Habits Under Pressure, Journaling, and Writing Anyway with Christoph Merrill

Can you really write a book while raising kids?Creativity coach Susie Meserve says yes — but not in the way you think.In this episode, Sue sits down with Susie to talk about what actually gets in the way of creative moms (hint: it's not just time), why having children made both of them more prolific, and the guilt spiral that so many artist moms never talk about out loud.If you're a caregiver who's told yourself "I'll get back to my writing when things slow down" — this one's for you.

Sue interviews keynote speaker and author Christoph Merrill ("Habit Freak") about building, testing, and maintaining non-negotiable habits, including writing, even through mental health challenges. Christoph shares how the simple habit of leaving handwritten notes for his kids while traveling became "the habit that saved my life." He explains his core idea that habits are "tested, not taught," emphasizing that habits must work under pressure and that writers need to practice writing even when conditions aren’t ideal. They discuss identity-based habits, alternatives to drafting on low-motivation days (like brainstorming or mapping chapters), and the role of gratitude and radical self-awareness. Christoph describes using journaling to track the pressures he experiences and how he responds, as well as improve communication with his wife and repair moments when he’s short with family through acknowledgement rather than shame. You can find Christoph Merrill at christophmerrill.com or Habit Freak.

In this episode of the Write Anyway Podcast, host Sue Campbell chats with memoirist Eleanor Vincent about her evolving journey in marketing her work, from initial reluctance to embracing various digital platforms. Eleanor shares insights into the shifts in her mindset since 2022, her strategies for audience engagement, and her experiences with Substack and MailChimp. They discuss her book 'Disconnected: Portrait of a Neurodiverse Marriage' and her passion for writing consistent, impactful content. Eleanor also delves into her challenges around technology and how specific courses and community support have helped her grow as a writer.

Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez dive into the challenges nonfiction writers face when transitioning to fiction writing. They emphasize the critical difference between conveying information and creating intrigue. The discussion covers the importance of revealing character backstory gradually, the pitfalls of over-explaining, and practical advice on how to keep readers turning pages by raising questions rather than answering them outright. The episode provides valuable insights for writers aiming to engage readers more effectively in their fictional narratives.00:00 Introduction to Fiction Writing for Nonfiction Authors00:25 Challenges in Transitioning from Nonfiction to Fiction01:14 The Importance of Intrigue Over Information01:36 Avoiding Backstory Overload03:50 Learning from Great Fiction06:29 What to Leave Out in Fiction Writing07:50 Engaging the Reader with Intrigue12:11 Character Motivations and Actions16:02 Common Obstacles for Nonfiction Writers17:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, Sue interviews digital marketing expert Alex Strathdee (https://getshelflife.com/) to delve into effective strategies for growing your readership and ensuring a successful book launch. They discuss the concept of the viral coefficient, emphasizing the importance of finding ideal readers who will actively promote your book. Drawing parallels from startup strategies, Alex offers actionable insights, including leveraging virtual assistants, understanding audience dynamics, and adopting innovative marketing tactics. The episode also highlights mindset shifts necessary for successful marketing and provides practical advice for systematizing marketing efforts. Learn from real-world examples like James Clear’s 'Atomic Habits' and Mike Michalowicz’s 'Profit First', as well as the unique approach of creating a book with built-in virality.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:28 Meet Alex Strathdee: Digital Marketing Expert02:06 Understanding the Viral Coefficient04:06 Applying Startup Strategies to Book Marketing05:39 Real-Life Examples of Successful Book Marketing11:02 Mindset Shifts for Effective Marketing13:11 Systematizing Your Marketing Efforts16:00 Final Tips and Closing Remarks

