Writer Craft Podcast

Hosted by Valerie Ihsan

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215

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Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to the Writer Craft Podcast, a show about creativity and craft. Remember when you told your sister stories in the night, snuggled under the covers of your waterbed? Or read books from the public library that delighted you? And now you've written your own novel. But will it change someone's life? Is it a good enough book? Does it even work on the story level? On the Writer Craft Podcast, we help authors stay motivated and inspired, finish their books, and show them how to analyze and diagnose areas of challenge in their manuscripts once it's written.

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June 15, 2026Episode 2141 hr 3 min

Writing a Bridge Between the Physical and Spiritual Worlds with Rondalyn Whitney (Ep214)

Main Topic: Writing a Bridge Between the Physical and Spiritual Worlds with guest Rondalyn Whitney Rondalyn Whitney is a writer and mental health occupational therapist whose work thrives at the intersection of storytelling and real-life healing. After losing her husband in an automobile accident and becoming a solo parent, Rondalyn has made it her mission to show that mourning is an occupation just as vital as any job or role. She brings that same realness to her writing, exploring how narrative and journal writing can help others process grief, especially widows struggling to find meaning and resilience. With her background in narrative medicine, mental health, and family-centered care, Rondalyn translates complex ideas into human language, guiding others to see how writing can transform pain into growth. She would bring not only expertise but genuine heart to your audience, sharing personal experience and practical ideas that resonate with writers facing life's hardest moments. PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Announcements/Author Updates: designing my next writing retreat in Costa Rica. My first international retreat (even though I live here) so there are a lot more moving pieces than I first imagined. Taking a four-month course to get me through all the legalities and best practices. If you are interested in the updates on the retreat, you can go to valerieihsan.com/retreat. request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write. husband's birthday yesterday saying goodbye to Radar Saturday email day isn't working for me -- need to go through it every day lots of input/education, trying to fit in homework around client work What are you reading? Just finished: Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Mosswood Apothecary (JP Rindfleisch IX) The Reliable Narrator (Grace Sammon) (Main Topic): Rondalyn Whitney is a writer and mental health occupational therapist whose work thrives at the intersection of storytelling and real-life healing. After losing her husband in an automobile accident and becoming a solo parent, Rondalyn has made it her mission to show that mourning is an occupation just as vital as any job or role. She brings that same realness to her writing, exploring how narrative and journal writing can help others process grief, especially widows struggling to find meaning and resilience. With her background in narrative medicine, mental health, and family-centered care, Rondalyn translates complex ideas into human language, guiding others to see how writing can transform pain into growth. As a Narrative Medicine Practitioner, she takes pride in using her expertise on Stress Reduction through Journal Writing to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual parts of people's lives, including her own. Her writings explore multi-faceted and complex topics such as grief, loss, motherhood, and the spiritual world with depth and humor. Notes: handwriting connects a loop in the brain. Journal writing James Pennybaker's work said emotional laden words on the page, healing response, increasing immune system; creates wonderful outcome. (Manifesting, RAS.) Reduce sense of fear, anxiety, loss (stress) creates an opening to what is present. first create nothing (sitting with emptiness and finding comfort with that) afraid of emptiness dev with emptiness in a story. W/o understanding it. Or that you"know the answer" before you even talk to the patient/client/character Ask our character's what's up? What's going on today? (Author) intersubjectivity (artist, art, third piece of the puzzle) (author, character, story) What's happening in that triangle? Take a nap while you write the professional chapter. inner artist child-like playful, curious sees things differently. Make up own language. (Boyaful, deer dog), open to magical moments how would a child describe this? What does this taste/smell/sound/feel like? Is it heavy? actually is no gap between physical and spiritual world, but writing is physical: muscles, brain, holding a physical object, in a physical space on a physical object. So, what is coming to you?spirit (own or universal source; spirit is always talking to us) Writing is active listening. the more in tuned (attuned) you are Creating a clear environment, practice sitting in emptiness, "Look! This one is empty over here" creativity/spirit flows the least resistance. Artists listen to something different. creative/meaningful get better faster. OT - artistic endeavor to apply; "Huh, that counts." (Poetry) Habits of Widows (journaling); Lies in the Afterlife (creative nonfiction, funny book about death); Unpublished: Current Title: Nothing for the Devil. (No man has a voice in the book) McCoys feud with Hatfield. Retelling of feud with female voices; Dating in the Afterlife (Fictionalize it into several women's stories). (Parts of self: Pig Tail Girl; Yesterday Me, Today Me, Tomorrow Me) Three ways to talk about death: short and simple, medium-length version, graphic detail (used only for the purpose of making someone else feel bad when they've been mean to you). Ways to be invisible by choice: hat, shields up, wonder women bracelet. TRIANGLE: bring self to page, page is waiting, source comes. if spirit is a flow, make space, we are the path of least resistance. how find the voice of a character practice the emptiness Nothing was something, it was an opening for something to come in. linkedin, FB, website, IG/TikTok And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

