What If? For Authors

Episode Description:
In this week’s episode of What If For Authors, we tackle a difficult topic—public shaming. Claire dives into what happens when authors, as public figures, find themselves the target of online attacks or social media pile-ons. She shares practical steps for managing a shame campaign, from getting offline and regulating your emotions to deciding whether you need to bring in a crisis manager. But beyond the tactical approach, this episode digs deep into what shame really is, how it works, and how to transform toxic emotions into tools for growth and self-compassion. Whether you're worried about an angry reviewer or facing criticism that seems to come out of nowhere, this episode equips you to handle public shaming with resilience and grace.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Shame vs. Guilt: Claire distinguishes between shame, which tells us that we are bad, and guilt, which tells us we did something bad. Understanding the difference is crucial to not letting shame control our responses.
Practical Steps During a Crisis: Claire outlines what to do if you find yourself the subject of online shaming—step one is to get offline, regulate your emotions, and refrain from engaging. 
The Role of Empathy in Combatting Shame: Shame isolates, making us feel undeserving of support and empathy. The antidote? Finding a safe, empathetic person to share your feelings with. Expressing your shame helps release its grip and restore a sense of connection.
How Each Enneagram Type Handles Shame: Although Enneagram Types 2, 3, and 4 are in the “shame triad,” every type has a unique relationship with shame. Claire explains how recognizing these patterns can help lessen the hold shame has on your life and career.
Why Self-Compassion is Key: The ultimate goal is to embrace the fact that while good people can do bad things, it doesn’t make them unworthy of love and connection. Self-compassion and honest reflection allow us to experience guilt without spiraling into toxic shame.
Why You Should Listen: If you’re an author who has ever worried about a bad review, social media backlash, or being misunderstood publicly, this episode is a must-listen. Claire’s candid discussion of how shame affects us at a fundamental human level and her practical advice on what to do when you’re feeling attacked will help you build resilience, develop self-awareness, and prepare for the inevitable challenges of being a public figure.
Join the Conversation: Have you ever faced public shaming or harsh criticism? Share your experiences and strategies with Claire by emailing her at contact@ffs.media. If you need support, Claire is there to offer empathy and guidance as you work through these complex emotions.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire Taylor tackles one of the biggest challenges many indie authors face: working with a tight budget. Claire shares insights from her own experience of starting out on a shoestring budget and provides practical strategies for authors who want to make their writing career work without breaking the bank. Whether you're an author with no extra funds or someone who’s being mindful of their spending, this episode dives deep into how to navigate publishing costs, leverage skills, and avoid common budget pitfalls based on your Enneagram type.
Key Takeaways:
Start Small, Learn More: You can launch your author career with very little upfront cost. Claire shares how she started out with just a website and Adobe suite and worked her way up over time, stressing the importance of learning new skills to save money.
Trade Skills with Other Authors: One great way to get things done without spending is to trade services with other authors. Claire discusses the value of learning key skills, and how fair exchanges can help you stay on budget.
Where Budgeting Anxiety Comes From: Each Enneagram type faces different fears and anxieties when working on a tight budget. Claire walks through each type and how their specific tendencies affect their budgeting decisions.
Avoid the Credit Card Trap: Claire advises against opening credit cards or overspending on courses and marketing tools before you’re ready. Patience and gradual progress are key when working on limited funds.
Overcoming Mindset Blocks: Having a tight budget is not necessarily a disadvantage. Claire explains how shifting your mindset from scarcity to opportunity can build resilience and help sustain your author career in the long run.
Why You Should Listen: If you're an indie author struggling with budget constraints or just looking for ways to make your money stretch further, this episode is full of actionable tips and advice tailored to each Enneagram type. Claire’s personal experience and expert coaching help demystify how to balance financial limitations with building a successful author business. This episode will not only help you feel empowered to work within your means but also give you the confidence to continue on your path, no matter how tight the budget may be.
Join the Conversation: Sign up for the 5-Day Author Supercharge course at FFS.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire Taylor dives deep into a hidden anxiety many authors face—disappointing their parents. Whether your parents were loving and supportive, critical, or absent, the relationship you developed with them still influences how you approach your writing career. Claire addresses how these childhood patterns show up in adult life and impact your creative decisions, even when you think you’ve moved past them. By understanding the role your parents’ approval plays in your subconscious, you can start liberating yourself from their influence and reclaim your author career.
Key Takeaways:
Unpacking Childhood Patterns: Our adult decisions, especially in writing, are often influenced by unresolved dynamics with our parents or guardians. These patterns show up even when we think we’ve moved past them.
Three Core Childhood Needs: Claire breaks down how the Enneagram types relate to the childhood needs of attention, security, and autonomy, and how these unmet needs manifest in your writing career.
Parental Approval vs. Creative Freedom: Many authors struggle with writing authentically because of the fear of parental disapproval, even when they aren’t consciously aware of it.
Reparenting Yourself: Claire introduces the concept of reparenting, a way to heal your inner child and give yourself the unconditional love and approval you may not have received from your parents.
Practical Exercises: Claire provides exercises to help you visualize what it would mean to fully please your parents and how many aspects of yourself you would have to suppress to do so. She also asks listeners to imagine how they would run their writing careers if parental approval wasn’t a factor.
Why You Should Listen: If you've ever felt like you’re holding back in your writing career due to what your parents (or any authority figure) might think, this episode offers crucial insights. It’s not just about realizing how much influence they still have, but about taking back control of your creative decisions for yourself.
Join the Conversation: Reach out to Claire at FFS.media for one-on-one coaching or author alignment sessions.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description: In this episode of What If For Authors, Claire Taylor dives into a very scary question: What if I no longer enjoy writing? Claire addresses the underlying fears, resistance, and emotional blocks that may contribute to the diminishing joy of writing. By exploring how each Enneagram type uniquely experiences this struggle, Claire provides practical insights and diagnostic tools to help you reconnect with the pleasure of storytelling. Whether it’s perfectionism, doubt, or fear of vulnerability, Claire offers actionable steps to reignite your creative passion.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Fear: Losing the joy of writing often stems from underlying fears or resistance, not the loss of storytelling itself. Claire reassures listeners that the innate love for storytelling never truly disappears.
Diagnostic Check: Claire emphasizes the importance of checking in with your body, emotions, and mind when facing resistance to writing. This mindfulness approach can help identify and address the root causes of the struggle.
Personalized Tips for Each Enneagram Type: Claire offers specific advice for each Enneagram type, helping authors understand their unique challenges with writing and how to overcome them.
Reconnecting with Joy: Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by obligations, perfectionism, fear, or control issues, there are steps you can take to clear away the clutter and reignite the joy of writing.
Why You Should Listen: If writing feels like a chore or you’re worried that you’ve lost the passion for it, this episode provides insightful tools to help you regain your creative spark. By understanding the deeper emotions at play and learning how to manage them, you can rediscover the joy that led you to writing in the first place.
Join the Conversation: Do you have a topic you’d like Claire to explore or need support with your writing journey? Reach out to her at contact@ffs.media, and consider booking a one-on-one coaching session.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this insightful episode of What If? For Authors, Claire Taylor tackles a topic that resonates with many: struggling to focus. Claire explores why maintaining focus can be such a challenge in today’s world, how societal structures often work against our ability to concentrate, and what we can do about it. Whether you’re battling distractions from your phone, dealing with trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism, this episode offers practical advice and mindfulness techniques to help you regain control over your focus and improve your writing productivity.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Challenge of Focus: Claire discusses how modern environments, especially the pervasive influence of smartphones and digital media, make it difficult to maintain focus. She emphasizes that this struggle is not a personal failing but rather a systemic issue exacerbated by technology and societal demands.
Mindfulness as a Tool: Claire shares mindfulness practices that can help you reclaim your focus. These include deep breathing exercises, checking in with your body, emotions, and thoughts, and addressing any underlying needs or fears that might be hindering your ability to concentrate.
The Impact of Trauma: Trauma can severely affect your ability to focus. Claire encourages listeners to seek therapeutic interventions if they are struggling with unresolved trauma, assuring them that working through these issues can enhance both their well-being and their creative output.
Practical Steps to Improve Focus: From turning off phone notifications to setting up a supportive environment for writing, Claire provides actionable steps to help you minimize distractions and create a conducive space for focus.
Why Listen? If you find yourself frequently struggling to concentrate on your writing or other tasks, this episode will offer you both understanding and practical solutions. Claire’s compassionate approach to the topic reassures you that you’re not alone in this struggle and that there are effective strategies you can use to improve your focus.
Join the Conversation: Do you have a question or topic you’d like Claire to explore? Send an email to contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this thought-provoking episode of What If? For Authors, Claire Taylor explores the question, What if I don't write to market? Claire deconstructs the notion of market trends, breaking down how many assumptions about what sells are actually based on correlations rather than causations. She also addresses the fears and misconceptions many authors have about the necessity of writing to market for financial success.
Key Takeaways:
Defining "Writing to Market": Claire explores what writing to market actually means, challenging the idea that there is one clear definition of "the market" for any genre. She explains how commonalities between bestselling books don’t necessarily define the market, and that following trends doesn’t guarantee success.
Correlation vs. Causation: Claire discusses the importance of understanding the difference between correlation and causation when it comes to identifying what makes a book successful. Authors often mistake trends as being the cause of success when they might simply be coincidental.
Meeting Reader Expectations: While writing to market isn’t a guarantee of sales, meeting reader expectations in your genre is crucial. Claire talks about the importance of understanding the psychological appeal of tropes and delivering on the promises that your genre sets up for readers.
Flexibility and Creativity: Writing to market doesn’t mean you have to abandon your creative impulses. Claire encourages authors to find a balance between writing the stories they want to write and making them marketable. Sometimes adding a few familiar genre markers can help orient readers without compromising your unique vision.
Sitting with Uncertainty: Claire acknowledges that some books and series may not take off, despite an author's best efforts. She encourages listeners to accept the uncertainty of the publishing industry and to keep creating in a way that aligns with their true vision.
Why Listen? If you’ve ever wondered whether writing to market is the key to success, this episode will provide clarity and challenge some of the common assumptions in the industry. Claire offers a nuanced perspective on the balance between creative integrity and marketability, helping authors navigate the complex world of genre trends and reader expectations.
Join the Conversation: Have a question or topic you’d like Claire to explore? Send an email to contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire Taylor dives into a topic that many authors struggle with: email. Claire explores the underlying reasons why authors might feel dread about managing email lists and responding to reader messages, and she offers practical advice to make the process less stressful. Whether it's removing the "shoulds" around email, creating a schedule that works for your energy, or hiring an assistant to handle the influx of messages, Claire encourages listeners to find their own path to a healthier email relationship.
Key Takeaways:
Removing the "Shoulds": Many authors feel weighed down by preconceived notions of how often they "should" email their readers. Claire emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach and that it’s okay to do what works for you.
Email as a Creative Outlet: Claire encourages authors to see email as just another form of writing, which can be fun and creative when the content feels right. There are no rules—whether it’s memes, stories, or personal anecdotes, email can reflect who you are as an author.
Boundaries with Reader Emails: Responding to every reader email isn’t necessary, and it’s important to set boundaries that protect your time and energy. Claire explores how different Enneagram types might feel pressure to respond and offers advice on how to manage that.
Consider Outsourcing: If email truly feels overwhelming, outsourcing to a virtual assistant can be a great option. Claire shares her own experience of hiring help to handle emotionally taxing emails and encourages others to do the same if needed.
Email Lists as a Foundation: Building an email list is still one of the wisest things authors can do for long-term success, providing a direct line to readers that isn’t dependent on social media algorithms or platforms.
Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by managing your email list or responding to readers, this episode is for you. Claire offers both practical advice and mindset shifts to help you develop a healthier, more sustainable relationship with email. Whether you need to set new boundaries, rethink your email strategy, or hire help, this episode provides actionable steps to make email a tool that works for you, not against you.
