Afleveringen
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Kara Vaval is an attorney, speaker, two-time author, and founder of The InPowerment Institute. She's also the woman behind the Laptop Lifestyle Lawyer brand — and one of the most honest voices I've had on this show about what it actually takes to write through the hard stuff.
In this episode, we get into her Main Karacter™ framework — what it means to stop living a clearance rack version of your life and start writing the one you actually want. We talk about the beautiful, non-linear process of writing two books while running a business, the divine appointments that built her career, and why she believes her healed trauma is a report from the other side — one she was responsible for sharing.
And the feedback she's received on her books has shown her that we are all so much more alike than we are different. She says, "We are all branches of the same tree."
If you've been telling yourself your story is too heavy, too complicated, or too much — this one's for you.
Key Takeaways:The Main Karacter™ shift — moving from survival mode to a life you're actually creating
Why writing a book might be the most healing thing you do — and the difference between bleeding on the reader and serving them
How Kara wrote two books without a rigid daily writing schedule — talk-to-text, her own rhythm, no 4 am alarm required, with a book coach holding sacred space for her process
Owning your fact pattern — while your circumstances are unique, your humanity is universal
Writing as a responsibility — if you made it to the other side, you owe it to someone still in the thick of it to report back
Timestamps:00:00 Meet Kara Vaval
01:11 Haiti Roots & Childhood Loss
03:20 New York Tragedy
04:36 Pregnancy Plot Twist
05:38 Target To Mary Kay
06:46 Discovering Mindset Work
07:27 Writing 28,000 Days
08:39 Divorce Sparks New Book
13:02 The Healing of Writing Your Book
14:54 Writing Without Bleeding on the Reader
20:31 Abandonment Wound Lessons
22:46 Healing Breaks While Writing
24:07 Editing Fatigue
24:50 Finding a Nonlinear Writing Flow
28:23 Attorney Mindset Meets Creativity
34:36 Turning Pain Into Purpose
38:22 Advice to Her Younger Self
42:18 Where to Find Kara
Links from today's episode:Visit Kara Vaval's Website
Order: From Clearance to Priceless
Order: 28,000 Days… Make Yours Count
Follow Kara on Instagram Meet Kara Vaval:Kara Vaval, Esq. is a Florida-based attorney, keynote speaker, and transformational coach known as The Laptop Lifestyle Lawyer®. She is the President of Vaval Law, a personal injury firm, and the CEO of The InPowerment Institute, LLC, a platform through which she empowers high-achieving women to step fully into the lead role of their lives using her signature Main Karacter™ framework.
A two-time author, Kara first made waves with her debut book, 28,000 Days…Make Yours Count, inspiring women to live with urgency and intention. Her highly anticipated second book, From Clearance to Priceless (launched March 30, 2026, with a foreword by renowned motivational speaker Lisa Nichols), is a bold call for women to reclaim their self-worth, rewrite their narratives, and rise into their fullest potential.
A media favorite and advocate for resilience, authenticity, and success on one's own terms, Kara Vaval brings both professional expertise and lived experience to every platform she graces — making her one of today's most compelling voices in women's empowerment.
Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:The Intuitive Writing Studio
Private Coaching & Writing Support
Substack: Energy-First Writing
LinkedIn
Instagram
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Finding Your Signature Story — The One You Keep Almost Telling
In this solo episode, I'm sharing my own signature story — the one I almost didn't tell. The deeper story with all the details lives in my book Unfussy Life. This is the first time I've talked it out like I did here.
Every writer has a story they keep almost telling. A moment they mention in passing, then move past like it's not a big deal. It's always a big deal — but not in the sense of it needing to be a Netflix feature. Though maybe it is.
This story — it's your signature story. Which is not your whole life explained in 50,000 words, but the moment (or handful of moments) that explains why you do what you do. And it's the foundation for your work, blogs, and even your book.
