
Writing and Killing Unicorns
What does it mean to be a writer? Am I bragging if I tell people I am a writer? Am I a failure or scared if I don't? Writing and Killing Unicorns is a raw and unapologetic look into what it means to be a writer and how a crumbling world could affect the craft and the writer, hosted by me, Karen. Hollywood would have us believe books can be written in five minutes-that inspiration is this magical creature. It's time for those lies to die. Writing is hard, and scary, and fun, and healing. I will discuss the joys and fears of being a creative with the written word in a world that is literally crumbling at the seams. Through self-understanding, research and the help of people in the business, let's learn together. And remember: if you have a pen in your hand, no matter what, you're write.
Writing and Killing Unicorns
10 Reasons Writers Don't Write - And How to Overcome Them
Ever found yourself staring at a blank page, knowing you should be writing but… just not doing it? You’re not alone. In this episode of Writing and Killing Unicorns, we dive into the 10 biggest reasons writers don’t write—from procrastination to perfectionism, self-doubt to distractions—and explore real, actionable ways to push past them. Whether you're stuck in the idea phase, afraid your work won’t be good enough, or just too busy to write, this episode will help you get back on track and start putting words on the page.
If you've been waiting for a sign to stop avoiding your writing, this is it.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The most common mental and practical roadblocks that keep writers from writing
✅ How perfectionism and fear of failure sabotage creativity—and how to break free
✅ Strategies for overcoming self-doubt and building writing confidence
✅ Why "finding time to write" might not be the real problem
✅ Simple habits and mindset shifts to make writing a consistent part of your life
Mentioned in This Episode:
📖 The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar
Next Episode Preview!
🔥 Special Guest Host: Jo Salazar! 🔥
Next week, we’re handing the mic over to Jo Salazar, the author of the hot new novel The Dead Weight. Jo will be diving into one of the most challenging parts of writing: killing your darlings. Have you ever struggled to cut a sentence, scene, or character you love but know it isn’t serving your story? Jo’s got you covered with practical advice on editing with purpose and making your writing stronger by letting go.
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Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.
Top 10 Reasons Writers Don’t Write
Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, the podcast where we dismantle the glittery myths about writing and get real about the creative process. I’m your host, Nelly, here to help you face the chaos, kill the distractions, and maybe—just maybe—slay the beast holding you back from putting words on the page.
Today, we’re diving into one of the most frustrating, universal struggles for writers: not writing. Whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, or just the sneaky pull of binge-watching your favorite show instead of finishing your novel, we’ve all been there. So, in this episode, we’re breaking down 10 reasons writers don’t write—and how you can beat them before they beat you.
Grab your coffee, your notebook, and maybe a sword—we’ve got some unicorns to slay. Let’s get started!"
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Many people dream of writing. They imagine incredible stories unfolding in their minds and tell everyone they know about the latest plot twist, character arc, or thrilling premise they've come up with. They're convinced that their story is destined to become the next blockbuster film or bestselling novel, making waves in the entertainment industry within just a few months of its publication. It’s a captivating thought, and for some, it’s a driving force—this belief that their story could change everything.
But despite the excitement and the vivid ideas swirling around, something keeps many of these would-be writers from taking the first major step: putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).
There are a multitude of reasons why, despite all the potential and the ambition, some stories never leave the mind. It’s not that these ideas are lacking in creativity or potential—they’re often brilliant. The challenge lies in the act of writing itself, and the emotional, mental, and practical obstacles that can prevent someone from turning that brilliant idea into a completed manuscript.
1. I don't have time to write.
It’s true—time is one of the biggest hurdles for many aspiring writers, and it often becomes the excuse that keeps them from even starting. Life’s daily demands can easily push writing to the bottom of the to-do list, especially when the process of writing a full-length story feels so daunting. The truth is, writing takes time. There’s the initial rough draft phase, where ideas spill onto the page, followed by the read-throughs, rewrites, editing, and then the whole submission and rejection cycle. And that’s just the beginning!
However, one of the most effective ways to combat the “I don’t have time” excuse is to create a routine—one that makes writing a non-negotiable part of your daily life. You don’t need hours of uninterrupted quiet (though that would be nice). What’s more important is consistency.
Set aside a specific time each day dedicated to writing. And here’s the key: make it the same time every day. This is the start of building a habit. It doesn’t have to be a huge block of time—just 15, 20, or 30 minutes can be enough. During this time, don’t stress about perfection. The goal is not to worry about grammar or punctuation or even whether what you're writing will make the final cut. What matters is that you are showing up, getting words on the page, and getting used to the rhythm of daily writing.
You’ll find that over time, this simple act of scheduling writing into your day becomes a habit. Within three weeks of sticking to this routine, writing will feel less like a chore and more like a natural part of your day. You’ll start looking forward to that dedicated time to write, and even if the time increases, you’ll have the structure to support it. And once you’ve got the habit down, you’ll be amazed at how much progress you can make—even if it’s just one paragraph at a time.
The important thing is that you make writing a priority, even if it’s in small increments. Life won’t slow down to make room for your writing, but you can carve out time and make it work for you.
2. I don't know what to write.
The feeling of not knowing what to write is another major hurdle many aspiring writers face. It’s easy to get caught in the belief that you need a fully-formed story idea, with every detail in place, before you even begin. But here’s the truth: it’s highly unlikely that any writer has a complete story idea fully formed in their mind from beginning to end. Crafting a story, especially a well-rounded one, takes time, effort, and a lot of mental stretching. The details will unfold and evolve as you write, and that’s completely normal. In fact, it’s part of the creative process.
The problem arises when you place too much pressure on yourself to create a “great” story right out of the gate. This kind of expectation can suffocate your creativity, leading you to force plot points or ideas that feel unnatural or uninspired. The more you focus on making every sentence perfect, the more you’ll stall yourself and drain your enthusiasm. Creativity thrives when you let it flow without judgment or constraints.
Instead of waiting for that perfect, polished idea, allow yourself to start somewhere. Just write. Write whatever comes to your mind—whether it's random thoughts, a character you want to explore, or a setting that sparks your imagination. The key is to get words down on the page without worrying about whether it’s “right” or “good” yet.
A great way to break through the “I don’t know what to write” barrier is to start with something familiar. Take a well-known story or concept and put your own spin on it. For example, try rewriting a fairy tale in a modern setting, or imagine how a classic story might unfold if you changed a key element. Maybe you could explore what would happen if the villain had a redeeming moment or if the hero didn’t succeed in the end. This approach helps get your creative juices flowing while still giving you some structure to build on. It also forces you to think outside the box and see a familiar story from a fresh angle.
Don’t worry about the rough draft being messy or imperfect—this is the time to let your imagination run wild without the burden of perfection. As you start to get words on the page, you’ll find that ideas begin to flow more naturally, and eventually, your “not knowing what to write” turns into a wealth of possibilities.
Remember, writing is about exploring and discovering—not forcing an idea into existence. If you keep writing, even when you don’t know exactly what will come next, you’ll find that the story begins to reveal itself. Let your creativity breathe, and the ideas will come.
3. I want to be published immediately.
The desire to be published immediately is a common dream for many aspiring writers, and who can blame them? The idea of seeing your name in print, holding a published book in your hands, or having your story shared with the world is exhilarating. But let’s be real: the road to publication is rarely as quick or as easy as it might seem, especially if you’re expecting it to happen overnight.
In movies and TV shows, writers often get a call from a publisher after just one submission, or their manuscript is somehow accepted in a matter of hours or days. The process is dramatically sped up for the sake of storytelling, and as a result, many people develop a skewed perception of how publication actually works. In reality, the publishing process involves multiple stages, and each one can take a significant amount of time. There’s the writing phase (which could take months or even years), followed by revisions, editing, query letters, submissions, and possibly multiple rounds of rejection. Even once a publisher picks up a manuscript, it could take another year or more before the book is actually printed and released to the public.
It’s important to acknowledge that the timeline for publishing varies greatly depending on the path you choose. Traditional publishing often involves long waits, while self-publishing can be quicker but still requires its own work and strategy to make sure the book reaches the right audience. Regardless of the route, immediate success or instant recognition just isn’t realistic for most writers.
So, what should you focus on instead of rushing to get published? Write for the joy of writing, not for the sole purpose of seeing your name on a book cover. When you write for yourself—when you pour your heart into telling the story that matters to you—you will create work that is far more authentic and compelling. The desire for publication can fuel your passion, but it shouldn’t be your only motivation.
As Jonas Eriksson wisely said, "Don’t write to sell, write to tell." This is the mindset that allows you to stay true to your voice, your creativity, and your love of storytelling. When you write to tell a story—not just to make a sale—your work will resonate more deeply, and the process of writing itself will become more fulfilling. And if publication comes as a result of that? Well, that’s the cherry on top.
So, instead of focusing on immediate publication, embrace the journey. Write because you have something to say. Write because it brings you joy. Write because the act of creating is meaningful to you. And if publication happens, it will be the reward for the time and effort you’ve invested in crafting something real, something true to your voice.
4. I have too many distractions in my life.
Right now, as I sit here trying to write, my oldest son, who’s now 15, and my younger son, who's 11, are in their rooms playing video games on their game system. And, of course, they're yelling at each other through their shared Jack and Jill bathroom. I can hear the back-and-forth of their typical sibling banter as one accuses the other of cheating, or the other claims the game is glitching. It’s honestly a little hilarious, if not a tad overwhelming. They don’t seem to realize how loud they’re being, but they’re so engrossed in their game that they’re fully in their own world.
Meanwhile, my husband—bless him—has managed to escape to work. The quietest moments in the house seem to happen when everyone is asleep. So, of course, that means I’m the one to juggle the noise, the interruptions, and the constant energy that fills this house.
This is what it’s like trying to write with distractions everywhere. My head is constantly shifting between the noise of their games and the thoughts I’m trying to keep focused on my story. Sometimes, I catch myself mentally drifting into the game room, picturing the scene of my sons arguing over a score or a lost round, while I’m still here, in my own little corner of the house, trying to make sense of my words.
It’s not easy to focus when the house is in constant motion, and I’m sure many of you can relate. When you’re writing, you need space and time to think, to let your ideas flow. But when life is loud and demanding, it can feel like trying to write in the middle of a hurricane. And yet, here I am, trying to push through the chaos and find a moment of clarity to get words on the page.
But here’s the thing: I’ve learned to adapt. It’s taken time, and I’ve definitely had to work at it. I’m not going to lie and say it’s easy—far from it. There are days when I get frustrated, when the noise feels like it’s swallowing my thoughts. But I’ve also realized that if I really want to write, I have to work with what I’ve got, and not wait for the perfect, quiet, distraction-free moment. Because if I do that, let’s be honest, I’ll be waiting forever.
I’ve started carving out time for writing in small, bite-sized chunks throughout the day. Sure, it might not always be ideal, and it’s not the kind of peaceful writing retreat I sometimes dream about, but it’s enough. I’ve learned that I can focus in brief windows of time—even when my sons are yelling at each other through the walls, or when the dishwasher is running, or when the dog decides it’s the perfect moment to start barking at something outside. The trick is to find a time and place to settle into that focus, even if it’s just for a short while.
And there’s something else I’ve learned: the distractions, the noise, and even the interruptions can sometimes fuel my creativity in unexpected ways. The energy in the house, while chaotic, is also a reminder that life is constantly moving, constantly changing. It’s messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises, just like writing. Sometimes, my sons' shouting matches make me smile because they remind me that even when everything feels out of control, there’s beauty in the mess. And hey, it makes for some pretty interesting character dynamics when I start writing, too.
So, I’ve learned to work around distractions. I might not have the luxury of a quiet, secluded writing nook, but I can still create a space in my day where I can focus, even if the environment isn’t ideal. I don’t have to wait for the perfect conditions to write. Writing can happen in the middle of noise, mess, and chaos, and if I really want it, I’ll find a way to make it work. It’s not about having the perfect situation—it’s about being committed to the process, no matter what. Because at the end of the day, if I let the distractions win, I’m not going to get anything written. So, I take a deep breath, ignore the noise, and keep typing.
5. No one believes I can do it.
Ah, the naysayers. We’ve all encountered them. They’re the ones who always seem ready to throw a wet blanket over your creative fire. “You’ll never get anyone to read it.” “Your life isn’t interesting enough to write a book.” “Writing is a waste of time—you’ll never make any money doing it.” Sound familiar? These aren’t just words; they’re the kind of comments that can burrow into your mind and make you second-guess everything.
Here’s the thing: naysayers come in many forms. They might be well-meaning family members who think they’re protecting you from disappointment. They might be friends who secretly feel threatened by your ambition. Or worse, they might be voices from your own mind, echoing your deepest fears and insecurities. But regardless of where these voices come from, they share a common goal: to discourage you from pursuing what matters most to you.
Let’s be clear about something: writing is deeply personal. Whether it’s your first story, a memoir, or a novel you’ve been dreaming of for years, it’s an act of vulnerability. And when people doubt you or dismiss your dream, it can cut deep. You might start to wonder, What if they’re right? What if no one reads my work? What if my story isn’t interesting enough? What if I fail?
But here’s the truth: writing isn’t about them. It’s about you. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to tell your story, share your thoughts, and create something that’s uniquely yours. Naysayers might scoff at the idea of your story being worth telling, but they don’t get to decide that. You do.
Think about it—how many books have you read that have changed your perspective, comforted you, or inspired you? Every one of those authors faced doubts, criticism, and discouragement at some point. What if they had listened? What if they had let those doubts stop them from writing? The world would have been robbed of their stories, their ideas, and their contributions.
So when the naysayers come knocking, don’t let them define your path. If anything, let their doubt fuel your determination. Write anyway. Write to prove to yourself that you can. Write because your voice matters, even if no one else believes it. Write because the act of writing—of creating something out of nothing—is a victory in itself.
And if you ever feel yourself wavering, remind yourself of this: you don’t need permission to be a writer. You don’t need validation from others. Writing isn’t about impressing people or making money—it’s about expressing something that only you can. So block out the noise, sit down at the keyboard, and write.
Your story matters. And the only way to silence the naysayers for good is to show them what they missed when they underestimated you.
6. I don't have enough motivation.
Let’s face it—writing takes energy, discipline, and a healthy dose of motivation. And let’s be real: it’s not always easy to muster up that motivation when life has a way of throwing curveballs. Deadlines at work, family obligations, social commitments, or even just plain exhaustion can drain your creative reserves and leave you staring at a blank page, wondering if you’ve got anything left to give.
I won’t sugarcoat it—writing is hard. It requires a level of focus and dedication that’s easy to lose when life gets busy or overwhelming. And it’s not just about finding the time; it’s about maintaining the drive to turn the ideas in your head into something tangible. If you’ve ever started a story only to lose it in the shuffle of life, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too.
But here’s the thing: the problem isn’t taking a break. It’s deciding not to come back. Putting the pen down for a moment is fine—even necessary. Creativity doesn’t thrive under constant pressure, and no one expects you to write nonstop forever. Sometimes, stepping away can help you clear your mind and recharge your creative energy. But if you let too much time pass, if your pen and paper start collecting dust, that’s when the real problem begins.
A common culprit behind a lack of motivation is writer’s block. You get stuck, unsure of what happens next in your story. The ideas don’t flow, the words don’t come, and frustration sets in. It’s tempting to give up when this happens—maybe even start a new project, leaving the old one behind. Sound familiar?
I’ve seen this pattern play out countless times, and I’ve experienced it myself. But over the years, I’ve found a strategy that works for me when I hit that wall. Instead of forcing the story to move forward, I write down three possible directions it could go. They don’t have to be perfect or fully developed—just enough to spark some ideas. Then, I step away for a few days. During that time, I let the ideas simmer, and usually, one of them will stick in my mind more than the others. That’s the one I go with.
This approach might not work for everyone, but the key takeaway is this: don’t let the roadblock stop you entirely. Experiment with different methods to reignite your creativity. Sometimes it’s as simple as switching to a new scene, writing from a different character’s perspective, or even journaling your frustrations to break the logjam.
Motivation isn’t always about feeling inspired—it’s about showing up even when you’re not. It’s about pushing through the tough moments, not with perfection, but with persistence. Remember, writing is a process, not a race. There’s no rulebook that says you have to write every day or finish every project in a set amount of time. The only rule is to keep going, even if it’s one word at a time.
So if you’re feeling unmotivated, take a breath, take a break, and then take the next step. It doesn’t matter how small that step is—what matters is that you take it. Because every step brings you closer to the story you’re meant to tell.
7. It is what it is.
The sky is blue. The clouds are white. The earth is round. And everything in your story must follow the laws of physics, science, and common sense, right? Wrong! So many aspiring writers fall into the trap of obsessing over realism, feeling they need to tether their creativity to what’s “real” or “logical.” But here’s the truth: writing doesn’t have to be bound by the rules of our world.
Think about it. If you’re too focused on making your story mirror real life, you risk making it predictable, even mundane. Where’s the fun in that? Readers don’t pick up stories to read about things they already know—they read to be transported, to be surprised, to experience something entirely new.
