Edit Your Life: Making Space for Creativity - with Elisabeth McKetta
Have you ever felt like your life is too cluttered to make space for your writing? Do you wonder if there's a simpler way to live that would free up your creative energy? Well, this month’s guest and I talk about all of this - and so much more!
Elisabeth McKetta is a storyteller and the author of thirteen books across genres, including "Edit Your Life" (2023). Her work includes numerous published poems, and she delivered the TEDx Boise talk, "Edit Your Life Like a Poem."
Elisabeth holds degrees in literature from Harvard (B.A.), Georgetown (M.A.) and the University of Texas at Austin (Ph.d.). Her doctoral dissertation explored the fascinating intersections between memoir and myth, a concept that continues to inform her teaching, writing, and her entire approach to viewing the world.
She currently teaches for the Harvard Extension School Writing Program and Oxford University's Diploma in Creative Writing, and mentors a select group of writers each year through the Book Year Writers' Circle.
During our brilliant conversation, Elisabeth and I explore the concept of editing not just our writing, but our lives to create space for creativity and purpose.
We discuss:
The natural back-and-forth between creative seasons and the practical, business side of a writer's life
How simplifying our lives—from our living spaces to our commitments—can free us to focus on what truly matters - including how she and her family made a radical decision to downsize from their large American house to a tiny 375-square-foot backyard structure that was originally built as her writing shed!
Finding your personal creative rhythm and the courage to follow it, even when it goes against what everyone else is doing
The power of small, consistent writing practices (even just 30 minutes a day) versus the myth of needing endless hours
How dealing with other people's reactions when making big life changes can actually help us get clearer on what we really want
I genuinely cannot wait for you to listen to this honest and insightful conversation about creating a life that supports your writing and creativity - it is, quite honestly, remarkable. Enjoy!
Connect with Elisabeth and her books:
Edit Your Life book
Website
Further resources from me
My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
Connect with Steph:
Website: https://stephcaswell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon
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1:08:42
Mapping Your Reader's Journey
Writing a book without really knowing your reader’s journey is a bit of an insult to them - and can be THE thing that means they finish your book and love it… or they don’t.
When you’re writing, sometimes you’re so wrapped up in what YOU want to write about that you almost forget the reader exists.
Now I’m pretty confident you’re not like that. But it’s easy to slip into writing a book without considering exactly how you'll take the reader on a journey of transformation and change. You’re brimming with ideas and knowledge; you just want to get it down on the page.
And I get that. I really do.
But before you write, you have to get a clear idea of your reader and their journey. Not only does it make the book far more helpful for them to read, but it also makes it a lot easier for you to write, too.
In this RE-RELEASED episode, you’ll learn:
Why emotions have a MASSIVE impact on whether your reader will pick up your book - as well as some examples of books I’ve recently read for this exact reason!
The three stages of your reader’s journey that you must consider when planning your book’s structure and why!
A simple yet powerful activity that can help you put yourself in your reader’s shoes and consider the outcome you want them to have after reading your book.
And so much more!
Your reader MUST be at the heart of your book - it makes all the difference between a book that someone reads once and never opens again - and one that changes their life. So let’s get to know them and help them in the best way possible.
I hope you enjoy listening!
Further resources:
Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join are here
My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.
Connect with Steph:
Website: https://stephcaswell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!
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18:08
Mind the (Authority) Gap: Why Women's Expertise Belongs in Books
Ever felt like you've hit a ceiling in your business? Like you know you're an expert, but somehow you're not reaching the right people or making the impact you know you're capable of?
In this episode, I share a recent conversation with one of my brilliant authors that sparked a major realisation about why we write books and what's really holding women back from claiming their expertise.
I explore:
Why wanting "more" in your business isn't selfish - it's about creating more space, clarity, visibility, and weight behind your expertise
The frustrating reality of the "authority gap" for women - the space between our expertise and how seriously we're taken
Why so many brilliant women hold back and play small, feeling like they need "just one more qualification" before they can claim their space as an author
How writing a book isn't about becoming an expert - you already ARE the expert - it's about helping everyone else catch up with that fact
Why your book becomes the essential tool that opens doors to speaking gigs, higher-paying clients, media opportunities, and bigger platforms
The truth is, we can't wait for permission to share our expertise. We are the generation breaking through that ceiling with our words, our knowledge, and our books.
