The Resilient Writers Radio Show

Latest Episodes:

How to Build Your Author Platform, with Nicole Meier Apr 03, 2025

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Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of building your author platform? Not sure where to start or how to connect with your readers? You’re not alone!

In this week’s episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I sit down with author and certified book coach Nicole Meier to break it all down into simple, actionable steps.

Nicole is the author of The House of Bradbury, The Girl Made of Clay, and The Second Chance Supper Club, and her latest book, City of Books, is out now! She’s also a developmental editor and co-founder of Bookworks, where she helps writers create an engaging author platform that aligns with their goals.

In our conversation, Nicole shares why so many writers feel stuck when it comes to marketing themselves—and how to move past the overwhelm. If you’ve ever thought, Do I have to be on every social media platform? Do I need a newsletter? What kind of content should I even be sharing?—this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Start with Your “Why” – Before diving into social media or email marketing, take a moment to reflect on what you want from your platform. Do you want to connect with readers? Build credibility? Attract an agent? Understanding your purpose will help you make smarter choices.

✅ Go Where Your Readers Are – Not every platform is right for every author. Romance writers might thrive on Instagram, while nonfiction writers may find their audience on LinkedIn. Nicole shares how to identify the best place to focus your energy.

✅ Less is More – The biggest mistake writers make is trying to be everywhere at once. Nicole recommends choosing one platform and showing up consistently rather than spreading yourself too thin. Quality and consistency matter more than quantity!

✅ Be Authentic – You don’t have to dance on TikTok or create elaborate content if it doesn’t feel right for you. Share your writing journey, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights into your creative process—authenticity is what truly connects readers to authors.

✅ Newsletters Are Gold – Social media is great for visibility, but email lists convert better when it comes to book sales. Nicole explains why a newsletter (via Substack or another platform) can be a game-changer for your author career.

✅ Avoid Common Mistakes – Nicole highlights the top three mistakes authors make: not knowing their purpose, overcommitting to too many platforms, and feeling like they’re not “worthy” of having a platform. She reassures us that small, consistent efforts are what really matter.

If you want a step-by-step plan to grow your audience, this episode could be exactly what you need!

Dire Contact: A Publishing Journey, with JC Spark Mar 27, 2025

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This week on The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I had an absolute blast chatting with sci-fi suspense author JC Spark about her thrilling debut novel, Dire Contact: No Brainer Book 1.

JC is a recent graduate of my First Book Finish program, so it was a real delight to catch up!

If you love books that keep you up at night turning pages, this one’s for you! JC describes Dire Contact as “if Good Omens and Doctor Who had a baby.” (I mean, come on—how fun does that sound?)

But beyond the book itself, we dive deep into her incredible journey from idea to published novel, including the challenges of outlining a complex, multi-POV sci-fi series and navigating the world of self-publishing.

Some highlights from our conversation:

📌 From Spreadsheet to Page-Turner: JC shares how she meticulously plotted her book using a detailed spreadsheet (yes, she’s a planner!) and how early on, she realized she had not one but three books in the making.

📌 Crowdfunding for Authors: Instead of taking the traditional publishing route, JC launched her book via a crowdfunding campaign on BackerKit’s Booktopia. She opens up about why she chose this path, the highs and lows of the campaign, and the joy of building a community around her book.

📌 Illustrated Special Editions: JC went the extra mile with her book by incorporating stunning character artwork inside her special editions. She shares how she worked with an illustrator and how she’s using these visuals across social media to build her book world.

📌 Publishing in Two Languages: Did you know Dire Contact was released in both English and German? JC walks us through the challenges of managing two versions of her book, from translation to marketing (and even a little spine-labeling mishap she learned the hard way!).

📌 Lessons from Self-Publishing: From finding the right printer to getting the perfect cover (after a few failed attempts), JC offers some hard-earned wisdom for anyone thinking about going indie with their book.

And exciting news—JC’s next book, Space Time: No Brainer Book 2, launches via crowdfunding on March 25th, alongside the wide release of Dire Contact on Amazon, Kobo, Apple, and more.

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your book from an idea to a reality, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and real talk about what it takes to make it happen.

👉 Grab your copy of Dire Contact here!

