Listen to Sarah’s Announcement:
Remember that one time in January 2015 when I launched a new podcast? It was called Write Now with Sarah Werner and its mission was “to give writers the time, energy, and courage you needed to pursue your passion and write every day”.
Since 2015, a lot has changed. For instance, podcast mission-wise, I no longer believe that writers need to write every day (though if that’s a goal for you, I’ll happily support you in it). Write Now is also no longer just a podcast for writers, but a podcast for creators of all kinds.
The show also changed from solo/monologue to interview and back again a couple times as I figured out how to navigate interview requests, and learned a hard lesson — that a lot of people just wanted to be on the show to gain access to my audience, sell their books, and never look back. (If you’re reading this letter and you’ve been on my show, trust me — you’re not one of those people.)
Additionally, since 2015, I’ve also left my day job as a full-time marketing strategist to write and podcast full-time for myself. I started my own company, and have ghostwritten multiple books, been a contributor to Forbes, co-wrote a TV pilot, wrote and produced the award-winning audio drama Girl In Space, and spoken on both local and national stages.
I’ve also learned a lot more about writing and creating. It’s almost embarrassing now to think that even a couple of years ago, I thought I had it all figured out — when now, almost seven years later, I’m drowning in all of the stuff I never knew I never knew.
I can admit now that I was never great about releasing my “weekly” show on a weekly basis, even at the beginning. I only released a handful of episodes of Write Now with Sarah Werner in 2019, and most of the episodes in 2018 were interviews. But in July 2020, I re-dedicated myself to weekly releases and was really good about it until October 2021, when I missed one episode… and then two… and now it’s almost December again, and the last episode I released was on October 8th. Yikes.
So what’s going on? Well, every time I look through my list of potential topics or set up my microphone to record lately, I simply… stop. The reason is difficult to explain. It’s a feeling — a mixture of dread, anxiety, overwhelm, and self-loathing. Maybe a bit of imposter syndrome. (And maybe some other stuff I haven’t identified yet, too.)
I think, “I’ve said everything I have to say already”; I think, “I have nothing new or interesting to say”; I think, “I’m not qualified to talk about this or that topic”; I think, “Other people could do this better”; I think, “No one would want to listen to this.”
I’m not telling you this to invite you to my pity party, or to plead for reassurances that I’m not an imposter. It’s weird — I don’t feel any imposter syndrome when it comes to writing, only when it comes to teaching and podcasting about writing. Which is what the Write Now podcast is.
Amidst these feelings, I have thought about whether I want to simply end the podcast. But I don’t like the thought of that — I do love creating the show, and it feels great to record and release new episodes. I love connecting with other writers and creators, and I love it whenever an episode helps someone through a block or a rough patch in their creative journey.
I thought about taking a temporary break or hiatus from podcasting, then realized that doing so wouldn’t solve anything — it would just push my current state further down the road, to whenever I started up the show again.
I feel like the answer is to re-align the Write Now podcast with where I am today, and how I’ve changed. I’m no longer comfortable telling other people how to write, because I can no longer say that the way that I write (or the way anyone writes) is right or wrong.
I think back to the episode I recorded about outlining last year — and how since then, I’ve realized that outlining simply does not work for me, no matter how much I want it to, or how much it helps other writers. I’ve realized that writing processes are extremely personal and individualized, and I think I’ve come to the conclusion that there are no universal rules for writing. (At least, none that I’m comfortable teaching as “right” or “wrong”.)
But I still want to keep the conversation going, and I think that is where the Write Now podcast is headed. I want to lean in to all of the things that work for the show, and all of the things that feel aligned with how I’ve grown and who I’ve become over the past seven years.
I want the Write Now podcast to retain a sense of warmth, hope, and encouragement. And I still want to help writers and creators like you to find the time, energy, and courage you need to pursue your passion and create. I just don’t want to say, “Here’s the one right way to do this,” or “Hey, you’ve been doing this wrong.”
Writing this letter to you today has helped me process and realize what I’ve been thinking and feeling about Write Now with Sarah Werner, so thank you for coming along with me. I hope you’ll keep listening. And in the meantime, if there’s anything in particular you like about the show, or anything you’d like to see it evolve into, please let me know. 🙂
Words & warmth,
Sarah
I just wanted to second what Aubrey said. I just recently found your podcast and I love hearing about the creative process in general. I don’t need a “this how you outline” podcast, I need hey it’s OK to not feel ok today, which is what you address.
BTW I still can’t outline, but will keep trying for now. hehe
I write, but I also try to play piano. I’ve read books and watched videos on “how to practice,” and it’s the same thing. As you just said, we all inevitably create in our way. And, learning and hearing about other’s processes and struggles is what really gets me creating again. Whether I’m sitting at the piano improving in the key of B flat, or sitting at the other keyboard trying to create a story I want to hear, knowing some one has also tried and failed, but tried again, and got closer… that’s the brass ring.
And you, even though I’ve only heard less than a dozen or so podcasts, have provided that brass ring. Thank you.
I can’t wait to see where you go, but I’m following.
Sensei Cher, thank you so much, both for your insights and for listening to the show! Please keep writing, piano playing, and remembering that it’s ok to not be ok. 🙂 — Sarah
I so admire your thoughtful and insightful reflections. I am a senior (72) who belongs to a local writing group of fellow seniors. We were quite new when we started. We meet twice a month in a local park to share our writing efforts. In our three year relationships we have all grown as writers and as friends. Many times I have shared your comments from your podcasts. My group enjoys hearing the latest Sarah insight. Whatever you do with the direction of your podcast, please know you have enhanced the writing life of this fledgling writer, and inadvertently of nine other new (older in age) writers. Indeed Sarah, you are awesome.
Bill, wow. This means the world to me!!! And I love that you have found a community of fellow writers. They sound amazing — please tell them “hi” from me! 🙂 Thank you again for listening, and happy writing! — Sarah
Your podcast has been a great help and companion as I try to take next steps in my creative journey (and feel better when my feet slip or I’m at a standstill). Thank you. Looking forward to wherever you go next with this.
Amy, thank you so much! We are on this journey together — you’ve got this! — Sarah
Thank you so much for sharing what’s been going on. My favorite part of the podcast is honestly just listening to you talk about anything with regards to creating and the process, emotional aspect, etc. you’re always so understanding and kind and that makes all the difference for me.
Look forward to seeing what becomes of it.
Aubrey, thank you so much for this. It means the world to me. 🙂 — Sarah