June 3, 2026Episode 21322 min

Growing Your Writing Community (Ep213)

PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Announcements/Author Updates: designing my next writing retreat in Costa Rica. My first international retreat (even though I live here) so there are a lot more moving pieces than I first imagined. Taking a four-month course to get me through all the legalities and best practices. If you are interested in the updates on the retreat, you can go to valerieihsan.com/retreat. request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write. talking with the architect, nailing down our must-haves, and waiting to approve the latest layout design, then there will be an initial payment and we'll then get a 3D rendering of the house. half to drive north to sign a document (complications with names and lawyers) What are you reading? Just finished: Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) and Rain Delay (Erick Mertz - beta read) Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Mosswood Apothecary (JP Rindfleisch IX) The Reliable Narrator (Grace Sammon) (Main Topic): Notes: Google Search and ChatGPT search for English-speaking writing groups, critique groups, organizations, retreats, workshops, and conferences. CR colleagues in the writing world, ask them how they stay connected and keep writing ask my personal community/neighbors if there are any writers check online to find a good fit (perhaps ones already peripherally a part of), and re-engage accountability buddy (check-in via text/email, meet in person, chat through video calls, write together via video call) paid accountability (Rachael Herron's Write With Me), (micro-writing retreats for my patrons), book coaching online conferences, online summits, online masterclasses and workshops writing organizations often have online components. in this globalized world we live in now, we are never alone. And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

May 28, 2026Episode 21246 min

Truth-Telling in Fiction and Memoir with Grace Sammon (Ep212)

Main Topic: Truth-Telling in Fiction and Memoir with Grace Sammon But our conversation spans The Difference Between Telling Your Truth and Owning Your Truth; The Ghostwriter as a Literary Device; and Why Fiction Holds What Memoir Sometimes Can't; Who Owns the Truth and what Silence costs us; invisibility, and relevance. (Really interesting conversation.) PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Announcements/Author Updates: designing my next writing retreat in Costa Rica. My first international retreat (even though I live here) so there are a lot more moving pieces than I first imagined. Taking a four-month course to get me through all the legalities and best practices. If you are interested in the updates on the retreat, you can go to valerieihsan.com/retreat. request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write. talking with the architect, nailing down our must-haves half to drive north to sign a document (complications with names and lawyers) What are you reading? Just finished: Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) Mosswood Apothecary (JP Rindfleisch IX) The Reliable Narrator (Grace Sammon) Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; (Main Topic): Notes: 1. As a novelist, a memoirist, and an author looking into offering ghostwriting services, I was super intrigued by many of your talking points in your media kit. I hope we get to talk about all my favorites. Let's start with Why Fiction Holds What Memoir Sometimes Can't. That's a juicy statement! A place for both; memoir is huge right now; tell our story to ourselves first, and then to others next. Hear a story better as fiction sometimes. Why you are writing the book? 2. I'm a sucker for books about authors, and the last novel that had that hook was also about a ghostwriter, what can you say about using the ghostwriter as a literary device? Fascinated by the job and wanted to dive into that; For instance, what is it like to see your book hit the NYT Bestseller List without your name on it? We see her through the stories she's writing. 3. Difference Between Telling the Truth and Owning Your Truth. Experienced childhood abuse, can you hide behind your own story, what are these effects on me, Invisibility starts when you lose your roles and don't have anything to talk about it. Relevance, meaning, purpose. 4. Who Owns the Truth? And What does silence cost us as women and as authors? (GoShiftKey.com, Joelle) And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

May 9, 2026Episode 21159 min

Visibility for Your Book and Your Brand with Kae Wagner (Ep211)

