For Women who Write

What does it really take to write and publish a book? In this honest and vulnerable behind-the-scenes episode, Mikaela Mathews shares an update on her book-writing journey, from navigating developmental edits and making major structural changes to discovering her authentic writing voice.

Mikaela opens up about the unexpected emotional challenges of writing a book, including imposter syndrome, shame narratives, and the temptation to hide when creative work starts to feel vulnerable. She shares how she has learned to recognize these thoughts, challenge the beliefs holding her back, and keep moving forward even when the process feels difficult.

Listeners will discover why writing a book is about more than outlining, structure, and craft. It is also about who they become along the way. Whether they are just beginning to write, have stepped away from a book project, or are working toward publication, Mikaela offers encouragement and practical insight for navigating the messy middle of the creative process.

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Why understanding the difference between a big-idea book and a how-to book can transform the writing process.
• How to find an authentic writing voice instead of trying to sound more authoritative or profound.
• Why shame and imposter syndrome often surface when pursuing meaningful creative goals.
• How to identify unhelpful thoughts, respond with compassion, and build a strategy for moving forward.
• Why the emotional growth that happens while writing a book can be just as meaningful as the finished manuscript.

Writing a book isn't always easy, but the hard moments can be where the most meaningful growth happens. Mikaela reminds aspiring authors that their stories matter, their ideas are worth pursuing, and the uphill climb toward publication can be worth every step.

What if the biggest problem with your book isn’t that you don’t have enough to say, but that you have too much?

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela Mathews sits down with Alix and Emily of Intentional Impact Studio to talk about the fascinating overlap between writing a book and designing a course.

Because whether you're writing a book, creating a course, or coaching someone one-on-one, your job isn't simply to give people information. It's to take them somewhere.

Alix and Emily break down the principles of learning design and share how to create a clear transformation for your reader or learner—from where they are now to where you want them to be.

Together, we talk about:

• Why being an expert doesn't automatically mean you know how to teach your expertise
• How to start with the transformation instead of starting with chapters
• Why you need to know both where your reader is starting and where they're going
• How to decide what belongs in your book—and what needs to be cut
• Why frameworks can be powerful (and when a cute acronym actually gets in the way)
• How to know if your book or course is trying to tackle too much
• Why exercises and reflection questions should actually contribute to the learning
• How quick wins and milestones keep readers moving forward
• The surprising similarities between a book, a course, and a coaching program
• How to think about your book as a transformation journey—not just a collection of information

If you're a coach, consultant, speaker, or expert with a book inside you, this conversation will help you think differently about what it means to teach through your book.

Your reader doesn't need everything you know. They need the right things, in the right order, to help them get where they're trying to go.

In this episode of For Women Who Write, certified writing coach, editor, and self-publishing expert Mikaela Mathews breaks down some of the biggest myths surrounding self-publishing. With years of experience helping women write, publish, and grow their books, Mikaela explains why self-publishing is no longer the “lesser” option it was once considered.

Mikaela tackles two common misconceptions: that self-publishing will hurt an author’s chances of landing a traditional publishing deal and that self-published authors won’t be taken seriously. She explores how self-publishing can actually open doors to traditional publishing, why readers care more about the quality and impact of a book than who published it, and what authors can do to establish credibility.

From writing an excellent, reader-focused book and investing in a professional cover to building word-of-mouth referrals, pursuing bestseller status, and gathering reviews, Mikaela shares practical ways authors can take their work seriously without falling into perfectionism.

Whether you’re considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or simply trying to figure out which path is right for your goals, this episode will help you understand your options and move forward with greater confidence.

Interested in learning about the difference in self vs traditional publishing? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2554056/episodes/18169113

Click here for a strategy session: https://mikaelamathews.com/workshop#form-7qox92Hbej

What if the thing you think will restrict your creativity is actually what helps unlock it? In this episode, Mikaela Mathews shares why outlining doesn’t have to mean rigid rules, Roman numerals, or boring middle-school English assignments. Instead, the right structure can give writers the freedom to explore their ideas, go deeper, and make real progress on the book they’ve been thinking about.

Mikaela breaks down how having a few boundaries around an idea can actually make the writing process feel less overwhelming. She also shares why free writing and outlining don’t have to compete with each other—they can work together to help writers get their ideas onto the page and then organize them into a book that truly serves the reader.

