Is It Self-Protection or Self-Sabotage: Why Tough Stories Cause Writer's Block

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Have you ever worked on a tough story only to hear a voice in your head say maybe you’re not good enough, or maybe this isn't the project for you? How do you know if it’s self-sabotage or a wise part of you that’s trying to get your attention? Join professional writer Donna Moriarty and me as we discuss these voices and how to tell the difference between sabotage and support—especially when one voice is telling you to slow down or stop.  

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Grampy’s Coat by Donna Moriarty

Not Just Words: How a Good Apology Makes You Braver, Bolder, and Better at Life

Dear Especially After Breaking: What If You Decide with the Full Force of Your Own Formidable Wisdom by Jeannine Ouellette 

How Recovery Supports Memoir Writing and Book Marketing Tips with Laura Cathcart Robbins

How to Stop Gaslighting Yourself with Ingrid Clayton, Ph.D

Episode Highlights

2:50 The Impact of Scene Writing on the Brain

3:35 The Voices Writers Wrestle With

10:30 Why Marketing Memoir is Hard  

13:27 The Publication Fallacy Writers Buy Into

16:25 The Problem with Staying Small

19:00 Protecting the Magic of Your Most Precious Stories

23:42 Donna’s Best Writing Advice

Donna’s bio: Donna Moriarty is a lifelong writer and editor. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Keepthings, Ms., San Francisco, and others. She’s the author of Not Just Words: How a Good Apology Makes You Braver, Bolder, and Better at Life. Donna is currently working on a memoir. She and her husband live in Ossining, N.Y., where they raised three wonderful children and a succession of dachshunds.

Connect with Donna: 

Website: www.donnamoriarty.com

Writing Website: www.silversmithwriting.com

Instagram: @image.and.likeness 

Email: [email protected]

Connect with your host, Lisa:
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Produced by Espresso Podcast Production