What If? For Authors

Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores why building and maintaining community can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable skill for authors who want a sustainable career. From the push-pull tension between individual needs and group dynamics to the deeply ingrained patterns that make connection difficult, Claire breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when we “struggle with community.” Using the Enneagram, she highlights the unconscious behaviors that can quietly sabotage relationships—and how to begin shifting them. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, avoided author groups, or only reached out when you needed something… this episode offers a compassionate but honest look at what it takes to build real, mutually supportive connections. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why community is becoming an essential skill for authors (not just a “nice to have”) The hidden cost of trying to “go it alone” in your writing career Why community must be built before you urgently need it The difference between connection and extraction in author relationships How the tension between self vs. others shows up in every community Why avoiding conflict actually weakens connection How ego (your protective armor) interferes with meaningful relationships Why accountability is an act of care—not punishment Practical Reflection Questions Do I tend to prioritize my needs or others’ needs in community? Where do I avoid conflict instead of engaging with it? Do I only seek connection when I need something? What patterns might I be bringing into relationships unconsciously? Resources Mentioned Write Iconic CharactersClaire’s guide to using the Enneagram for character development→ books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Website)Coaching, courses, and resources for authors→ 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 showShare this episode with a writer who’s navigating community challengesSubscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life Your support helps keep these conversations going—and supports a more connected, sustainable writing community. Happy writing!

Episode Description In this craft-focused episode of What If For Authors, Claire breaks down one of the most common storytelling anxieties writers face: getting stuck on the ending. A satisfying resolution isn’t just nice to have; it’s the moment where readers discover whether all the promises your story made actually pay off. Claire shares a practical troubleshooting framework she uses with authors to diagnose why an ending isn’t landing and how to fix it. Using the Enneagram as a tool for understanding character motivation and conflict, she walks through four key questions that can help you reconnect your plot, theme, and character arcs, so your ending lands with the impact your story deserves. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How the Enneagram can clarify character motivations and story dynamics Why understanding both the protagonist and antagonist is crucial to resolving your plot How identifying your story’s central theme can guide the resolution The three layers of conflict every powerful ending resolves: Philosophical (beliefs and worldview) Emotional (feelings and internal struggle) Physical (actions and external obstacles) Why the most satisfying endings resolve all three layers at once The importance of letting your protagonist make an active choice in the final moment Resources Mentioned Iconic Five-Star Endings CourseLearn Claire’s full framework for crafting powerful endings.Visit: liberatedwriter.com/courses Write Iconic Relationships (Upcoming Book)Explore Enneagram relationship dynamics between every pairing of types.Search “Write Iconic Relationships” on Kickstarter and click Notify Me on Launch. Write Iconic CharactersClaire’s guide to building unforgettable characters using the Enneagram.Available at major retailers or: books2read.com/WIC Story Alignment SessionsOne-on-one troubleshooting for your manuscript.Book a session at liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer on SubstackWeekly essays on storytelling, the writing life, and the publishing industry. Support the Show If this episode helped you solve a storytelling problem or gave you new ideas for your manuscript, here are a few ways you can support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Reviews help other authors discover the show. Share the episode with a friend who might be wrestling with their ending. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack (free or paid) at Liberated Writer to receive deeper essays on craft, the author life, and the industry. Happy writing!

Episode Description: Many authors are doing everything right—publishing consistently, running promotions, chasing algorithms, investing in tools—and still can’t seem to get ahead financially. The books break even. The sales spike and disappear. The stress never really lets up. In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire Taylor addresses a painful but essential question: What if struggling to get ahead isn’t a personal failure—but the predictable result of broken systems? Using the Enneagram as a framework for liberation (not self-blame), Claire explores why productivity hacks, discipline fixes, virality, and AI tools often function as promising distractions rather than real solutions. She unpacks how dominant cultural narratives—bootstrapping, meritocracy, savior myths, and algorithmic “neutrality”—keep authors exhausted, isolated, and blaming themselves instead of questioning the systems designed to extract their time, money, and attention. This episode is not about giving up. It’s about reclaiming agency, and choosing paths that reduce suffering, build solidarity, and support sustainable creative lives—on human terms. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why struggling financially as an author is not a moral or personal failure How the Enneagram helps distinguish inner work from systemic harm What “promising distractions” are—and how they keep authors trapped Why algorithms, ads, and platforms are not neutral or merit-based How savior-seeking keeps people exploitable and disempowered The hidden cost of tying hope to virality, productivity, or being “chosen” How internalized cultural narratives quietly sabotage creativity and wellbeing What genuine agency, community, and non-extractive alternatives can look like Why stepping back from writing (temporarily or permanently) is not shameful Key Takeaways: You are not broken—and you were never failing Many author systems are designed to extract, not sustain Optimization does not equal liberation Hope does not come from being saved—it comes from collective agency Building community is a radical act in an extractive industry Anger can be alchemized into clarity, solidarity, and action Resources & Links: Learn more about Claire’s coaching, courses, and books: liberatedwriter.com Write Iconic Characters: books2read.com/WIC Happy writing!

Episode Description: Being an author means navigating an endless maze of decisions — creative decisions, business decisions, financial decisions, social decisions — and at some point, all of us hit a wall where everything feels murky. The next step isn’t clear. The “right” answer seems to flicker between yes and no. And the longer we sit in that limbo, the more everything stalls. In this episode, Claire explores the anatomy of doubt: why we freeze, why uncertainty feels so emotionally loaded, and why some types (hello, Loyalists) live close to doubt every day while others completely unravel the moment they encounter it. If you’re stuck in doubt about your writing, career, or next steps — this episode gives you tools to reclaim clarity and reconnect with your inner authority. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why doubt is a human condition, not a character flaw The difference between not having enough information and being afraid to act How impatience, overthinking, or rushing toward certainty can backfire What “polarity” conflicts are and why they make some decisions feel impossible How losing trust in your inner authority derails decision-making Why burnout makes even simple choices feel overwhelming How to check in with your head, heart, and body to get clear on your next step Key questions that help you break out of the doubt spiral and move forward Key Takeaway: Doubt isn’t always a stop sign — sometimes it’s a signal to slow down, sometimes a nudge to reevaluate your values, and sometimes a warning that your nervous system is overwhelmed. But no matter the cause, you can learn to disentangle the noise, reconnect with your inner authority, and make decisions that honor who you are now. Support the Show: If today’s episode helped you breathe a little easier in the face of uncertainty, share it with another writer who might need it too. You can explore Claire’s courses, coaching, and books at liberatedwriter.com, including her newest release, Write Iconic Characters, available now through major retailers. Access the transcript here. Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the nuanced relationship between ambition, fear, and contentment. What if your ambition isn’t really gone… but simply changing shape? With insight, humor, and plenty of hard truths, Claire unpacks how ambition often gets tangled up with fear—fear of worthlessness, fear of missing out, fear of falling behind—and how that mislabeling can make us think we’re “losing” something essential. She offers a reframing that helps authors understand the difference between fear-fueled ambition and hope-fueled ambition, and how to build a healthier, more sustainable drive in your creative career. If you’ve ever thought, “I used to be so motivated—what happened to me?” this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: The surprising truth about how ambition and contentment actually support each other Why ambition doesn’t have to feel like a fire under your ass How fear disguises itself as ambition (especially for Enneagram Threes and Sevens) Why tying ambition to outcomes you can’t control leads to burnout How to distinguish between “fear-driven” and “hope-driven” ambition A practical way to reframe self-talk so ambition feels energizing, not punishing Why practicing contentment won’t kill your ambition—it may save it Takeaway Challenge:Ask yourself: What would I find deeply gratifying to create—even if no one praised me for it? Sit with that answer. Notice how different it feels from fear-driven goals. Then, practice shifting one piece of your ambition toward hope, curiosity, or joy, instead of fear. Support the Show: If this episode helped you reimagine ambition in a healthier way, share it with another author who might need it too. You can also support the show by leaving a review wherever you listen—it makes a big difference in helping other writers find this resource. Want more support? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, workshops, and books for building a sustainable, liberated writing career. Access the transcript here. Happy writing!

Episode Description: In this episode, Claire dives headfirst into a topic that feels especially timely in a chaotic world and unpredictable industry: the craving for certainty. What if you need to know how something will turn out before you take the risk? What if uncertainty keeps you frozen, anxious, or constantly second-guessing your choices? With equal parts humor and wisdom (and a little sleep deprivation), Claire explores how our brains seek certainty for safety, how this impulse shows up differently for each Enneagram type, and how clinging to certainty can actually keep us stuck. She offers a powerful mindset shift that helps authors stop grasping for guarantees and start building confidence in their own resilience. If you've ever thought, “If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’ll do,” this episode gives you practical tools to turn that fear into forward momentum. In this episode, you'll learn: Why certainty is so alluring—and how it tricks us into playing small How each Enneagram type tends to seek certainty in their creative work The danger of mistaking plans or perfectionism for actual security What a “toolbox” of internal resources is, and how to build yours How to shift your mindset from “I need this to work” to “I’ll figure it out either way” Why failure hurts—but doesn’t have to stop you How your rebounding process can become a source of self-respect Takeaway Challenge:Inventory your “toolbox.” What inner resources, skills, support systems, and past experiences remind you that you’ve handled hard things before? Add to it regularly. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing the future—it comes from trusting that you’ll know what to do when the future arrives. Support the Show: If this episode helped you see uncertainty in a new light, please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and sharing it with your author friends. Want more guidance? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, and books for authors navigating the wild world of publishing with purpose. Access the transcript here. Happy writing—and yes, you can handle the bad parts.