This week, you'll hear mine: the ten-year-old with sketchbooks full of fashion designs, the one question that made me close the sketchbook for nearly two decades, the safe road into the corporate world, three layoffs in five years, and the aha moments that I only recognized when looking back.
You'll hear about the dream that finally shook me awake and pushed me to finish Unfussy Life.
If you've got a version of yourself tucked in a drafts folder, a journal, or a document you haven't opened in years — this episode is for you.
In this episode:The childhood sketchbook and the question that closed it for good
When the "safe" corporate road stopped feeling good
Getting laid off three times in five years — and what it revealed
The dream that finally pushed me to finish the book
Why your signature story is the foundation everything else is built on
How Authentic Visibility helps you find and build around your own signature story
Links mentioned in this episode:Unfussy Life by Jacqueline Fisch
Authentic Visibility — live 4-week intensive, starting July 13. Join Authentic Visibility now —>
Timestamps:00:00 The Story You Almost Tell
00:53 What Is a Signature Story?
02:37 Creative Kid to Closed Sketchbook
05:01 Taking the Safe Road
05:38 Meeting Love and Moving Countries
07:55 Layoffs and Finding Writing Work
10:30 Quitting Corporate for Freedom
11:25 Blogging and Becoming a Writer
12:57 Drafting the First Big Book
14:20 Memoir Realization and Finishing
17:37 Why Your Story Matters
20:42 Invitation to Authentic Visibility
22:49 How to Join and Closing
Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:The Intuitive Writing Studio
Authentic Visibility Live Experience Starting July 13
Substack: Energy-First Writing
LinkedIn
Instagram
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I read the final section — what to do when you're finished reading, how to keep your writing practice going, gratitude, and where to learn more about the author — me!
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Explore additional resources from the book: Writing with the Moon Resources
Looking for the audio for another sign? Navigate to it here:
PART 1: Start Here | Writing with the Moon Book | Ep 75
PART 1 CONT: Start Here | Writing with the Moon Book | Ep 77
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Final Section of Writing with the Moon
00:41 What's Next for Your Writing Practice
02:38 Invitation to Join The Intuitive Writing Studio (plus a bonus)
03:22 Gratitude and Thanks
04:06 Resources and Next Steps
04:46 About Jacqueline Fisch
05:35 Final Wrap and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | 1:1 Mentoring & Speaking
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: PISCES.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Pisces season: February 19 to March 20
During a Pisces moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Pisces overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Pisces
High and Low Vibe Pisces expressions
Writing with Pisces energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Looking for the audio for another sign? Navigate to it here:
PART 1: Start Here | Writing with the Moon Book | Ep 75
PART 1 CONT: Start Here | Writing with the Moon Book | Ep 77
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:37 Pisces Sign Basics
04:33 Pisces Writing Themes
06:00 Flow and Intuition
07:12 Unconscious Writing Tips
08:30 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Pisces
09:18 Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit
10:00 New Moon Actions & Prompts
11:40 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
13:21 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
14:35 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
15:49 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | 1:1 Mentoring & Speaking
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: AQUARIUS.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Aquarius season: January 20 - February 18
During an Aquarius moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Aquarius overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Aquarius
High and Low Vibe Aquarius expressions
Writing with Aquarius energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:34 Aquarius Basics and Symbols
01:23 Rulers and 11th House Themes
02:04 Aquarius Aesthetics and Tools
04:26 Aquarius Content Ideas
05:13 Writing with Aquarius Energy
07:36 Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit
08:19 New Moon Actions & Prompts
09:54 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
11:57 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
13:41 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
15:15 Wrap Up and Where to Find Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram |
1:1 Mentoring & Speaking | Writing Community
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: CAPRICORN.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Capricorn season: December 22 - January 19
During a Capricorn moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Capricorn overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Capricorn
High and Low Vibe Capricorn expressions
Writing with Capricorn energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:29 Capricorn Overview
01:20 Symbols and Sensory Guides
02:37 Mantras, Keywords, and Content Ideas
04:32 Writing With Capricorn
06:04 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Capricorn
07:06 Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit
07:41 New Moon Actions & Prompts
08:54 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
10:38 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
12:16 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
13:46 Wrap Up and Next Episodes
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: SAGITTARIUS.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Sagittarius season: November 22 - December 21
During a Sagittarius moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Sagittarius overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Sagittarius
High and Low Vibe Sagittarius expressions
Writing with Sagittarius energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:30 Sagittarius Sign Basics
