What If? For Authors

Episode Description:
In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire asks the question: What if I’m a perfectionist? She breaks down the myth of “perfect,” explores how each Enneagram type approaches perfectionism differently, and offers practical ways to challenge the illusion of control that perfectionism creates.
If you’ve ever stalled out because your draft “wasn’t good enough,” obsessed over tiny details at the expense of joy, or secretly feared that one mistake could ruin everything—you’ll find both relief and encouragement in this conversation.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why the concept of “perfection” is made up—and how that realization can set you free
How idealism (a beautiful quality) can twist into painful perfectionism
The hidden childhood lessons that might have taught you mistakes weren’t safe
Why perfectionism doesn’t produce perfect books—it produces stuck authors
How each Enneagram type disguises perfectionism in its own way
Why publishing a book will always feel vulnerable (and why that’s good news)
A simple practice to start loosening perfectionism’s grip today
Takeaway Challenge:Make one mistake on purpose this week—and leave it there. Whether it’s leaving a typo in a draft, breaking one of your own “rules,” or letting something slide without fixing it, notice what happens. Is it really the catastrophe your perfectionism promised? Or is it… nothing at all?
Support the Show:
If this episode gave you permission to breathe a little deeper, please share it with another author who could use the same relief. You can also support the show by leaving a review wherever you listen—it helps more perfectionist authors find their way here.
Want to go deeper? Visit liberatedwriter.com to explore Claire’s coaching, courses, and books designed to help authors thrive without perfectionism weighing them down.
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 special bonus episode, Claire shares practical, story-focused advice for one of the most common (and frustrating) issues writers face: not knowing their protagonist. Whether your main character feels flat, unmotivated, or like a stranger you just can’t crack, this episode offers a clear path forward—with help from the Enneagram, of course.
Claire explains how understanding your protagonist’s core fear and desire can unlock their behavior, clarify their voice, and get your story moving again. She also walks you through the process of choosing the right Enneagram type for your character, using concrete examples to show how motivation drives everything from plot to emotional depth.
Plus, she shares an exciting update about her new book, Write Iconic Characters, and its currently-running Kickstarter campaign!
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why some protagonists “refuse” to follow the plot—and how to fix it
How to use Enneagram types to shape character motivation
What to do when you’ve blended multiple Enneagram types by accident
The simplest way to start creating a protagonist who feels authentic
Why writing your own Enneagram type can actually be a storytelling superpower
How to reverse-engineer your protagonist based on your story world or theme
What to do if your usual character-building methods aren’t working
Back the Write Iconic Characters Kickstarter (ends Aug 8): https://liberatedwriter.com/kickstarter
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, 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, Claire dives into a pattern she knows all too well — the belief that she has to solve everything on her own. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever curled up in bed overwhelmed by the weight of being a one-person problem-solving machine, this episode is for you.
Claire explores the roots of this pattern, tracing it back to childhood perceptions and our culture’s celebration of rugged individualism. She talks through the moment she realized that not only could she ask for help, but she might actually want to — even if it feels wildly uncomfortable at first.
Using her signature blend of coaching insight, author empathy, and a bit of humor, Claire breaks down:
What gets in the way of asking for help
How fear narrows our options
Why it’s so hard for authors (and humans) to even imagine what help might look like
The different types of help we might need — physical, emotional, intellectual
The critical difference between interdependence and codependence
Whether you're burning out from doing it all yourself, feeling emotionally isolated, or simply wondering if there’s an easier way, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a gentle nudge toward a more sustainable, connected writing life.
Key Takeaways:
Naming your self-reliance pattern is the first step toward choosing something different.
Help can be practical or emotional — both are valid, needed, and deeply human.
Interdependence is healthy and necessary; it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.
You don’t have to wait until you can’t to say I won’t.
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.
What’s Next?:
If this episode hit home, take a few minutes to sit with the question: “What kind of help would I want, even if I don’t technically need it?” Then, try something wild… ask for it.
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 tackles one of the most quietly powerful questions lurking beneath so many of our writing blocks: What if I don’t feel safe?
Safety isn’t just about locked doors and quiet neighborhoods. It shows up in four key forms:
Physical safety (Is your body secure — and does it know it’s secure?)
Emotional safety (Can you express your true feelings with yourself and others without fear of rejection or judgment?)
Intellectual safety (Do you feel free to say “I don’t know,” stay curious, and risk being wrong?)
Spiritual safety (Are you able to explore beliefs, questions, and doubts without being cast out or silenced — by others or by yourself?)
Claire explores how lacking safety in any of these areas can quietly suffocate creativity, lead to writer’s block, and keep us from fully connecting to the stories we want to tell. She also shares:
Why your nervous system sometimes can't tell the difference between being safe and feeling safe.
How trauma, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and even the relationships around you can subtly limit your creative freedom.
The difference between real danger and perceived danger, and why naming the fear can shrink it.
Why discomfort isn’t always a sign to stop — and why it’s essential to learn how to move forward even when you’re uncomfortable.
Why becoming a “safe person” for yourself and others will make you a stronger and more fearless creator.
Why You Should Listen:
This episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate look at why the modern world can feel increasingly unsafe, how to sort through those feelings, and how building practices for emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual safety can liberate both your writing and your life.
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:
Share your insights with Claire by emailing contact@ffs.media or connecting 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 explores the challenges and benefits of being an action-oriented writer. Drawing on her Enneagram expertise, Claire delves into what it means to lead with action in your writing process—balancing the need to move forward with moments of pause for reflection and emotional connection. She shares personal insights on managing overwhelming schedules, the importance of intentional pauses, and how to leverage your innate action-oriented strengths without burning out.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Action Orientation:
Discover what it means to be an action-oriented writer and how it may manifest differently based on your Enneagram type and subtype.
Recognize that being action oriented doesn’t preclude using planning or intuition—it's about finding your unique balance.
The Power of Pausing:
Learn why even action oriented writers benefit from occasional pauses to check in with their emotions and thoughts.
Explore strategies to avoid unproductive action that arises from trying to outrun negative feelings.
Balancing Productivity with Self-Care:
Understand the pitfalls of overloading your schedule with responsibilities as a misguided attempt to maintain control.
Embrace the idea that taking time to pause, reflect, and even connect with loved ones can ultimately enhance your writing.
Practical Strategies:
Consider setting up realistic, sustainable work habits and allowing room for flexibility in your creative process.
Use techniques like mindfulness to refocus and reclaim your energy when your schedule feels overwhelming.
Why You Should Listen:
If you’re an author who thrives on action but finds yourself occasionally overwhelmed by your own pace or the pressure to always be moving forward, this episode is for you. Claire offers a refreshing perspective on how to harness your action-oriented strengths while incorporating essential pauses for growth and self-reflection. Whether you're struggling to maintain balance or looking for ways to optimize your creative process, you'll gain valuable insights to empower your author journey.
Support the Show:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform and sharing the show with fellow authors. Every review helps more writers discover these insights and join our community.
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you balance action and reflection in your writing process? What strategies have helped you avoid burnout while staying productive? Share your insights with Claire by emailing contact@ffs.media or connect on social media.
Transition Announcement:
As a quick update, Claire announces that the podcast will be transitioning from a weekly to a monthly schedule. This change will help ensure the quality and sustainability of the show and protect Claire’s sanity, so be sure to stay tuned for the next episode!
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!