Episodes

  • S3 Ep74: Creating a Writing Space You Love

    S3 Ep74: Creating a Writing Space You Love
    Nov 25 2024
    Creating the perfect writing space is often seen as a major barrier to writing success. In this episode, I challenge the myth of the perfect writing environment and explore how any space can become your creative sanctuary.

    Listen to this episode to discover:

    • Why waiting for the perfect space will hold you back from achieving your writing goals
    • How consistent writing spaces train your brain for better productivity
    • How setting boundaries during writing time protects your creative space
    • The importance of making your space inviting (without falling into the perfectionism trap)
    • How creating a dedicated writing space shifts your author identity

    Creating your perfect writing space isn't about having a Pinterest-worthy setup or a cabin in the woods. It's about establishing a consistent, comfortable environment that signals to your brain it's time to write.

    Whether that's a corner of your kitchen table or a local coffee shop, the key is to show up and make it yours.

    Remember, the best writing space is the one you'll actually use!

    Enjoy!

    Further resources from me

    Sign up for the Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
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    23 mins
  • S3 Ep73: Navigating Writing Through Perimenopause and Menopause

    S3 Ep73: Navigating Writing Through Perimenopause and Menopause
    Nov 18 2024
    For female entrepreneurs and experts writing their books, there's one challenge that rarely gets discussed: how hormonal changes can impact everything from our writing routine to our confidence in sharing our expertise.

    So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my experience, as well as ideas, to help you keep writing through it all.

    You’ll discover:

    • The unexpected ways hormones can impact our writing process - from brain fog and fatigue to confidence shifts
    • Why rest isn't just 'nice to have' but essential for your creativity
    • Practical strategies for adapting your writing practice during hormonal changes - including energy management, nutrition tips, and creating the right environment
    • My personal experience with perimenopausal symptoms and how it's affected my writing journey
    • Why this isn't about "losing your edge" - but embracing a new phase of your creative life

    And so much more!

    Please remember that if you’ve ever sat down to write your business book, only to find your usual clarity and focus hijacked by hormonal changes, you're not alone.

    You're still an expert, still creative, still capable - you might just need some new strategies to support your writing journey.

    I hope you enjoy listening!

    Further resources from me

    Sign up for the Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
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    39 mins
  • S3 Ep72: Let Your Story Roar - with Hilary Salzman

    S3 Ep72: Let Your Story Roar - with Hilary Salzman
    Nov 11 2024
    How often do you use storytelling in your business? Perhaps often. But how often do you share your story, and how does it make you feel when you do? For many small business owners, it makes us feel vulnerable, and we lose confidence in using our voices in the way that feels right for us.

    Luckily, this month’s guest author is here to help us.

    Hilary Salzman is a business storyteller, writer, podcast host, and speaker dedicated to helping female business owners who struggle to use their voices and tell their stories confidently.

    Her debut nonfiction book, ‘The Roar of Her Story—How To Tell Everyday Stories to Attract Your Dream Clients and Build a Business That’s Unapologetically You,’ reflects a much-needed shift from #girlboss culture towards a more authentic, fulfilling approach to business.

    It encourages women to set their own personal benchmarks for success, empowers them to make meaningful life changes and provides practical advice on building a brand story that reflects their true selves.

    During our fantastic conversation, we talk about:

    • Why do more women in business need to use storytelling on the regs, and why can we feel so vulnerable to doing so?
    • How we can overcome the fear and start to tell our stories to our customers and clients - in a way that feels right for us and benefits our businesses!
    • Why our past experiences can impact how we show up and talk about ourselves and our businesses - and what the younger generation may be doing differently on this front!
    • Hilary’s publishing journey and how she finally found the right ‘home’ for her book with a publisher who really 'got' what she was trying to do with her book.
    • Why it’s so important to build a writing team to support you but recognising that this group of people needs to be carefully curated to avoid derailing your progress!

    And so much more!

    This is a brilliant conversation - one of my all-time favourites, actually - and so I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I loved having it.