03:23 Keywords and Content Inspiration
05:22 Writing with Sagittarius Moon
08:14 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Sagittarius
08:56 Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit
10:17 New Moon Actions & Prompts
12:05 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
13:52 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
15:34 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
17:02 Wrap Up and Invitation to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: SCORPIO.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Scorpio season: October 23 - November 21
During a Scorpio moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Scorpio overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Scorpio
High and Low Vibe Scorpio expressions
Writing with Scorpio energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:16 Scorpio Basics and Symbols
02:52 Mantras, Keywords, and Content Inspiration
08:40 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Scorpio
09:29 Nourishing Body, Mind, Spirit
10:29 New Moon Action & Prompts
12:03 Waxing Moon Action & Prompts
13:43 Full Moon Action & Prompts
16:15 Waning Moon Action & Prompts
18:51 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: LIBRA.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Libra season: September 23 - October 22
During a Libra moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Libra overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Libra
High and Low Vibe Libra expressions
Writing with Libra energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:11 Libra Basics and Symbols
03:50 Libra Support for Writing
05:23 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Lubra
06:26 Nourish Body, Mind, Spirit
07:01 New Moon Actions & Prompts
08:32 Waxing Actions & Prompts
10:05 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
11:30 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
13:59 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: VIRGO.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Virgo season: August 23 - September 22
During a Virgo moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Virgo overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Virgo
High and Low Vibe Virgo expressions
Writing with Virgo energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:16 Virgo Basics
02:51 Virgo Content Themes
04:26 Writing With Virgo
06:05 High and Low-Vibe Virgo
06:40 Nourish Body, Mind, Spirit
07:53 New Moon Actions & Prompts
09:24 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
11:05 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
12:39 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
14:37 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: LEO.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Leo season: July 23 - August 22
During a Leo moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Leo overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Leo
High and Low Vibe Leo expressions
Writing with Leo energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:25 Leo Sign Basics
01:28 Leo Symbols and Vibes
02:54 Mantras, Keywords, and Content Inspiration
04:44 Writing with Leo
07:26 High Vibe vs Low Vibe Leo
08:13 Nourish Body, Mind, Spirit
08:45 New Moon Actions & Prompts
10:32 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
12:33 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
14:31 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
16:02 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: CANCER.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Cancer season: June 21 - July 22
During a Cancer moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Cancer overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Cancer
High and Low Vibe Cancer expressions
Writing with Cancer energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:15 Cancer Sign Basics
01:01 Moon and Fourth House
01:51 Stones, Colors, Scents
04:37 Content Inspiration Ideas
05:26 Writing Like Cancer
07:31 High Vibe & Low Vibe Cancer
08:21 Nourish Body, Mind, Spirit
09:09 New Moon Actions & Prompts
10:35 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
12:25 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
14:12 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
15:36 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: GEMINI.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Gemini season: May 21 - June 20
During a Gemini moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Gemini overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Gemini
High and Low Vibe Gemini expressions
Writing with Gemini energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Writing with the Moon — free audiobook version
00:16 Gemini Sign Basics
00:27 Gemini Symbols and Traits
03:13 Keywords and Inspiration
04:59 Writing with Gemini Moon
07:21 Nourish Body, Mind, Spirit
08:11 New Moon Actions & Prompts
09:58 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
12:07 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
13:37 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
15:34 Wrap Up and Where to Buy the Book
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART TWO: TAURUS.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Taurus season: April 20 - May 20
During a Taurus moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Taurus overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils
Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Taurus
High and Low Vibe Taurus expressions
Writing with Taurus energy
Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons
LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:26 Taurus Basics
01:32 Symbols and Sensory Tools
03:01 Keywords and Inspiration
05:00 Writing With Taurus Energy
06:36 High and Low Vibe Taurus
07:43 Nourish Body Mind Spirit
08:40 New Moon Actions & Prompts
10:05 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
11:52 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
13:52 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
15:33 Wrap Up
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I begin with PART TWO: ARIES.
