PODCAST

The Write It Scared Podcast

Stacy Frazer

A podcast to help fiction writers work through self-doubt and learn the craft of writing a novel.

arts books

All Episodes

23:15

Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/04/13

Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what that means. I know—a “flat” arc might sound boring, right? But trust me, flat arcs can be incredibly dynamic and emotionally engaging. Think of characters like Katniss Everdee...

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41:35

How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/04/06

If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive into how writing short stories can help you: Stay creatively engaged between big projects Sharpen your storytelling and character work Play with structure, POV, and genre in low-stakes ways And even reignite your joy when you feel stuckIf you’ve been...

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17:06

How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/03/30

Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-deception, and slow-burning transformation, and when done right, they’re unforgettable. In this episode, I break down: What sets a corruption arc apart...

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41:09

Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/03/23

Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent? That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has been on both sides of the process, and she’s here to break down the differences between live pitching and cold querying so you can decide which appro...

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46:55

Planning Your Novel: From Idea to Outline

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/03/16

Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics Summit hosted by Emma Dhesi and we discuss practical strategies for planning and outlining your novel in a way that works for you. The highlights: 📌 The fundamentals of storytelling—character, conflict, plot structure, and theme 📌 Why mindset matters and how to set realistic expectations for your writing journey 📌 How to connect with yo...

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35:31

Poli-Fi Author, Michael Fedor on Writing, Rewriting,...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/03/09

Writing a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-winning independent author, to talk about the long, winding road to publishing his debut novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, a political science fiction thriller with deep themes and sharp commentary. Michael shares: ✨ How an idea from two decades ago finally became a published book ✨ The highs and lows of drafting, rewriting, and refinin...

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24:14

Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/03/02

The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real. This character starts with potential, but instead of rising to the occasion, they spiral downward—deeper into moral corruption, delusion, or even self-destruction. The Falling Arc is one of the most devastating negative character arcs (overview of negative arcs in episode 46,) and ...

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38:27

Tips on Writing Historical Fiction with Author...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/02/23

What does it take to bring history to life on the page? In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed historical fiction author, writing mentor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse. Susanne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She went from earning a PhD in music history to publishing her first novel at 50, and now she has 14 novels to her name! We chat about the lessons she’s learned along the way—why curiosity, persistence, and patienc...

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24:00

Essentials of Crafting Negative Character Arcs + Deep...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/02/16

Not every character’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions. In this episode we do an overview the negative character arcs and then focus on the specifics of the Disillusionment Arc. Unlike positive arcs where characters grow and overcome their flaws, disillusionment arcs are about painful realizations. These characters start believing in something—an ideal, a system, a person—only to have that belief stripped away, leaving them changed, but not necessaril...

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45:17

Valentine’s Special! Crafting Authentic Romance with...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/02/09

FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It Scared Love is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach. Together, we’re diving headfirst into the art (and heart) of writing authentic romance. We’re unpacking everything from developing unforgettable characters to building emotional intimacy that makes read...

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25:26

On Wise Productivity and Building Positive Character...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/02/02

Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE. Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management. I kick things off by sharing some eye-opening insights inspired by Oliver Burkman’s 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a must-read for anyone rethinking how to make the most of their time (spoiler: it’s not about doing more). Then, we shift gears to break down the magic behind positive character arcs—focusing on...

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32:16

Learning to Say No to "Mom Guilt" with Author MK Pagano.

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/01/26

In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I discuss overcoming guilt as a parent pursuing creative passions and introduce M.K. Pagano, the author of 'Girls Who Burn,' who shares her journey to becoming a published writer. Our conversation highlights the challenges of balancing writing with parenting, dealing with setbacks such as losing an agent, and the importance of community support. MK offers practical advice for writing thrillers and emphasizes the significance of persist...

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21:33

Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/01/19

Free Download: Understand Story Structure and Character ArcsToday, we’re diving deep into the magic of character arcs and how they intertwine with story structure and plot.I'll share insights on developing authentic characters so readers will empathize with them and want to know more.We'll chat about different character arcs—positive, negative, and flat—and how understanding these can enrich your storytelling. Plus, I'll debunk myths about story structure being formulaic and show you how...

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29:09

Unlocking Your Characters with Michele Regenold

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/01/12

In this episode, I sit down with Michele Regenold, an author and certified book coach, to delve into the intricacies of character development. We explore the importance of knowing what drives your characters, distinguishing between their wants and needs, and identifying their fears. Michele introduces her character development tool 'Interview for Insight,' which aids writers in gaining a deeper understanding of their characters. You'll also hear about 'First Draft Confidence,' my fr...

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14:35

Easing Into 2025 and Setting Smarter Writing Goals

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2025/01/05

If you feel unprepared for the new year, this episode is for you! Today, we discuss the importance of easing into the new year, reflecting on past achievements, and setting attainable writing goals. But at some point, we need to get after it, and for that, I have a detailed goal-setting exercise to help you map out your 2025 writing goals! Remember to practice patience and persistence and incorporate accountability into your routine as you work toward turning your dreams into goals and a...

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24:22

Overcoming Creative Burnout, Embracing Rest, and...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2024/12/08

Learn more about small group book coaching with Stacy Frazer and Write It Scared.Season one wraps up with a chat about the importance of learning how to rest, and I share my messy journey through creative burnout and how I recovered. Thank you to all the guests and listeners! So much good stuff to come in 2025!00:00 Introduction: The Struggle of Creative Ambition01:40 Season One Wrap-Up and Future Plans02:33 The Importance of Resting06:08 Understanding Creative Burnout07:48 Personal Journey T...

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36:42

Dear Writer, You're NOT Screwing This Up with Author...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2024/12/01

Learn more about Group Coaching with Write It Scared. Ready for a dive-deep conversation about the emotional rollercoaster of writing? In this episode, I’m chatting with Rachael Herron—a trad and indie author who knows her way around multiple genres and isn’t shy about sharing less-than-stellar moments of her writing journey. We dig into story structure, the ups and downs of writing and revising, and the emotional twists that come with the territory of trying to write your first nov...

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10:07

Encouragement for the Frustrated Writer

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2024/11/24

Are you feeling frustrated with your writing? Do you struggle with setting up unrealistic expectations of yourself and your words? You’re not alone, and today, I will offer up a mindset shift. Join me as we unpack the importance of embracing gratitude for every part of the writing process—ESPECIALLY the words that don’t make it into your manuscript. Remember, every word contributes to your growth, no matter how discarded it may feel.NO WORDS ARE WASTED. Writing is a pract...

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38:35

Writing With and About Chronic Illness and Disability...

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2024/11/17

Are you a writer who struggles to write because of a chronic illness or a writer who desires to write a disabled character with integrity and authenticity? If so, this episode is for you. Certified Book Coach Sandra Postma and I discuss how chronic conditions can shape the creative process, tackling issues like fatigue and brain fog. Sandra, a chronically ill person, emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and community, reminding us that acknowledging our limitations...

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15:51

How to Deal with Shiny Object Syndrome

The Write It Scared Podcast ·

2024/11/10

Feeling stuck at a creative crossroads? You’re not alone!In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I dive into that all-too-familiar struggle every writer faces when contemplating whether to push through or step back from a project. Drawing from insights in Seth Godin’s The Dip, I unpack the tricky phase where doubt creeps in, and we’re tempted to abandon our current work-in-progress for something newer and shinier.I’ll share some thought-provoking questions and journaling prompts to he...

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The Write It Scared Podcast

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