Episode Description: In this episode, Claire explores why so many authors hate networking (hint: it’s not because you’re antisocial), how the Enneagram can reveal the hidden gifts you bring to any professional community, and why deep, meaningful connections—not surface-level ones—are the real magic behind sustainable author careers. Whether you’re a conference avoider, an online lurker, or someone who thinks they’re just bad at making friends, this episode is packed with practical advice, gentle encouragement, and some hard-won insights about what it takes to build a network that actually feeds you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why many authors resist networking—and how to gently shift that mindset How your Enneagram type may influence your relationship with connection The difference between transactional vs. transformational networks Tips for building relationships that don’t feel forced or fake What to do if you're socially anxious, neurodivergent, or easily overwhelmed Simple strategies to start (or deepen) meaningful author connections Takeaway Challenge:Reach out to one person in the writing industry you like but haven’t spoken to in a while. Just say hi. Ask how they’re doing. That’s it. That’s networking. Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Access the transcript here. Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire completes her exploration of writer orientations by diving into the world of emotion-oriented authors. If you lead with the heart when writing, this episode is for you. Claire explores how the emotional orientation manifests in different Enneagram types (especially 2s, 3s, and 4s), the unique strengths and challenges this style brings, and how emotion-driven writing can both elevate your work and stall your process if you’re not careful. Plus, get insights on how to balance emotion with action and logic to bring your stories to life with impact and clarity. In This Episode: What makes someone an emotion-oriented writer How the Enneagram heart types (2, 3, 4) each engage with emotion in the creative process Why 3s avoid emotion—and what happens when they slow down enough to feel How 2s' people-pleasing tendencies can derail their writing The way 4s can get stuck in emotional complexity and how to access universality through others What to watch out for if your emotion center is strong but action or thinking is underdeveloped Tips for managing overwhelming emotions that block progress How to differentiate between emotions that need to be observed vs. acted on The importance of emotional discernment for creative sustainability Practical Takeaway: Emotion-oriented writers don’t need to tone down their feelings—but they do need to balance them with thoughtful structure and forward momentum. Learn to discern which emotions are fuel for your writing and which are simply data to be acknowledged and released. Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Join the Conversation: Are you an emotion-oriented writer? What challenges or strengths have you noticed in your process? Share your experience by replying to this episode post or tagging Claire on social media. Access the transcript here. Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a deeply personal question: What if I'm a private person? If you feel more comfortable keeping parts of your life under wraps and struggle with the pressure to overshare, this conversation is for you. Claire explores the right to privacy as a basic human need and examines how personal boundaries can be both a shield and a source of strength in your writing career. Drawing on her own experiences and insights from the Enneagram, she discusses how embracing your privacy can empower your creative voice while still allowing meaningful connections with your audience. Tune in to discover strategies for balancing what you share with the world and what you keep for yourself—and learn how being a private person can be a powerful asset in your author journey. Key Takeaways: Interwoven Rights: Discover how free speech and privacy are intertwined pillars of creative and personal freedom, and why protecting one often means defending the other. Legal Protections: Understand the scope and limitations of the First Amendment—not only as a guardian of free expression but also as a shield for your private life. Erosion of Privacy: Learn about the subtle ways in which political maneuvers and legal gray areas may gradually undermine your privacy and the implications for authors. Staying Grounded: Explore strategies to remain mindful and resilient amid external chaos, focusing on what you can control: your thoughts, actions, and personal narrative. Empowered Expression: Embrace the power of choosing what to share and what to keep private, and how this balance can liberate your creative voice. Why You Should Listen: If you’re an author or creative concerned about maintaining your personal privacy while exercising your right to free expression, this episode is for you. Claire blends snark, insight, and personal anecdotes to help you navigate these complex issues in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re worried about government overreach, digital surveillance, or just the erosion of personal boundaries, you’ll gain practical perspectives on how to protect your privacy and empower your writing. Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking and helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Join the Conversation: How do you balance your need for privacy with the demands of building an audience? What are your thoughts on the current state of free speech and personal privacy? Share your insights with Claire by emailing contact@ffs.media or connecting on social media. Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles a provocative and timely topic: the potential loss of free speech. Drawing on the historical significance of the First Amendment, Claire explores how these protections have empowered authors—especially satire writers—to express themselves without fear. She delves into the evolving political landscape and the implications for authors in the United States and beyond. Expect a mix of humor, snark, and deep insight as Claire challenges us to examine our own beliefs and the power dynamics at play in our society. Key Takeaways: Understanding Free Speech: Learn what the First Amendment truly guarantees for writers and how it supports creative expression, including satire and critique. The Erosion of Rights: Reflect on the historical context of free speech in America and the ongoing threats posed by authoritarian tendencies. Navigating the Debate: Consider how differing interpretations of free speech fuel polarizing debates, from the use of hate speech to the protection of controversial ideas. Empowerment Through Expression: Realize that exercising free speech is not only a personal right but a collective responsibility to foster liberation rather than oppression. Maintaining Balance: Learn to ground yourself in truth and facts, even when facing external pressures that aim to sow confusion and doubt. Why You Should Listen: If you're an author who values the freedom to express your ideas and critiques, or if you're concerned about the subtle shifts in free speech rights under current political pressures, this episode is essential listening. Claire offers a thoughtful, unfiltered exploration of how our legal and cultural landscape is changing—and what that means for your voice as a writer. Whether you’re a staunch defender of free expression or just looking for reassurance amid uncertainty, you’ll find valuable insights and a healthy dose of perspective in today’s discussion. Support the Show: If you found this episode thought-provoking, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with fellow authors. Every review helps us reach more writers and fuels this ongoing conversation about creativity, freedom, and responsibility. Join the Conversation: What are your thoughts on the current state of free speech in our society? Have you noticed any changes that affect your work as an author? Share your insights and experiences by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media or connect with her on social media. Access the transcript here. Happy Writing!

