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What If? For Authors: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Claire Taylor
What If? For Authors
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- 2 weeks ago20 min
What if the central romance isn't working?
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire addresses a common problem for writers: what if the central romance just isn't working? Whether you're writing a romance, mystery, fantasy, women's fiction, romantic suspense, or another genre with a romantic subplot, a weak central romance can leave an entire story falling flat. Claire walks us through troubleshooting the relationship using the Enneagram, looking at the characters' personalities, points of connection, and their different approaches to conflict. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why both characters need to be fully developed, rather than treating one as a stock love interest How assigning Enneagram types can reveal unexpected character inconsistencies How similarities and differences between Enneagram types create connection and conflict What Enneagram "polarity" can teach you about romantic tension The three Enneagram conflict styles: avoidant, methodical, and reactive Why pairing two avoidant characters can make an enemies-to-lovers romance especially difficult Why reactive types can bring explosive chemistry, but potentially too much heat How your characters' conflict styles can help you anticipate breakups, reunions, and apologies How your own conflict style as an author might be influencing the way you're troubleshooting your romance Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!
- Aug 10, 202625 min
What if I don't know my antagonist?
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores one of the main character-development problems writers face: What if I don't know my antagonist? Claire breaks down the true purpose of an antagonist and, using the Enneagram, shows how understanding your protagonist can help you identify the kind of antagonist who will create the most compelling conflict. In This Episode, You’ll Learn What an antagonist's actual job is in a story Why your antagonist doesn't have to be a villain How the clash between protagonist and antagonist creates narrative energy Why you need to understand your protagonist before choosing an antagonist How the Enneagram can help you identify the right antagonist for your story How a character's core fears can reveal the conflict they most need to face How different Enneagram types interact and trigger one another When using the same Enneagram type for protagonist and antagonist can work Why certain character pairings may struggle to create the conflict required by specific tropes The three possible outcomes of protagonist-antagonist conflict: defeat, overcoming, and integration How to use your antagonist to push your protagonist toward growth Questions to ask when you're stuck trying to figure out who your antagonist should be Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Relationships Kickstarter Claire's upcoming book explores the dynamics between different Enneagram types and how those relationships can be used to create compelling enemies, friendships, romances, and more. The Kickstarter launches August 25 and runs through September 10.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ffsmedia/write-iconic-relationships Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!
- Jul 27, 202644 min
What if I hate social media - 2026 edition
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire revisits the question from the podcast’s inaugural episode in 2024 through the lens of 2026: “What if I hate social media?” Nearly a year after leaving social media, Claire shares what actually changed in her business, creative life, and relationships. She explores why many authors stay on platforms they dislike and how to evaluate whether social media is genuinely serving your goals. Rather than encouraging a dramatic exit, Claire offers a thoughtful framework for deciding whether it's time to stay, leave, or build something better. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How to evaluate whether or not a social media platform is actually helping your author career Why enjoying a platform matters more than just maintaining a presence Why automating endless content isn't necessarily selling books The importance of building community and social connection outside of the internet How leaving social media can create more space for creativity, friendship, and attention Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Liberated Writer Substack liberatedwriter.substack.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!
- Jun 22, 202629 min
What if I don't know how to rest?
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores the question, “What if I don’t know how to rest?” Many writers live with a constant sense of being behind. Claire unpacks why this feeling persists even when we work harder, and how fear-based productivity patterns can make genuine rest feel unsafe. Using the Enneagram, Claire examines the beliefs that keep each type pushing past their limits, and offers practical ways to identify what kind of rest you actually need. If you’ve been struggling with chronic exhaustion, this episode provides a framework for building a healthier relationship with rest. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why feeling perpetually behind is often a mindset problem, not a productivity problem How unrealistic expectations create chronic stress and burnout The fear-based beliefs that keep each Enneagram type overworking How to identify whether your head, heart, body, or soul is exhausted How five-minute breaks can become the foundation for deeper, more sustainable rest Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!
- May 25, 202635 min
What if I keep taking on too much?
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explains the deeper patterns behind chronic overcommitment, and the internal wounds that drive us to take on more than we realistically can. Claire breaks down the distinction between having too much to do (often due to systemic pressures) and taking on too much (a pattern driven by fear and unconscious beliefs). Using the Enneagram, she explores how each type overextends themselves, and why letting go can feel unsafe. In This Episode, You’ll Learn The difference between systemic overload vs. self-driven overcommitment How overworking can be a form of emotional overcompensation The concept of antisocial vs. pro-social effort in your author life How guilt can show up when you start breaking old patterns Why disappointing others can be necessary for growth Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Coaching & Courses) liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform - it helps other authors find the show. Share this episode with an author who’s navigating similar challenges. Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life. Happy writing!
- May 5, 20262 min
Special announcement - Liberati registration
Claire announces open registration for her author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and register by May 22nd at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati. Happy Writing!
- Apr 20, 202622 min
What if I struggle with community?
Episode Description In this episode of What If? For Authors, Claire explores why building and maintaining community can feel so uncomfortable—and why it’s quickly becoming a non-negotiable skill for authors who want a sustainable career. From the push-pull tension between individual needs and group dynamics to the deeply ingrained patterns that make connection difficult, Claire breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface when we “struggle with community.” Using the Enneagram, she highlights the unconscious behaviors that can quietly sabotage relationships—and how to begin shifting them. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, avoided author groups, or only reached out when you needed something… this episode offers a compassionate but honest look at what it takes to build real, mutually supportive connections. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why community is becoming an essential skill for authors (not just a “nice to have”) The hidden cost of trying to “go it alone” in your writing career Why community must be built before you urgently need it The difference between connection and extraction in author relationships How the tension between self vs. others shows up in every community Why avoiding conflict actually weakens connection How ego (your protective armor) interferes with meaningful relationships Why accountability is an act of care—not punishment Practical Reflection Questions Do I tend to prioritize my needs or others’ needs in community? Where do I avoid conflict instead of engaging with it? Do I only seek connection when I need something? What patterns might I be bringing into relationships unconsciously? Resources Mentioned Write Iconic Characters Claire’s guide to using the Enneagram for character development → books2read.com/WIC Liberated Writer (Website) Coaching, courses, and resources for authors → liberatedwriter.com Support the Show If this episode gave you something to reflect on, here are a few ways to support the podcast: Leave a review on your favorite platform—it helps other authors find the show Share this episode with a writer who’s navigating community challenges Subscribe to Claire’s Substack for deeper insights on writing, the industry, and the author life Your support helps keep these conversations going—and supports a more connected, sustainable writing community. Happy writing!
- Mar 19, 20264 min
A special announcement: The Liberati
Claire announces her upcoming author community, the Liberati. Members gain access to monthly special topic calls, Q&As, socials, a private Slack group, and discounted one-on-one coaching. Read more and join the waitlist at www.liberatedwriter.com/liberati.
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