What If? For Authors

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:
Welcome back to What If? For Authors! In this thought-provoking episode, Claire dives into a topic that resonates deeply with many authors: the fear of losing control when juggling life's many responsibilities. Fresh off a much-needed vacation, Claire reflects on the importance of stepping back, questioning the pressures we put on ourselves, and identifying patterns that lead to unnecessary stress.
She explores why we take on so much responsibility, how our desire for control drives this behavior, and the toll it takes on our mental and physical well-being. Through relatable anecdotes, actionable insights, and a compassionate approach, Claire challenges listeners to reconsider what they're truly responsible for and where they can let go.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Why many authors fall into the trap of being "responsibility addicts"
How taking responsibility can create a false sense of control over unpredictable outcomes
The impact of excessive responsibility on your mental and physical health
How perfectionism and over-commitment often mask deeper fears
Practical strategies to identify and release unnecessary responsibilities
Why focusing on what you can control—your thoughts, feelings, and actions—leads to freedom and meaningful influence
Key Takeaways:
Let go of the reins: You’re not holding as much together as you think, and that’s liberating.
Challenge your thoughts: Not every thought you have is a fact. Question the stories your brain tells you.
Spot the lies: If you're taking on tasks for a sense of control rather than measurable results, it might be time to reassess.
Focus on influence, not control: Shift your attention inward to the things you can control, like your mindset and actions, and let the ripple effects unfold naturally.
Embrace imperfection: Perfectionism is an anxiety response, not a badge of honor. Free yourself from its grip.
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.
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!

Episode Description:
In this episode of What If for Authors, Claire dives into the deeply ingrained habit of comparing ourselves to others—why we do it, how it affects us, and how we can learn to shift from harmful patterns of comparison toward curiosity and growth. Whether you're a writer struggling with self-doubt or simply a human navigating the complexities of social dynamics, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice.
Key Takeaways
Why We Compare Ourselves to OthersEvolutionary roots of comparison and its role in social survival.
How Comparison Impacts WritersFrom comparing your books to others in your genre to the challenges of writing to market.
The Enneagram and ComparisonHow each type’s core fear influences the way we compare and react.
Shifting from Judgment to CuriosityPractical tips for recognizing harmful patterns of comparison and replacing them with curiosity.
When to Take a BreakWhy stepping back from comp authors or genre-specific reading may help reset your mindset.
Why Listen: If you’ve ever felt bogged down by comparisons and self-doubt, this episode will help you take the first steps toward freeing yourself from the cycle. Tune in and start embracing your unique path as an author.
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!

