Inspired Writer Collective Podcast
Welcome to The Inspired Writer Collective, your memoir-focused writing 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 Wilson & Stephanie Oswald, Ph.D., writers, coaches & 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. We believe your voice holds power. Telling your story isn't just a personal act of healing or reflection, it's a gift to...
Episode 108: [SPECIAL] Day After Our Summit with Sharissa Bradley & Allison Lau
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Our Memoir Summit was absolutely incredible! You’ll hear more about the experience in this week’s episode. We’re joined by Allison Lau & Sharissa Bradley, who not only brought incredible value as panelists but hopped into the webinars as attendees, so we sat down to chat about what we all took away from the experience. If you missed the Summit, you can order the replays here. When you watch the replays you’ll experience the incredible community we’re cultivating at the Inspired Writer Collective. Writing and being a writer does not need to happen...
Episode 107: [BOOK CLUB] ADHD For Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka
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I recently read a book that stopped me in my tracks: ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka. I picked it up out of curiosity. I did not expect to see so much of myself in its pages.
As a woman who just turned 50, I grew up in a time when ADHD in girls was rarely part of the conversation. If anything, we were given vague explanations about learning differences or processing challenges, but very little insight into what our brains were actually doing.
Reading this book reframed so much of...
Episode 106: [Laura Thomas] The Village Behind the Byline
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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 Me...
Episode 105: Do It Scared
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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 th...
Episode 104: [Hannah Gordon] How You Know You're Ready to Write Your Memoir
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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...
Episode 103: Why You Need to Invest in Yourself as a Writer
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This week Elizabeth and Stephanie talk about the importance of investing in yourself as a writer. Find the rooms with people who are writing and moving their dream forward. When you put yourself in the right room you’ll be amazed at what happens. It’s only if you’re doing the work of writing you understand the challenges of what comes with the job. It’s not easy. Which is why you need to find your people and we offer spaces for you to show up and invest in your writing journey. If you’ve b...
Episode 102: [Allison Lau] Memoir Writers, Don't Fear the Developmental Edit
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Elizabeth chats with Allison Lau, a ghostwriter and developmental editor for memoir and mission-driven nonfiction, about the memoir writing process and Allison’s love for helping writers discover their voice and the story that’s meant to be on the page.
It’s a conversation that takes you deep into the memoir process and the value of inviting a developmental editor along with you. It’s a beneficial partnership for all writers to have a trustworthy set of eyes on your work. You can get so close and lost in your own work that...
Episode 101: Get to Know Your Writing Coach for ADHD Brains
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Stephanie here. I’m solo for this week’s episode.
Do you feel like a lot of writing advice doesn’t work for you?
For example, have you tried to read & complete The Artist’s Way and you couldn’t finish. Or, the advice to do your morning pages everyday when you first wake up, before anything else, stresses you out. Then you spiral into thinking you’re not a “good enough” writer because you don’t do morning pages like everyone in your writing group keeps talking about.
If so, I can absol...
Episode 100: Ten Secrets to Finding Your Way as a Writer
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When you listen to this episode and learn about the 10 Secrets to Finding Your Way as a Writer we’ve gleaned from mining through our podcast episodes, you’ll quiet your inner critic and discover you’re exactly where you need to be.
We invite you to explore the following episodes that connect to each of the 10 Secrets we reveal in this episode:
#10: Episode 68, Episode 86
#9: Episode 97
#8: Episode 13, Episode 64, Episode 87
#7: Episode 10, Episode 77
#6: Episode 8, Episode 85
#5: Episode 78
#4: Episode 94
#3: Episode 4, Episode...
Episode 99: [BOOK CLUB] What Memoir Writers Can Learn from Reading "All the Way to the River"
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In this episode, Memoir Writing Coach, Elizabeth Wilson, discusses Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, All the Way to the River:
Episode 98: Looking Back to Look Forward
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It’s something you’re encouraged to do at the end of each year.
Do you have to do it?
Well, it’s really up to you.
And it doesn’t have to look the same as what everyone else is doing.
In this week’s episode, we share some of our strategies for reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re going.
You’ll hear about Elizabeth Wilson's annual journal review.
Stephanie Oswald shares about the importance of celebrating, even the small m...
Episode 97: [Hannah Davis] Start Marketing Before Your Book is Done
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Stephanie Oswald chats with guest, Hannah Davis, about marketing your book. It's marketing advice that you can fit into your author life. There are many great insights and actions items for authors. The discussion covers everything from how to show up on social media to the importance of your email list.
