter, and The Sisters of Alameda Street. Born and raised in Ecuador, she moved to the United States when she was eighteen to study fine arts and mass communication & journalism. Her novels have earned acclaim from outlets such as The Washington Post, Ms. Magazine, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Woman’s World, The Christian S...
Oct 16, 2025•42 min•Ep. 530
You don’t want to miss this one, in which we talk about how art is connection (to ourselves first) and why words will always let us down (and why that’s okay). Livia Sara is a neurodiversity advocate and eating disorder survivor who now helps others overcome their own mental barriers through her books, courses, and coaching programs. She is the creator of the blog livlabelfree.com and the host of the Liv Label Free Podcast. Livia is a lifelong learner who stays curious about discovering what it ...
Oct 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 529
This has to be one of Rachael's favorite episodes in a long time - Dr. Zoe will blow you away with the story of her path to publication! Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, author, speaker, podcast host, relationship coach, and proud mom of five. After fifteen years in traditional psychotherapy, Dr. Zoe left the therapy couch to create a more dynamic way to help women heal—blending the best of psychology, faith, and just the right dose of feminism. She’s best known in her field for coini...
Oct 02, 2025•44 min•Ep. 528
Rachael shares the big news she JUST got right before Sacha jumped on the call, and Sacha shares her new reading and outlining discoveries! 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherron.com/italy2026 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now available here: https://rachaelherronbooks.com/ Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't...
Sep 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 527
Annie Mare (she/they) writes queer contemporary young adult romance and cowrites queer romance and mysteries with her wife, Ruthie Knox. Mare lives with her wife, two teenagers, two dogs, multiple fish, one cat, four hermit crabs, and a bazillion plants in a very old house with a garden. COSMIC LOVE AT THE MULTIVERSE HAIR SALON is her most recent release. 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherron.com/italy2026 🏠 ...
Sep 25, 2025•47 min•Ep. 526
In which we talk about a book dying on submission (and the pain of that!) as well as being STUBBORN enough to keep going. Alexandria Bellefleur is a bestselling and award-winning author of swoony contemporary romance often featuring loveable grumps and the sunshine characters who bring them to their knees. Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was a 2021 Lambda Literary Award winner and a 2020 winner of The Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction. The Devil She Knows is her most...
Sep 18, 2025•30 min•Ep. 525
Dana K. White had always wanted to be a writer, but she never could have predicted how she’d get there or how she would reach so much success. Dana K. White is a blogger, podcaster, speaker, and (much to her own surprise) a decluttering expert. She taught both English and theatre arts before leaving her job to make her family her life's work. In an attempt to get her home under control, Dana started blogging as "Nony" (short for anonymous) at A Slob Comes Clean . Dana soon realized she was not a...
Sep 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 524
On vampires, and deep work, and what it means to actually be (and feel) successful. Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including The Hundred Loves of Juliet and The Incredible Kindness of Paper. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, her books have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages. Find out more at EvelynSkye.com. 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Write in Italy May ...
Sep 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 523
Sacha and Rachael talk about some REAL stuff. Don't miss it! 🍎 90 Days to Done: http://rachaelherron.com/90daystodone 🍎 90 Day Revision: http://rachaelherron.com/revision 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now available here: https://rachaelherronbooks.com/ Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, re...
Sep 02, 2025•48 min•Ep. 522
My new book just hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and I AM SO HAPPY. And also, I want to tell you a story about scammers who are scamming! (The list, though, is not a scam, don't worry!) 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherron.com/italy2026 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now available here: https://rachaelherronbooks.com/ Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actu...
Aug 28, 2025•27 min•Ep. 521
Isabelle Taylor writes sweet, steamy fantasy Romance under Isabelle Taylor, LGBT+ Horror/Paranormal Romance under I.S. Belle, and spicy MM Romance under Chase Moorcox. She works in a bookstore in New Zealand. If your local bookstore allows dogs, PLEASE bring them in. 📕 OUT NOW! The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland: http://rachaelherron.com ❤️ Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherron.com/italy2026 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now avai...
Aug 21, 2025•37 min•Ep. 520
In which Daphne Fama has some incredible advice on how to open a wound in your heart in order to make your book really matter. Daphne Fama was born in the American South, embedded in its tight-knit Filipino community. When she’s not writing stories about monsters and the women who love them, she’s writing about video games. And when she’s not writing, she’s spending every minute adoring her partner and pup. H ouse of Monstrous Women is her debut novel. Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherr...
Aug 14, 2025•30 min•Ep. 519
Brian not only writes but also illustrates his incredibly popular books —this epic interview will blow you away! Brian Selznick’s books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He broke open the novel form with his genre-breaking thematic trilogy, beginning with the Caldecott Medal-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning movie Hugo. In praising h...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 518
In which Sacha challenges Rachael to let go of some stuff and Rachael, unsurprisingly, balks. 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE ! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for ...
Aug 01, 2025•46 min•Ep. 517
How can you tell if what you’re worried about in your writing is your intuition being smart or your anxiety spiraling out of control? Don’t miss this episode to find out! Elizabeth Greenwood i s the critically acclaimed author of Everyday Intuition, Love in the Time of Incarceration, and Playing Dead . Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and more. She teaches writing at Columbia University and leads workshops on the transformative power of intuition. Learn ...