    Connect with Hilary and her book:

    • Book
    • Instagram
    • Website

    Further resources from me

    • My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.

    • Ways to work with Steph

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
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    Amazon Music
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • S3 Ep71: Creative Courage: Why Sharing Your Writing Feels Scary (And Why You Should Do It Anyway)

    S3 Ep71: Creative Courage: Why Sharing Your Writing Feels Scary (And Why You Should Do It Anyway)
    Nov 4 2024
    You know that moment when someone asks to read your writing and suddenly you have a hundred reasons why it's "not quite ready"?

    Your throat gets a little tight, and you sheepishly shut your laptop before anything can be read.

    Yup, we’ve all been there.

    But here's the thing - that uncomfortable feeling isn't just normal, it's necessary.

    And today, in this special re-released episode, I’ll show you why embracing it might be the best thing you ever do for your writing, including:

    • Why we really feel vulnerable as writers - and Brené Brown's fascinating research on connection, worthiness and belonging
    • The powerful combination of courage and self-compassion - and why "good enough" beats “perfect” every time
    • Practical ways to start sharing your work (even when it feels scary!) - from small steps to building authentic confidence
    • A personal story that might just change how you think about sharing your writing!

    I hope you enjoy this episode and that it gives you the courage and motivation to start sharing your work with others.

    Further resources from me

    Sign up for the Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
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    9 mins
  • S3 Ep70: 10 Principles That Changed My Writing Life (And Could Change Yours!)

    S3 Ep70: 10 Principles That Changed My Writing Life (And Could Change Yours!)
    Oct 28 2024
    Every writer needs a compass to guide their journey. In this episode, we explore the power of personal writing principles and how they can transform your writing practice from scattered to structured, from overwhelming to achievable.

    After a decade of writing and publishing, I'm sharing the ten principles that have shaped my writing journey - not as a rigid rulebook but as inspiration for developing your own unique approach to writing.

    In this episode, you'll discover:

    • Why consistency matters more than inspiration (and why 30 minutes a day is enough!)
    • The importance of reading widely - beyond your genre - to develop your unique voice
    • How to handle the reality that not everyone will love your writing (and why that's perfectly okay)
    • Why treating your writing like marathon training can lead to better results
    • The power of celebrating small wins along your writing journey
    • How to keep writing when you're stuck (hint: sometimes "blah blah blah" is perfectly acceptable!)
    • Why your friends and family's response to your writing shouldn't define your success
    • The crucial balance between dedication and enjoyment in your writing practice

    Remember, these principles aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They're a starting point for developing your own North Star that will light up your unique writing path.

    Whether you're writing your first book or your fifteenth, having clear principles can help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories of your writing journey.

    Enjoy!

    Further resources from me

    Sign up for the Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon.

    Listen to the episodes about AI here and here

    Listen to the episode with Natalya Androsova here

    Bird by Bird - by Anne Lamott - buy here

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
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    19 mins
  • S3 Ep69: Book Review: The Paleo Life by Clare Foges

    S3 Ep69: Book Review: The Paleo Life by Clare Foges
    Oct 20 2024
    Discover the ancient wisdom that could transform your modern life! In this episode, we dive into "The Paleo Life: Stone Age Wisdom for Modern Times" by Clare Foges, a book that bridges the gap between our Stone Age ancestors and our screen-filled present.

    Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of information and stimuli in today's world? You're not alone. Clare Foges explores how we can learn from our hunter-gatherer past to live more balanced, satisfying lives in the 21st century.
    In this first-ever book review episode, you'll discover:

    • Why I picked up "The Paleo Life" and how it surprised me with its unique approach to modern living.
    • The brilliant structure that makes this non-fiction book both easy to read and incredibly helpful.
    • How Clare's personal story of anxiety and her journey to find solutions adds depth and relatability to the book.
    • The power of consistent chapter structure and why it's so important for engaging readers.
    • How Clare's compassionate tone and well-researched content build trust and inspire change.
    This episode offers insights into a book that could change how you approach your daily routine, relationships, and overall well-being.
    Enjoy this deep dive into "The Paleo Life"—hopefully, it’ll inspire your writing but also motivate you to make small changes that could have a big impact on your life!

    Further resources:

    The Paleo Life by Clare Foges - buy the book here

    Sign up for my Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon.

    Listen to the episode about chapter structure here

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
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    16 mins
  • S3 Ep68: The Self-Aware Writer - with Dr Nia Thomas

    S3 Ep68: The Self-Aware Writer - with Dr Nia Thomas
    Oct 13 2024
    If you’ve ever wondered how to transform academic research into a compelling business book or been interested in how to navigate the challenging world of book distribution as a self-published author, this guest episode is for you!

    Dr Nia Thomas is the Director of Thoughts and Ideas at Knowing Self, Knowing Others, and an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership. She practises self-aware leadership every day in her role as a Director at a Children’s Charity.

    She is also a frequent blog writer and a passionate podcast host of The Knowing Self Knowing Others Podcast. Earlier this year, she published her first book, ‘The Self-Awareness Superhighway’ - which helps leaders in workplaces and organisations explore the essence of self-awareness, the definition of leader effectiveness and the discourse on leadership at all levels.

    During our conversation, we talk about:

    • What led her to write this book and how she used her observations of what’s been going on in her industry to help make the book relevant to leaders right now.
    • Her writing journey and the many positive things it has taught her, even when it felt tough at times.
    • How she managed the shift from academic writing for her thesis to writing a business book that would speak to her ideal reader in a way that resonates - something I support quite a few PhD authors to do.
    • Her experience of getting her books into bookshops - and not just selling via Amazon. It was quite a challenging part of her journey but one she’s more than willing to share to help others.

    And so much more!

    This is a lovely conversation - and one that touches on all aspects of the writing process.

    I hope you enjoy listening.

    Connect with Nia and her book:

    • Book
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Website
    Further resources from me

    • My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon
    • My FREE email newsletter - The Write Stuff - weekly writing and publishing advice straight to your inbox. Subscribe here.
    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    Twitter https://twitter.com/stephcaswell_

    Use #creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
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    47 mins
  • S3 Ep67: When It Comes to Writing... It's You vs. You!

    S3 Ep67: When It Comes to Writing... It's You vs. You!
    Oct 6 2024
    Ever feel like you're your own worst enemy when it comes to writing? You're not alone. In this episode, we dive into the internal struggle many writers face and explore how to turn that inner critic into your biggest cheerleader.

    We all have negative thoughts that can prevent us from making progress on our books. But what if we could transform that inner dialogue and become our own writing ally?

    In this episode, you’ll discover:

    • Why we often find ourselves battling our inner critic and how this impacts our writing progress.
    • How to recognise self-sabotaging behaviours like procrastination, perfectionism, and overthinking that can derail your writing efforts.
    • Practical strategies for developing a growth mindset and setting realistic goals that support your writing journey.
    • The power of self-compassion and positive self-talk in overcoming writer's block and boosting productivity.
    • How to surround yourself with the right support system to nurture your writing ambitions.
    • Ways to practice self-care and mindfulness to maintain a healthy relationship with your writer self.

    We all have the potential to be our own worst critic or our biggest supporter. This episode offers actionable advice on how to shift that internal dialogue and create a more positive, productive writing experience.

    Remember, it's not about battling yourself - it's about loving and nurturing the writer within.

    Enjoy!

    Further resources from me

    Sign up for the Write Stuff newsletter here.

    My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon.

    Listen to the episode about procrastination here

    Connect with Steph:

    Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creatinghappywriters

    If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
    Apple Spotify Amazon

    Listen to all previous podcast episodes on my website via the podcast platforms below or by searching for 'Creating Happy Writers' on your favourite podcast provider.

    Apple Podcasts
    Spotify
    Amazon Music
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins