Picture the cursor blinking like a judgmental metronome while you scroll for the perfect air-fryer accessory you’ll never use…

In this episode, I dive into confessions from authors including Will Dean and Alison Stockham on their writing torments, answers listener questions on building confidence and structuring chapters, and chat with award-winning poet, novelist, and coach Sophie Hannah about the psychology of procrastination. Plus, book blogger Bookaholic Bex recommends a quirky family drama debut.

Together, explore the highs and lows of the creative grind, from gloomy winter slumps to rediscovering library magic, all while sharing practical tools for getting unstuck.

What You’ll Learn

- Confidence Builders: How reframing your inner critic and focusing on the reader’s experience can turn self-doubt into steady progress.

- Procrastination Pitfalls: The dopamine-driven reasons we delay, and Sophie’s strategies for breaking cycles by making writing feel like a reward.

- Chapter Mastery: Tips for crafting compelling openings and endings that hook readers and propel the story forward without rigid formulas.

Sophie’s wisdom is a comforting reminder that every writer’s distractions and doubts are universal but with insight and tweaks, they don’t have to derail the dream.

The Tortured Writers Podcast is sponsored by Cheshire Novel Prize, an international writing competition for debut writers where every entry gets feedback. Go to cheshirenovelprize.com for more details or follow on Instagram @cheshirenovelprize.

The Tortured Writers Podcast is produced by Urban Podcasts.