If you're tired of playing small and ready to level up, stop shouting into the void, and call in the right people, this episode is your kick up the bum to finally claim the space that only you can fill.
Because while the system might have taught us to stay quiet and wait to be discovered, that's not how visibility works. Your book is the vehicle that helps you control your future and close that authority gap once and for all.
I hope you enjoy listening.
Further resources from me
Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join are here
My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.
Connect with Steph:
Website: https://stephcaswell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!
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35:42
Book Marketing: The Ultimate Guide - with Melanie Herschorn
Is your book working as hard for your business as it should be? In this episode, I talk with book marketing strategist Melanie Herschorn about turning your expertise into a powerful authority-building tool.
Melanie wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. A publisher and book marketing strategist for attorneys, wealth consultants, and business owners worldwide, she's on a mission to empower authors to share their message with the world.
With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, clothing designer, and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors in stepping into thought leadership and making a big impact with their book.
During our conversation, Melanie and I chat about:
How her journalism background became her secret weapon - distilling client conversations into clarity without the fluff
Why your book needs your unique stories - because in a world of AI-generated content, your personal experiences are what truly connect with readers
Why consistency is the "granny panties of book marketing" - not sexy, but it's what actually keeps everything together
The art of avoiding "launch trauma" by planning your marketing well before publication day, when you're already exhausted from the writing process
Navigating the publishing industry with your eyes open to avoid the companies that promise the moon but deliver considerably less
How your book can become a springboard to opportunities far beyond book sales - from speaking engagements to unexpected connections
This was such a fantastic conversation - I know it’ll give you plenty to think about when it comes to marketing your book successfully. Big thanks to Melanie for her time.
Hope you enjoy listening!
Connect with Melanie and her book:
Make a Big Impact with Your Book (Melanie’s book)
Website
LinkedIn
Further resources from me
My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website.
Connect with Steph:
Website: https://stephcaswell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform:
Apple Spotify Amazon
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56:35
Why Is Writing a Book So Hard?
Ever found yourself slumped over your laptop, cursing the day you ever thought writing a book was a good idea? You're not alone.
Writing a book is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do - and there's a reason why most people who start one never finish. But why exactly is it so damn hard?
In this episode, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of book writing and why we find ourselves wanting to throw our laptops out the window on a regular basis.
I explore:
The emotional side of writing that we rarely talk about – and why focusing only on the practical stuff sets us up for a nasty surprise
Why being a "beginner" at something feels so uncomfortable (and why I'm still a total beginner at mystery writing, despite having written eight non-fiction books)
How our unrealistic expectations and high standards can turn the writing process into a special kind of torture
Why the "shitty first draft" is not just allowed but necessary – and why comparing your first draft to published books is a recipe for despair
How our modern inability to be bored or do challenging things for sustained periods makes writing feel even harder
Why breaking down your book into small, manageable chunks rather than thinking about "50,000 words" can save your sanity
The importance of finding your tribe so you don't have to shoulder all those writing emotions alone
The truth is, writing a book will still feel tough at times – no magic wand makes the challenging bits disappear. But understanding why it feels so difficult can help you be kinder to yourself through the process. The peaks and troughs are par for the course, so let’s be ready to tackle them, eh?
If you’re ready to embrace the messy, frustrating, occasionally incredible journey of writing your book, listen to discover why it's normal to find writing hard and how to push through anyway.
Because while writing a book is challenging, it's also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do for yourself and your business.
Further resources from me
Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here
My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.
Connect with Steph:
Website: https://stephcaswell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!
If you're writing a non-fiction or business book, The Creating Happy Writers Podcast is here to inspire, educate and empower you with the tools you need to make your writing journey a happy and successful one.
Each week, we dive into what it takes to write and publish a book in your niche that will not only help you become a go-to expert but also one you can be truly proud of.
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