Join the Conversation: Have a question or topic you’d like Claire to explore? Send an email to contact@ffs.media. Claire is always open to hearing from her listeners and offering support.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor explores the often-overlooked question: "What if my books do take off?" While many authors dream of their books hitting the big time, the reality of success can be disorienting, triggering, and even stressful. Claire delves into the psychological and emotional challenges that can arise when your books suddenly gain widespread attention and offers practical advice for managing the experience. Whether your books have already taken off or you’re still waiting for that moment, this episode provides valuable insights on how to prepare for success and stay grounded amidst the whirlwind.
Key Takeaways:
The Double-Edged Sword of Success: Understanding that while having your books take off can be exciting, it can also bring unexpected challenges and stress.
Core Fears Triggered by Success: How different Enneagram types might react to sudden success, from the fear of being seen to feeling trapped or overwhelmed.
Maintaining Self-Worth Independently of Sales: The importance of not tying your self-worth to fluctuating book sales and strategies for staying grounded and self-assured.
Balancing Creative Desires and Financial Success: Tips for authors who may feel trapped in writing what sells rather than what they love, and how to navigate that tension.
Practical Preparation: Advice on setting the table for success before it happens and how to manage the realities if it’s already occurred.
Why Listen? If you’ve ever wondered what life would be like if your books became bestsellers, or if you’re already dealing with the pressures of a successful series, this episode will help you navigate the emotional and psychological terrain of author success. Claire provides actionable strategies to ensure that your well-being and creative fulfillment stay intact, even as your books soar.
Join the Conversation: Have a question or topic you’d like Claire to explore? Send an email to contact@ffs.media. Claire is always open to hearing from her listeners and offering support.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor addresses a common anxiety among authors: "What if my books never take off?" Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram Certified Coach and her own author journey, Claire explores the balance between preparation and luck in achieving success, the importance of feedback, and how to find deeper purpose and enjoyment in writing regardless of external success. This episode offers a compassionate and realistic approach to managing expectations and sustaining an author career over the long term.
Key Takeaways:
Preparation vs. Luck: Understanding the role of luck in author success and how to stay in the game long enough for luck to find you.
Feedback and Improvement: The importance of seeking and accepting feedback to improve your books without taking it as a personal indictment.
Dealing with Uncertainty: How to tolerate the uncertainty of whether your books will take off and finding ways to balance the pain of uncertainty with the joy of writing.
Purpose and Enjoyment: Connecting to a deeper reason for writing that provides immediate fulfillment and sustains you through the ups and downs of an author career.
Self-Compassion: Practicing kindness and compassion towards yourself and deconstructing the lies that link your self-worth to external success.
Why Listen? If you find yourself questioning whether your books will ever take off or struggling with the uncertainty and pressure of author life, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help you stay motivated and find deeper meaning in your writing journey. Claire's empathetic guidance will help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties of being an author with resilience and hope.
Join the Conversation: Have a question or fear you'd like me to explore? Reach out to me at contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript here.
Happy Writing!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor tackles the anxiety-inducing atmosphere of election season and how it affects authors. Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram Certified Coach and her own journey as a writer, Claire explores strategies to remain creative and hopeful during such a stressful time. This episode offers a compassionate and realistic approach to managing your nervous system, staying grounded, and continuing your writing journey amidst political chaos.
Key Takeaways:
Managing Election Anxiety: Understand the impact of the election season on your mental health and how to stay grounded.
Nervous System Regulation: Learn practical techniques for regulating your nervous system and maintaining focus on your writing.
Enneagram Insights: Use the Enneagram to identify and manage your emotional patterns and fears during stressful times.
Impact of Stories: Recognize the power of storytelling in shaping minds and promoting compassion and understanding.
Actionable Steps: Tips for creating a calming practice, staying informed without being overwhelmed, and staying connected to your writing purpose.
Why Listen? If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate and its potential impact on your creativity, this episode provides valuable insights and techniques to help you stay focused and resilient. Claire's empathetic guidance will help you navigate the turbulence of election season while continuing to write meaningful stories.
Join the Conversation: Have a question or fear you'd like me to explore? Reach out to me at contact@ffs.media.
Access the transcript for this episode here.
Happy Writing!