Whether a book idea is still living entirely in someone’s head or there are already thousands of words on the page, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the outlining process. An outline doesn’t have to be a set of rules to follow perfectly—it can simply be a guide that helps turn a big idea into a book.

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela Mathews sits down with her friend Erika Millard, a business owner, mom of four, host of the Get Comfy with Numbers podcast, and now, Bible study author.

Erika’s book started with a simple thought: “Someone should write a book about this.”

Then came the realization that maybe she was the one who should write it.

Mikaela and Erika talk about what happened from there—the fear of sharing her writing, finding a structure that made sense, getting helpful feedback, and making time to keep going even when writing doesn’t fit neatly into her schedule.

Erika also shares what her writing process really looks like. Some seasons, the words come easily. Other times, she’s squeezing in a little work at night or on the weekend. Sometimes she sits down to work on the book and barely writes at all.

And that’s okay. The book is still moving forward.

In this episode, they talk about:

• How Erika knew this was a book she needed to write
• What helped her move past the fear of actually starting
• How working through her outline with Mikaela gave her direction and confidence
• Finding time to write when life is already full
• Why a messy first draft is completely normal
• How an outline can help stories and ideas start falling into place
• Erika’s advice for the woman who keeps thinking, “Maybe I should write this”

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect season to write your book, this conversation is a good reminder that the process rarely looks perfect. Sometimes it means writing slowly, finding pockets of time when you can, getting help when you need it, and continuing to take the next step.

What does it actually look like to write a book when you’re raising kids, homeschooling, working, and already have a very full life?

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with her client and friend Alexis, a therapist and mom of three who, not that long ago, was pretty convinced she wasn’t going to write a book.

Now, she’s writing one.

Alexis shares what changed for her, how a Strategy Session helped her realize she didn’t just have one possible book idea (she had several), and why completing an Outline Intensive with Mikaela made the writing process feel so much more doable.

They also talk about what writing looks like in real life.

Some days, Alexis gets an hour of writing done before the rest of her day begins. Other days, she sits in Starbucks for 45 minutes and feels like she has almost nothing to show for it.

There are chapters she can’t stop writing.

There are chapters she keeps avoiding.

And there are plenty of moments when the thoughts creep in: Who am I to write this? Does anyone really need another book about this? What if someone else could say it better?

Mikaela and Alexis talk about all of it—the fear, perfectionism, faith, motherhood, finding time to write, and learning when to push through a difficult chapter and when to give it some space.

Alexis also shares why having a clear outline has mattered so much. Instead of sitting down during a small pocket of writing time and wondering what she should work on, she knows where the book is going and what belongs inside it.

And maybe one of the sweetest parts of the conversation: what started as a book Alexis hoped could someday become part of the legacy she leaves her children is already affecting them. They’re watching their mom write a book—and starting to write stories of their own.

If writing a book feels important to you, but you keep wondering how it could possibly fit into your actual life, this conversation will encourage you.

Mikaela is writing a book.

And even after years of coaching writers, editing manuscripts, and teaching women how to write their books, the process of writing her own has been much messier than she expected.

Her book has changed directions more than once. She’s written a full rough draft she decided not to publish. She resisted outlining. She’s received feedback that made her rethink entire chapters. And she’s still working through the fear that comes with putting her own ideas on the page.

In this episode, Mikaela takes listeners behind the scenes of what writing her book actually looks like right now.

She shares how the idea has changed over the last couple of years, what her editor recently helped her see in the manuscript, and three lessons that have changed the way she approaches writing:

• Why taking longer to write a book doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong
• Why professional, objective feedback matters—even when you know your subject well
• Why structure and a strong outline can save you so much frustration during the drafting process

Mikaela also shares the question she’s asking herself as she works toward publication: Is she slowing down because she’s afraid, or because she’s being wise?

If your book has taken longer than expected, your idea keeps changing, or you’re wondering whether you should keep going, this episode will encourage you to stay with the work.

Your first idea may not be the final book.

Your first outline may not hold.

Your first draft will need work.

Keep going anyway.

You may be closer to the right book than you think.

Marketing your book can feel overwhelming. Do you need thousands of followers? Should you be posting every day? What about Amazon ads? And what happens if your launch doesn’t go as planned?

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with nonfiction book marketing expert Renee Puvvada, founder of Smokin’ Hot Books®, to talk about what actually helps a self-published book sell—and how your book can become a long-term business asset.

