A Fresh Batch
Do you record podcast episodes in batches? Batching (recording a batch of episodes all at once) is something that, despite my best intentions, I’ve never been able to get a handle on. Here’s why.
Stop Hitting “Refresh”
Fun fact: Turns out that hitting “refresh” doesn’t magically generate downloads. But I NEEDED external validation that I was on the right track…
My Creative Process – WNP 080
I’ve broken down my creative process into 6 phases, from brainstorming to publication, all of which we’ll talk about in today’s episode.
Writer’s Block
There’s a lot going on when we talk about writer’s block, and I think that overcoming it starts with understanding why it’s there in the first place. For me, my writer’s block always starts with…
5 Unexpected Lessons I Learned From Podcasting
I’ve been podcasting for many years now, and I’ve learned a LOT along the way. Several things I sort of anticipated or expected (like, you’ll get better at podcasting the more you do it) — but there were a couple things that really blindsided me. I’m…
The Comfort Zone
Let’s talk about comfort — as in your comfort zone. I love comfort. Loooooove it. Being safe and cozy and warm is pretty much my favorite thing in the world. (Especially if I have a book and a cup of tea!) But…
Girl In Space: Prelude To Mutiny
What did the Caldwell Enterprises team expect to find when they set out toward the Cavatica? I have good news — you’ll find out in this bonus miniseries!
Not Even The Same Sport
What does “success” mean for your creative project — whether it’s a book, podcast, poetry chapbook, or something else entirely? Well, I’ve got a secret…
Stop Acting So Small.
One of our biggest roadblocks as creators is this notion that we are not WHOLE. That we are missing something that everyone around us seems to have. That we are NOT, in some way, “enough.” This. Is. A. Lie.
Is A Podcast Right For Me?
Is a podcast right for me? And how do I know when I’m ready to start one? This post will clear your questions right up.
What Are You Waiting For?
I had the idea for my first podcast, Write Now, way back in early 2014. But I didn’t launch the first episode until 2015. I sat on that idea for a whole YEAR because… well, I was afraid.
Comparison & Enough
This time last year, I was giving my very first TEDx talk. It was without a doubt the most difficult thing I had ever done. To this day, it still is. I was a seasoned national speaker when I applied…
What’s Your Crutch?
About a month ago, my friends Cap and Sean intervened, and basically told me I would be a better, healthier version of myself if I cut down on the excessive coffee consumption. I realized — I had come to think of coffee not just as a delicious hot beverage… but as a CRUTCH.
Today I Am Grateful
Even in the midst of a pandemic, political awfulness, and the several inches of snow I woke up to this morning, I am grateful.
Expectation vs. Reality
I love what I do — truly. Creating full-time has always been my dream. And I don’t want to sound like I’m taking it for granted when I admit that it’s often… complicated. But it is. Before I became a full-time creator, I would wistfully scroll through Instagram posts of writers’ desks…
A Cluttered Home
I try to live my life as intentionally as I can, but often I’m taken aback at exactly how much I do that’s UNintentional. About a year ago, I took a step back and looked at my home from an outsider’s point of view, and realized that my central design feature is actually CLUTTER…
Be The Love
“Be the love you never received.” — Rune Lazuli I saw a quote years ago encouraging people to be the people *they* needed in their lives when they were younger. This quote is similar, but a bit more poignant. Wherever you are in your writing or...
Be The Light
The things we create are powerful and meaningful. Whether you’re producing a podcast, writing a novel, baking bread for your family and friends, or …
Finding New Podcasts
How do you find new podcasts to listen to? It isn’t always easy.
Comparison & Obsession
Do you ever find yourself playing the comparison game? BECAUSE I DO. I’m moving happily forward with my…
Your Podcasting Roadmap
I’ve seen a HUGE surge of interest in podcasting lately, and so I wanted to share this FREE resource with you: my printable Podcast Roadmap!
Creativity & Grace
The world is in a strange place of turmoil and uncertainty right now, and some of you (myself included) feel a sudden anxious pressure to create — whether it’s to meet deadlines, to keep churning out content despite a shifting schedule, or to take advantage of an unexpected swath of free time.
Facing Resistance – WNP 079
Sometimes, the only thing that gets in the way of my writing is… me. Today, we’re talking about resistance — what it is, when and why it strikes, how to resolve it, and what happens if we don’t.
Creation In Isolation
Taking care of yourself is essential right now, especially if you are a creator, writer, podcaster, healthcare worker, grocery store employee, teacher, deliveryperson, business owner, student, parent…
Under Pressure – WNP 078
There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and as always, that comes with a lot of pressure — even the pressure to create. Today, we’re talking about internal and external pressures, how they impact (and often disrupt) our creative processes and inspiration, what they mean for us as writers, and how we can respond to them in a productive way.
When Writing Isn’t Writing – WNP 077
When is writing not writing? I know, it sounds like a riddle. But it’s actually a great question in disguise that leads to a necessary discussion of what the writing process actually *is*. Buckle in!
Girl In Space Wins 3 Awards
We’re excited to announce that Girl In Space took home THREE Audio Verse Awards for 2019!
What Makes A Good Writing Goal? – WNP 076
How do you know if you’ve set a good writing goal for yourself? Or is goal-setting for writing even a good idea? Today’s episode explores how we move along the path toward success.
What Are You Afraid Of? – WNP 075
Fear shows up for us writers in a lot of ways we don’t expect or recognize. Let’s explore those fears — and how they’re holding us back — together.
Getting Back Into Writing – WNP 074
It’s been a while — maybe longer — since you’ve written. And with all of the rust buildup, thoughts of inadequacy, and other factors… how do you get back into it?
Seriously Successful Podcasters
Whether you’re a podcasting newbie or a seasoned veteran, you’ll love the strategy and tactics shared within the Seriously Successful Podcasters Facebook group!
Sarah At NYCC 2019
I was completely stoked & humbled to be invited to speak about audio drama podcasts at New York Comic Con 2019!
How Do I Know When I’m Good Enough? – WNP 073
Today’s topic comes from a listener question: How will I know when I’m good enough to publish — and that I won’t look back on my work in 10 years and cringe? Join us for a chat about fear, bravery, and constant action.
How I Get My Blue Yeti To Sound Good
“Sarah, how do you manage not to sound like you’re recording in a tunnel?” It’s one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, and today I’m giving you my secrets to professional-sounding results from this popular USB mic.
Finishing What You Start – WNP 072
Is It Just Me? Not to toot my own horn here, but… I am really, really good at starting new creative projects. A premise, an image, even a cool-sounding word or phrase can lure me into starting project #4,682 or #4,683. For whatever reason, beginnings come easily...
“Supposed To” For Writers – WNP 071
Welcome back to Write Now! Sarah here with a brand-new podcast episode featuring a topic that’s been on my mind a lot lately — and, from the questions and comments I’ve received, many other writers’ minds as well. Let’s Talk About...
Livestream: How To Write A Killer Podcast Script
Hey friends! Sarah here. I’m excited to announce that I did a livestream on “How To Write A Killer Podcast” in partnership with the Austin Film Festival. Watch the replay here!
What To Do About Negative Reviews
I just deleted a series of tweets I wrote about a one-star review I received on iTunes that called me a moron and a bad writer. A kind-hearted Twitter user suggested it might lead to dog-piling, which I don’t want.
Burned Out, Exhausted, & Overwhelmed – WNP 070
Help support the Write Now podcast on Patreon! >> Why Do We Do This To Ourselves? I gave my first TEDx talk last week, and while I learned a lot about myself and the topic, I also learned (and re-learned) a lot about what it means to let yourself get burned...
My TEDx Talk
In April 2019, I gave a TEDx talk entitled “When You Can’t Help Everyone”. It was a very different type of talk for me — completely honest, no mask. Here it is in its entirety.
I’m Giving A TEDx Talk!
I’m excited to announce that I’ve been invited to give a TEDx talk! I’ll be speaking about “When You Can’t Help Everyone”, a topic I’ve struggled with for years. As many of you know, my dad is a pastor, and raised me to be a...
Affirmations for Writers – WNP 069
I’ve spoken before on this show about the effects of imposter syndrome, a.k.a feeling like a fraud. But how do you actually feel about yourself? Do you truly believe you are a writer? Does it seem too easy (or too impossible) to just say that out loud? What...
Putting Yourself Out There – WNP 068
Hello, friends! I’m finally, fully, officially back from my Write Now sabbatical. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your patience and support. There have been a lot of new developments in my life and career. For one, I’ve been running around...
Podfest 2019
Hey friends! I’m excited to announce that I will be speaking at Podfest 2019 in Orlando from March 7-9, 2019! Though I podcast in both the nonfiction (Write Now) and fictional (Girl In Space) realms, I’ll be mainly serving as an audio drama ambassador. 🙂...
I Was Involved In An Altercation Today.
I had a very weird, intense thing happen today. So I was working on course marketing at a Starbucks by my house when this drunk older gentleman wandered in and began yelling. He announced he was a Marine vet and that he didn’t want to order at the back of the...
Free 3-Part Podcasting Series
REGISTER HERE NOW! Not sure how to start podcasting? Or… not sure how to find success once you do? Overwhelmed by marketing, social media, equipment, and more? If you’re ready to take your podcasting to the next level (or… you know, ANY level),...
Quick Beginning-of-2019 Update
Hey friends. Sarah here. I’ve had a lot of people asking me lately, so I want to officially say: No! The Write Now podcast is not dead! It simply got… a little neglected this year as my life went through some radical changes. Some (most?) of you know that...
Choosing Just One Word
I’m doing that One Word exercise that everyone goes crazy about this time of year (i.e., the pre-New Year’s holidays). The concept is that you choose one word to focus on as a mantra, catalyst, intention, and simplifier.
Writer’s Block Does/Does Not Exist
I was just talking to a writer friend about how I’m having so much difficulty writing the finale of Girl In Space. She made a comment along the lines of, “Wow, writer’s block really sucks,” which hit me like a ton of bricks.
The Writing “Should”s
Here’s the deal. Sometimes you sit down and what you write is really good. Sometimes you sit down and what you write is really bad. Sometimes you get discouraged and sit down and stare glumly juuuuust to the right of your computer monitor, because you can’t bear the thought of writing.