Episode Description: Welcome to another episode of What If? For Authors! This week, Claire dives into the topic of thinking-oriented writers and explores how leading from the head center can shape your writing process. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Centers of Intelligence: The Enneagram divides personality patterns into three centers—thinking (head), feeling (heart), and action (body/gut). Learn what it means to lead from the head center as a writer. How Thinking-Oriented Writers Approach Writing: Fives: Intellectual problem solvers who thrive on discovery writing but may struggle with revisions. Sixes: Planners who sometimes over-rely on outside validation but have incredible gut instincts when they trust themselves. Sevens: Action-driven writers who crave mental stimulation and often benefit from keeping surprises in their drafts. Balancing Your Strengths and Blind Spots: Discover how thinking-oriented writers can navigate challenges in their writing, whether that means adding emotional depth or pacing up their narratives. Practical Tips for Thinking-Oriented Writers: Don’t overthink your process—sometimes the best way to solve a plot issue is to dive in and write through it. Revisions can address areas like pacing, emotion, or over-explanation without compromising your unique style. Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your fellow authors. Join the Conversation:Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media. Access the transcript here. Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a common fear among authors: what to do when your ads stop working. Whether you're an indie author relying on ads to sell your books or just starting to explore ad platforms like Amazon or Facebook, Claire offers practical advice and mindset strategies to help you navigate this challenge. With insights from her own experience running ads since 2015, Claire breaks down why ads can stop performing, how to analyze their effectiveness, and what steps to take when you're frustrated or burned out by the process. This episode is a mix of actionable tactics and emotional support for authors who feel stuck with their ad strategies. Key Takeaways Why Ads Are Essential for Authors: Paid ads are a key tool for reaching readers, especially for indie and hybrid authors. Most six- and seven-figure authors rely on ads, though profitability varies. The Reality of Ad Platforms: Platforms like Amazon and Facebook prioritize their own profits, not yours. Algorithms and rules are constantly changing—authors must adapt. Analyzing Ad Performance: Define what "working" means for your ads—are they profitable, or just underperforming? Run the numbers to get clear on ROI (return on investment). Don’t rely solely on ad dashboards, as their data can be unreliable. Mindset Shifts for Success: Accept that some ads stop working and let go when necessary. Practice emotional resilience and avoid chasing sunk costs. Strategies When Ads Stop Working: Lower budgets on underperforming ads rather than turning them off completely. Seek advice or refresh your knowledge about ad platforms. Consider outsourcing your ad management if the process is too overwhelming. Emotional Awareness: Acknowledge the emotions behind your frustration—fear, insecurity, or past negative experiences with data and numbers. Approach your ad strategy with curiosity and clarity, keeping emotions in check. Support the Show: If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and share the show with your fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover this resource. Join the Conversation:Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media. Happy Writing!