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Have you ever tried following someone's writing advice? You've read all the books with guidelines for getting your outline done or advice about setting up your writing schedule, yet you're still feeling like something's not quite right. Like maybe the problem isn't your commitment to the process, but the fact that the method itself was never designed for the way YOU actually think and create? On this week's episode of the Inspired Writer Collective, we welcome editor and writing coach Cynthia Merrill who completely reframed Elizabeth's thinking about the writing process. Cynthia has developed something called the Authentic Writer Archetype Assessment, and in this conversation she walked through Elizabeth's results live. Here's what came up in the conversation:

• Why writing advice that works well for one writer can actually sabotage another
• Insight into why many memoir writers quit before they finish (hint: it's not what you think)
• Figuring out the support systems you actually need before spending money on programs, editors, or writing groups

Give it a listen and let us know what resonates.

About our guest Cynthia Merrill:

Cynthia Merrill is a developmental editor, writing coach, and creator of the Authentic Writer Archetypes—a system dedicated to helping writers understand their creative needs and build a sustainable, authentic, and joyful writing practice. While she holds a BA in Editing and Publishing, her real education has come from years of working side by side with writers in the depths of the creative process. Cynthia hosts The Way You Write podcast and lives in Phoenix, AZ with her two kids and a dog named Jasper.

Connect with Cynthia Merrill:

Website: ​cynthiamerrillediting.com ​

IG: ​https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/​

Free Author Archetype Assessment: ​https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

You’re invited to connect with us by joining our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. Whether you’re working on a memoir, a novel, or journaling for yourself, this is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

Our Memoir Summit was absolutely incredible! You’ll hear more about the experience in this week’s episode. We’re joined by Allison Lau & Sharissa Bradley, who not only brought incredible value as panelists but hopped into the webinars as attendees, so we sat down to chat about what we all took away from the experience. If you missed the Summit, you can order the replays here. When you watch the replays you’ll experience the incredible community we’re cultivating at the Inspired Writer Collective. Writing and being a writer does not need to happen in isolation. You want to find the people who are champions for your work. We had 9 women join us to share their brilliant insights about varying aspects of the writing journey. If you’re curious about them, you can find details here. (And trust us, you want to get to know them). Our hearts are so full!

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

I recently read a book that stopped me in my tracks: ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka. I picked it up out of curiosity. I did not expect to see so much of myself in its pages.
As a woman who just turned 50, I grew up in a time when ADHD in girls was rarely part of the conversation. If anything, we were given vague explanations about learning differences or processing challenges, but very little insight into what our brains were actually doing.
Reading this book reframed so much of my own story. Instead of treating ADHD as a deficit, Otsuka approaches it from a strengths-based perspective. Curiosity. Creative intensity. Hyperfocus. Pattern recognition. The ability to notice things other people miss. When I read those descriptions, I immediately thought about writers. So many of the traits we associate with ADHD are the exact traits that make someone a powerful storyteller. Writers are curious. Writers observe people closely. Writers connect ideas in ways others might not.
And when something truly captures our interest, we can go deep. Many writers worry that they are not disciplined enough to finish a book. They start a project with enthusiasm, life interrupts, attention shifts, and the manuscript sits for months. It can feel discouraging.
But what I have started to understand is that this is often not a motivation problem. It is a systems problem. Different brains need different structures. For me, that has meant learning when my brain is ready to write and taking advantage of those moments of deep focus. It has meant finding environments that help me concentrate. Coffee shops have always worked for me. It has meant using tools like body doubling, where simply being in a room with other writers helps my brain settle into the work. And it has meant embracing the reality that writing does not have to be a solitary experience. Community changes everything.

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

You're going to want to listen to this episode, especially leading up to our Memoir Summit. Elizabeth chats with Laura Thomas, who edited Elizabeth’s memoir that’s set to be published in June 2026, about the big picture of self-publishing your memoir. It’s so much more than sitting down to write, and you certainly don’t want to do it alone. If there’s anything to take away from this episode, it’s that you need to find your village who will help you find your way.

It’s why we’re hosting the Memoir Summit. It’s your opportunity to find people who we’ve had as guests on our podcast and offer support or services that can help you reach your goal faster.

Our guest this week, Laura Thomas, is one of those people and you can connect with her live at the Summit, so make sure you get your ticket here.

Elizabeth and Laura’s conversation reflects the importance of finding a developmental editor who can see the magic in your work. Who will help you find your voice and amplify it on the page. It’s okay if the first draft is messy. That’s part of the process.

Writing your memoir involves a deep dive into your soul. It's absolutely okay if your first draft is messy. You need to get the words out and then it can be shaped into the story that's meant for your readers.

