How Do You Write

In which we talk about a book dying on submission (and the pain of that!) as well as being STUBBORN enough to keep going. Alexandria Bellefleur is a bestselling and award-winning author of swoony contemporary romance often featuring loveable grumps and the sunshine characters who bring them to their knees. Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was a 2021 Lambda Literary Award winner and a 2020 winner of The Ripped Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction. The Devil She Knows is her most recent novel.

Dana K. White had always wanted to be a writer, but she never could have predicted how she’d get there or how she would reach so much success. Dana K. White is a blogger, podcaster, speaker, and (much to her own surprise) a decluttering expert. She taught both English and theatre arts before leaving her job to make her family her life's work. In an attempt to get her home under control, Dana started blogging as "Nony" (short for anonymous) at A Slob Comes Clean. Dana soon realized she was not alone in her housekeeping struggles and in her feelings of shame. Today, Dana shares realistic home management strategies with her signature humor and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy through her blog, weekly podcasts, and videos. Dana lives with her husband and three kids just outside of Dallas, Texas. 

On vampires, and deep work, and what it means to actually be (and feel) successful. Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including The Hundred Loves of Juliet and The Incredible Kindness of Paper. A graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School, her books have been published worldwide and translated into sixteen languages. Find out more at EvelynSkye.com.

Sacha and Rachael talk about some REAL stuff. Don't miss it!

My new book just hit the USA Today Bestseller list, and I AM SO HAPPY. And also, I want to tell you a story about scammers who are scamming! (The list, though, is not a scam, don't worry!)

Isabelle Taylor writes sweet, steamy fantasy Romance under Isabelle Taylor, LGBT+ Horror/Paranormal Romance under I.S. Belle, and spicy MM Romance under Chase Moorcox. She works in a bookstore in New Zealand. If your local bookstore allows dogs, PLEASE bring them in. 

In which Daphne Fama has some incredible advice on how to open a wound in your heart in order to make your book really matter. Daphne Fama was born in the American South, embedded in its tight-knit Filipino community. When she’s not writing stories about monsters and the women who love them, she’s writing about video games. And when she’s not writing, she’s spending every minute adoring her partner and pup. House of Monstrous Women is her debut novel. Write in Italy May 2026: http://rachaelherron.com/italy2026

Brian not only writes but also illustrates his incredibly popular books—this epic interview will blow you away! Brian Selznick’s books have sold millions of copies, garnered countless awards worldwide, and have been translated into more than 35 languages. He broke open the novel form with his genre-breaking thematic trilogy, beginning with the Caldecott Medal-winning #1 New York Times bestseller The Invention of Hugo Cabret, adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning movie Hugo. In praising his body of work, The Washington Post said, “Brian Selznick proves to be that rare creator capable of following one masterpiece with another.” The Associated Press called Selznick “one of publishing’s most imaginative storytellers.” He and his husband Dr. David Serlin divide their time between Brooklyn, New York and La Jolla, California. 

In which Sacha challenges Rachael to let go of some stuff and Rachael, unsurprisingly, balks.

How can you tell if what you’re worried about in your writing is your intuition being smart or your anxiety spiraling out of control? Don’t miss this episode to find out! Elizabeth Greenwood is the critically acclaimed author of Everyday Intuition, Love in the Time of Incarceration, and Playing Dead. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and more. She teaches writing at Columbia University and leads workshops on the transformative power of intuition. Learn more at www.lizgreenwood.com.Elizabeth’s first appearance on Episode 52: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpNKxM-po44 

Don’t miss this gorgeous episode in which we talk about what it takes to stay on the road to publication (and what it feels like to get there). Virginia Evans is from the northeastern United States. She attended James Madison University for her bachelor’s in English literature, as well as Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, for her master’s of philosophy in creative writing. She lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and her Red Labrador, Brigid. The Correspondent is her debut novel. 

Should you take a writing retreat? If so, how do they work? Ben and Rachael also talk about the all-consuming vortex of writing as well as battling imposter syndrome. Ben C. Davies is a Californian-based author whose debut short story collection, And So I Took Their Eye, will be published by Bridge House, July 17 2025. Originally from the UK, his short fiction has appeared in journals such as The Fiery Scribe Review, Left Brain Media, and Downtime Review, while his articles have been featured in Electric Literature, Work, Huck, and Lost. He serves as an editor for the Ginosko Literary Journal, a member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto, and is currently at work on his debut novel, Black Sand. In addition to his writing, Davies is the co-founder and director of Studio Luce, a Guatemalan writing retreat and artist residency. Find him here: https://www.bendaviesauthor.com/ and here: https://www.studioluceguatemala.com/Books mentioned: Hurricane Season, Fernanda Melchor https://amzn.to/43OptSOIf an Eg

You HAVE to hear this episode. How did doing just one thing change everything for Jen Butler? Listen, and be amazed, friends. And then go be amazing, too. Jen Butler is a Barnes & Noble bestselling author, dark comedy screenwriter, and one of ISA’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch. Her work blends absurdity, emotional truth, and big existential questions... often through the lens of recovery, rejection, and being a messy human with a sense of humor. With over 300K followers across social media (@jenbutlersays), Jen is known for sharing real-talk stories that make people laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone. She also really, really loves dark chocolate and her dog, Floyd. Volume Control is her first book. Get started with your Avoidance Journey here: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE3OTE4NzI1NDQ2MDc4NTg5Her Shakti code for a discount! https://shaktimat.com/jenbutlersays (or just use the code JENBUTLERSAYS at checkout, for US & UK only)Her Insight Timer meditations: http://insighttimer.c

Emma Knight tells us how to bring character’s to life by inhabiting their bodies to make them more real, as well as how the written word can have shocking, real-world consequences! Emma Knight is an author, journalist, and entrepreneur. Her writing about books, maternal health, and more has appeared in Literary Hub, British Vogue, The Globe and Mail, and The Walrus. Emma lives in Toronto with her family, and The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is her first novel.➡️ BEYOND AFFIRMATIONS Workshop! Click HERE for the details!⭐️ 90 Day Classes NOW OPEN! ⭐️

In which we talk about nervous system regulation, Rachael’s desire for ease, and Sacha’s desire to GET HER BOOK DONE! 

What’s the hardest part of writing? Putting on those running shoes! Join us in this delightful chat about trusting your subconscious, leaving yourself breadcrumbs and following your joy, with Rosie Evylin. A kiwi currently living in Australia, Rosie Evylin escapes from the chaos of the world by diving into a magical world of witches and romance. She writes books with strong female characters and cheeky Familiars, where love really is magic. When not writing you'll find Rosie hanging out with her gorgeous family, running amoung the trees, or savouring a soy latte. Wisteria Wishes is her most recent release. ➡️ BEYOND AFFIRMATIONS Workshop! Click HERE for the details!

Rachael's been dying to share this interview with you! No one knows voice better than Greta Morgan, and today, she shares the wisdom she's learned the hard way. Greta Morgan is a musician, songwriter, and storyteller who began her career at age 16 and has since performed worldwide. She was a touring member of Vampire Weekend, accompanied Jenny Lewis, and has released eight records fronting her own projects: Springtime Carnivore, Gold Motel, and The Hush Sound. She has stopped performing for the time being to focus on Long Covid recovery, which affected both her voice and body. She now lives in the Hudson Valley, where she leads a slow life of creek swimming, stargazing, meditating, writing, composing, and teaching. She leads long-form online songwriting and creativity workshops that focus on helping writers access their truest voices. Find her on Instagram @gretamorgan and learn more at https://www.gretamorganmusic.com/. The Lost Voice, a memoir, is her first book. Greta's Patreon: https://www.patre

Aime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort and Nicole Long legal thriller series, weaving sharp social commentary into gripping crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, Aime graduated from Smith College and Cornell Law School before practicing family and criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Budapest, writing thrillers, hosting the podcast A Time to Thrill, and interviewing brilliant women creators. When she’s not chasing down a plot twist, you’ll find her in a yoga pose, with knitting needles in hand, or lost in a good book. Aime is a 2025 recipient of the Mystery Writers of America Barbara Neely Scholarship. His Last Mistress is her most recent release. Find her at https://aimeaustin.com/➡️ BEYOND AFFIRMATIONS Workshop! Click HERE for the details!

How do you know that dream of yours is worth pursuing? And when do you take yourself seriously? When is a retreat worth it? Holly Bowen is an emerging author of young adult fantasy and contemporary women’s fiction. By the Moon is Holly’s debut novel. Holly lives in the lakeside town of Taupō, New Zealand, with her partner, two young sons, and a sad lack of a canine companion. When she’s not drinking mochas and writing in a local café, she can be found swimming in the lake or hiding in her garden sauna, making up stories in her head.

In which Sacha makes a truly shocking announcement! Don’t miss this one! Also mentioned: https://heidimcintyre.com/coach/