Hannah Davis is a marketing strategist and website designer for authors who want to sell more books without sacrificing writing time for posting burnout.
With her 5+ years of marketing knowledge, she wants to help authors make their storytelling prowess...
Episode 96: [Julie Sedler] The Recurring Emotionality of Writing Memoir
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Elizabeth Wilson chats with Julie Sedler about whether or not it's normal to have so many emotions when you're writing and editing your memoir. Julie Sedler was our guest, about a year ago, for Episode 59, when she talked about the importance of knowing why you're writing your memoir.
Elizabeth Wilson has been editing her memoir and experiencing big emotions. Julie Sedler confirms it's normal and walks through her journey to publishing her own memoir emphasizing that you've written your memoir because it is meant to be impactful.
Welcome to the Inspired Writ...
Episode 95: [Lindsay Rice] Writing a Braided Narrative from Idea to Publication
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Stephanie Oswald chats with author, Lindsay Rice, about her book Birdenwheel:
"BIRDENWHEEL features an ensemble cast of Deadheads in the 1990s who follow the iconic rock band, The Grateful Dead on their summer tour."
You can find the full book description on Lindsay Rice's website here.
It was such a fun conversation.
Stephanie first met Lindsay at her book release party in Salida, CO because the Grateful Dead cover band, Roundhouse Assembly, was playing and since following the Grateful Dead is the foundation of the book it ha...
Episode 94: Celebrating with Grace and Gratitude
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There's so much to be grateful for at this time of the year! It's our annual reflection of what we've accomplished that's beyond what we could've ever imagined. We're reminded of how much we grow and embrace our authenticity with each episode.
Elizabeth Wilson celebrates the success of another round of the Memoir Master Plan Cohort with a group of amazing women. They found clarity with their core message and scene development for their memoirs.
Stephanie Oswald shares about her new writing coaching for neurodivergent women. Offering support in the in-between st...
Audio of Episode 93: [Jacci Prior] Why Your Audiobook Narrator Choice is Important For Marketing Your Book
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Join our Embodied Writing Experience for a writer's retreat in your inbox each week: https://inspired-writer-collective.kit.com/e2cab66781
In this episode, Elizabeth Wilson chats with Jacci Prior about being an audiobook narrator. Jacci encourages authors to leverage their audiobook for marketing purposes.
At the end, get a sneak peek of Elizabeth Wilson's memoir being read by our guest, Jacci Prior, an audiobook narrator.
Jacci Prior, when talking about being an audiobook narrator says: " it truly is an acting job. If you don't live and breathe those c...
Episode 92: [Karolina Wudniak] Nonfiction Authors, Meet Your Book Designer for Self-Publishing
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Are you ready to find a book designer?
Or, save the name of our guest, Karolina Wudniak, for later.
Karolina works with self-published authors, mostly nonfiction, on the design of their book covers and the interior design of their books.
She absolutely loves working visually which led her to becoming a graphic designer for authors.
Karolina appreciates simple design and brings inspiration from nature to her designs.
She can work on your cover design and the interior of your book.
You'll be...
Episode 91: Understanding Memoir Structure to Tell Your Story
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Elizabeth Wilson & Stephanie Oswald discuss the challenges that come with condensing your lived experience into a narrative form. It’s most common to find if you’re starting to write your first memoir that you’ll begin by choosing a chronological approach to your story. There’s nothing wrong with making this decision, especially if it helps you get your words on the page, but just know you have other options
In this episode, Elizabeth leads our conversation about memoir structure with insight into four of the eight possibilities from Jennifer Selig’s book Dee...
Episode 90: [Kim Mosiman] What You Don't Know You Need to Know About Publishing Your Book
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This week, Elizabeth chats with our guest, Kim Mosiman, about her book Reflections of Joy and how what she didn't know she needed to know led her to a new career path.
You'll find these topics and more in this week's episode:
Kim's inspiration for her bookFinding beta readersGetting reviewsMarketing now, even if your book isn't publishedGet to know Kim Mosiman:
Kim Mosiman is an author, certified nutritionist, and Christian life coach who helps women rediscover joy and purpose in their second act. After closing h...
Episode 89: Fiction Writers, What's Your Core Message?
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Stephanie Oswald and Elizabeth Wilson talk about the benefit of learning from other genres and what Stephanie Oswald has discovered for her writing while participating in the Memoir Master Plan Cohort.
You’ll have to tune in to find out about Stephanie Oswald’s recent celebrity author encounter!
What’s the common thread in your writing?
As Stephanie Oswald has been working on manifesting the future version of herself as a writer on stages and tour, she kept wondering what she’d talk about in those moments. Sure, she could...