You’ll hear about why memoir writers often decide to self-publish and the work that goes into getting your book into the hands of readers. Your desire to write your story is one to lean into and follow. It’s your opportunity to find readers who will find themselves on the pages of your book.

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

Episode 105: Do It Scared

You’ll thank yourself later.

It’s Stephanie here, and this message is one that I’ve needed to hear for sure!

I wrestle so often with my own fears of showing up and allowing myself to be vulnerable with my writing process, or even just being myself. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than being yourself and finding the people who love all the parts of you. It’s what writing does and especially the community we’ve built here with the podcast.

Just check out the incredible panelists we’ve brought together for our Memoir Summit here.

There’s so much power in taking the scary step to move yourself forward.

James Clear in his book Atomic Habits talks about doing something just 1% better each day. When it’s put that way it doesn’t sound so scary. It’s hitting send on the email you’ve been meaning to send to the book coach you know will help you finish your manuscript. It’s posting on social media about what you’re working on or something you’ve thought about that can help others. Whatever it is, it’s one simple step. This is what I have to keep reminding myself of and also remembering how I feel when I hit send on that email or post to social media.

On this week’s podcast, Elizabeth and I talk about the importance of “doing it scared.” There will be so many moments along the way when you’ll want to hesitate. You’ll doubt yourself. These feelings are SO normal. You’re not alone. We need these reminders as much as you do, and it’s why we show up to share what’s real about being a writer on our podcast.

Your brain will love the hit of dopamine you get when you decide to take that step you’re scared to take. You never know who you’ll meet.

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Sometimes we have to remind our brains that it’s okay. You have a story following you around that’s meant to be told. It’s what I heard from Reese Witherspoon on her recent book tour for Gone Before Goodbye with Harlan Coben. She had an idea, she’d never written a book (even though she’s done so many other amazing things), and she knew it needed to be in the hands of readers.

What did she do?

She “did it scared.” She connected with people who knew how to help her, and yes, she has amazing connections, but you can too when you start finding your way. Our podcast is here for you to connect with us, but

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

In this week’s episode, Elizabeth chats with Hannah Gordon, a writer, editor, and publisher who will be one of the panelists at our Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026. The conversation digs into the power of writing for addressing challenging stories and how this informs whether you’re ready to write your memoir. It’s a very personal decision, but you may also need a coach to support you along the way. Both Elizabeth and Hannah offer coaching for memoir writers, so if this conversation resonates with you, you’re invited to reach out and connect. There’s also insight into the publishing world and process from Hannah’s experience in the industry.

Connect with Hannah:

@HR_Gordon (FB, IG, Threads, TikTok)

Website: https://hannahrgordon.com/

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

This week Elizabeth and Stephanie talk about the importance of investing in yourself as a writer. Find the rooms with people who are writing and moving their dream forward. When you put yourself in the right room you’ll be amazed at what happens. It’s only if you’re doing the work of writing you understand the challenges of what comes with the job. It’s not easy. Which is why you need to find your people and we offer spaces for you to show up and invest in your writing journey. If you’ve been following us for a while, you know how often we talk about the value of community. It’s what keeps us showing up each week for all of you. If you’re here, you’re part of our community and we’re so glad you’re here. We’re here to show you it’s possible. No matter what you’re writing, your work as a writer has value.

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

Elizabeth chats with Allison Lau, a ghostwriter and developmental editor for memoir and mission-driven nonfiction, about the memoir writing process and Allison’s love for helping writers discover their voice and the story that’s meant to be on the page.

It’s a conversation that takes you deep into the memoir process and the value of inviting a developmental editor along with you. It’s a beneficial partnership for all writers to have a trustworthy set of eyes on your work. You can get so close and lost in your own work that you miss the details and pieces that connect with a reader.

There’s no doubt it can feel incredibly scary to open yourself up to sharing your writing. Memoir, especially, is so deeply personal and it can take a lot to find someone you trust. After listening to this week’s episode, it just might be Allison Lau. You’ll find her to be so genuine and deeply passionate about the work she does. It’ll feel like you’re listening to a dear friend as you dive into her conversation with Elizabeth.

If you aren’t familiar with the different types of editors, this is an opportunity to understand the role of a developmental editor in your writing journey. When you hire a developmental editor, you’re looking for someone who will help you mold and shape your story. It’s not the person pulling out the red pen to mark up every inch of your work. That would be your line editor and these days it’s usually not the red pen but comments in the margins on your Word doc.

So, there’s really nothing to stress about when hiring a developmental editor. It’s someone who has your best interest at heart, and if you’re not feeling this then you’re not working with the right person. You want to feel like you’re sitting down with a dear friend. Your writing is important to you and finding someone who can help shape it into the best possible story for readers will be incredibly beneficial.

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads