15. Facing fears to pursue freelance and fiction writing w/ Danielle Hayden

Parents have an unparalleled understanding of imposter syndrome. While many find writing to be a cathartic experience, facing the fear of rejection and failure stops many from pursuing their passion. Is 30 years old too late to become brave? Can you be an intern and a mom at the same time? Can you resurrect passions that used to feel impossible? 

Joining today’s conversation on balancing writing and parenting is Danielle Hayden, freelance writer and mother to a young daughter. She gives valuable advice on freelancing, her new focus on creative writing, and making time for herself and her writing goals.

In working on their biggest obstacles in writing, such as procrastination and self-doubt, our host and Danielle have been able to help their own children combat negative self-talk. Even when mom guilt comes creeping in, they are able to remind themselves of the importance of meeting their own needs.

Danielle started her freelancing career with an internship at age 30 and has since had more than 80 pieces published — with more to come. Now, after focusing on nonfiction and journalistic writing, she’s pushing past her fears and turning to her childhood passion of fiction writing. She’s able to relish these moments while living a busy life as a parent.

Danielle is proving it’s never too late to chase after your dreams!

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• Danielle’s background and self-published children’s book
• Why she loves to write and her favorite type of writing
• How to succeed as a freelance writer
• Tips for pitching ideas
• Danielle’s journey with fiction writing
• Danielle details her WIP essay collection and historical fiction book
• Putting pen to paper
• One pivotal lesson Danielle learned about writing
• Learning to “kill your darlings”
• Roadblocks Danielle has overcome in writing
• Conquering procrastination
• Writers and sleep deprivation
• Mom guilt
• 3pistolary, Danielle’s letter writing project
• Favorite books 

About Danielle:

Danielle Hayden writes mostly creative nonfiction and journalistic pieces but also dabbles in fiction. She is currently working on an essay collection and a novel. She published her first children's book, A is for Aria, which she wrote as a gift to her daughter. 

In 2021, Danielle launched the website 3pistolary to help build connection and community via the practice of letter writing. She lives in Seattle with her techie husband and kindergartener daughter. 

Get her book:

•  A is for Aria: 
  https://www.lulu.com/shop/danielle-hayden-and-nithini-wathsala/a-is-for-aria/hardcover/product-gm4gve.html?q=&page=1&pageSize=4

Connect with Danielle: 

• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/daniellehaydenwriter 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_daniellehayden_/  
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/wordsaremything
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hayden-writer/ 
• Website: https://www.3pistolary.com/
• Website: https://www.daniellehayden.com/

Books discussed during the show: 

• Pigeon Presents series by Mo Willems
• White Oleander by Janet Fitch
• Wicked by Gregory Maguire
• Abandon Me: Memoirs by Melissa Febos
• Whip Smart: The True Story of a Secret Life by Melissa Febos

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