What If? For Authors

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles a common question for writers: what if I know what to do but just can’t get myself to do it? Whether you're struggling to finish a book series, start a new project, or make a business decision, the problem might not be a lack of discipline or motivation. Claire explores the deeper reasons we resist taking action, from following advice that doesn't actually align with our needs to holding onto projects we've outgrown, lacking essential resources, or confronting fears that make moving forward feel unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why the thing you think you should do might not actually be right for you How holding onto old projects and expectations can prevent new opportunities Why letting go of a creative dream sometimes requires a period of grief How limited time, energy, money, or emotional support can create legitimate barriers to action What the window of tolerance is and how it affects your ability to handle discomfort The difference between healthy discomfort, hyperarousal, and hypoarousal How each Enneagram type can identify its particular patterns of avoidance, resistance, and fear When support from a friend, coach, or therapist might help you move forward Resources Mentioned Sustain Your Author Career https://books2read.com/SYAC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working? Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores one of the main character-development problems writers face: What if I don't know my antagonist? Claire breaks down the true purpose of an antagonist and, using the Enneagram, shows how understanding your protagonist can help you identify the kind of antagonist who will create the most compelling conflict. In This Episode, You’ll Learn What an antagonist's actual job is in a story Why your antagonist doesn't have to be a villain How the clash between protagonist and antagonist creates narrative energy Why you need to understand your protagonist before choosing an antagonist How the Enneagram can help you identify the right antagonist for your story How a character's core fears can reveal the conflict they most need to face How different Enneagram types interact and trigger one another When using the same Enneagram type for protagonist and antagonist can work Why certain character pairings may struggle to create the conflict required by specific tropes The three possible outcomes of protagonist-antagonist conflict: defeat, overcoming, and integration How to use your antagonist to push your protagonist toward growth Questions to ask when you're stuck trying to figure out who your antagonist should be Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire revisits the question from the podcast’s inaugural episode in 2024 through the lens of 2026: “What if I hate social media?” Nearly a year after leaving social media, Claire shares what actually changed in her business, creative life, and relationships. She explores why many authors stay on platforms they dislike and how to evaluate whether social media is genuinely serving your goals. Rather than encouraging a dramatic exit, Claire offers a thoughtful framework for deciding whether it's time to stay, leave, or build something better. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How to evaluate whether or not a social media platform is actually helping your author career Why enjoying a platform matters more than just maintaining a presence Why automating endless content isn't necessarily selling books The importance of building community and social connection outside of the internet How leaving social media can create more space for creativity, friendship, and attention Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the question, “What if I don’t know how to rest?” Many writers live with a constant sense of being behind. Claire unpacks why this feeling persists even when we work harder, and how fear-based productivity patterns can make genuine rest feel unsafe. Using the Enneagram, Claire examines the beliefs that keep each type pushing past their limits, and offers practical ways to identify what kind of rest you actually need. If you’ve been struggling with chronic exhaustion, this episode provides a framework for building a healthier relationship with rest. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why feeling perpetually behind is often a mindset problem, not a productivity problem How unrealistic expectations create chronic stress and burnout The fear-based beliefs that keep each Enneagram type overworking How to identify whether your head, heart, body, or soul is exhausted How five-minute breaks can become the foundation for deeper, more sustainable rest Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explains the deeper patterns behind chronic overcommitment, and the internal wounds that drive us to take on more than we realistically can. Claire breaks down the distinction between having too much to do (often due to systemic pressures) and taking on too much (a pattern driven by fear and unconscious beliefs). Using the Enneagram, she explores how each type overextends themselves, and why letting go can feel unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Learn The difference between systemic overload vs. self-driven overcommitment How overworking can be a form of emotional overcompensation The concept of antisocial vs. pro-social effort in your author life How guilt can show up when you start breaking old patterns Why disappointing others can be necessary for growth Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!