Renee knows what it’s like to get it wrong. After failing with four books and losing $20,000, she went on to sell 10,283 copies of a niche nonfiction book in a single year with just 183 Instagram followers. Now, she helps soul-led entrepreneurs turn their self-published books into authority-building, business-growing assets while keeping full rights and royalties.

Together, they talk about:

• Why your ideal reader should shape your marketing strategy from the very beginning
• The five steps Renee used to sell 10,283 copies in Year 1 without a massive social media following
• Why you don’t need thousands of followers—or to post every day—to sell books
• The five elements of an outstanding Amazon listing, and why your Amazon page can be just as valuable for your brand as your Instagram or LinkedIn profile
• How your title, subtitle, cover, and book positioning can make or break sales
• Why beginners often fail on Amazon—and the exact steps to give your book a better chance of succeeding the first time around
• How to build an advanced reader team and generate early reviews
• What to do after your book launch to keep sales moving
• How James Clear sells a copy of Atomic Habits roughly every 15 seconds—and what authors can learn from his podcast strategy
• How to stop overcomplicating book marketing and focus on the strategies that actually move the needle
• Why your book shouldn’t just be a product you launch, but a long-term authority and business-building asset

If you’ve been putting off writing or marketing your book because the process feels overwhelming—or you’re worried that your book won’t sell—this episode will give you a simpler, more strategic way to think about publishing and book marketing.

Want to learn more from Renee?

Visit Smokin’ Hot Books® to learn how to turn your self-published book into an authority-building asset for your business:

http://smokin-hotbooks.com

You can also access Renee’s Substack, where she breaks down how high-level authors like Alex Hormozi and Robert Kiyosaki have succeeded using self-publishing:

Smokin’ Hot Books on Substack

Special offer for For Women Who Write listeners: Get 6 months of free access to the paid tier of Renee’s Substack—a $40 value—using Mikaela’s special link:

Get 6 months free

Connect with Renee:

Instagram: @reneepuvvada
Instagram: @smokinhotbooks

More from Renee:

Author Success

One of the biggest fears aspiring authors face isn't writing a book—it's writing one that feels like every other book on the shelf.

In this episode, Mikaela Mathews explains why so many nonfiction books end up sounding generic and shares a practical approach to creating a book that stands out without trying to reinvent the wheel.

Listeners will learn why originality isn't about finding a completely new idea. It's about bringing a fresh perspective to a conversation that's already happening. Using examples from bestselling nonfiction books, Mikaela shows how successful authors develop a clear point of view, strengthen their message, and write books readers remember.

In this episode, listeners will discover:

• Why so many books feel generic—and how to avoid that trap
• How to find a unique angle for a topic that's already been written about
• A simple exercise for studying other books to clarify your own message
• Why the strongest books contribute to the conversation instead of repeating it
• Practical steps for writing a book that reflects your voice and serves your readers well

Whether someone is just beginning to write or refining an existing idea, this episode offers a clear framework for creating a book with confidence—one that earns its place in the marketplace because it brings something only its author can offer.

Have you been telling yourself you'll write your book when life finally slows down?

Between work, family, business, and everything else on your plate, it can feel like writing a book has to wait for "someday." But what if the issue isn't finding more time—it's learning how to make it?

In this episode, I'm sharing a conversation that started around my own kitchen table and turned into one of the most practical coaching sessions I've had in a while. We'll talk about why so many women feel stuck before they ever begin, the two different ways authors tend to approach writing, and how to figure out which approach fits your current season.

Inside this episode, we'll cover:

• The difference between sprint writers and marathon writers—and why neither is better than the other.
• Why "I don't have time" is often only part of the story.
• A simple schedule audit that can help you create space to write.
• How outlines remove decision fatigue and make writing sessions more productive.
• Small writing habits that help you build momentum, even if you only have 15 minutes.

If you've been waiting for the perfect season to start your book, I hope this episode reminds you that progress isn't built in giant leaps. It's built one writing session at a time.

And if you're ready to stop wondering whether you're writing the right book and want a clear plan before you spend months drafting, I'd love to help. A one-hour Strategy Session is designed to help you clarify your idea, pressure-test your direction, and decide on your next step with confidence.

Cheering for you. You're closer than you think.

What if the book you're meant to write starts with simply putting your thoughts on paper?

In this heartfelt episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with first-time author Shannon to discuss the journey behind her beautiful devotional, Becoming: 30 Days to Becoming a More Present, Peaceful, and Purposeful Mom.

Shannon shares how encouragement from her adult children first planted the seed to write a book, why she spent a year quietly writing without telling anyone, and how God guided every step of the process. Together, she and Mikaela pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to write a book, from overcoming self-doubt and vulnerability to finding structure, refining a message, and preparing for publication.

Whether you're dreaming of writing a devotional, a nonfiction book, or simply wondering if your story is worth sharing, this conversation is full of encouragement, wisdom, and practical insight.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Shannon knew it was time to write her book
• Why writing can be a deeply personal and spiritual journey
• The surprising reason she kept her manuscript a secret for a year
• How a book idea evolved into a 30-day devotional
• The importance of structure when writing a nonfiction book
• What the editing process is really like
• How to move forward even when you feel insecure or unqualified
• Why obedience matters more than perfection

One of the most powerful moments in this conversation is Shannon's reminder that your writing doesn't have to be "good enough" by the world's standards, it simply needs to be faithful to what God has asked you to create.

If you've been feeling the nudge to write, this episode may be exactly the encouragement you need to take the first step.

How do you know if your book is actually any good?

If you've ever asked yourself that question, you're not alone. It's one of the most common fears writers face—but it may not be the question that's really keeping you stuck.

In this episode, we're unpacking what's underneath that question. We'll talk about why seeking constant reassurance never brings the confidence you're hoping for, how fear can shape the way you see your writing, and why no one can guarantee your book's success before it's written.

You'll also learn how to define what a "good" book means for you, why understanding your reader matters more than trying to please everyone, and how to stop waiting for certainty so you can keep moving forward with confidence.

If you've been wondering whether your idea is worth pursuing, I hope this episode helps you ask a better question—one that puts you back in the driver's seat of your writing journey.

If you're ready for personalized guidance as you shape your book, I'd love to help. Strategy Sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on your message, strengthen your book concept, and create a plan you can move forward with confidence.

Click the link in the show notes to learn more and book your Strategy Session.

What happens after you publish your book?

In this inspiring episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela sits down with author, speaker, and former educator Christy Smith to discuss her journey from aspiring writer to published author of It Begins with a Book: An Everyday Guide to Growing Young Readers.

Christy shares how she explored different writing paths, including poetry and children’s stories, before discovering the book she was truly meant to write. Together, she and Mikaela unpack the power of community, the importance of knowing your ideal reader, and how consistent writing habits helped turn a dream into reality.

They also dive into what life has looked like since publication, including podcast appearances, speaking engagements, homeschool events, collaborations with other authors, newsletter growth, and expanded book distribution through major retailers.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your book could create new opportunities, build your platform, or make a lasting impact, this conversation is proof that writing a book can be the beginning of something much bigger.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Christy found the right book idea after feeling stuck
• Why community and coaching played a key role in her writing journey
• The process of structuring a practical nonfiction book for busy parents
• How consistent writing habits helped her finish her manuscript
• What opportunities opened up after publishing her book
• How writing a book strengthened her speaking career
• Why understanding your ideal reader changes everything

Connect with Christy Smith:

Website: christiannewrites.com
Book: It Begins with a Book: An Everyday Guide to Growing Young Readers

AI has quickly become one of the biggest conversations in the writing world. Some writers embrace it. Others want nothing to do with it. So where should it fit into the writing process?

In this episode, I'm sharing my personal thoughts on AI as a book coach, editor, and writer. You'll hear why I believe your stories, experiences, and wisdom are the parts of your book that should never be outsourced, where I think AI can be helpful, and how I've been learning to establish my own limits as this technology continues to grow.

We'll talk about the difference between information and transformation, why your voice matters more than ever, and how to think through AI in a way that aligns with your values as a writer.

If you've been wondering whether AI has a place in your writing process, this conversation will help you think through the question with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela challenges one of the most common beliefs aspiring authors hold: “I’m not a writer.”

If you've ever felt like you aren't creative enough, talented enough, or qualified enough to write a book, this conversation is for you. Mikaela explores how limiting beliefs formed through past experiences, criticism, and self-doubt can keep women from pursuing the book that's been on their hearts for years.

Through personal stories and powerful examples, she reveals why writing isn't about fitting a certain mold or possessing natural talent. Instead, it's about showing up consistently, developing your skills, and embracing the identity of someone who has something meaningful to share.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why the belief “I’m not a writer” may be the biggest obstacle standing between you and your book
• How past experiences can shape your identity—and how to rewrite that narrative
• The difference between being a writer and feeling like a writer
• Why consistency and practice matter more than perfection
• How to redefine “good writing” as creating transformation for your readers
• Practical mindset shifts to help you start writing with more confidence and less fear

If you've been waiting for permission to write your book, this episode is your reminder that writers are simply people who write. Your story matters, your message has value, and the book you dream of writing may be much closer than you think.

What does it really look like to write a book while running businesses, raising children, and managing everyday life?

In this episode, Mikaela sits down with author, marketer, and entrepreneur Miranda Trudeau to talk about the honest realities of writing and launching a book. Miranda shares how she knew it was finally the right season to write her second book, No Place I'd Rather Be, the systems that helped her make progress in small pockets of time, and what it took to successfully launch the book to bestseller status.

Together, they discuss balancing motherhood and creativity, overcoming imposter syndrome, building a launch strategy that feels authentic, and why defining success before you write can change everything.

Whether you're still dreaming about writing your first book or preparing to launch your next one, this conversation will encourage you to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start taking the next step.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to know if it's the right season to write a book
• The difference between "sprint" writers and "marathon" writers
• How to create time for writing in a busy life
• What a successful book launch actually looks like
• Why marketing starts long before launch day
• How to define success for your book beyond sales
• Why your unique perspective matters—even in a crowded market

If you've been waiting for a sign to write the book, this might be it.

In this episode of For Women Who Write, Mikaela answers one of the most important questions aspiring authors face: When should you hire a book coach or editor?

Through a personal story about assembling furniture without following the instructions, Mikaela shares why having the right guidance from the beginning can save writers time, frustration, and unnecessary revisions. She explains the distinct roles of a book coach and an editor, how they support different stages of the writing journey, and why she believes coaching is most valuable at the start of the process.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The difference between a book coach and an editor
• Why early support can strengthen your book's foundation
• Common mistakes writers make when trying to navigate the process alone
• The importance of structure, strategy, and accountability
• How to gain clarity and confidence in your book idea before you start writing

Whether you're still exploring a book idea or already working on a manuscript, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

For more information about Mikaela's one-on-one strategy sessions, check out the links in the show notes.

In this solo episode of For Women Who Write Podcast, Mikaela tackles one of the biggest struggles aspiring authors face: figuring out what to write about.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to write a book, but I don’t know what my book should be about,” or “I have too many ideas and no clarity,” this episode will help you move past the mental block and finally gain direction.

Drawing from both coaching and parenting, Mikaela shares how asking the right questions can move you out of overwhelm, overthinking, and “freeze mode” and into clarity and action.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 7 powerful questions to ask before writing your book
• How to uncover the deeper reason you want to write
• Why anger and frustration can point you toward your strongest message
• How to identify the problem your book is meant to solve
• The difference between a legacy book and a marketplace book
• How to narrow your topic so your message actually stands out
• Why specificity matters if you want readers to find and trust you
• How to know if your book idea has real transformation potential

Whether you’re overflowing with ideas or completely stuck, this episode will help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum toward your book.

Sometimes the breakthrough comes from asking better questions and giving yourself permission to explore the answers honestly.

In this episode of For Women Who Write Podcast, Mikaela sits down with leadership coach and strategist Kristen to talk about the real behind-the-scenes journey of writing and publishing her first book, The Mama Bear Leader: How Human Centered Leadership Can Reimagine the Way We Work.

From navigating self-doubt and stop-start momentum to finding clarity through structure, Kristen shares how she went from “I think I want to write a book” to completing a manuscript that now serves as the foundation of her coaching business and speaking platform.

Together, Mikaela and Kristen dive into:

• How to know if your ideas are meant to become a book
• Why structure and outlining can completely change the writing process
• Balancing writing with motherhood, work, and everyday life
• Using your book to clarify your message and build your brand
• The mindset shifts required to finally finish your manuscript
• What it really feels like to prepare for your first book launch

If you’ve been sitting on a book idea, struggling to organize your thoughts, or wondering whether your story and expertise are “enough,” this conversation will encourage you to keep going.

Because your book doesn’t just change your business — it changes you.

In this live coaching session, Mikaela sits down with nervous system coach and mom of two, Shena Black, to help her narrow down her book idea.

This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the book-writing process as Mikaela coaches Shena through clarifying her book idea, identifying her message, narrowing her audience, and building a transformational framework designed to help overwhelmed moms experience more peace, presence, and confidence in motherhood.