This week, I’m bringing back an encore episode of one of the most practical and encouraging topics we’ve covered: Never Give Up—Why Your Writing is Worth Holding On.

As a new year begins, it’s natural to reflect on your dreams—and maybe wonder why your writing life doesn’t look the way you thought it would by now.

Have you ever felt like maybe it’s just not working?

Like you’ve been trying, learning, starting over . . . and still haven’t “arrived”?

I get it. I’ve lived it.

In this episode of The Confident Fiction Author, I’m sharing a personal look at how I’ve been able to live the writing life I dreamed of—even without a breakout success or viral moment.

This isn’t about overnight wins.
It’s about staying diligent.
And building something real—step by step, word by word.

If you’re feeling behind or discouraged as you step into 2026, this episode is your reminder: don’t quit. Your fiction-writing dream is worth holding onto.

***

Free resources for you:

The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit

Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation

Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide

5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes

We hear a lot about time management… but for fiction writers especially, the real game-changer is energy management.

If you’ve ever had the time to write but zero gas in the tank, this episode is for you.

In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I share simple, practical ways to make 2026 the year you manage your creative energy—so you can write more consistently without burning out.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Time vs. energy: why “I don’t have time to write” often means “I don’t have the energy to write.”
• How to find your peak creative window (morning, lunchtime squeeze, evening, or night) and build sessions around it.
• Writing in short bursts followed by intentional rest—to keep momentum without draining yourself.
• When to give yourself grace—and how a quick reset (even 60 seconds of eyes-closed rest) can reopen your creative flow.

I’d love to hear when your energy peaks. Come share on my Substack: fictioncourses.substack.com

Here’s to a year of steady, energized writing!

***

Free resources for you:

The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit

Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation

Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide

5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes

If you’re anything like me, you may be coming out of the holiday fog still asking, “Wait, what day is it again?” January can feel like a groggy Monday morning. And just like Mondays, it may take a little time to warm up before we hit our stride.

In this week’s episode of The Confident Fiction Author podcast, I’m sharing a unique way I plan my writing year: I outline my year with the same kind of rhythm as my week.

Here’s what you’ll discover inside:

• Why January–March is your “Monday” and the best time for deep, focused projects, followed by springtime Tuesday and keeping the momentum going.
• How to use the summer “slump” as your creative Wednesday to refuel instead of beating yourself up.
• Why autumn feels like a “Thursday” second wind—a time to finish well.
• How to approach November and December as your weekend: time for personal projects, reflection, and intentional rest.

When you map your year like a full week, you’ll stop expecting every month to look the same. You’ll give yourself permission to work with your natural creative rhythms, not against them.

After you listen, hop over to my Substack at fictioncourses.substack.com and share how you would outline your year like a week. I’d love to hear what big projects you’re planning for your “Monday.”

***

Free resources for you:

The Confident Fiction Author Toolkit: fictioncourses.com/toolkit

Dictation + Scrivener Power Combo Mini Course: fictioncourses.com/dictation

Dictation for Authors: Tools and Tips of the Trade: fictioncourses.com/dictationguide

5 Stereotypes to Avoid When Writing about Native Americans: fictioncourses.com/stereotypes