PATREON: Thanks so much to new patron Faye Whyte. Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Visiting Co-Host author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Announcements/Author Updates: hole in my roof (Feng shui story) seen the dentist Sunday Summit (weekly reflection from Soul-Sourced Entrepreneur) request to bring back a regular patron gathering for all members (paid and unpaid) Mini writing retreat (cozy, candle; oracle card pull to set intention; check-in: 1 struggle, 1 win, what you are working on tonight; guided meditation; writing words; share word count (optional)); PLEASE send me a DM or a comment where you heard this podcast, or in the Patreon community. Let me know if this is something you crave. It's not just shared writing space. It's a retreat from regular life (dishes, dogs, kids, day job) and a safe and sacred space to connect and to write. met with an architect What are you reading? Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak) Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; (Main Topic): Notes: What top two tips for new authors (clear on vision: why now, why you; make commitment so you don't stop when it's hard) (what is your voice? Physicality of voice, talk all the time, style/tone, brand personality)(go forth with a plan, use Amazon, use AI for marketing copy, learn what works best for your genre and your lane, then add more)(do it with intention) For authors with an old back list: (branding) look at covers and the book, major trends change every 5 or 6 years, change the covers unless doing well, check manuscript for relevancy (check your reviews: rush the ending? Took too long to get started), make minor changes. with a cold email list? (Manage: consistency and congruency. Write more books.) Learn the rules of email, tell stories in email, make offers (book is a product, series, themed package (events, retreats, talks, coaching, products, merchandise -- what can I create? Experiences, clothing, conferences.) Promotion skills: mindset needs to be BOLD; carry books with you, leave them in airports, talk about your books all the time, get help for marketing plan Build marketing into the book: 1. Have a layer of marketing understanding. Write as series, or a themed standalone. 2. Know and understand the genre and what the market expects from the genre, knowing where your story fits on the bookshelf. Visibility: creative and production energy. Creative spirit is regenerative at the cellular level. Live longer. Moving into production energy, don't be careless, but care less. How to move into production energy: marketing plan/to do (spinning wheels and squirrel), patience, show up, stand up (Sorry I'm late, I didn't want to be here by Jessica Pan), be distinctive (find your uniqueness is and plan on that) part of your brand (tagline, footer, tell the story in speech, work it in appropriately) What about those writers that don't want to write to market, writing first then market afterwards Fiction: idea/story --> How do I monetize? Series marketing: amazon loves a series, book 1 watch, if does well, when book 2 comes out, amazon algorithm helps you. Promo Hour, Monday, 4-5 p.m. ET boldauthorsnetwork.com zoom link via email. Fill out a form once. Strong community. Books by Kae Wagner: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/22232801.Kae_Wagner Brewing Love (Building Dreams series), only on Amazon And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

April 29, 2026Episode 21044 min

Developing a Book Coaching Program to Fund Your Author Life with Jessie Kwak (Ep210)

In this conversation, we talk about: developing a book coaching program membership sites ghostwriting vs writing for self marketing in 90 day increments PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Announcements/Author Updates: finally have a mailing address, had our second dinner guest to wild success, our lot was burned today (need to move the trailer back), in conferences all this week, Signed up for Relaxed Money (Solstice story)

April 21, 2026Episode 20926 min

There's No Brain Hack for This?! with Erick Mertz (Ep209)

PATREON: Thanks to new patron Heidi Walker! Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Announcements/Author Updates: finally have a mailing address, had our second dinner guest to wild success, our lot was burned today (need to move the trailer back), in conferences all this week, Signed up for Relaxed Money (Solstice story) What are you reading? Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak) Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) The Haunting of Payne's Hollow (Erick) Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; (Main Topic): Notes: Writing is an escape. And is a place where we can somewhat control the events around us. Writing nonfiction is a little harder to write when you are seeking escape from your worldly challenges. And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

April 9, 2026Episode 20837 min

Infusing Self into a Resurrected "Trunk" Book with guest Jessie Kwak (Ep208)

Hello Writers! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 208 of the podcast and it's April 8, 2026 as I record this. Main Topic: Infusing Self into Your Work When You Come Back to the Page (with Jessie Kwak) (Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing") Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Announcements/Author Updates: doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month What are you reading? Just finished: Smoke Screen (J.L. Kwak) Soul Sourced Entrepreneur (Christine Kane) March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley The Haunting of Payne's Hollow (Erick) Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; (Main Topic): Notes: And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

April 1, 2026Episode 2071 hr 11 min

Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain (Ep207)

Hello Writers! I'm Valerie Ihsan, and this is Episode 207 of the podcast and it's March 31, 2026 as I record this. Main Topic: Changing the Way You Put Words on the Page: A conversation between two writers recovering from burnout and trying to get back to the page (Part of the series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing") In this conversation, we talk about: burnout and then fear of burnout learning in public podcasting/building business/creating content journaling is still writing doing things gives us energy and structure/managing energy levels test the boundaries starting libraries (reminds me of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek) paying attention to your body building structure to hold the growth content time vs creative time (I can do both.) What's the (mentally) lowest risk way of doing things for me? changing the way we put words on the page tricking self to do things (even writing) "back door" way in to writing in different patterns to avoid the emotional weight/responsibility ID list or the butter of the book. What will make me want to go back to the page and spend time with the characters. outlining reinventing self as a writer what gives us satisfaction while writing a book identity connections with other writers accountability writing sprints (Rachael Says Write) writing times/routines brainstorming Costa Rican writing workshop ideas PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Announcements/Author Updates: doctors appointments, vet appts, try again for Starlink in another month What are you reading? Just finished: March Sisters : On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley Back-burner Books: (Still on the stack but haven't finished reading them yet...) Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; (Main Topic): Changing the Way We Put Words on the Page with guest Crys Cain @itscryscain Notes: Relationship/divorce "I don't believe in romance" ; dropped the series, Nov 22/23: shoulder freeze chronic pain plus emotional burnout, moved to small town, coasting on income from royalties, volunteering language conversation, exchange ... Reading craft books a way to get back in, podcasts don't work so well anymore. Identity: on the edge of burnout, scheduled 5-7 new things since February (don't add more for a month), routine, more energy for doing things.; worry about always being on the edge of burnout for my whole life. Resentment is a sign that it's not feeding me. Just awareness, not limiting. Consistent, emotional costs, pacing, checks and balances, Introvert, autism, person hangover, recovery day, test the boundaries ("Do I have space for this?") Library Book Trailer mobile Lowest risk: notebook Trick self into washing dishes, write one sentence, put one sock away. Just get started. Back door way in that doesn't have the emotional weight/ responsibility. Be creative in different patterns. What's the 'butter' in your story? Reinventing Self as Writer. Being around other writers really helps to feel connection and fulfillment and accountability. And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

