Ever found yourself slumped over your laptop, cursing the day you ever thought writing a book was a good idea? You're not alone.

Writing a book is one of the most challenging things you'll ever do - and there's a reason why most people who start one never finish. But why exactly is it so damn hard?

In this episode, I dive into the emotional rollercoaster of book writing and why we find ourselves wanting to throw our laptops out the window on a regular basis.

I explore:

• The emotional side of writing that we rarely talk about – and why focusing only on the practical stuff sets us up for a nasty surprise
• Why being a "beginner" at something feels so uncomfortable (and why I'm still a total beginner at mystery writing, despite having written eight non-fiction books)
• How our unrealistic expectations and high standards can turn the writing process into a special kind of torture
• Why the "shitty first draft" is not just allowed but necessary – and why comparing your first draft to published books is a recipe for despair
• How our modern inability to be bored or do challenging things for sustained periods makes writing feel even harder
• Why breaking down your book into small, manageable chunks rather than thinking about "50,000 words" can save your sanity
• The importance of finding your tribe so you don't have to shoulder all those writing emotions alone

The truth is, writing a book will still feel tough at times – no magic wand makes the challenging bits disappear. But understanding why it feels so difficult can help you be kinder to yourself through the process. The peaks and troughs are par for the course, so let’s be ready to tackle them, eh?

If you’re ready to embrace the messy, frustrating, occasionally incredible journey of writing your book, listen to discover why it's normal to find writing hard and how to push through anyway.

Because while writing a book is challenging, it's also one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do for yourself and your business.

• Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
• Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here
• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Did you know we're 22 times more likely to remember stories than facts alone? No wonder my sister's dog, Goldie, has become the unexpected star of my book, Dare to Write!

Our brains are wired for stories - it helps them make sense of the world around them - so let’s use them to our advantage as non-fiction authors!

This week on the Creating Happy Writers podcast, I'm diving into the world of storytelling because let's face it, nobody wants to write a book that ends up being used as a doorstop.

And without storytelling, that’s certainly possible!

• Begin with a compelling personal story – Show readers why they should trust you, whether you've lived their struggles or guided others through them.
• Turn case studies into narratives – Use client experiences as powerful before-and-after stories that show transformation in action.
• Balance stats with memorable anecdotes – Like my diesel/petrol mix-up, simple examples can illustrate complex points in seconds.
• Use sensory details – As Jen Sincero's legendary goat invasion story proves, specific details make your stories unforgettable.

So whether you're writing a business book or a self-help guide, this episode will help you use storytelling to turn dry, dull theory into a reading experience your audience won't forget.

I hope you enjoy listening.

• Storynomics by Robert McKee and Thomas Gerace
• The Roar of Her Story by Hilary Salzman
• Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
• Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here
• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!

Half of UK adults no longer read for pleasure. In today's world of 90-second TikToks and instant AI answers, can nonfiction books still grab readers?

In this episode, I reveal the nine critical elements that separate those forgettable, yawn-inducing business books from those that fly off shelves and change lives.

• How to create "switch-flicking" content rather than just stuff that "turns up the dial" (like Atomic Habits and The 5 Second Rule)
• Why your personal story creates the trust and connection readers crave
• The power of simple, practical frameworks readers can implement immediately
• How to use storytelling to make your concepts 22 times more memorable
• Why strong opinions and authentic voice trump neutral, academic approaches every time

So whether you're drafting your first manuscript or polishing your tenth, these insights will elevate your work from, “Yeah, it was okay” to, “Holy heck, that book changed my life.”

I hope you enjoy listening.

• Switch and Dial LinkedIn article
• Sign up for the FREE Write Stuff newsletter here.
• Book Strategy Hour - all info and link to book is here
• Happy Writers Hub - The Happy Writers Hub - all info and link to join is here
• My book, ‘Dare to Write: How to Write a Nonfiction Book to Grow Your Business,’ is available now on Amazon and on my website.

Website: https://stephcaswell.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcaswellauthor/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephcaswell/

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a review on your favourite podcast platform!