Episode Description:
In this candid and thought-provoking episode of What If? For Authors, Claire tackles one of the most polarizing topics in the writing world today: artificial intelligence. As authors grapple with the rise of AI, Claire delves into the underlying fears, anger, and ethical dilemmas shaping the debate.
Claire begins by addressing the elephant in the room: the pervasive fear of AI and its potential to replace or harm authors. From the "original sin" of AI training on copyrighted material to the polarized stances authors take, this episode seeks to explore the emotional and psychological roots of these perspectives rather than taking a definitive stance.
Whether you're staunchly anti-AI, an advocate for integrating technology into your writing process, or somewhere in between, Claire invites you to approach this topic with intellectual humility. She examines how fear manifests in our behavior, discusses the scapegoating and witch-hunting tendencies emerging in the author community, and offers insights into how we can navigate this uncertain terrain without losing ourselves in the extremes.
Key Takeaways
The fear response triggered by AI and how it affects authors.
The "original sin" of AI: ethical concerns surrounding copyright and justice.
Intellectual humility and the pitfalls of entrenched positions.
The tyranny of extremes in the AI debate.
Enneagram insights: How each type might engage with the AI discussion.
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:Where do you fall on this debate? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this thought-provoking episode of What If for Authors, Claire explores the topic of career pivots and how they relate to the ever-evolving world of writing and publishing. Drawing from her personal experience, Enneagram insights, and industry knowledge, Claire helps authors reflect on when it might be time to make a change and how to approach that transition with clarity and courage.
Claire also shares candid updates about her own journey, including navigating energy shifts, health challenges, and a pivot point in her career. This episode is packed with actionable advice, Enneagram wisdom, and encouragement for authors grappling with the question: What if it’s time for a pivot?
Key Takeaways
What is a pivot?: A career change that arises when the old path no longer serves your goals, values, or circumstances.
Recognizing the right time: How to identify when staying on the current course creates more friction than moving toward a new direction.
Enneagram insights: Each Enneagram type’s tendencies and challenges when it comes to making or resisting career pivots.
Overcoming fear: How core fears and social connections influence your ability to make changes and how to build resilience against them.
The value of outside perspective: Why sharing your pivot idea with a supportive and unbiased group can help shatter limited perspectives and make better decisions.
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:Is it time for a pivot in your author career? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire at contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
Welcome back to another episode of What If? For Authors. In this episode, Claire dives into the question, "What if I hate working alone?" and explores the struggles, solutions, and Enneagram insights that can help authors navigate their loneliness while pursuing their writing careers. If you’ve ever wrestled with the isolation that comes with the writing life, this episode is for you!
Key Takeaways:
Your Social Needs Aren’t a Problem: They’re just part of being human. Embrace them and explore ways to fulfill them creatively.
Writing Sprints: how they work and why they’re a game-changer for many authors.
Self-Awareness is Key: Understanding your Enneagram type can provide valuable insight into your strengths and challenges when it comes to working with others.
Enneagram Insights for Collaborative Writing: Claire explores how different Enneagram types approach collaboration and solo work.
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:What helps you keep connected to others while working alone? 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 tackles the question: What if I don’t know the next step? Whether you're stuck in your author career because of a lack of information, poor timing, fear-based decisions, or discomfort in the present, Claire offers insights and actionable ideas to help you move forward. She also explains how the virtues of your Enneagram type can guide you when you're feeling stuck. If you're unsure of what comes next in your author journey, this episode will provide clarity and inspiration.
Key Takeaways:
How to identify if your next-step uncertainty is due to a lack of knowledge—and where to find reliable information.
Why timing might be the issue and how to recognize when it's time to act.
How fear and discomfort can mislead you into searching for "emergency exits" instead of staying the course.
How to avoid jumping ahead to steps you're not ready for.
Ways to use the virtue of your Enneagram type to find clarity and peace when you’re stuck.
Why self-compassion and trust in yourself are key to navigating uncertainty.
Resources Mentioned:
Alliance of Independent Authors
The Creative Penn
Kindlepreneur
Podcasts: The Sell More Books Show, Wish I’d Known Then for Authors
Book: The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up by Beatrice Chestnut and Uranio Paes
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:What’s keeping you from taking the next step in your author journey? Share your thoughts and questions by reaching out to Claire or joining the What If? For Authors community.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire dives into a fear familiar to many writers and humans: the unsettling question, What if I'm shouting into the void?
Publishing, marketing, and building an audience can feel isolating, like waving at a motion-sensor sink that refuses to acknowledge you. Claire explores the deeper human fears behind this feeling—questions of meaning, agency, and connection—and provides practical insights to reframe your mindset and regain motivation.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize the existential unease that comes with publishing and marketing.
Shift your focus from unattainable goals to meaningful milestones.
Apply mindfulness to redirect unproductive thoughts and feelings.
Use the “Three Ps of Optimism” (personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence) to combat self-doubt.
Transform interactions, even with a small audience, into rewarding connections.
Why You Should Listen: Claire addresses the challenges of comparison, the dangers of fear-based motivation, and the importance of celebrating progress, no matter how small. Whether you’re shouting into the void or engaging with a handful of readers, this episode will guide you to shift your perspective, connect authentically, and move forward in your author journey.
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: Have you ever felt like you were shouting into the void? What strategies have helped you? Share your thoughts with Claire by emailing contact@ffs.media or connect on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire takes a deeply personal and urgent approach to addressing a fear many are grappling with in the wake of political turmoil: "What if my country collapses?"
Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram-certified coach, Claire provides a framework for navigating the overwhelming emotions that often accompany these moments of uncertainty. She explores the power of grounded nervous system work, community connection, and the unique role that authors play in shaping culture and fostering resilience through storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
Why it's crucial to recognize that you cannot save your country alone.
Strategies to co-regulate with others and create calm amidst chaos.
How authors can reclaim their agency and wield their words as tools for healing and transformation.
A story of endurance, support, and unexpected hope shared by one of Claire's Enneagram mentors.
Reflections on how each Enneagram type can contribute to collective healing and action.
Why You Should Listen: Claire doesn’t shy away from the hard truths about the moment we’re living in, but she also provides hopeful reminders. If recent events have left you feeling paralyzed or powerless, this episode offers both validation and actionable insights for moving forward as an individual and as part of a larger community.
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 with Claire by emailing contact@ffs.media or connect on social media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!