You can learn all the craft techniques in the world, but without the right mindset, writing can start to feel like a battle you never win. In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we’re diving deep into what we believe is the most underrated but essential part of the writing life: mindset.

Whether you’re working on your first book or just beginning to call yourself a writer, this episode explores how your inner world shapes your creative process far more than word count goals or plot outlines ever could.

We answer 13 honest and vulnerable questions about writing mindset, covering everything from fear of failure to imposter syndrome, creative blocks, limiting beliefs, procrastination, perfectionism, and what it really means to move from amateur to professional (no matter where you are in your publishing journey).

We also share the personal rituals and mental shifts that help us stay resilient, creative, and committed to the work, even on the hard days.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why mindset is the foundation of writing success

02:19 – Our mindset journeys, what’s changed and what’s still a work in progress

10:43 – Defining a healthy writing mindset

13:29 – How mindset helped, or hurt, our writing

16:24 – Common limiting beliefs and how to challenge them

18:40 – Resistance, rejection, and reframing fear

28:47 – The power of rituals, routines, and energy management

34:56 – Coaching yourself through tough writing days

39:43 – Celebrating small wins and cultivating long-term motivation

44:16 – What it really means to think like a professional

47:21 – One mindset principle we swear by

50:32 – Outro: The role of coaching in your mindset journey

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, writing mindset, creative blocks, debut authors, self-belief, motivation, imposter syndrome, writing rituals, mental resilience, writing growth

Writing is hard—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. This episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one struggling—and that with the right mindset, you can keep showing up for your stories, even when doubt creeps in.

Book References:

Grit - Angela Duckworth

Atomic habits - James Clear

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

Peak - Robert Pool and Andre Ericsson

In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we sit down with YA and contemporary romance author Esha Patel—a full-time student, prolific writer, and voice behind Florida’s Finest, Offtrack, Overdrive, and her latest release Cross My Heart. Esha is known for her fresh take on identity, connection, and character-driven storytelling, and she’s just getting started.

We talk about what it’s like balancing college and creativity, the realities of navigating both self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the emotional rollercoaster of launching books while still figuring out your place in the industry. If you’ve ever wondered how to make writing work in the middle of real life or how to keep writing joyful and sustainable, Esha’s story offers a refreshingly grounded look at what’s possible.

From first drafts scribbled between classes to marketing strategies that connect with real readers, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and the kind of honest advice we wish we’d had starting out.

Timestamps:
00:18 – Intro: Meet Esha Patel
03:35 – Behind the scenes of Offtrack and earlier books

06:54 – Writing during college and finding a creative rhythm
13:35 – Part Two: Navigating indie and traditional publishing
18:40 – Surprises and lessons from Esha’s publishing journey
20:52 – What changed between debut and latest release
22:53 – Strategies for marketing and building a reader base
31:05 – Casting choices, character dinners, and writing rituals
40:22 – Esha’s advice to her past self (and new authors)

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, debut authors, YA books, self-publishing, traditional publishing, writing and studying, book marketing, indie authors, women writers

Whether you’re writing between shifts, classes, or chaos, Esha’s experience proves that there’s no one “right” way to build a writing career. All you need is persistence, passion, and maybe a few sticky notes.

In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we each found our way into indie publishing, and why that journey looked completely different for both of us.

While we’ve both chosen the independent publishing path, one of us made that decision intentionally, while the other fell into it more organically. We’re not here to compare or debate which is “better.” Instead, we’re sharing what our real publishing journeys looked like. The messy bits, the mindset shifts, and the lessons that shaped who we are as authors today.

If you’re standing at the start of your own publishing path and wondering, Should I go indie? Try trad? Do I need to know yet? This conversation is for you.

We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of releasing our first books, the surprises (good and bad), and how our definition of success has evolved. Plus: the behind-the-scenes on marketing, timelines, creative control, and the business side of being your own publisher.

Timestamps:
00:21 – Intro: Two indie authors, two very different journeys

What we hoped for, feared, and felt before releasing book one

16:22 - The Pros and Cons of Indie and Traditional publishing
27:26 - What we've learnt from Indie Publishing, key takeaways

37:09 – Creative vision vs. business mindset—what shaped our approach

44:28 - How indie publishing shaped our careers and confidence
46:22 - Where we stand now
47:14 - What we wish we’d known and what we’re proud of

48:06 - Mindset shifts

50:25 - Things we wanted to know before we started our publishing journey

51:28 - Outro

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, debut authors, indie publishing, traditional publishing, self-publishing, book launch tips, creative process, publishing journey, women writers

Whether you’re planning your publishing path or still figuring out what your first step looks like, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at how your writing dreams can take shape in unexpected ways. There’s no one right road—just your road.