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!