Here’s where the magic of writing comes in: you get to play Master of your own universe. If you want spiders to be called dogs and dogs to be called cats, then so be it. If you want the sun to rise in the west and set in the east, go ahead and make it happen. Want a world where gravity works sideways, or a city that floats on the back of a giant whale? Write it down. It’s your story, your world, your rules.
The only guideline you need to follow is consistency within the world you create. Your story doesn’t have to conform to reality, but it does need to flow within itself. Readers will happily suspend their disbelief as long as the internal logic of your story makes sense. That’s the beauty of storytelling—it allows you to build a world that’s entirely your own, no matter how fantastical or unconventional it might be.
It’s incredibly freeing once you let go of the need to write something “real.” Suddenly, the blank page transforms from a place of limitation to one of infinite possibility. You’re no longer bound by the constraints of our world. Instead, you’re creating a space where anything is possible—where characters, settings, and events can defy the rules of reality to create something truly unique.
So, the next time you find yourself hesitating to write something because it doesn’t seem realistic enough, remind yourself: It is what it is—because you say so. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Writing is not about sticking to what’s real; it’s about exploring what could be. Embrace the freedom of storytelling, and you might just discover a story that’s unlike anything anyone has ever read before.
8. Everyone wants to be a writer.
Everywhere you look, someone is calling themselves a writer. Social media is flooded with budding novelists, poets, and storytellers announcing their latest projects or sharing snippets of their work. It can feel like the writing world is saturated, and for some, this can be intimidating. “How will I stand out?” “What if my ideas aren’t good enough?” “Is there even room for one more writer?”
But let me tell you something: the rise of more writers isn’t a threat—it’s a blessing.
More writers mean more stories, more perspectives, and more creative energy in the world. The act of writing isn’t a competition, even though it may sometimes feel that way. Sure, you might hear whispers of “Who has the best plot?” or “Who’s going to get published first?” But these thoughts only have as much power as you give them.
The truth is, writing isn’t about being the best or getting to the finish line before anyone else. Writing is about telling your story in your voice. No one else can do that the way you can, no matter how many writers are out there. Your perspective, your experiences, and your creativity are entirely unique—and that’s what makes your work valuable.
Instead of seeing the growing number of writers as competition, view it as motivation. Let the thriving community of writers inspire you to work harder, refine your craft, and pour your passion into your work. Celebrate the fact that there are so many people out there who share your love for storytelling. After all, the world can never have too many stories.
Writing isn’t a zero-sum game. One person’s success doesn’t diminish your own potential. In fact, the success of other writers proves that the dream of writing—and being read—is possible. Use their achievements as a reminder of what’s possible for you, too.
So, if the thought of “everyone wanting to be a writer” ever feels overwhelming, take a step back and remember why you started writing in the first place. It wasn’t to compete—it was to create. Focus on that, and the noise will fade away. Your story matters, and there’s more than enough room in the world for every writer, including you.
9. I get too frustrated!
So, you’ve done it. You’ve written an entire novel. You’ve poured your heart and soul into the process, battled distractions, and ignored every reason to quit. But then comes the harsh reality: your book doesn’t make the New York Times Best Seller list, and it feels like all your hard work was for nothing.
Let’s get one thing straight: writing is hard. Not just the act of writing itself, but everything that comes after. Rejection, discouragement, and even being ignored are all part of the process. Think of it as an occupational hazard. Every writer, no matter how talented, will face these challenges. The key to surviving them is managing your expectations.
Many writers start their journey with dreams of fame and fortune, imagining their name on bestseller lists and their book flying off the shelves. While it’s great to dream big, it’s equally important to stay grounded. Writing is not a guaranteed ticket to success. Even the most celebrated authors have faced mountains of rejection before finding their audience.
The solution? Set realistic goals. Instead of focusing on external validation, like bestseller lists or glowing reviews, focus on what you can control. Celebrate milestones like finishing a draft, improving your craft, or sharing your work with a small but appreciative audience. Success doesn’t have to mean selling millions of copies. Sometimes, it’s as simple as writing a story that resonates with even one person.
Frustration often comes when reality doesn’t align with our expectations. But if you adjust your perspective, those setbacks won’t feel so insurmountable. For instance, instead of seeing rejection as failure, view it as a rite of passage. Every rejection is a step closer to finding the right publisher, agent, or reader for your work.
Remember, writing is a journey, not a race. The world’s most beloved authors didn’t get where they are overnight. They persevered through countless obstacles because they believed in their work and were willing to keep going, no matter what.
So, the next time frustration creeps in, take a deep breath and remind yourself why you started writing in the first place. Was it to see your name on a list? Or was it to tell a story that only you could tell? Focus on that, and the rest will fall into place—maybe not overnight, but eventually.
Set realistic goals, keep writing, and don’t let the bumps in the road stop you. Because even if you don’t make the New York Times Best Seller list, the fact that you’ve written something is an accomplishment in itself. And that’s something to be proud of.
10. No one understands.
You know that one friend—the one who’s just...different? They see the world in ways others can’t, bringing a perspective that feels out of step with the norm. For writers, that’s often how the world sees us: the quirky, impractical dreamers who pour their time and energy into something most people don’t understand.
Unless you’re a big-name, established author, few people take the idea of writing seriously. Friends might dismiss it as a hobby or a pipe dream. Family might question whether it’s worth the time and effort. “You spend all this time and money going to workshops, reading books, and collecting rejection letters, and for what? You’re missing out on living!”
The truth is, calling yourself a writer can feel like calling yourself an English major. You’re met with skepticism and confusion, as though you’ve signed up to give your life away for something impractical. People struggle to see the value in what you do because it doesn’t fit the conventional mold of success.
Here’s the thing: if you truly want to be a writer, you have to embrace being “that person.” You have to accept that some people will think you’re wasting your time, that you’re chasing an impossible dream. And yes, you might even be seen as the weird one—the person who chooses storytelling over happy hours, who carries notebooks everywhere, and who spends more time in imagined worlds than in the real one.
But here’s the beauty of it: being the weird one isn’t a curse. It’s a gift. It means you see the world differently, that you’re brave enough to follow a passion most people are too scared to pursue. It means you have something unique to say, something worth sharing.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “It’s not realistic to expect me to ignore the discouragement, frustration, and judgment.” And you’re right. Those things will get to you at times—they get to all of us. But what matters is that you don’t let them stop you. Writing isn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It’s about telling your story because it matters to you.
Being misunderstood is part of the writer’s journey, but it’s also part of what makes it worthwhile. The stories that change lives, the ones that move people, often come from those who were willing to see the world differently—those who were brave enough to be misunderstood.
So, yes, it’s hard to stand out. It’s hard to be “that person.” But the alternative is letting those doubts, fears, and judgments silence your voice. And the world deserves to hear your voice. You deserve to hear your voice.
Let the world misunderstand you. Let them question your path. And then, write anyway.
And there you have it—10 reasons writers don’t write and, more importantly, how to break through those barriers and get back to doing what you love. Whether it’s fear of failure, perfectionism, distractions, or just plain old procrastination, every writer faces these struggles at some point. The key isn’t to avoid them—it’s to recognize them, call them out for what they are, and find strategies to keep moving forward.
Writing isn’t just about putting words on a page. It’s about pushing past doubt, embracing the messiness of the process, and allowing yourself to write badly before you write brilliantly. It’s about showing up, even on the days when it feels impossible, because every great story, every powerful book, and every unforgettable character started with someone who refused to quit.
So, if you’ve been stuck, uninspired, or convincing yourself that you’ll ‘write tomorrow,’ consider this your sign to start now. Open that document. Pick up that pen. Give yourself permission to write something, anything, without overthinking it. You’ll be surprised how far a single sentence can take you.
And speaking of writing with intention, I am so excited about our next episode! We have a very special guest host with us—Jo Salazar, the brilliant mind behind the hot new novel The Dead Weight. Jo is going to walk us through one of the most challenging but necessary parts of the writing process: killing your darlings. If you’ve ever struggled with cutting a beloved character, a poetic but unnecessary sentence, or an entire subplot that just isn’t working, this episode is for you. Jo’s going to share her insights on why ruthless editing is the key to great storytelling, how to detach emotionally from your work, and how to tell the difference between what serves your story and what’s just dead weight.
So, mark your calendars, subscribe if you haven’t already, and get ready for an episode that might just change the way you approach your writing forever.
As always, thank you for spending your time with me on Writing and Killing Unicorns. If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world if you left a review, shared it with a fellow writer, or even just took a moment to reflect on what’s been holding you back from writing. Because at the end of the day, the only thing standing between you and your next great story… is starting.
Until next time, keep writing, keep pushing through the doubt, and remember—don’t let the unicorns win.
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