Writing your first novel can feel like dumping 1000 puzzle pieces onto the floor without the picture on the box to guide you. You've got characters, scenes, maybe even a few moments you love, but you have no clear sense of what it all adds up to.

If you're staring at your messy draft thinking, What even is this? - don't worry. You're not alone, and you're not even as lost as you think.

In today's episode, we'll explore how to step back, sift through what you've already written, and begin shaping it into something coherent, intentional and powerful.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, discouraged or stuck in the fog of your draft, take a breath. Let's bring some clarity to the chaos.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Struggling to get past chapter one, even with a solid outline and a great idea? In this episode, we unpack why starting your novel feels so hard, what’s really behind the block, and how to take the first imperfect steps forward.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

In this episode, we’re zeroing in on one of the most important (and most rewritten) parts of your novel: the first chapter.

A strong first chapter doesn’t need to be long or dramatic, but it does need to hook the reader, ground them in the world of the story, and raise a question they’re eager to follow.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on your opening pages, rewriting again and again, wondering if it’s working, this episode will help you identify and avoid common problems, and more important, revise your first chapter so that it hooks and holds your reader.

In this episode, we'll break down:

• 5 of the most common first chapter fails, and what to do instead
• Key questions to ask when revising your opening
• How to avoid overwhelming the reader and keep them engaged page after page
• Ideal first-chapter length ranges for different genres, and what matters more than word count

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

You’ve written pages. Maybe even chapters. But your scenes still aren’t landing the way you imagined. The pacing drags. The tension fizzles. And you’re not sure why.

In this episode, we’re diving into the 3 essential elements that make a scene work. So your story doesn’t just move forward, but pulls the reader in and keeps them hooked moment by moment.

If your scenes feel a little off, or you’re not sure they’re doing enough, this is your go-to guide. You’ll also get a practical checklist to pressure-test your scenes as you write and revise.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Writing a book isn’t just a creative act—it’s a mental marathon. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in self-doubt, overwhelmed by the blank page, or spiraling after a tough writing day, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re diving into what it really means to build mental fitness as a writer. You’ll learn why talent isn’t enough—and how developing emotional resilience, self-trust, focus, and flexibility can keep you moving forward, even when the work feels hard.

I’ll share practical ways to strengthen your mindset, protect your creative energy, and build the kind of inner stamina that helps you not only finish your book—but enjoy the process.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

You've got an exciting plot. Compelling characters. And the action is moving along at a crisp pace. But something still feels flat. Chances are, your character’s inner world isn’t fully making it onto the page.

In this episode, we’re talking about the layer that gives your story emotional weight and resonance—character interiority.

You’ll learn:

✔️ What interiority is (and what it’s not)
✔️ Why readers crave it
✔️ And 5 powerful techniques to reveal your character’s inner life without slowing your story down

If you’ve ever been told to “go deeper” into your character, or wondered how to make your scenes more emotionally engaging, this episode's for you.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

Stuck in a writing slump? You’re not alone.

In this episode, we’re talking about those hard, heavy moments when the words won’t come, your story feels stalled, and self-doubt creeps in. Slumps are a normal part of the creative cycle, but they can feel lonely and defeating when you’re deep in one.

Today, I’m sharing gentle, practical ways to find your way back without forcing it or beating yourself up.

You’ll learn:

→ Why slumps happen (even to seasoned authors)
→ Small, doable steps to ease back in
→ Why changing your environment can release stuck thinking and ignite fresh ideas
→ Ways to reconnect with your original spark and fall in love with your story again

If writing feels hard right now, this episode is your permission slip to stop shaming yourself, and start moving forward with curiosity, compassion, and small, steady steps.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.

You’ve built your character's world and raised the stakes. But how do you end your story in a way that feels true and unforgettable?

In this episode, I’m breaking down the 4 biggest mistakes writers make with endings, plus 5 different ways to close your story.

You’ll also get practical tips for revising an ending that’s falling flat, and learn how the right ending can transform your entire story.

If you’re stuck or second-guessing how to close your story, this episode's for you.

Episode Web Page

10 Questions First Time Novelists Ask, and Encouraging, Practical Answers to Help You Finish Your Book

Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed Community Facebook Group. It's totally free to join.