If you’ve ever felt like your book has to be perfect before you can finish it…
this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Susie Schaefer sits down with author Janelle Strube to unpack the anxiety, pressure, and perfectionism that keep so many writers stuck.

Janelle shares what it really felt like to write her novel Adelaide, Painter of the Revolution, from battling the fear of rejection to navigating the emotional weight of her personal story.

And one of the biggest takeaways?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why anxiety and perfectionism can quietly stall your writing
• How to stop rewriting and actually finish your book
• The difference between “good enough” and “never done”
• What it’s like to work with a hybrid publisher
• Why writing your book is only the beginning of the journey
• How to trust your voice (even when you doubt it)
• The surprising role intuition can play in storytelling

📚 Check out Janelle’s book:

👉 https://a.co/d/0bT737Ko

🔗 Connect with Janelle:

🌐 https://janellstrube.com/

📘 https://www.facebook.com/janell.strube

📸 https://www.instagram.com/janellstrube/

Ready to finish your book?

👉 https://finishthebookpublishing.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

If you’ve been thinking about writing a book, but keep feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start…

This episode is different.

In this special behind-the-scenes conversation, Susie Schaefer joins International Award-Winning Author Coach Susan Crossman inside a live Build-a-Book Community Clinic, where aspiring authors open up about what’s really holding them back.

And what unfolds is something every writer needs to hear.

You’ll hear real questions, real struggles, and real breakthroughs around:

• The fear that keeps people from publishing
• How to stop rewriting and finally finish your book
• Why structure actually creates more creativity
• What authors get wrong about ISBNs, copyright, and ownership
• How to know when your book is “done enough”
• When to start marketing your book (hint: earlier than you think)

One of the most powerful moments?
When a writer admits they’ve rewritten their work over and over, and Susie responds:

This episode isn’t about perfection.
It’s about momentum.

If you’ve been circling your book… this might be the moment you finally move forward.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

What if your book didn’t just launch a message, but fueled an entire movement?

In this episode, Kimberly Spencer shares the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned her book into the foundation for two thriving companies. From sprint writing in an Airbnb to securing dozens of legal case-study permissions in just days, Kimberly reveals what it really takes to move from idea to impact.

We talk about the balance between intuition and structure, the importance of community when launching a book, and why podcast guesting can become one of the most powerful marketing engines for authors.

Kimberly also opens up about navigating criticism, letting go of perfectionism, and building a long-term roadmap for authors who want their work to create lasting change.

If you’re writing a book, or thinking about launching one, this conversation offers practical insights on how to align your message, business, and platform for real momentum.

In this episode we discuss:

• Aligning your book with clear business and impact goals
• Breaking a writing deadline with a focused sprint retreat
• Securing 32 case study releases in just five days
• Shifting perfectionism toward clarity and consent
• Turning a book launch from a “me goal” into a “we goal”
• Using podcast guest appearances to drive demand for your book
• Handling criticism while maintaining standards and boundaries
• Balancing faith, intuition, and due diligence in business decisions
• Planning writing and launches seasonally for sustainability
• Building a long-term roadmap of books and ideas
• The concept behind Kimberly’s upcoming book Money Bulimia
• How family, faith, and community can fuel creative work

Continue the conversation with Kimberly at CrownYourself.com and explore more episodes of her podcast.

Interested in learning how guest podcasting can generate serious revenue?
Reserve your spot for the 100K Profit From Guest Podcasting call at CommunicationQueens.com.

If you’re ready to move your book forward, schedule a consultation at
FinishTheBookPublishing.com to explore the next steps in your publishing journey.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

Pam Dwyer joins the Finish the Damn Book Podcast to share how a second-edition memoir evolved into a full podcast production business — and why authors must think beyond the book.

In this episode, we explore how brand clarity, consistent publishing, and smart distribution transform a personal story into a sustainable platform.