How to Boost Your Writing Confidence, with Kirsten McNeill Mar 20, 2025

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Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Am I really a writer?” or “Is my work even good enough?” If so, you’re not alone!

Confidence is something so many writers struggle with, which is why I’m thrilled to bring you this week’s episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show featuring confidence coach and book editor, Kirsten McNeill.

Kirsten is the founder of Worthy Writers Editing and the host of the Worthy Writers Podcast. She helps writers break through self-doubt, embrace their creative journey, and build a writing life filled with passion and confidence.

If you’ve ever hesitated to share your work or doubted your ability to finish a book, this episode is packed with insights just for you!

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

✅ The real reason self-doubt keeps holding you back—and how to break free from it.
✅ Why embracing imperfection is a game-changer for your writing.
✅ How your why can fuel your confidence and motivation.
✅ The connection between craft and confidence—and why you don’t need to be an expert to start.
✅ Simple, practical strategies to boost your belief in yourself as a writer.

Kirsten also introduces her Feed Your Horses Confidence Thought Exercise, a fun and insightful workbook designed to help you reframe negative thoughts and build a more confident writing mindset. You can grab your free copy here!

If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and want to feel more confident about your writing, don’t miss this episode.

From Geologist to Memoirist, with Laura Jevtich Mar 06, 2025

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Hey there, Writer! Welcome back to another episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show.

This week, I had an inspiring conversation with Laura Jevtich—a writer, author, and social media creator with a fascinating journey that took her from geology to writing memoirs and beyond.

Laura’s story is anything but conventional. Originally trained as a geologist, she spent over a decade in the field before jumping ship during the Y2K era to become a computer trainer. This shift led her to start her own business in 2003, helping realtors with website content and blog posts. Little did she know that this early experience in writing would pave the way for her future as an author.

In 2005, Laura and her husband Sasha made a bold decision that would change their lives forever—they bought a truck camper and hit the road, embracing a nomadic lifestyle that was nearly unheard of in their Northern Virginia community. As they traveled, Laura began documenting their journey, which led to the creation of her memoir, Unusual Adventures Traveling Through Life: A Memoir of Frugalness to Financial Freedom.

Their journey wasn’t just about travel; it was about reclaiming their time and energy. The couple realized that homeownership was holding them back from the adventurous life they craved. So, in 2006, after a six-week sabbatical, they sold their house and nearly all their possessions, choosing instead to live full-time in their RV. Their travels took them to national parks across the U.S., where Laura worked as a park ranger in places like the Grand Canyon and Canyonlands. Along the way, she continued writing, capturing their experiences in long-form articles and blog posts.

By 2018, Laura decided to take a break from the road, settling in Pahrump, Nevada, where she and her husband built a home. But the writing never stopped. Encouraged by her father, she pivoted from writing about organization and minimalism to focusing on her memoir.

We talked about how she dived into the writing world, reading memoirs, joining online communities, and learning the craft of storytelling. In 2022, she committed to finishing her memoir, winning NaNoWriMo by typing up her handwritten manuscript and completing the draft. After a rigorous self-editing process, she published the book in July 2023.

Laura didn't stop there. She returned to her unfinished book on organizing, completing and publishing it in early 2024. She has since been deeply involved in the writing community, attending conferences like 20 Books to Vegas (now Author Nation) and embracing direct sales and marketing strategies.

Now, Laura has once again jumped ship—this time from nonfiction to fiction. She’s currently writing a historical romance, sharing her journey on Ream Stories, and was even featured on their homepage for historical romance.

Throughout the episode, Laura shares valuable insights on following your passions, embracing change, and navigating the self-publishing world. She’s a true example of resilience and reinvention, proving that it’s never too late to chase a new dream.

Enjoy the episode!

How to Unlock the Power of Tropes, with Jennifer Hilt Feb 27, 2025

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If you’ve ever worried about using tropes in your writing—wondering if they make your story predictable or overdone—this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show is here to change your mind.

I’m joined by Jennifer Hilt, USA Today bestselling author, story consultant, and the brilliant mind behind The Trope Thesaurus series. She’s an expert in crafting compelling plots and characters using tropes in fresh, exciting ways.