Episode 88: [Amanda Nelson & Lisa-Marie Potter] How Two Authors Write One Love Story
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In this episode, Stephanie Oswald chats with Amanda Nelson & Lisa-Marie Potter about their co-writing, pantser style approach to writing romance.
You won’t want to miss listening to how they collaborate to bring their stories and characters to life.They’re fun.You’ll definitely find yourself connecting with what they have to share.There’s laughter. An example of another way to approach the writing process.Figuring out what works for you.Finding your way and what will bring your story to life.It’s so easy to get caught up in all of t...
Episode 87: Caretaking and Your Creative Bucket
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Elizabeth Wilson and Stephanie Oswald get real about what can happen with your writing process when caretaking roles take over. The solution is remembering to find community. Inspired Writer Collective offers quarterly virtual writing retreats on Zoom. October 11 and 12, 2025 is the next retreat. You can find the form here to let us know you're coming.
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...
Episode 86: [Jared Glenn] Writers, Here's Why It's Important to Get Curious About Your Process
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This week we welcome author Jared Glenn. Jared’s second novel, Lost in the Sun, just released and he’s currently working on his third novel.
It was so much fun doing the production work on this episode that was recorded in June. Discussions around writing are timeless. You’ll find so much packed into this episode. There’s not a specific timeline for when you need to learn something or apply it to your own writing. There are opportunities all the time to find nuggets of wisdom you can apply to your own...
Episode 85: Writers, Here's Your Permission to Write A Messy First Draft
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Write the messy first draft. Write, write, and write some more. Let your ideas flow and don't look back until you get to the end. The first draft is about getting your ideas on paper and then you'll have something to work with. It's not the time to edit or censor yourself.
Write the messy first draft. It's normal to have self-doubt creep in and try to distract you from your writing. Keep writing.
This episode is your permission to write the messy first draft. It's for your eyes only, un...
Episode 84: [Ananya Mody] Finding a Sense of Belonging Through Writing
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Elizabeth chats with Ananya Mody, a screenwriter for Netflix, about how she came to be a screenwriter and her insight for writers about holding onto their voice in the process.
Finding her way to herself and where she feels she belongs after experiences in the writing rooms of the screenwriting industry. It wasn’t very glamorous, but she learned a lot about herself and it led her to build her own business to help creatives find their sense of belonging.
Through her own experiences traveling and creating a sense of plac...
Episode 83: How to Tap Into A Deeper Writing Practice with our Embodied Writing Experience
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The answer to your worries about showing up to a blank page and not knowing what to write. Elizabeth Wilson and Stephanie Oswald talk about their newsletter offering of the Embodied Writing Experience. A writing retreat in your inbox every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. It’s your opportunity to tap into a deeper writing practice with prompts, exercises and ideas for how you can connect at a deeper level with yourself. When you’re writing a memoir, you’re tapping into experiences and emotions that can rock you at the core. When you have tools...
Episode 82: [Sharissa Bradley] How To Get Your Book Published Without Breaking the Bank
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This week Elizabeth chats with Sharissa Bradley, owner of @projectseedmoney and 5Two Press, about resources available to writers who are ready to publish. If you want to put a quality book out into the world, you're going to need to spend some money because when you try to do it for free, you'll find it won't meet your expectations.
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...
Episode 81: [Rhonda Linn] Why You Need to Write Your Story
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It's time to write your story. Whatever you're holding on your heart that's meant to be shared. In this episode, Stephanie talks with guest, Rhonda Linn, about what inspired her to publish her first book of poems: Chapel of Small Breath in Fall 2024. When you share your story, you discover connections with people you never would've imagined as they see themselves reflected in your words. There's honest talk about fears you face as a writer when it comes to sharing your story and how to overcome those feelings because your story is meant to...
Episode 80: The Key Element Missing From Your Memoir
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Does your memoir have the structure it needs to effectively connect with readers? In this episode, Elizabeth shares with you one of the key details you need to make sure your memoir hits the mark. This gives you insight into what you'll dive into when you join the Memoir Master Plan Cohort, a 6-week program designed to help you have the plan you need to write your story. You'll learn how to find the thread that weaves through your story of transformation to bring your story to the world. You're unique and only you...
Episode 79: [Jillian Forsberg] Writing Historical Fiction to Tell Important Stories
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Memoir Master Plan Cohort is open. Get info and sign up here
Elizabeth chats with author, Jillian Forsberg, about her writing life, what inspired her to write her recent novel "Rhino Keeper," and the importance of telling stories that matter. You'll learn about what helps Jillian stay focused on her goals and how she approaches her writing life. This episode is packed full of inspiration to remind you about the importance of telling your story or telling a story you feel needs to be told.