When to listen to this section:
At the start of Aries season: March 21 - April 19
During an Aries moon
Then, navigate using timestamps below to the current moon phase: new, waxing, full, or waning
Discover:
Aries overview: dates, symbol, meaning, energy, planets, house, gems, colors, essential oils Body, Mind, Spirit suggestions for Aries High and Low Vibe Aries expressions Writing with Aries energy Suggested actions and prompts for the new, waxing, full, and waning moons LinksGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Aries Overview
00:14 Symbols and Traits
01:59 Colors, Scents, Mantras
03:15 Keywords and Content Inspiration
05:07 Writing Like Aries
07:30 High vs Low Vibe
08:13 Body, Mind, & Spirit
08:55 New Moon Actions & Prompts
10:52 Waxing Moon Actions & Prompts
12:38 Full Moon Actions & Prompts
14:42 Waning Moon Actions & Prompts
16:28 Wrap Up
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Want to start listening to Writing with the Moon from the beginning? Start here.
In this series, I'm reading my entire book, Writing with the Moon, for free. In this episode, I continue with PART ONE, INTRODUCTION.
Discover:
How to Choose What to Write Busting Excuses on Why You're Not Writing How to Use Suggested Actions and Writing Prompts Adding Journaling to Your Daily Writing Practice How to Use This Book Intuitive Writing and Editing A Few Final Words Before You Jump InGrab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Look for the next sections coming each Monday and Thursday.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome
00:11 Choosing What to Write
08:40 A Love Note on Excuses
11:03 How to Use Suggested Actions and Writing Prompts
14:36 Adding Journaling to Your Daily Writing Practice
16:23 How to Use This Book
27:04 Intuitive Writing and Editing
30:41 A Few Final Words Before You Jump In
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Vera Milan Gervais: Trading Defective Labels for Your Soul-Wordz
I was so excited to welcome Vera Milan Gervais, author of The Wordz We Wear: How to Show Up with Confidence and Create Your Best Life. Vera and I dove deep into her writing journey, starting with her childhood memories of hiding in books.
Vera's book explores the powerful concept that words are labels—much like clothing—and that they actually affect how we show up—including our Actions, Behaviors, and Choices (she calls these the ABCs).
It's amazing how simply changing just one word can transform your identity, as she did when she claimed the powerful label of "adventurous introvert".
She opened up about her writing process, including how she had to step away from justifying her book with medical research and instead lean into emotion and storytelling. She calls her writing process a "patchwork quilt" that came together through interviews with 33 women.
We also touched on the unique container she created for writing: dedicating five-hour blocks on Saturday and Sunday mornings while her husband plays golf—making her a proud "golf writer."
I hope you enjoy this exploration of personal growth, the importance of practice over perfection, and the continuous process of becoming your best self.
Key Takeaways:Identity isn't fixed. Embrace the continuous cycle of "be, believe, become," where you embody who you're capable of becoming and leading to the next level of your identity.
Words are labels that define and confine you, just like clothes. Changing a single word (like Vera did, from "introvert" to "adventurous introvert") can change how you show up in the world.
Success is an emotion for women. Most women describe success using words like "freedom," "flexibility," or "joy," rather than traditional markers like money or power.
