What If? For Authors

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!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor dives into the anxiety-inducing topic of account bans and how authors can rebound and rebuild after such a nightmare scenario. Drawing from real experiences and practical strategies, Claire explores the steps authors can take if they find themselves banned from platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or even KDP. This episode provides a compassionate and realistic approach to managing this crisis and emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability.
Key Takeaways:
Initial Response: Strategies for managing the initial freak-out and immediate steps to take after discovering an account ban.
Appealing the Ban: Tips for reaching out to customer service and appealing the ban effectively.
Acceptance and Adjustment: The importance of practicing acceptance and adjusting your strategy if the appeal doesn't work.
Marketing as Water Flow: Claire's analogy of marketing channels and how to redirect your efforts when one channel is blocked.
Support System: The value of having a support system in place and leveraging the author community during tough times.
Rebuilding Strategy: Practical advice for rebuilding your business and exploring new opportunities, including selling direct or focusing on local markets.
Accountability: Handling the emotional fallout if the ban was due to knowingly breaking terms of service, and the importance of taking accountability.
Why Listen? If you find yourself worrying about the possibility of account bans or if you're currently dealing with one, this episode offers thoughtful and actionable advice to help you navigate this challenging situation. Claire's insights into resilience and rebuilding provide a valuable perspective for any author facing setbacks.
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!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor tackles the crucial topic of support systems for authors. Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram coach and author, Claire explores how to navigate the challenges of building and recognizing support in your author career. Whether you're struggling to find support or unsure if you have enough, this episode provides a compassionate and realistic approach to understanding and leveraging the support you have.
Key Takeaways:
Types of Support: Learn about the different types of support—personal and professional—and how each can benefit your author career.
Recognizing Support: Discover strategies to identify and appreciate the support you already have.
Building Support Systems: Tips on how to cultivate a robust support network, even if you feel you have none.
Enneagram Insights: Insights into how different Enneagram types might resist asking for help and how to overcome these limiting beliefs.
Practical Advice: Strategies for indie authors to start with minimal financial resources and gradually build up their support and resources.
Links mentioned:
The Enneagram Guide to Waking Up: Find Your Path, Face Your Shadow, Discover Your True Self
Why Listen? If you find yourself feeling isolated or unsupported in your author journey, this episode offers a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on building and recognizing support systems. This episode is a must-listen for any author seeking to balance independence with the invaluable benefits of a supportive community.
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!

Episode Description:
In this episode of "What If? For Authors," Claire Taylor tackles the deeply emotional topic of grieving. Drawing from her experience as an Enneagram coach and her personal journey through grief, Claire explores how to manage an author career while dealing with significant loss. Whether you're in the midst of grief or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a compassionate and realistic approach to navigating these challenging times.
Key Takeaways:
Avoiding Unnecessary Suffering: Learn why it's essential to fully experience grief rather than avoiding or suppressing it.
Importance of Support: Recognize the value of asking for help and surrounding yourself with supportive people during the grieving process.
Transformation Through Grief: Understand that grief changes you and that your writing process and projects may need to adapt to your new self.
Taking a Break: It's okay to pause your writing to focus on healing; your career can continue once you're ready.
Complex Emotions: Embrace the wide range of emotions, including gratitude, that coexist with grief, and learn how to navigate them.
Links mentioned:
The Grieving Brain by Mary Frances O'Connor
Why Listen? If you're an author dealing with grief or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a thoughtful and empathetic perspective on balancing an author career with the profound emotions of loss. This episode is a must-listen for any author seeking to understand and navigate grief while maintaining their creative path.
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!