What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming?

I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it.

Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, including:

• How her story shifted genres mid-process
  
  
  
• What finally clicked after years of rewriting
  
  
  
• The moment she nearly walked away—and what kept her going
  
  
  
• Why stories (and processes) are more malleable than we think
  
  
  
• How to keep writing when self-doubt creeps in
  
  
  

This is one of those episodes that will make you feel less alone if you’re staring at a messy draft, wondering if it’s ever going to work. Kristin’s journey is a beautiful reminder that a long revision process is not a sign of failure—it’s the path forward. And persistence? That’s the real secret.

📚 The Housewarming is out August 1, 2025, from Thomas & Mercer. Preorder wherever you get your books!

For more information, visit www.kristinoffiler.com.

00:40 – Meet debut author Kristin Offiler

01:33 – Kristin’s writing journey: from MFA to motherhood to first drafts

07:36 – Where The Housewarming began—and how it grew into something more

14:04 – The pivot: transforming a character-driven novel into psychological suspense

20:07 – How genre feedback changed Kristin’s revision process

21:08 – Stories are malleable: a lesson in letting go of “the way it’s supposed to be”

22:22 – Self-doubt, slow writing, and the comparison trap

23:37 – What experience can teach you (that no craft book can)

26:17 – Kristin’s evolving writing process (and how it saved her time)

32:06 – Balancing writing with life, parenting, and limited time

37:15 – Advice for writers: trust your idea, stay in the bubble, and don’t quit too soon

40:58 – Where to find Kristin + preorder info for The Housewarming

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you.

Gloria Huang, author of the stunning middle grade fantasy Kaya and the Ocean, joins me to talk about:

• Letting go of perfectionism
  
  
• Writing through self-doubt
  
  
• Revisiting your work with compassion
  
  

We dive into how she approached themes like childhood anxiety, identity, and the immigrant experience with honesty and heart.

Gloria also shares her path to publication—including the emotional stamina it takes to navigate rejection, impostor syndrome, and everything in between.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that writing is brave, messy, and deeply human.

In this episode, we cover:
00:29 Welcome back to Write It Scared
01:39 Meet our guest: Gloria Huang
02:57 Gloria’s debut novel Kaya and the Ocean
04:38 Exploring themes of anxiety and identity
06:15 The inspiration behind Kaya and the Ocean
08:06 Cultural influences and mental health in storytelling
15:13 The power of stories to heal and connect
17:21 Gloria’s path to publication
19:57 Writer’s block, burnout, and the creative process
21:43 What happens after the book deal
24:22 Writing process + giving yourself grace
27:10 Reframing rejection as part of the journey
29:03 Gloria’s hopes for fellow writers
30:32 What she’s working on next
31:17 Final thoughts and where to find Gloria

To connect with Gloria and find her books, please visit her at:

https://www.glorialaihuang.com/

Instagram

Threads

Order Kaya of the Ocean here

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Details on Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared

Today, I’m getting personal about one of the biggest game-changers in my writing life: finding the right writing community.

We’re talking about why community matters so much (especially when the writing gets hard), how to figure out what kind of group actually supports your goals, and why patience is essential, especially if you’re newer and not quite ready for critique.

I’m sharing what I’ve learned about navigating group dynamics, feedback, and the sometimes messy yet beautiful process of connecting with fellow writers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What kind of writing support do you really need (accountability, critique, or both)?
  
  
  
• Why encouragement matters just as much as craft feedback
  
  
  
• How to choose between large vs. small groups
  
  
  
• Where to look for writing communities online and in real life
  
  
  
• How to protect your energy, trust your voice, and find your people
  
  

Plus, I’m giving you a heads-up about my small group coaching program starting September 2025—perfect if you’re in the story development or drafting phase and want a safe, supported space to grow.

This one’s for every writer who’s ever felt a little too alone in the work. You don’t have to do this by yourself.

Timestamps:
01:34 – Why writing doesn’t have to be lonely
02:51 – The benefits of having a writing community
04:01 – What kind of group is right for you?
04:32 – A gentle warning about early critique
07:01 – Group size, structure, and expectations
09:07 – Where to actually find these magical writer folks
12:33 – Common challenges and how to navigate them
13:53 – Wrap up + Fall 2025 group coaching details

Links to Online Writing Communities that may interest you. I’m not an affiliate of any of these.

• She Writes
• Scribophile
• The Next Big Writer
• The Insecure Writer

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears