EP08: Update – Writing While Back at the Day Job

What does it take to write a female-led action-adventure novel inspired by Xena, Buffy and Indiana Jones? Travel blogger and debut novelist Michelle Jensen talks about creating a strong female protagonist, researching real history and mythology, finishing a first draft, editing over several years, and querying literary agents. We also discuss bad editor experiences, cutting word count, and the reality of turning a first novel into a publishable book.You can find Michelle at https://www.travelherstory.com and sign up to recieve news about her book at https://www.travelherstory.com/deferring-deathSummaryIn this conversation, Dajana and Michelle discuss the journey of writing a novel, the challenges of travel blogging, and the importance of creating strong female characters. Michelle shares her experiences with research, editing, and the publishing process, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on her writing journey. They explore the balance between writing and other responsibilities, the monetization of blogs, and the realities of the writing industry.Keywordswriting, travel blogging, novel, female characters, publishing, editing, querying, storytelling, adventure, creativity

What do most writing craft books leave out—and how can you avoid getting stuck mid-draft? In this episode of Exit Plan Writer, I talk with developmental editor and story coach Lori Puma, author of the free ebook What Fiction Craft Books Left Out. Free to download here: https://loripuma.com/craft-books-skipLori shares why genre fiction authors (romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller) struggle with missing guidance, how to build a strong story foundation, and why antagonists are the secret to page-turning plots. We also dig into my own work-in-progress, with Lori giving live coaching on character arcs, conflict, and how to avoid a “Frankenstein” draft.If you’ve ever wondered what a developmental editor really does—or how to take your messy middle to a finished, reader-hooking novel—this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t find in traditional craft guides.You can find Lori at www.loripuma.com And me at www.exitplanwriter.com

An update to experiment number two. How exactly is writing going now that I’m back at the day job? In this episode I discuss the sacrifices one has to make to obtain the things we want. I reflect on what I learned during my hiatus from work now that I can compare the two situations properly. Tune in to listen to why I feel unstructured time is important.

In this solo episode, I share the money lessons from my first 8-week experiment of ditching the day job to focus on writing. Running a writing business is still a business, and cash flow matters more than I first realized. I talk honestly about the “cash flow dilemma,” what it really takes to fund creative work, and why pretending money doesn’t matter only leads to stress later. I also pull back the curtain on what six-figure authors like Joanna Penn, Sasha Black, and Rachael Herron are actually earning, and how they combine multiple income streams—from book sales to nonfiction, courses, and Patreon. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an author entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to make writing sustainable, this episode gives you a grounded look at the financial side of a creative life.Email me at [email protected] or go to my Substack https://exitplanwriter.substack.com

A story about leaving everything and building a writing life on board a sailboat. In this episode I interview author and sailor Paul Trammell to talk about creativity, solitude, writing routines, and how he’s built a multi-stream writing life from the sea.Mentioned in this episode:​Paul Trammell’s website and books​Dream Chasers and Eccentrics podcast​Offshore Sailing and Cruising podcast​Paul’s books The Gold Box, Until They Bury Me, and On a Belt of Foaming SeasKeywords: writing routine, author productivity, writing on a sailboat, how to write on the road, self-publishing tips, distraction-free writing, AI and writing, author life, sailing author, writing podcast, creative process. You can find me over on Substack or write me at [email protected]

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on my current work-in-progress and share what I’m writing, messy draft and all. You’ll hear about the beginner mistakes I’ve made, what I’m learning about plotting with two protagonists, and how it feels to let others read an unfinished manuscript.I also dig into the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of working with an editor early in the process and what you should have in mind. Plus, I share a personal update on my ongoing experiment: building a sustainable, long-term writing life.If you’ve ever wrestled with your book or felt stuck between inspiration and execution, this episode is for you. It’s part reflection, part behind-the-scenes, and a reminder that clarity is a process.🟡 Want to build your own writing life with more intention?Subscribe to Exit Plan: Writer—my newsletter for writers who are in it for the long haul: https://exitplanwriter.substack.comAnd as always you can email me at [email protected]

In this episode I talk to my old writing coach Penelope Trunk about why I’m not finishing my novel - and why you might not be either. If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on an editor/writer conversation, this is it. We unpack my 50.000 ”non-words”, the trouble with editing yourself and why building a writing desk doesn’t count as writing (even if it’s gorgeous). Penelope, in her famously blunt and brilliant style, calls me out on procrastination disguised as productivity, explains why writing groups often fail, and reminds me that writing is not planning — it’s writing. If you’re overthinking your plot, waiting for the perfect moment, or secretly hoping your book will write itself… this one is for you. Mentioned: Anna Karenina (a lot), The Midnight Library, Big Mouth, sailing, Scrivener (don’t) and Maxwell Perkins. Find Penelope’s work at https://penelopetrunk.com Subscribe to her newsletter: https://penelopetrunk.substack.com And as always you can email me at [email protected]

In this episode, Silke Krieger Genckel and I explore what it really takes to claim time for creativity—especially as mothers, writers, and women conditioned to put others first. We talk about guilt, identity, the myth of hard work, and the quiet courage it takes to take yourself seriously as a writer. Silke is embodying the Practical Magic life and I hope she inspires you as much as she inspired me. 👉 Follow the show for more honest conversations about creativity, writing, and life—and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs to hear it.✍️ You can find more of Silke’s beautiful work on her Substack here: https://silkekriegergenckel.substack.comFollow me on instagram @exitplanwriter Connect on Substack : https://Exitplanwriter.substack.com Or email my direct at [email protected]

What if your day job is riskier than you think? In this solo episode I share more about the plan to build a sustainable writing life and explain the value of intellectual property. The first experiment is all about getting rid of the day job excuse and putting the day dream of a writing life to the test. Listen in to hear me debunk the myths around making money through writing and how I’m doing so far. Transition to full-time writing with me. This is a business of writing experiment episode. You can follow my daily progress at exitplanwriter.comAs always , email me at [email protected] Or follow me on Instagram @exitplanwriter FREE: Dan Koe’s book: https://thedankoe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Purpose-Profit-2.pdfWhich I strongly urge you to get in print as well, it has a special place in my bookshelf.

I’ve wanted to become an author for 20 years, but life, perfectionism, and people-pleasing keeps winning. In this opening conversation I sit down with therapeutic coach Lara Rickard to name what really stops us and to declare—out loud—that I’m building my writing life in real time, mess and all.What actually happens in this episode​We unpack what’s missing from the conversation about successful author careers and why women with jobs, kids, pets, and partners often put everyone else first—and how that stalls creative goals.​Lara explains embodied compassion and how it helps untangle perfectionism, procrastination, and the urge to “fix yourself before you start.”​I share my pattern of struggling to commit to drafts until they’re done.​Together we discuss the Core Quadrant model to show how our biggest character flaws actually stem from our core strength. If you’re juggling real-life responsibilities and still aching to write, follow along as I figure it out—one honest episode at a time.You can find Lara on instagram @lararickard_ follow me on instagram @exitplanwriterOr email me at [email protected] and I can put your character through the Core Quadrants model