Host Anne Hawley speaks with developmental editor Rachelle Ramirez about what writers can expect from a developmental edit. The conversation covers the importance of submitting a clean manuscript, identifying the story type, and ensuring consistency in narrative structure, character development, and stakes. Rachelle also discusses the common challenges authors face with their manuscripts and provides insights into the steps involved in the developmental editing process. This episode is a valuable resource for authors looking to improve their drafts and understand the developmental editing journey.00:00 Introduction to Developmental Editing00:32 Understanding the Developmental Edit02:28 Key Elements of a Developmental Edit04:10 Addressing Common Writer Concerns13:04 Steps After Receiving Feedback20:55 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Effective Writing Strategies for ADHD Writers: Beyond HabitsIn this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, host Rachelle Ramirez, a developmental editor and ADHD coach, explores why traditional habits fail for ADHD writers and presents alternative strategies that better align with the ADHD brain. These include designing flexible systems, using external reminders, emphasizing an interest-based approach incorporating elements like challenge, novelty, and urgency, and finding adaptable methods to move thoughts into action. Learn practical tips such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, using gamification like the 'string of pearls' challenge, and adapting writing routines to energy levels. This episode equips ADHD writers with tools to enhance their productivity and creativity while acknowledging their unique challenges.00:00 Introduction to ADHD Writing Challenges01:32 Why Traditional Habits Fail for ADHD Writers02:49 Understanding ADHD and Dopamine06:29 Flexible Systems for ADHD Writers09:32 External Reminders and Environmental Design14:13 Initiating Writing Tasks with Interest-Based Approaches16:21 Making Revisions More Engaging22:37 Conclusion and Final Tips

In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, hosts Anne Hawley and Rachelle Ramirez tackle seven common writing rules, aiming to debunk and reframe them as flexible tools rather than hard and fast decrees. They discuss how strict adherence to advice such as 'write every day,' 'write what you know,' 'draft first, edit later,' 'show don't tell,' 'kill your darlings,' 'write to the market,' and 'open in the middle of the action' can stymie a writer's creativity. By balancing these traditional guidelines with practical realities and personal preferences, Anne and Rachelle provide insights to help writers maintain their authentic voice and creative flow. The episode concludes with information about the Pages and Platforms Black Ink Friday Sale, which includes significant discounts on masterclasses, coaching sessions, and manuscript evaluations.00:00 Introduction: Debunking Writing Rules02:10 Rule 1: Write Every Day03:57 Rule 2: Write What You Know05:01 Rule 3: Draft First, Edit Later06:52 Rule 4: Show, Don't Tell08:23 Rule 5: Kill Your Darlings10:03 Rule 6: Open with Action11:23 Rule 7: Write to Market13:36 Identifying Bad Writing Advice14:33 Special Offers and Conclusion

In this episode of the Write Anyway podcast, host Sue Campbell chats with Patricia Marshall, founder and CEO of Luminare Press, about the different approaches to self-publishing: DIY publishing, assisted publishing, and hybrid publishing. Learn the pros and cons of each method, and get insights into costs, processes, and what kind of authors and goals each approach is best suited for. Whether you're looking to keep full control and manage all aspects yourself, or prefer to hand over parts or all of the process to professionals, this episode aims to guide writers in making informed decisions about turning their manuscripts into market-ready books.00:00 Introduction to Self-Publishing Options00:34 Meet Patricia: Insights from Luminare Press02:18 DIY Publishing: Pros and Cons10:52 Self-Publishing Assist: Pros and Cons14:10 Hybrid Publishing: Pros and Cons18:23 Choosing the Right Path for Your Book23:47 Avoiding Scams in Publishing24:44 Conclusion and Resources

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 Podcast00:09 Meet Nicole Bross: Strategies for ADHD Writers00:48 The ADHD Writer's Challenge: Finding Motivation01:58 Tips and Tricks for Staying Motivated03:12 Understanding Accountability: Internal vs External05:32 Finding the Right Accountability Partner09:58 Overcoming Overwhelm and Disorganization12:39 The Importance of Outlining15:51 Tools and Techniques for Organizing Your Writing17:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts