Beyond the Page: Your Year to Write a Book
SHOW NOTES
Featuring: Jennifer Crosswhite and Stephanie Feger
Title: Making ThisYour Year to Write a Book—Motivation, Mindset & the Power of Community
As we step fully into a new year (even if it took a minute for our brains to catch up!), today’s conversation centers on one powerful theme: declaring that this is your year — especially if writing a book has been on your heart.
In this episode, hosts dive into what it truly takes to move from “one day…” to “today’s the day.” With personal stories, real-life chaos (kids sick, weather disasters, mad cats, and broken pipes), and plenty of laughter, Jennifer Crosswhite and host Stephanie unpack the blend of mindset, intention, and community that fuels real writing progress.
Whether you’re working on your manuscript, thinking about a first book, planning two books this year, or exploring the idea of becoming an author at all, this episode offers motivation mixed with practical strategy.
✨ What We Discuss in This Episode
1. Owning Your Decision to Write a Book
Before outlining, brainstorming, or setting goals, authors must make the most important choice of all:
Do you really want to do this—and are you ready to own that intention?
We explore how clarity empowers progress and why the decision to move forward is the actual starting line.
2. The Law of Exposure (What You Consume Shapes You)
From podcasts and books to social feeds and peer circles, what you surround yourself with influences your creativity, confidence, and consistency.
Jennifer and Stephanie share how intentional consumption—uplifting content, craft-focused resources, positive communities—helps silence imposter syndrome and fuels steady progress.
3. Building Community That Supports Your Writing Goals
Writers thrive in community. Whether that’s an online group, a writing partner, a coach, or a circle of supportive peers, community normalizes the process, creates accountability, and makes the work less lonely.
Jennifer shares insights about her writing community and how connection keeps authors moving forward.
4. Practical Steps to Start Writing (Even When Life Is Chaotic)
— The power of micro-habits (yes, even 2 minutes a day!)
— Breaking a book into manageable “bites”
— Why perfect circumstances don’t exist
— How to use small actions to build momentum
5. Recommended Books & Podcasts for Writers
- Atomic Habits (James Clear)
- Beyond the Page podcast (Jennifer Crosswhite and Stephanie Feger)
- Eat the Elephant (Jennifer Crosswhite)
- They Ask, You Answer (Marcus Sheridan)
- Make Your Author Impact (Stephanie Feger)
- Podcasts: Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn, “Wish I’d Known Then” podcast, and The Empowered Author Podcast
📝 Episode Quote Highlights
- “One day is not a date on the calendar.”
- “You become what you’re exposed to.”
- “If you’re going to fail, fail forward.”
- “The perfect time is never going to come. But the next right step is always available.”
🌟 FAQ
Q: How do I start writing a book when I feel overwhelmed?
Start small. Two minutes a day of idea-jotting or outlining begins building momentum. Break your project into micro-steps to avoid burnout.
Q: What if imposter syndrome is stopping me from writing?
Shift your exposure. Surround yourself with supportive communities, authors, podcasts, and books that reinforce your belief in your message.
Q: How important is community when writing a book?
Critical. Community provides accountability, encouragement, insight, and understanding—especially when writing feels lonely.
Q: Do I need perfect circumstances to start writing?
No. Life will always be chaotic. Progress happens when you choose to begin even in imperfect seasons.
Q: What resources help new authors build confidence?
Books like Atomic Habits, Eat the Elephant, and Make Your Author Impact, along with author-focused podcasts and writing groups, are invaluable.