We often hear about “tired tropes” or “overused storylines,” but Jennifer breaks down why tropes are actually the essential building blocks of storytelling. She explains how they create familiarity and connection with readers while still allowing for creativity and originality. But tropes are at play everywhere -- the trick is knowing how to twist them in unexpected ways so they feel new.

Jennifer shares how she first became fascinated by tropes during the pandemic, diving deep into books, movies, and TV shows to analyze what makes stories work. She also clarifies the difference between tropes and stereotypes—tropes are neutral storytelling tools, while stereotypes often come with negative connotations. By understanding this distinction, writers can use tropes effectively without falling into lazy or problematic storytelling.

Understanding how tropes function can be a game-changer, especially if you’re feeling stuck in the middle of your book. Jennifer shares practical ways to use tropes to guide your story forward. Instead of staring at a blank page, ask yourself: What tropes am I already using? Can I flip one on its head? Can I combine multiple tropes to create something fresh? This can help you revitalize your plot and character arcs, keeping both you and your readers engaged.

Jennifer also has a free trope list to help spark new ideas in your writing! You can find it in the show notes, along with links to her books, including The Trope Thesaurus, The Horror Trope Thesaurus, and The Trope Thesaurus: Romance.

So grab your notebook, tune in, and get ready to embrace the power of tropes in your storytelling!

How to Overcome Writing Resistance, with Monica Hay Feb 20, 2025

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Have you ever sat down to write only to suddenly need to do the dishes, scroll TikTok, or reorganize your bookshelf? You’re not alone!

Writing resistance is real, and it can show up as procrastination, perfectionism, self-doubt, or just an overwhelming sense of stuckness.

In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, I talk with Monica Hay, a writer, coach, and mentor who has spent years studying the brain science of writing resistance. She shares why resistance happens, how it’s completely normal, and—most importantly—how to work with your brain, not against it, to build a sustainable writing practice.

For many of us, writing was easy as kids. We wrote stories just for fun, without that nagging inner critic. But as we got older, perfectionism crept in. We started worrying about whether our writing was good enough, if we were real writers, or if our stories would ever get published.

Monica shares that resistance isn’t about laziness or lack of talent—it’s just how our brains are wired. It all comes down to a battle between:

🧠 The Prefrontal Cortex – The part of the brain that wants to write and accomplish long-term goals.
⚡ The Amygdala – The “dramatic little biatch” (as Monica calls it!) that constantly scans for danger and tries to conserve energy.

So, if resistance is always going to show up, how do we move past it? Monica shares practical, brain-friendly strategies that make writing easier and more enjoyable.

How to Craft Strong Characters, with Megan Fuentes Feb 13, 2025

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In this week's episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, we’re diving deep into the world of character development with the amazing Megan Fuentes!

Megan is a writer of flash fiction and historical fiction, specializing in strong female leads and captivating narratives set against the backdrop of real-world events—especially the fascinating history of World’s Fairs.

In our conversation, Megan shares her journey as a writer, from her earliest days of storytelling to the moment she realized she had no idea how to create a proper character arc. (Yes, even published authors hit those moments of doubt!)

She talks about working with a former Penguin Random House editor who gave her the eye-opening feedback that changed everything, and how she then dove headfirst into mastering character development.

If you’ve ever struggled with crafting compelling character arcs, you won’t want to miss this episode! Megan breaks down her process for building deep, meaningful character transformations using a modified version of Dan Harmon’s Plot Embryo and Eva Deverell’s One-Page Novel method. She walks us through an 8-step framework that helps writers ensure their characters grow in believable, emotionally satisfying ways.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to write characters that truly resonate with readers. Whether you’re writing historical fiction, romance, or any other genre, Megan’s insights will help you craft deeper, more compelling protagonists who keep readers hooked.

The Challenge of Historical Fiction, with Mary Dezember Feb 06, 2025

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This week, we're diving deep into the art of crafting heroic characters—the ones who overcome obstacles, stand for something greater, and keep readers turning the page. Joining us is Mary Dezember, award-winning author of Wild Conviction and a seasoned writer of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

Mary’s novel, Wild Conviction, is a historical, socially conscious epic adventure with a touch of magic. Set in 1858—a tumultuous period just before the U.S. Civil War—the story follows Twilight, a young woman who discovers life-altering secrets on her 16th birthday. Raised in the North by an abolitionist grandmother, Twilight is forced to return to her parents in Memphis, Tennessee—the largest inland trading port for cotton and enslaved people. As she grapples with the burden of truth, she embarks on a dangerous journey, trying to reconcile the world as it is with the world she wants to help create.

