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There's so much to learn from poetry for improving your writing.

This episode digs into the playfulness of language, but also the possibilities of repurposing writing to create new meaning.

Have you thought about the last time you picked up a book of poetry?

We know some of you write poetry.

Whether you write poetry, or not, there's a lot to learn from exploring another genre.

One of the interesting poetry styles used by Amanda Gorman is erasure, or blackout, poetry from her research of historical documents.

Are you ready to learn more?

Get ready for an opportunity to strengthen your writing when you watch today!
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Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

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This week’s episode is going to amplify what we believe so strongly here at the Inspired Writer Collective: Writing in community makes you a more productive and better writer.

We welcome our guest, Marissa Loewen, who discusses the incredible benefits writers receive when they join a community of creative minds. Marissa hosts a virtual space for entrepreneurs, business owners, and writers. There’s no need to create in isolation.

When you join a community, you’ll find yourself getting closer to the finish line of your project through accountability and collaboration.

As a writer, you also have the privilege of being in community with your readers. It’s an inspiring insight from this week’s podcast about the moment someone reads your words that you’ve created a community.

If you’ve been wondering about whether or not you should join a writing group, or online writing community, this episode is the nudge you need to take the leap.

Introducing Marissa Loewen

Marissa Loewen's entrepreneurial journey began long before most even contemplated their first job. As a precocious elementary school student, she identified a simple yet impactful need among her classmates - cold milk at lunchtime. With the resourcefulness that would come to define her career, Marissa established her first business: a milk counter serving chilled refreshments to grateful peers. This early venture was just the first spark of Marissa's innovative spirit.

Since 2012, Marissa has owned On the Spot Pop Ups, a company creating opportunities for makers and artists, partnering with major entities like Etsy Canada. She also leads Create the Rules, embodying her philosophy of forging new paths. As owner, she empowers individuals and organizations to break free from conventional thinking.

As Chief Strategist of Create the Rules Catalyst, the only Done-WITH-You support system for impact-driven business owners and entrepreneurs, Marissa ignites transformative change across industries, guiding clients to uncover opportunities and revolutionize their approaches. Her journey from schoolyard entrepreneur to influential strategist demonstrates the power of creative thinking and determination. Through her ventures, Marissa actively shapes the future of business with innovative solutions.

Connect with Marissa online

https://www.createtherules.com

https://www.youtube.com/@createtherules

https://www.instagram.com/@createtherules

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

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Set your 90-Day Goal with PATH (use code INSPIRED for 20% off)

We're back with Amanda McKinney, an accountability coach for women entrepreneurs, this week to share our results after setting a 90-Day goal upon the completion of Amanda's course PATH.

We’ve been talking a lot this week about how this is the year for collaboration.

Why is collaboration so important?

When you collaborate you build community.

Your productivity increases along with your confidence.

Especially for women entrepreneurs and women writers!

When women support and raise up other women, amazing things happen.

Collaboration enhances creativity and brings together diverse opinions allowing you to learn from others.

This is the year to connect and grow with people who build you up.

A team that helps you cross the finish line.

If you’re working on anything creative, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

You’re in it for the long haul.

Find your hype crowd that shouts your name, cheers, claps and encourages you at every mile marker along the way.
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Your voice and your writing have purpose.

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

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In this week's episode, Elizabeth talks with Amanda McKinney about the following and more:

The Three Levels of Accountability
Creating a 90-Day Writing Strategy
Overcoming the "Perfect Conditions" Trap

Accountability is the secret weapon of consistent writers, but you might need a different level depending on your needs. When you listen to this episode, you'll learn about those levels and you can decide what works for you.

As you listen, ask yourself: What level of accountability do I currently need for my writing goals?

We've found incredible benefits from peer accountability. If you're seeking this kind of accountability comment on this video with the words "co-working" and we'll send you details about how you can join our Zoom room.

One of the practical approaches Amanda shares is breaking down a writing project into 90-Day chunks of time rather than trying to tackle the entire thing all at once. Listen to the episode and you'll learn the steps for setting yourself up for success. If you're interested in a deeper dive into this approach, then the PATH program is for you.
Find it ​here​ and use code INSPIRED to get 20% off

As you listen, ask yourself: What's one writing goal I could realistically accomplish in the next 90 days?

"PATH helped me create a 12-week plan so I'm set for the next 3 months! 100% worth it!" - Amber

Amanda encourages you to show up to write for 10 minutes every day as the strategy for overcoming the notion that you have to wait for the "perfect conditions" to get your writing done. When you build the habit of showing up, even if you're not sure what to write, it helps create consistency and accountability.

Challenge: Set a 10 minute timer after reading this and write!

Connect with Amanda:

Website
Free Resources
Podcast
Book
Instagram
LinkedIn

Listen to Amanda's episode from her podcast, Accountable, about the 3 Levels of Accountability for Goal Achievement here

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

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In this week's episode, Elizabeth chats with Jenny Benitez about the benefits of creating her podcast and discovering journaling for mental health and self-discovery. Elizabeth and Jenny share a passion for amplifying women's voices. Their conversation focuses on the transformative power of writing and journaling in women's lives. Jenny shares how she got started podcasting.With her podcast, she's created a space for women to share their stories and feel valued.
You can get the guide she created ​here​.
Journaling is transformative because, like meditation, it brings you into the present moment. Jenny discusses how journaling became both a stress reliever and a spiritual practice that helped her navigate career challenges and financial difficulties. She discovered through her daily writing practices that her life started to change for the better, and while it might sound "woo-woo," it's been incredibly beneficial to her life. Writing can be important to document life experiences not just for personal growth but as a legacy for future generations. Yesterday, Elizabeth was featured on Jenny's podcast, Steel Roses. Elizabeth shares her story about how writing saved her life. You can listen ​here​.

