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You're going to want to listen to this episode, especially leading up to our Memoir Summit. Elizabeth chats with Laura Thomas, who edited Elizabeth’s memoir that’s set to be published in June 2026, about the big picture of self-publishing your memoir. It’s so much more than sitting down to write, and you certainly don’t want to do it alone. If there’s anything to take away from this episode, it’s that you need to find your village who will help you find your way.

It’s why we’re hosting the Memoir Summit. It’s your opportunity to find people who we’ve had as guests on our podcast and offer support or services that can help you reach your goal faster.

Our guest this week, Laura Thomas, is one of those people and you can connect with her live at the Summit, so make sure you get your ticket here.

Elizabeth and Laura’s conversation reflects the importance of finding a developmental editor who can see the magic in your work. Who will help you find your voice and amplify it on the page. It’s okay if the first draft is messy. That’s part of the process.

Writing your memoir involves a deep dive into your soul. It's absolutely okay if your first draft is messy. You need to get the words out and then it can be shaped into the story that's meant for your readers.

You’ll hear about why memoir writers often decide to self-publish and the work that goes into getting your book into the hands of readers. Your desire to write your story is one to lean into and follow. It’s your opportunity to find readers who will find themselves on the pages of your book.

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

Episode 105: Do It Scared

You’ll thank yourself later.

It’s Stephanie here, and this message is one that I’ve needed to hear for sure!

I wrestle so often with my own fears of showing up and allowing myself to be vulnerable with my writing process, or even just being myself. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than being yourself and finding the people who love all the parts of you. It’s what writing does and especially the community we’ve built here with the podcast.

Just check out the incredible panelists we’ve brought together for our Memoir Summit here.

There’s so much power in taking the scary step to move yourself forward.

James Clear in his book Atomic Habits talks about doing something just 1% better each day. When it’s put that way it doesn’t sound so scary. It’s hitting send on the email you’ve been meaning to send to the book coach you know will help you finish your manuscript. It’s posting on social media about what you’re working on or something you’ve thought about that can help others. Whatever it is, it’s one simple step. This is what I have to keep reminding myself of and also remembering how I feel when I hit send on that email or post to social media.

On this week’s podcast, Elizabeth and I talk about the importance of “doing it scared.” There will be so many moments along the way when you’ll want to hesitate. You’ll doubt yourself. These feelings are SO normal. You’re not alone. We need these reminders as much as you do, and it’s why we show up to share what’s real about being a writer on our podcast.

Your brain will love the hit of dopamine you get when you decide to take that step you’re scared to take. You never know who you’ll meet.

What’s the worst thing that could happen?

Sometimes we have to remind our brains that it’s okay. You have a story following you around that’s meant to be told. It’s what I heard from Reese Witherspoon on her recent book tour for Gone Before Goodbye with Harlan Coben. She had an idea, she’d never written a book (even though she’s done so many other amazing things), and she knew it needed to be in the hands of readers.

What did she do?

She “did it scared.” She connected with people who knew how to help her, and yes, she has amazing connections, but you can too when you start finding your way. Our podcast is here for you to connect with us, but

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads

Send a text

In this week’s episode, Elizabeth chats with Hannah Gordon, a writer, editor, and publisher who will be one of the panelists at our Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026. The conversation digs into the power of writing for addressing challenging stories and how this informs whether you’re ready to write your memoir. It’s a very personal decision, but you may also need a coach to support you along the way. Both Elizabeth and Hannah offer coaching for memoir writers, so if this conversation resonates with you, you’re invited to reach out and connect. There’s also insight into the publishing world and process from Hannah’s experience in the industry.

Connect with Hannah:

@HR_Gordon (FB, IG, Threads, TikTok)

Website: https://hannahrgordon.com/

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

Stay until the end of the episode to learn about our Virtual Memoir Summit on March 14, 2026.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on Instagram and Threads