Stacy Frazer’s Write It Scared is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts. And no, the title doesn’t refer to writing in the horror genre. The podcast is about a different type of scared, the type every author confronts: the fear of not being up to the challenge of writing.
With each episode, Stacy helps listeners confront that fear as she covers one (or two) main topics related to writing. She sometimes interviews other writers; sometime she discusses the issues on her own. The episodes are relatively short — usually between 20 or 30 minutes — which means I can listen while running errands, cleaning house, or working out.
Stacy describes herself as “a formerly repressed creative soul turned fiction writer, Author Accelerator certified book coach, and (podcast) host” who strives “to help beginning and struggling commercial fiction writers overcome self-doubt, find joy, and gain clarity and confidence in their process and craft so they finish books they are proud of!”
When not writing, reading, or working with writers, she enjoys crafting with her daughter, hanging out with goats, or walking a trail with her “goofy love-pups.” Read on to learn more about why she created the podcast, her thoughts on writing, and more.
1 – What’s the story behind the “Write It Scared” title of your podcast and your website?
Write It Scared embodies the belief that fear and uncertainty don’t need to stop us from doing what we dream. It’s acknowledging the inner critic, whispering things like: It’s not good enough. You’ll fail. It’s gonna flop. No one’s going to read this. Others have said it better—seeing it for what it is: a protection mechanism we don’t need—and then doing the damn thing, anyway.
Some days, it’s a fight to show up and to believe it matters, but it does, and it’s always worth it.
I’ve learned that we don’t do things alone and that one person’s experience isn’t unique. Being afraid doesn’t make me or anyone else special. In fact, it unites us. We’re all a little scared sometimes, but if we want this writing life, we must find a way forward despite our fears.
For years, I played small and stayed safe as I pursued what I believed I “should do” and “should be” instead of what interested me—stories and people. This led to a painful and stifling life. I didn’t think I could belong at the writer’s table–that was for special people, talented people—not me.
I was wrong.
Now I know the only permission you need to pull up a seat and write your stories is your own. After that, the only requirement is to stay because you love it.
I like to say that writing a novel is an inside job because we all have unhelpful internal narratives that we need to overcome. And if we expose and normalize those narratives, they have far less power. Then, we can face them head-on, keep doing the work that matters to us, and look back on our lives without regret.
I created Write It Scared Book Coaching and the Write It Scared podcast to help writers learn they are not alone in their insecurities and are strong enough to take risks and trust their voices despite their doubts.
Writers’ self-doubt may never disappear, but it doesn’t need to dictate our behaviors.
2 – Why did you decide to enter the podcasting world?
I thought about creating a writing podcast for years but was afraid I wouldn’t have anything impactful to say, and if I did, someone had probably already said it better anyway.
That’s what fear tells us: stay small and don’t make waves. Don’t be seen because you’ll be found out a fraud—that’s imposter syndrome.
But then I realized my inaction was just affirming the faulty belief system I was striving to detach from—and I was tired of having those limiting beliefs drive my actions.
So, I lined up some guests and pulled the trigger. I was still scared I’d screw it up, but my desire to put the message of “yes, this is hard, and no, we’ll never feel entirely ready, but we cannot let that stop us because feelings are not facts”—became stronger than my fear. Ironic, yes?
3 – What is the main takeaway you hope your listeners get from your podcast?
I want writers to know that regardless of background or experience level, they are not inadequate or alone and can learn all the tools to write a novel they are proud of.
4 – How has podcasting helped you as a writer?
Interviewing writers willing to be open and vulnerable about the highs and lows of their writing career continues to help me normalize the emotional roller-coaster of crafting a novel, have faith in my work, and trust in myself. Delivering informative and actionable episodes on writing craft keeps me steeped in a learning mindset and growing.
5 – Finally, what one or two pieces of advice do you have for other writers?
Just because you write a crappy first draft does not make you a crappy writer; in fact, it just makes you a writer—so welcome to the table, friend. I hope you stay. Novels are made in many layers. Lower your expectations and get the first layer down, then go back and make it better.
Remember that writing is a practice, which means you’re repeatedly performing the task to improve, not because you’ve got it all figured out.
The excellent ideas only come after you’ve examined and tossed a few bad ones. The same is true of prose. So cut yourself some slack, remember to have fun, and don’t be afraid of crappy writing, shaky plotting, or revising more than once.
If you are willing to practice and are patient with yourself and your words, you will become a stronger and more efficient writer.
If you feel overwhelmed or lost in the weeds while planning or drafting your novel, I have a free writing guide called First Draft Confidence to help you go from idea to drafting, from stuck to writing, in seven simple exercises. It also comes with the free 30-minute Idea to Drafting Webinar that walks you through the five key elements of a story to consider before you draft your novel.
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Connect with Stacy via her website (www.writeitscared.co) or email (Stacy@writeitscared.co) or follow her on Instagram (@WriteitScared).
Andy writes! 