Who is Jenny Benitez?

Excerpt from: ​https://womensjournal.com/empowering-women-through-authenticity-the-story-of-steel-roses-women/ ​

Jenny Benitez, the founder of Steel Roses Women, embarked on a mission to empower women to embrace their authenticity. With over 17 years of experience in communications and a deep passion for women’s healthcare, she has dedicated her life to fostering a supportive and engaged community where women can thrive. Jenny’s work is built upon her desire to uplift women, encourage personal growth, and provide tools like meditation, manifestation, and affirmations to help women lead fulfilled, empowered lives. The Steel Roses Podcast, one of her flagship projects, addresses the challenges that many women face but may not openly discuss. Through her podcast, Jenny hopes to spark dialogue and inspire women to break their silence and reclaim their power.

Connect with Jenny:

Website

LinkedIn​

Instagram

Facebook

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

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In this week's episode, we reflect on our process of getting in the creative flow.

Here's some of what we touch upon:

1. The Science of Flow: We reference research in positive psychology about flow by professor, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who wrote a book called "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience"
2. Identifying Resistance: Elizabeth emphasizes that recognizing when you're not in flow provides valuable information about your writing process. She shares her experience with her memoir, where resistance indicated she needed to restructure her outline.
3. Creating Flow Conditions: We discuss several strategies for establishing flow:
   • Community accountability: Writing sessions over Zoom
   • Environment: From coffee shops to a dedicated office space
   • Physical movement: Exercise and walks help prepare the mind for writing
   • And more...
4. Working with Coaches: We talk about our work as book coaches (Elizabeth for memoir, Stephanie for romance) and emphasize the value of professional guidance, comparing it to how athletes use coaches to improve.

There's a lot packed into this episode and we're excited to share it with you. We hope you find guidance and inspiration for your own writing, or whatever your creative journey might be, from what we've shared.

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development

Send us a text

In this week's episode, we discuss the nuanced decision of how much “spice” or intimate content to include in your romance novel, memoir, or fiction with romantic elements. Stephanie shares her personal journey navigating this important choice in her own writing, breaking down the decision-making process into three key areas:

Your audience - Within your genre, what does your audience expect? How are you choosing to balance YA vs. Adult audience expectations and the spectrum from sweet romance to more mature content?

Character development - How you can use intimate scenes to deepen character growth

Your comfort zone - What are you most comfortable with? If you imagine yourself sitting on stage being interviewed about your novel, what is your comfort level? It's important to find your authentic voice within your genre.

We cover reading preferences and writing dilemmas, from deciding between YA and adult genres to considering “fade to black” techniques versus more explicit content and Elizabeth shares her experience determining appropriate intimacy levels in memoir writing.

Perfect for romance writers, memoirists, and fiction authors wrestling with portraying relationships authentically while staying true to their vision and audience. #RomanceWriting #WritingAdvice #SpiceLevels #WritingTips #AuthorAdvice #CreativeWriting #MemoirWriting

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

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We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

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Join Elizabeth for a great conversation with Marysol James, a remarkably prolific self-published romance author with 31 books across six bestselling series who discovered her writing career by happy accident.

Marysol's journey includes not only impressive literary success spanning cowboys to motorcycle bikers, but also a powerful personal story of healing and rebuilding her life after an abusive relationship derailed her writing.

Meet Marysol James:

Marysol James was a best-selling romance writer when she met and fell in love with a man who offered her a future worthy of one of her books… but within two years of moving in with him, she had lost everything that she’d worked for. She was abused emotionally, psychologically, physically, and financially. She was isolated and manipulated and gaslighted, until she was convinced by a narcissist that everything was her fault.

She managed to leave the relationship 18 months ago, and has spent that time reclaiming her life, her dignity, her sanity, and her independence. She has returned to romance writing and has done extensive research – with a therapist specialised in narcissistic trauma - and has taken her horrible experience, and created a 90-day program called ‘It Happens To The Best Of Us’.

The program is aimed at high-achieving women, and it teaches the red flags and realities of being in a romantic relationship with a narcissist. It explains the patterns and behaviours of narcissism, and shows you how to reclaim your power and your peace. The program launch date is Saturday, April 5.

To find out more about ‘It Happens To The Best Of Us', or to set up a one-on-one call with Marysol about how the program can help you, please go to her Instagram account: ​https://www.instagram.com/marysoljames/​

Connect with Marysol online:

Website: ​https://marysoljames.com​

YouTube: ​https://www.youtube.com/@MarysolJames-s6q​

FaceBook: ​https://www.facebook.com/marysol.james.romanceauthor​

Newsletter: ​https://marysoljames.substack.com

We invite you to subscribe to our email list to be the first to know about our weekly podcast episodes, get insights into our writing lives, and learn about upcoming programs for writers!

If you prefer video versions of the podcast or want to leave a comment on this specific episode, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

We hope you've found guidance and inspiration for your own writing.

Here are two resources for you:

Get your list of 4 Essential Reads for Memoir Writers

Get your Character Coffee Chat Guide for Character Development