Jul 31, 2025•37 min•Ep. 516
Don’t miss this gorgeous episode in which we talk about what it takes to stay on the road to publication (and what it feels like to get there). Virginia Evans is from the northeastern United States. She attended James Madison University for her bachelor’s in English literature, as well as Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, for her master’s of philosophy in creative writing. She lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and her Red Labrador, Brigid. The Corresponden...
Jul 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 515
Should you take a writing retreat? If so, how do they work? Ben and Rachael also talk about the all-consuming vortex of writing as well as battling imposter syndrome. Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House, July 17 2025. Originally from the UK, his short fiction has appeared in journals such as The Fiery Scribe Review, Left Brain Media, and Downtime Review, while his articles have been featured in...
Jul 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 514
You HAVE to hear this episode. How did doing just one thing change everything for Jen Butler? Listen, and be amazed, friends. And then go be amazing, too. Jen Butler is a Barnes & Noble bestselling author, dark comedy screenwriter, and one of ISA’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch. Her work blends absurdity, emotional truth, and big existential questions... often through the lens of recovery, rejection, and being a messy human with a sense of humor. With over 300K followers across social media ...
Jul 10, 2025•45 min•Ep. 513
Emma Knight tells us how to bring character’s to life by inhabiting their bodies to make them more real, as well as how the written word can have shocking, real-world consequences! Emma Knight is an author, journalist, and entrepreneur. Her writing about books, maternal health, and more has appeared in Literary Hub, British Vogue, The Globe and Mail, and The Walrus. Emma lives in Toronto with her family, and The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is her first novel. ➡️ BEYOND AFFIRMATIONS Workshop...
Jul 03, 2025•36 min•Ep. 512
In which we talk about nervous system regulation, Rachael’s desire for ease, and Sacha’s desire to GET HER BOOK DONE! 🏠 INK VILLAGE! Click here for the details! 🎉 Unstuck is now available HERE ! Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come fo...
Jun 30, 2025•57 min•Ep. 511
What’s the hardest part of writing? Putting on those running shoes! Join us in this delightful chat about trusting your subconscious, leaving yourself breadcrumbs and following your joy, with Rosie Evylin. A kiwi currently living in Australia, Rosie Evylin escapes from the chaos of the world by diving into a magical world of witches and romance. She writes books with strong female characters and cheeky Familiars, where love really is magic. When not writing you'll find Rosie hanging out with her...
Jun 26, 2025•45 min•Ep. 510
Rachael's been dying to share this interview with you! No one knows voice better than Greta Morgan, and today, she shares the wisdom she's learned the hard way. Greta Morgan is a musician, songwriter, and storyteller who began her career at age 16 and has since performed worldwide. She was a touring member of Vampire Weekend, accompanied Jenny Lewis, and has released eight records fronting her own projects: Springtime Carnivore, Gold Motel, and The Hush Sound. She has stopped performing for the ...
Jun 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 509
Aime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort and Nicole Long legal thriller series, weaving sharp social commentary into gripping crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, Aime graduated from Smith College and Cornell Law School before practicing family and criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Budapest, writing thrillers, hosting the podcast A Time to Thrill, and interviewing brilliant women creators. When she’s not chasing down a plot twist, you’ll find her in ...
Jun 12, 2025•51 min•Ep. 508
How do you know that dream of yours is worth pursuing? And when do you take yourself seriously? When is a retreat worth it? Holly Bowen is an emerging author of young adult fantasy and contemporary women’s fiction. By the Moon is Holly’s debut novel. Holly lives in the lakeside town of Taupō, New Zealand, with her partner, two young sons, and a sad lack of a canine companion. When she’s not drinking mochas and writing in a local café, she can be found swimming in the lake or hiding in her garden...
Jun 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 507
In which Sacha makes a truly shocking announcement! Don’t miss this one! Also mentioned: https://heidimcintyre.com/coach/ 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage 🎉 Unstuck is now available here: https://rachaelherronbooks.com/ Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect...
Jun 01, 2025•36 min
In which Savannah and Rachael talk about selling a book without an agent , and moving from non-fiction to fiction and using podcasts as research for jobs you haven’t had (so smart!) Savannah Carlisle writes heartwarming romance novels with idyllic beach settings. Her stories transport readers to fun and quirky small towns where friends feel like family. Savannah jokes that she's living her own Hallmark movie because she's a former big city corporate attorney who now lives in a small beach town w...
May 29, 2025•34 min•Ep. 505
Insomnia, helpful ? Elisabeth and Rachael chat about how insomnia can be something good, instead of something dreaded, as well as how overwriting can give you exactly what you need to work with! Elisabeth Dini is a lawyer and former prosecutor of war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Born in Nevada, Elisabeth currently lives in The Netherlands with her husband and a bevy of mostly well-adjusted houseplants. Her debut novel, BEARER OF BAD NEWS, is out now fro...
May 22, 2025•37 min•Ep. 504