Claire announces open registration for her author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and register by May 22nd at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati . Happy Writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores why building and maintaining community can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable skill for authors who want a sustainable career. From the push-pull tension between individual needs and group dynamics to the deeply ingrained patterns that make connection difficult, Claire breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when we “struggle with community.” Using the Enneagram, she highlights the unconscious behaviors that can quietly sabotage relationships—and how to begin shifting them. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, avoided author groups, or only reached out when you needed something… this episode offers a compassionate but honest look at what it takes to build real, mutually supportive connections. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why community is becoming an essential skill for authors (not just a “nice to have”) The hidden cost of trying to “go it alone” in your writing career Why community must be built before you urgently need it The difference between connection and extraction in author relationships How the tension between self vs. others shows up in every community Why avoiding conflict actually weakens connection How ego (your protective armor) interferes with meaningful relationships Why accountability is an act of care—not punishment Practical Reflection Questions Do I tend to prioritize my needs or others’ needs in community? Where do I avoid conflict instead of engaging with it? Do I only seek connection when I need something? What patterns might I be bringing into relationships unconsciously? Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters Claire’s guide to using the Enneagram for character development → books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Website) Coaching, courses, and resources for authors → liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform—it helps other authors find the show Share this episode with a writer who’s navigating community challenges Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life Your support helps keep these conversations going—and supports a more connected, sustainable writing community. Happy writing!

Claire announces her upcoming author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and join the waitlist at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati .

Episode Description In this craft-focused episode of What If For Authors, Claire breaks down one of the most common storytelling anxieties writers face: getting stuck on the ending. A satisfying resolution isn’t just nice to have; it’s the moment where readers discover whether all the promises your story made actually pay off. Claire shares a practical troubleshooting framework she uses with authors to diagnose why an ending isn’t landing and how to fix it. Using the Enneagram as a tool for understanding character motivation and conflict, she walks through four key questions that can help you reconnect your plot, theme, and character arcs, so your ending lands with the impact your story deserves. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How the Enneagram can clarify character motivations and story dynamics Why understanding both the protagonist and antagonist is crucial to resolving your plot How identifying your story’s central theme can guide the resolution The three layers of conflict every powerful ending resolves: Philosophical (beliefs and worldview) Emotional (feelings and internal struggle) Physical (actions and external obstacles) Why the most satisfying endings resolve all three layers at once The importance of letting your protagonist make an active choice in the final moment Resources Mentioned Iconic Five-Star Endings Course Learn Claire’s full framework for crafting powerful endings. Visit: liberatedwriter.com/courses Write Iconic Relationships (Upcoming Book) Explore Enneagram relationship dynamics between every pairing of types. Search “Write Iconic Relationships” on Kickstarter and click Notify Me on Launch. Write Iconic Characters Claire’s guide to building unforgettable characters using the Enneagram. Available at major retailers or: books2read.com/WIC Story Alignment Sessions One-on-one troubleshooting for your manuscript. Book a session at liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer on Substack Weekly essays on storytelling, the writing life, and the publishing industry. Support the Show If this episode helped you solve a storytelling problem or gave you new ideas for your manuscript, here are a few ways you can support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Reviews help other authors discover the show. Share the episode with a friend who might be wrestling with their ending. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack (free or paid) at Liberated Writer to receive deeper essays on craft, the author life, and the industry. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the question many writers whisper (or shout) during overwhelm: What if my book isn’t important? She breaks down why this feeling often has less to do with your talent or discipline and more to do with nervous system overload, attention hijacking, and the way “importance” becomes relative when everything feels urgent. Claire explains how to tell the difference between a book that truly isn’t important to you anymore… and a book that is important, but has been drowned out by noise, fear, and impossible expectations. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why overwhelm can make your creative brain “close up shop” How hyperarousal (anxiety, rage, panic) and hypoarousal (freeze, fog, dissociation) sabotage focus Why “my story doesn’t matter” is often a nervous-system message, not a truth Three paths forward when your book feels unimportant: Reduce threatening noise Create a writing warm-up ritual to re-enter the story Consider whether the book truly isn’t important right now (and what freedom that offers) How to make a story feel more important by increasing relevance and emotional resonance The difference between “important,” “special,” “useful,” “successful,” and “safe” How each Enneagram type can misread “this isn’t important” as a coping mechanism Resources & Links Claire’s offerings: liberatedwriter.com Write Iconic Characters: books2read.com/WIC Claire on Substack: liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode helped you reconnect with meaning (or at least stop beating yourself up), please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with an author friend who’s feeling overwhelmed. Happy writing!