We discuss:

• Turning a finished book into a discoverable brand
• Using Plus One actions to build steady momentum
• Learning SEO basics and understanding how Google works
• Treating YouTube as video-first while honoring audio listeners
• Using AI for structure while protecting your authentic voice
• Deciding on pen names and timing for disclosure
• Healing through storytelling — and choosing the right moment
• Building systems, time-blocking, and measuring ROI
• Prioritizing listener experience over pure technical polish

Pam is the bestselling author of From the Piney Woods (written as PJ Hamilton) and founder of TPKK Concepts, where she supports authors and entrepreneurs with podcast strategy, editing, and publishing.

Learn more:
Finish the Book Publishing → https://finishbookpublishing.com

Podcast editing & publishing services → https://www.tpkkconcepts.com/podcast-editing-publishing/

Get From the Piney Woods → https://geni.us/FromThePineyWoods

If this conversation resonates, subscribe to Finish the Damn Book and leave a review. It helps more writers find the show.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

We talk with Dr. Jodi Blinko about finishing her book, rebuilding Zen Leader, and how authenticity, intuition, and simple mantras can carry real weight in business and creative life. A live card reading frames the year’s energy and offers a clear path to build with focus.

• turning Inner Alchemy from idea to finished book
• relaunching Zen Leader to serve holistic and corporate needs
• choosing values over ego and people pleasing
• healing old beliefs and letting go of misaligned roles
• intuition as a daily leadership and hiring tool
• title choice, brand voice, and audience fit
• card reading on receiving, purpose, and building by the book
• programs, masterclass, and how to work with Jodi
• mantras for imposter syndrome and creative stamina

If you're serious about finishing the damn book and want to explore what that can look like for you, your next step is a conversation. You can book a consultation at FinishTheBookPublishing.com and find out what it would take to move your book forward

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

A career doesn’t always start with a plan; sometimes it starts with a nudge you can’t ignore. We sit down with MeiMei Fox—two-time New York Times bestselling author, ghostwriter, and coach—to unpack the real mechanics of writing a book readers finish and share. From a surprise first deal to decades of editorial trenches, MeiMei shows why your brain trusts story more than stats, and how to turn lived experience into pages that move people to action.

We get practical fast. MeiMei breaks down a five-day best-selling book blueprint that helps you shape a clear promise, map chapters with intent, and build momentum with an email list that actually converts. Then we get honest about AI: where it shines (outlines, titles, grammar, keyword strategy) and where it fails (soul, specificity, and voice). The takeaway is empowering—use AI as a collaborator to speed structure and polish, then rely on human nuance to make the work unforgettable.

We also talk money, timelines, and expectations. Big advances are rare, promotion budgets aren’t a windfall, and yet the path to impact is clearer than ever: sharper positioning, tighter edits, and consistent audience building. Beyond tactics, MeiMei shares how memoir became medicine, why writing can rewire your brain, and how following intuition led to love, family, and a new chapter abroad. It’s part craft class, part reality check, and part permission slip to write the scene you’ve been avoiding.

Ready to finish your book with courage and clarity? Follow, share with a writer friend, and leave a quick review to help more authors find the show.

Visit MeiMei Fox online at writeyourbestsellingbook.com

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

In this episode, ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly reveals how to write stories that truly matter. He and host Susie Schafer dive into intuition, emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and why the deepest truths—messy, imperfect, and human—create the most powerful books. From navigating tough interviews to breaking through a writer’s emotional blocks, Charlie shares how real storytelling happens when authors drop the mask, embrace authenticity, and dare to go deeper.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.

In this episode, Susie sits down with ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly to explore the emotional, creative, and deeply human side of ghostwriting. Charlie shares how he helps authors—especially veterans and trauma survivors—“go there” with difficult stories, the healing that happens through storytelling, and why collaboration is at the heart of every great book. From his cottage on the Irish coast to the pages of powerful memoirs, Charlie opens up about process, purpose, and preserving stories before they're lost forever.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.