March 21, 2026Episode 20620 min

5 Take Home Tips for Getting Started Anywhere Along Your Journey "Home" (Ep206)

5 TAKE HOME TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED ANYWHERE ON YOUR JOURNEY HOME Starting a series on "Starting Over Again, or Coming Back to Yourself and Your Writing" (Next several episodes will have this flavor because I think we all get lost sometimes and struggle to get back to the page, get back to ourselves. I'm been struggling with this for a couple of years (I'm not going to lie and Instagram filter for you) and with my long journey to Costa Rica via car and my one-month anniversary of living in Costa Rica, I thought today would be a great day to talk about AND to revisit this struggle. I want to use my new location, my hero's journey road trip, and the new moon to ritualize this Starting Over Again, With Purpose. And so it is. PATREON: Thank you to my existing patrons for believing in my work offline and here in the podcast. I've just revamped my Patreon Page. I'm so so so pleased with it and proud of my work in simplifying it. Too many pay walls and exclusions. Now it is fresh and easy. If you are a patron, in either tier, you get all my content, always. You can support me and my dreams and my writing and my aligned author life for $11.11 USD, and I will be so so grateful. Truly. Heart to heart. Gratitude for your gifts. If you want coaching too (with TWO LIVE CALLS EACH MONTH, you can BACK me at $55.55/mo USD). You will NEVER find coaching sessions for less money than this. If you've ever wanted continued support for your writing and accountability for your projects, this is the way to do it. Become a patron of the arts and of me at Patreon.com/valerieihsan. And you can support my friend and colleague and Resident Ghostwriter and Friend of the Podcast author Erick Mertz at Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. He's a really great writer. Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): settling in to rental home with a view thinking about lifestyle vlogging about Costa Rican life fired up with new content ideas written a couple of essays (published one on my Patreon page) (can access it for free using the free trial option on Patreon page.) What are you reading? Valerie: a cozy fantasy called the crescent moon tearoom by Stacy sivinski Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: let yourself be imperfect let yourself be uncomfortable (bored, annoyed, fearful) let there not be rules (write for the one, write for you) Let yourself feel inspired (explore what that is for you: nature walk, fresh air, meditation, feeling good in your body) start small (short timed blocks, write one phrase) #puravidabound And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Patreons: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

December 11, 2025Episode 20517 min

What's Coming in February to the Writer Craft Podcast? ANNOUNCEMENT Episode (Ep205)

Erick is stepping away for some time. His mom just got diagnosed with cancer, so he wants to spend more time and bandwidth on her. And I'm moving to Costa Rica this month! In 2 1/2 weeks, so it is cray-cray over here. Fresh new episodes will arrive in February (with a little bit of a revamp) and a special series on getting back to your writing or creative practice after grief, loss, addiction, or big life stress, but do look for some bonus episodes from the road. Went to Breitenbush, Portland (Powell's), Seattle, Write in the Harbor writing conference in Gig Harbor, WA (*heart*), sold a car, rented the house, cancelling services, buying foreign auto insurance, washing ten years of dirt off of all the things we stored outside, tricking out the FJ Cruiser for the drive, buying special dog beds and storage for the vehicle, inspection and minor repairs today. Movers on Monday. Cleaners on Thursday. Walk on bark and blinds for upstairs, too. Saying Goodbyes. crossing the border at Tijuana, driving thru Baja California, taking ferry to Mazatlan; spending some time in Oaxaca with a friend What are you reading? Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy) We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)*** Creative Act (Rick Rubin) (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; Segment 3 (Main Topic): Notes: Follow my drive to Costa Rica on Instagram! #puravidabound And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.