Creating Happy Writers

• Mind the (Authority) Gap: Why Women's Expertise Belongs in Books

  Ever felt like you've hit a ceiling in your business? Like you know you're an expert, but somehow you're not reaching the right people or making the impact you know you're capable of? In this episode, I share a recent conversation with one of my brilliant authors that sparked a major realisation about why we write books and what's really holding women back from claiming their expertise. I explore: Why wanting "more" in your business isn't selfish - it's about creating more space, clarity, visibility, and weight behind your expertise The frustrating reality of the "authority gap" for women - the space between our expertise and how seriously we're taken Why so many brilliant women hold back and play small, feeling like they need "just one more qualification" before they can claim their space as an author How writing a book isn't about becoming an expert - you already ARE the expert - it's about helping everyone else catch up with that fact Why your book becomes the essential tool that opens doors to speaking gigs, higher-paying clients, media opportunities, and bigger platforms The truth is, we can't wait for permission to share our expertise. We are the generation breaking through that ceiling with our words, our knowledge, and our books. If you're tired of playing small and ready to level up, stop shouting into the void, and call in the right people, this episode is your kick up the bum to finally claim the space that only you can fill. Because while the system might have taught us to stay quiet and wait to be discovered, that's not how visibility works. Your book is the vehicle that helps you control your future and close that authority gap once and for all. I hope you enjoy listening. Further resources from me Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here. Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join are here My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website. Connect with Steph: Website: https://stephcaswell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

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• Book Marketing: The Ultimate Guide - with Melanie Herschorn

  Is your book working as hard for your business as it should be? In this episode, I talk with book marketing strategist Melanie Herschorn about turning your expertise into a powerful authority-building tool. Melanie wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. A publisher and book marketing strategist for attorneys, wealth consultants, and business owners worldwide, she's on a mission to empower authors to share their message with the world. With her comprehensive background of over 20 years as a celebrity publicist, award-winning journalist in radio, print, and TV, clothing designer, and entrepreneur, Melanie is uniquely positioned to support authors in stepping into thought leadership and making a big impact with their book. During our conversation, Melanie and I chat about: How her journalism background became her secret weapon - distilling client conversations into clarity without the fluff Why your book needs your unique stories - because in a world of AI-generated content, your personal experiences are what truly connect with readers Why consistency is the "granny panties of book marketing" - not sexy, but it's what actually keeps everything together The art of avoiding "launch trauma" by planning your marketing well before publication day, when you're already exhausted from the writing process Navigating the publishing industry with your eyes open to avoid the companies that promise the moon but deliver considerably less How your book can become a springboard to opportunities far beyond book sales - from speaking engagements to unexpected connections This was such a fantastic conversation - I know it’ll give you plenty to think about when it comes to marketing your book successfully. Big thanks to Melanie for her time. Hope you enjoy listening! Connect with Melanie and her book: Make a Big Impact with Your Book (Melanie’s book) Website LinkedIn Further resources from me My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon or directly via my website. Connect with Steph: Website: https://stephcaswell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform: Apple Spotify Amazon

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• Why Is Writing a Book So Hard?

  Ever found yourself slumped over your laptop, cursing the day you ever thought writing a book was a good idea? You're not alone. Writing a book is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do - and there's a reason why most people who start one never finish. But why exactly is it so damn hard? In this episode, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of book writing and why we find ourselves wanting to throw our laptops out the window on a regular basis. I explore: The emotional side of writing that we rarely talk about – and why focusing only on the practical stuff sets us up for a nasty surprise Why being a "beginner" at something feels so uncomfortable (and why I'm still a total beginner at mystery writing, despite having written eight non-fiction books) How our unrealistic expectations and high standards can turn the writing process into a special kind of torture Why the "shitty first draft" is not just allowed but necessary – and why comparing your first draft to published books is a recipe for despair How our modern inability to be bored or do challenging things for sustained periods makes writing feel even harder Why breaking down your book into small, manageable chunks rather than thinking about "50,000 words" can save your sanity The importance of finding your tribe so you don't have to shoulder all those writing emotions alone The truth is, writing a book will still feel tough at times – no magic wand makes the challenging bits disappear. But understanding why it feels so difficult can help you be kinder to yourself through the process. The peaks and troughs are par for the course, so let’s be ready to tackle them, eh? If you’re ready to embrace the messy, frustrating, occasionally incredible journey of writing your book, listen to discover why it's normal to find writing hard and how to push through anyway. Because while writing a book is challenging, it's also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do for yourself and your business. Further resources from me Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here. Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website. Connect with Steph: Website: https://stephcaswell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

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• Once Upon a Time: How to Use Storytelling in Non-Fiction

  Did you know we're 22 times more likely to remember stories than facts alone? No wonder my sister's dog, Goldie, has become the unexpected star of my book, Dare to Write! Our brains are wired for stories - it helps them make sense of the world around them - so let’s use them to our advantage as non-fiction authors! This week on the Creating Happy Writers podcast, I'm diving into the world of storytelling because let's face it, nobody wants to write a book that ends up being used as a doorstop. And without storytelling, that’s certainly possible! Listen to discover why you should: Begin with a compelling personal story – Show readers why they should trust you, whether you've lived their struggles or guided others through them. Turn case studies into narratives – Use client experiences as powerful before-and-after stories that show transformation in action. Balance stats with memorable anecdotes – Like my diesel/petrol mix-up, simple examples can illustrate complex points in seconds. Use sensory details – As Jen Sincero's legendary goat invasion story proves, specific details make your stories unforgettable. So whether you're writing a business book or a self-help guide, this episode will help you use storytelling to turn dry, dull theory into a reading experience your audience won't forget. I hope you enjoy listening. Further resources from me Storynomics by Robert McKee and Thomas Gerace The Roar of Her Story by Hilary Salzman Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here. Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website. Connect with Steph: Website: https://stephcaswell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

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• What Makes a Stand-Out Nonfiction Book?

  Half of UK adults no longer read for pleasure. In today's world of 90-second TikToks and instant AI answers, can nonfiction books still grab readers? In this episode, I reveal the nine critical elements that separate those forgettable, yawn-inducing business books from those that fly off shelves and change lives. Listen to find out: How to create "switch-flicking" content rather than just stuff that "turns up the dial" (like Atomic Habits and The 5 Second Rule) Why your personal story creates the trust and connection readers crave The power of simple, practical frameworks readers can implement immediately How to use storytelling to make your concepts 22 times more memorable Why strong opinions and authentic voice trump neutral, academic approaches every time So whether you're drafting your first manuscript or polishing your tenth, these insights will elevate your work from, “Yeah, it was okay” to, “Holy heck, that book changed my life.” I hope you enjoy listening. Further resources from me Switch and Dial LinkedIn article Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here. Book Strategy Hour - all info and link to book is here Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website. Connect with Steph: Website: https://stephcaswell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/ If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

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