Episode Description: Many authors are doing everything right—publishing consistently, running promotions, chasing algorithms, investing in tools—and still can’t seem to get ahead financially. The books break even. The sales spike and disappear. The stress never really lets up. In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire Taylor addresses a painful but essential question: What if struggling to get ahead isn’t a personal failure—but the predictable result of broken systems? Using the Enneagram as a framework for liberation (not self-blame), Claire explores why productivity hacks, discipline fixes, virality, and AI tools often function as promising distractions rather than real solutions. She unpacks how dominant cultural narratives—bootstrapping, meritocracy, savior myths, and algorithmic “neutrality”—keep authors exhausted, isolated, and blaming themselves instead of questioning the systems designed to extract their time, money, and attention. This episode is not about giving up. It’s about reclaiming agency, and choosing paths that reduce suffering, build solidarity, and support sustainable creative lives—on human terms. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why struggling financially as an author is not a moral or personal failure How the Enneagram helps distinguish inner work from systemic harm What “promising distractions” are—and how they keep authors trapped Why algorithms, ads, and platforms are not neutral or merit-based How savior-seeking keeps people exploitable and disempowered The hidden cost of tying hope to virality, productivity, or being “chosen” How internalized cultural narratives quietly sabotage creativity and wellbeing What genuine agency, community, and non-extractive alternatives can look like Why stepping back from writing (temporarily or permanently) is not shameful Key Takeaways: You are not broken—and you were never failing Many author systems are designed to extract, not sustain Optimization does not equal liberation Hope does not come from being saved—it comes from collective agency Building community is a radical act in an extractive industry Anger can be alchemized into clarity, solidarity, and action Resources & Links: Learn more about Claire’s coaching, courses, and books: liberatedwriter.com Write Iconic Characters: books2read.com/WIC Happy writing!

Episode Description In times of economic uncertainty, industry upheaval, and personal burnout, it can feel impossible to imagine a hopeful future—especially as an author whose dreams are often tied to outcomes beyond their control. In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles one of the hardest questions writers face: What if there’s no hope? Drawing on the Enneagram, existential psychology, and real-world author experience, Claire reframes hope not as an emotion or a promised outcome—but as a courageous choice we make, even (and especially) when things feel bleak. This episode is an invitation to loosen cynicism’s grip, detach hope from specific results, and rediscover the kind of hope that sustains creativity, value-based decisions, and long-term resilience—regardless of what the market, algorithms, or economy are doing. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why outcome-dependent hope inevitably collapses—and what to replace it with How losing hope shows up differently for each Enneagram type Why cynicism feels protective but quietly drains your creative life How privilege shapes our relationship to hope and “proof” What sustainable, outcome-independent hope actually looks like in practice Why you don’t need to feel hopeful to choose hope Small, concrete ways authors choose hope every day (often without realizing it) How writing itself can be an act of hope—for yourself and for others Key Takeaways: Hope is not a reward for good outcomes—it’s a prerequisite for meaningful action You can choose hope even when you’re tired, burned out, or unsure Small choices (rest, water, boundaries, honesty) are legitimate acts of hope Stories matter precisely because they imagine possibilities beyond present conditions Resources & Links: Learn more about Claire’s coaching, courses, and books: liberatedwriter.com Write Iconic Characters: books2read.com/WIC Happy writing!

Episode Description: Being an author means navigating an endless maze of decisions — creative decisions, business decisions, financial decisions, social decisions — and at some point, all of us hit a wall where everything feels murky. The next step isn’t clear. The “right” answer seems to flicker between yes and no. And the longer we sit in that limbo, the more everything stalls. In this episode, Claire explores the anatomy of doubt: why we freeze, why uncertainty feels so emotionally loaded, and why some types (hello, Loyalists) live close to doubt every day while others completely unravel the moment they encounter it. If you’re stuck in doubt about your writing, career, or next steps — this episode gives you tools to reclaim clarity and reconnect with your inner authority. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why doubt is a human condition, not a character flaw The difference between not having enough information and being afraid to act How impatience, overthinking, or rushing toward certainty can backfire What “polarity” conflicts are and why they make some decisions feel impossible How losing trust in your inner authority derails decision-making Why burnout makes even simple choices feel overwhelming How to check in with your head, heart, and body to get clear on your next step Key questions that help you break out of the doubt spiral and move forward Key Takeaway: Doubt isn’t always a stop sign — sometimes it’s a signal to slow down, sometimes a nudge to reevaluate your values, and sometimes a warning that your nervous system is overwhelmed. But no matter the cause, you can learn to disentangle the noise, reconnect with your inner authority, and make decisions that honor who you are now. Support the Show: If today’s episode helped you breathe a little easier in the face of uncertainty, share it with another writer who might need it too. You can explore Claire’s courses, coaching, and books at liberatedwriter.com , including her newest release, Write Iconic Characters, available now through major retailers. Access the transcript here . Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire unpacks the hidden dynamics behind creative inertia. She explores why we freeze at the starting line, how to tell if it’s a sign of fear, exhaustion, or wisdom, and what to do when you can’t seem to move forward—no matter how hard you try. You’ll learn how to distinguish between procrastination and protection, why shame and “tough love” don’t actually help, and how to use curiosity and compassion to get yourself unstuck. With insight from the Enneagram, Claire also explores how each type experiences this resistance differently—and how you can build gentle, practical structures to help yourself begin again. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why struggling to start isn’t laziness—it’s information How to tell if your resistance is a pattern or a novelty, and why that matters What “body doubling” is, and how it can help Enneagram Nines build momentum How each Enneagram type tends to resist getting started (and what to do about it) Why friction can be a good sign for naturally fast starters How to check whether your resistance is fear, intuition, or simply exhaustion A powerful exercise to check in with your head, heart, and body centers before beginning What it really means to act courageously—even when the fear doesn’t go away Takeaway Challenge: Next time you can’t seem to get started, pause the shame spiral and turn to curiosity. Ask: Is this fear? Fatigue? A sign to pause? Then, listen to what your head, heart, and body have to say. If it’s still something worth doing, plan for courage—don’t wait for the fear to disappear first. Support the Show: If this episode helped you see your resistance in a new light, please share it with another author who might need to hear it too. You can also support What If For Authors by leaving a review wherever you listen—it helps more writers find the show. Want to explore these ideas more deeply? Visit liberatedwriter.com for Claire’s courses, coaching, and books on building a sustainable author career in uncertain times. Access the transcript here . Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the nuanced relationship between ambition, fear, and contentment. What if your ambition isn’t really gone… but simply changing shape? With insight, humor, and plenty of hard truths, Claire unpacks how ambition often gets tangled up with fear—fear of worthlessness, fear of missing out, fear of falling behind—and how that mislabeling can make us think we’re “losing” something essential. She offers a reframing that helps authors understand the difference between fear-fueled ambition and hope-fueled ambition, and how to build a healthier, more sustainable drive in your creative career. If you’ve ever thought, “I used to be so motivated—what happened to me?” this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: The surprising truth about how ambition and contentment actually support each other Why ambition doesn’t have to feel like a fire under your ass How fear disguises itself as ambition (especially for Enneagram Threes and Sevens) Why tying ambition to outcomes you can’t control leads to burnout How to distinguish between “fear-driven” and “hope-driven” ambition A practical way to reframe self-talk so ambition feels energizing, not punishing Why practicing contentment won’t kill your ambition—it may save it Takeaway Challenge: Ask yourself: What would I find deeply gratifying to create—even if no one praised me for it? Sit with that answer. Notice how different it feels from fear-driven goals. Then, practice shifting one piece of your ambition toward hope, curiosity, or joy, instead of fear. Support the Show: If this episode helped you reimagine ambition in a healthier way, share it with another author who might need it too. You can also support the show by leaving a review wherever you listen—it makes a big difference in helping other writers find this resource. Want more support? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, workshops, and books for building a sustainable, liberated writing career. Access the transcript here . Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire asks the question: What if I’m a perfectionist? She breaks down the myth of “perfect,” explores how each Enneagram type approaches perfectionism differently, and offers practical ways to challenge the illusion of control that perfectionism creates. If you’ve ever stalled out because your draft “wasn’t good enough,” obsessed over tiny details at the expense of joy, or secretly feared that one mistake could ruin everything—you’ll find both relief and encouragement in this conversation. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the concept of “perfection” is made up—and how that realization can set you free How idealism (a beautiful quality) can twist into painful perfectionism The hidden childhood lessons that might have taught you mistakes weren’t safe Why perfectionism doesn’t produce perfect books—it produces stuck authors How each Enneagram type disguises perfectionism in its own way Why publishing a book will always feel vulnerable (and why that’s good news) A simple practice to start loosening perfectionism’s grip today Takeaway Challenge: Make one mistake on purpose this week—and leave it there. Whether it’s leaving a typo in a draft, breaking one of your own “rules,” or letting something slide without fixing it, notice what happens. Is it really the catastrophe your perfectionism promised? Or is it… nothing at all? Support the Show: If this episode gave you permission to breathe a little deeper, please share it with another author who could use the same relief. You can also support the show by leaving a review wherever you listen—it helps more perfectionist authors find their way here. Want to go deeper? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, and books designed to help authors thrive without perfectionism weighing them down. Access the transcript here . Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode, Claire dives headfirst into a topic that feels especially timely in a chaotic world and unpredictable industry: the craving for certainty. What if you need to know how something will turn out before you take the risk? What if uncertainty keeps you frozen, anxious, or constantly second-guessing your choices? With equal parts humor and wisdom (and a little sleep deprivation), Claire explores how our brains seek certainty for safety, how this impulse shows up differently for each Enneagram type, and how clinging to certainty can actually keep us stuck. She offers a powerful mindset shift that helps authors stop grasping for guarantees and start building confidence in their own resilience. If you've ever thought, “If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’ll do,” this episode gives you practical tools to turn that fear into forward momentum. In this episode, you'll learn: Why certainty is so alluring—and how it tricks us into playing small How each Enneagram type tends to seek certainty in their creative work The danger of mistaking plans or perfectionism for actual security What a “toolbox” of internal resources is, and how to build yours How to shift your mindset from “I need this to work” to “I’ll figure it out either way” Why failure hurts—but doesn’t have to stop you How your rebounding process can become a source of self-respect Takeaway Challenge: Inventory your “toolbox.” What inner resources, skills, support systems, and past experiences remind you that you’ve handled hard things before? Add to it regularly. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing the future—it comes from trusting that you’ll know what to do when the future arrives. Support the Show: If this episode helped you see uncertainty in a new light, please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and sharing it with your author friends. Want more guidance? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, and books for authors navigating the wild world of publishing with purpose. Access the transcript here . Happy writing—and yes, you can handle the bad parts.

Episode Description: In this special bonus episode, Claire shares practical, story-focused advice for one of the most common (and frustrating) issues writers face: not knowing their protagonist. Whether your main character feels flat, unmotivated, or like a stranger you just can’t crack, this episode offers a clear path forward—with help from the Enneagram, of course. Claire explains how understanding your protagonist’s core fear and desire can unlock their behavior, clarify their voice, and get your story moving again. She also walks you through the process of choosing the right Enneagram type for your character, using concrete examples to show how motivation drives everything from plot to emotional depth. Plus, she shares an exciting update about her new book, Write Iconic Characters, and its currently-running Kickstarter campaign! In this episode, you'll learn: Why some protagonists “refuse” to follow the plot—and how to fix it How to use Enneagram types to shape character motivation What to do when you’ve blended multiple Enneagram types by accident The simplest way to start creating a protagonist who feels authentic Why writing your own Enneagram type can actually be a storytelling superpower How to reverse-engineer your protagonist based on your story world or theme What to do if your usual character-building methods aren’t working Back the Write Iconic Characters Kickstarter (ends Aug 8): https://liberatedwriter.com/kickstarter Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Access the transcript here . Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode, Claire explores why so many authors hate networking (hint: it’s not because you’re antisocial), how the Enneagram can reveal the hidden gifts you bring to any professional community, and why deep, meaningful connections—not surface-level ones—are the real magic behind sustainable author careers. Whether you’re a conference avoider, an online lurker, or someone who thinks they’re just bad at making friends, this episode is packed with practical advice, gentle encouragement, and some hard-won insights about what it takes to build a network that actually feeds you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why many authors resist networking—and how to gently shift that mindset How your Enneagram type may influence your relationship with connection The difference between transactional vs. transformational networks Tips for building relationships that don’t feel forced or fake What to do if you're socially anxious, neurodivergent, or easily overwhelmed Simple strategies to start (or deepen) meaningful author connections Takeaway Challenge: Reach out to one person in the writing industry you like but haven’t spoken to in a while. Just say hi. Ask how they’re doing. That’s it. That’s networking. Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Access the transcript here . Happy Writing!