Mary shares her process of writing heroic characters, exploring what makes them compelling. Heroism, she explains, isn’t just about grand, world-changing acts. Sometimes, it’s about inner transformation, fighting personal battles, and standing by one’s values despite opposition. Whether you’re writing fiction, memoir, or poetry, a heroic character gives your story urgency, emotional depth, and a sense of purpose.

We also discuss the challenges of writing historical fiction. Mary shares her meticulous research process to ensure historical accuracy, while also making creative decisions to avoid reinforcing outdated narratives. For example, she chose not to use certain historically accurate but harmful language, opting instead for inventive, respectful alternatives.

Mary shares her framework for believing in your story, which includes:

Character connection – making characters human through universal emotions and struggles.
Power of urgency – crafting a compelling story that demands to be heard.
Magic of the muse – embracing the creative flow and trusting your instincts.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt about your writing or felt unsure if your story is worth telling, this episode is for you. Your voice, your perspective, and your characters matter.

How to Edit Your Book, with Stacy Juba Jan 30, 2025

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Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of the Resilient Writers Radio Show! This time, we’re diving into all things editing with the wonderful Stacy Juba, founder of Shortcuts for Writers.
Stacy has been crafting stories since her school days, and her passion for writing has led her to publish everything from mystery novels featuring determined women sleuths to sweet and sassy chick-lit, plus books for children and young adults. In other words, Stacy really knows her stuff—and she’s here to share her editing know-how so we can all polish up our manuscripts and become better writers.

In this chat, Stacy breaks down the different types of edits your manuscript might need. We cover developmental editing, which looks at the big-picture elements like plot, structure, characterization, and pacing. Get those foundations right, and the rest of your editing becomes so much easier.

Next, she explains line editing, the stage where you tighten your prose, eliminate redundant words, and make your sentences sing. Think of it as the polishing phase for your unique writing voice.
Finally, there’s copy editing, which handles all those nitty-gritty grammar, punctuation, and spelling details.

One of the coolest resources Stacy shared is her Looks and Gazes Quick Start Guide, a handy list of fresh ways to describe how characters look at each other—so you’re not stuck writing “He looked at her” or “She gazed at him” for the thousandth time! It’s completely free and a perfect example of Stacy’s knack for simplifying the editing process.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the idea of polishing your manuscript or you’re ready to level up your writing skills, you won’t want to miss Stacy’s insights. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about tackling your own edits—plus, you’ll discover new tools to make the process smoother and more fun.

Listen in, take notes, and get ready to embrace the power of editing! Your future, fully polished novel will thank you.

How to Overcome Writer's Block Jan 23, 2025

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In this episode of The Resilient Writers Radio Show, Rhonda speaks with bestselling author and TEDx speaker Marcy Pusey -- diving into the often-feared challenge of writer’s block, exploring its deeper causes and offering insights on how writers can overcome it.
Marcy, who is also a therapist, shares her unique perspective on how writing can be a deeply therapeutic process, connecting the act of storytelling to emotional healing. She explains that writer’s block is not always about a lack of creativity but may be linked to unprocessed emotions or trauma, stored in the brainstem, which can affect one’s ability to find the right words.

The episode breaks down the various types of creative blocks that writers experience, such as mental, emotional, and scarcity blocks. She emphasizes that these blocks are often rooted in deeply held beliefs or fears, such as the idea that there’s not enough time, money, or talent to succeed. Understanding these psychological hurdles can help writers address the root causes of their resistance and find ways to move past them.

In addition to offering tools for overcoming writer’s block, Marcy also addresses the debilitating issue of imposter syndrome, which often holds writers back, especially those just starting out. She encourages writers to challenge their limiting beliefs and embrace the idea that they are on a journey of growth. By focusing on learning and evolving, writers can shift away from the perfectionism that keeps them stuck.

This episode is a must-listen for any writer struggling with creative blocks or self-doubt, as Marcy offers both practical advice and emotional support to help you move forward with your writing projects.

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