For listeners of this episode...
Episode 78: 3 Things That Stop You From Writing Your Memoir
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It’s memoir season here at the Inspired Writer Collective!
Enrollment for our Memoir Master Plan Cohort led by Elizabeth Wilson is now open!
The 6-week memoir program for women runs from September 5 through October 17 and comes packed with valuable content and resources to start you off on the right foot or get you back on track with your memoir writing! And new nuggets of wisdom are added every time - this will be Round 3!
Click here to learn more.
In this week’s episode, we discu...
Episode 77: [Summer Short] Why Your Writing is Better Than You Think
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In this episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie chat about how quickly self-doubt can creep up on you when it comes to your writing, but the truth is your writing is better than you think. When you join critique groups and read within your genre, you'll discover you know more than you think.
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 yo...
Episode 76: [Summer Short] Do Chapter Titles Matter?
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Memoir Master Plan Cohort starting soon.
Save your seat here.
Elizabeth & Stephanie talk about whether chapter titles matter. Do you need chapter titles? Is there a difference between genres? Do readers have expectations?
As part of our Summer Short series, this episode shares our perspectives on whether or not chapter titles are important. As we both make progress with our works in progress, it's something to consider because there are differences, and sometimes it's just a matter of personal preference.
Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podc...
Episode 75: [Summer Short] Why Your Email List Should Be Top of Mind
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In this summer short episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie sit down together to discuss various perspectives on their social media strategy. They cover Instagram, Threads, and Substack. The general consensus is the benefit of having an email list.
Previous episode with Michael Fedor mentioned : Writing Process with Award-Winning Political Thriller Author Michael Fedor
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 rig...
Episode 74: [Summer Short] Finding Beta Readers
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Elizabeth introduces our Memoir Master Plan cohort
We're talking about finding beta readers and what we've learned from reaching out into the world of writers. It's curious to us there are editors offering beta reading and writers are paying to have people beta read. In our experience, beta reading involves finding your target audience of readers and they'll read without needing to be paid. What are your thoughts?
Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of rea...
Episode 73: [End of Season] Getting Ready for Summer & Writing Plans
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In this episode, Elizabeth and Stephanie talk about:
* writing goals for their works in progress
* books they'll be reading this Summer
* Love is Brewing Substack & Podcast by Stephanie
* what to expect in July with shorter episodes
* limited podcast guest interest spots available
Get our Summer Bingo game here
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 r...
Episode 72: Is Truth Stranger Than Fiction?
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If something happened to you in real life, how much of it can go into a work of fiction for your character?
Would your readers believe the scene?
This is what we dive into in this week's episode.
In romance, there are often outlandish events that bring people together or tear them apart.
Readers get drawn into the emotion and tension of a scene, but are they questioning if it's believable?
Being part of a critique group often brings up these interesting points to di...
Episode 71: [Donatella Taker] Fantasy World Building & Critique
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This week, Elizabeth chats with fantasy author, Donatella Taker, about her writing process.
Even if you're not a fantasy writer, there is so much that's relatable in this episode about being a writer.
You'll discover you're not alone in some of the challenges that present themselves for writers, such as self-doubt, and you'll find inspiration for navigating your way through when you listen to Donatella's journey.
There's world building, character development, writing process, and navigating critique packed into this episode.
Connect with Donatella Taker online:...
Episode 70: [Wendy Alexander] Reclaiming Your Voice Through Menopause
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On this week's episode, Elizabeth talks with Wendy Alexander about her writing journey through menopause and how she helps women find their authentic voices and career paths.
Wendy's perspective is where you'll find inspiration, especially if you're in this phase of life, or you're curious about what's ahead. You'll hear about how menopause can be viewed as a transformative journey for women.
During menopause, many women struggle with uncertainty and experience profound changes which can lead them to question their life choices, particularly with their careers. Wendy describes menopause as a...
Episode 69: [BOOK CLUB] Reading Amanda Gorman's Poetry to Improve Your Craft
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There's so much to learn from poetry for improving your writing.
This episode digs into the playfulness of language, but also the possibilities of repurposing writing to create new meaning.
Have you thought about the last time you picked up a book of poetry?
We know some of you write poetry.
Whether you write poetry, or not, there's a lot to learn from exploring another genre.
One of the interesting poetry styles used by Amanda Gorman is erasure, or blackout, poetry from her research...
