August 8, 2022
Episode 90 – Overcoming Writing Struggles
In this episode, Lucinda and Mariëlle talk about: How Mariëlle figured out what kept her back from plotting her next writing project. How both Lucinda’s and Mariëlle’s creativity shuts down when they start telling themselves ‘This is how it SHOULD be done.’ Making the two parts of your brain cooperate and tricking your fear into …
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August 8, 2022
July 22, 2022
Episode 89 – When you fail to do well at what you are normally good at.
This episode is all about a struggle the hosts share. What happens when you fail to do well at the one thing you have a reputation for being good at? Consider the stories we tell ourselves and no matter how positive and uplifting, what are the dangers? How can the story be manipulated to produce …
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July 22, 2022
May 23, 2022
Episode 85 – Writing with the Inner Critic
The most powerful writing comes from the subconscious part of the brain we access when we shut down the inner critic and just let the words come. Fear of judgement will shut that part down, and we must learn to let it go. How? With lots of self-awareness and work, of course. Grab your journal …
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May 23, 2022
March 28, 2022
Episode 81 – It’s all been said before, but that’s okay
“I think new writers are too worried that it has all been said before. Sure it has. But not by you.” Asha Dornfest Do you continue to write a book if someone has already written something similar? In this episode Mariëlle and Lucinda talk about what is unique about their writing. Think of a story …
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March 28, 2022
February 14, 2022
Episode 78 – Understanding our Limiting Beliefs
During this episode, Mariëlle and Lucinda discuss what came up for them during the second part of the exercise. They ask: Where do our limiting beliefs come from? How have they served us? Who would you be without these beliefs? Step 3 – Creating new beliefs about writing Of all the beliefs about writing you …
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February 14, 2022
January 17, 2022
Episode 76 – Introduction to Self-Sabotage
Episode 76 introduces a series about self-sabotage, which appears to plague most humans. It has many faces, and Mariëlle and Lucinda share theirs in the following episodes. First, they take a closer look at their limiting beliefs. What do they mean to the individual? How do they impact writing lives? “Our deepest fear is not …
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January 17, 2022
December 6, 2021
Episode 73 – The Importance of Boundaries for Writers
In this episode, Mariëlle and Lucinda talk about establishing boundaries that allow them to write regularly. Boundaries are not fixed and need to adapt and change, sometimes becoming the new normal. Boundaries are more membrane-like than a drawbridge where aspects of life can pass through while others need keeping out. Only you can decide what …
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December 6, 2021
November 22, 2021
Episode 72 – Sacrifice and the Writing Life
In this episode, Mariëlle and Lucinda talk about fitting writing into their lives. They identify areas that they have consciously and unconsciously given up to write fiction. There might be obvious areas. Perhaps you spend too much time on social media or watching TV, but sometimes it’s about spending less time with family and friends. …
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November 22, 2021
November 8, 2021
Episode 71 – Are you as dedicated to writing as you think you are?
Virginia Woolf noted, many people who write want to do nothing else. What are the most disagreeable aspects of being a writer for you? Are you passionate enough to endure these in the long term? Imagine dedication as a gauge. If you are honest with yourself, how do you score? What would dedication to your …
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November 8, 2021
October 25, 2021
Episode 70 – How Dedicated Do You Want to Be in Your Writing?
In this episode, Mariëlle and Lucinda talk about dedicating themselves to writing. Many people struggle to find the time and commitment to write a novel but knowing where you are and where you are going improves your chances. It is vital to discover what is realistically achievable so you don’t constantly feel you are failing. …
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October 25, 2021
October 11, 2021
Episode 69 – From Goal Setter to Dedicated Writer
Dedicating yourself to writing or a writing career starts with goals. Those goals might include publishing a novel, entering competition or just finishing a piece of work. In order to move forward, you will probably experience a mindset shift. It might be moving from writing as a hobby to writing as a career or perhaps …
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October 11, 2021
September 27, 2021
Episode 68 – Perfectionism and Goal Setting
“Research shows that perfectionism hampers success” (Brene Brown). Perfectionism can show up in many aspects of your life. It can stop a writer from getting past the first page or prevent them from pressing publish. In this episode, Mariëlle and I talk about overcoming our tendencies to lean towards perfectionism. In striving to be perfect, …
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September 27, 2021
September 13, 2021
Episode 67 – How Comparisonitis Affects Goals
In this episode, we continue our theme of setting effective goals to turn you into a successful author. There are times when it is natural to compare ourselves to others. Having a role model who inspires us can help us to identify what we want to achieve. Comparisonitis can be dangerous because it is about …
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September 13, 2021
August 30, 2021
Episode 66 – Achieving Goals when the Sh*t Hits the Fan
In this episode, we continue the theme of effective goal setting to help you become a successful author. Have your writing plans ever gone off track because of a significant life event? What did you do? Mariëlle and I talk about our experience and what helped. We consider strategies, but first, it’s essential to recognise …
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August 30, 2021
June 7, 2021
Episode 60 – When is it time to call yourself a writer?
In the last few episodes of Diving into Writing, we focus on the overarching theme of imposter syndrome. One of the many ways imposter syndrome can impact you is that it can make you reluctant to claim the title of writer or author. Mariëlle and I talk about our experience of claiming the title of …
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June 7, 2021
April 12, 2021
Episode 56 – The Effect of Limiting Beliefs on Writing
Do you know what is holding you back from a successful writing career? It could be something as simple as your deep-rooted beliefs about success formed in childhood or as a result of life experiences that have convinced you that it’s safer to pass through life unnoticed and unrecognised. There are three stages to addressing …
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April 12, 2021
March 29, 2021
Episode 55 – How Does Imposter Syndrome Affect Your Writing?
People who struggle with imposter syndrome believe that they are undeserving of their achievements. They feel that they aren’t as competent or intelligent as others, and someone will discover the truth about them. It’s that nagging feeling that you aren’t good enough or that you fall short compared to those around you. People in the …
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March 29, 2021
December 21, 2020
February 14, 2020
September 20, 2019
Episode 20 – Marketing Your Author Business Through Newsletters
The experts tell us that one of the essential aspects of marketing your books is putting out a regular newsletter. Why put out a newsletter? · Build your brand. · Build a relationship with your audience. · Keep people interested between books so that they haven’t forgotten about you by the time you put out …
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September 20, 2019
August 9, 2019
Episode 17 – Writing Conferences and Events
Anna and I have a conversation about the benefits and struggles of attending writing conferences. We talk in some depth about the 20Books conference that happened at the end of July in Edinburgh. We agree that there are many benefits to attending events. They can provide the motivation to be more productive, to share and …
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August 9, 2019