Confidence is an intentional practice. Choose to do difficult things to continually learn how and build confidence for the future.
Trust your instincts over research. When writing her book, Vera realized she was hiding what she wanted to say in research and had to let go of 75% of her initial draft to trust her own emotional truth.
Create a large, dedicated container for writing. Even if you're not writing the entire time, having a five-hour block of "activation time" allows for research, pondering, drawing, and moving Post-it notes.
Timestamps:00:00 Meet Vera
00:51 Books and Hiding
03:31 Writer Dreams Detoured
06:37 The Spark Behind Wordz
09:47 Defective Label Shift
15:02 Themes From 33 Women
17:50 Writing the Book
24:35 Weekend Golf Writer
29:34 Coauthoring and Substack Writing
33:47 TED Talk Insights
36:07 Next Books
37:01 Tea Writing Ritual
Links from today's episode:Vera Milan Gervais's Book: The Wordz We Wear: How to Show Up with Confidence and Create Your Best Life
Explore Vera's website, connect with her on LinkedIn, and read on Substack
Meet Vera Milan Gervais:Vera Milan Gervais [My-lan Jer-vay] is a keynote and TEDx speaker, author, award-winning businesswoman and success mentor who helps women develop confidence. Her Wordz We Wear® programs inspire women to challenge limiting labels and embrace their innate talents and leadership skills.
She's an adventurous introvert who has jumped from a helicopter into the ocean, faced a Python on safari, built businesses with her husband, and explored all seven continents – despite a birth defect, multiple surgeries, and chronic pain.
An entrepreneur with over 30 years of business experience, Vera has been named a Woman of Distinction and twice nominated as a Woman of Influence. She's a proud mother of two who lives near the ocean in New Brunswick, Canada, with her husband Marcel and 100 pairs of earrings.
Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:The Intuitive Writing Studio
Private Coaching & Writing Support
Substack: Energy-First Writing
LinkedIn
Instagram
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Years ago, when I heard Alex Hormozi read his entire book on his podcast, The Game, for free. I thought it was brilliant and knew I'd do it for my next book.
Why aren't more authors doing this? So I'm doing it.
In this episode, I begin reading Writing with the Moon aloud — in full, for free — starting with PART ONE, INTRODUCTION.
I cover:
Why I wrote this book, including the declaration that felt like a confession
Using Astrology as a Writing Tool
The Sun (Yang) and the Moon (Yin)
How to Use the Moon as a Gentle Architecture to Find Your Unique Writing Rhythm
Welcome to How Women Write, hosted by author, writing mentor, and founder of The Intuitive Writing School, Jacqueline Fisch. On this podcast, you'll hear how to find your writing voice, write with your natural rhythm, and use your words to grow your business and leave your mark.
Grab the book: https://theintuitivewritingschool.com/writing-with-the-moon
Tired of writing alone? Click here.
Timestamps00:00 Welcome
01:40 Introduction: A Writer Not Writing
04:15 Surrender and Finding Flow
05:55 Discovering Moon Alignment
07:50 Astrology as a Writing Tool
09:40 Faith and Celestial Wisdom
13:20 Sun and Moon Energies
20:18 How to Use the Moon as a Gentle Architecture to Find Your Unique Writing Rhythm
21:51 Moon Phase Overview
Follow Jacqueline Fisch:Substack: Energy-First Writing | LinkedIn | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Rose Hurst on Memoir Writing, Self-Publishing, and Overcoming Overeating
I absolutely loved this conversation with Rose Hurst, author of the new memoir, I Ate Everything But the Napkins: How I Overcame Overeating. Rose's story is truly a testament to the idea that the path you think you're on might not be the one that leads to your most meaningful work.
Rose and I dove into the incredible story behind her 2026-released memoir, which spans her life from a sheltered upbringing on a farm in Canada to working in the Arctic, and then an unexpected journey to Australia, where her overeating began. She shares how she accidentally discovered the root cause of her compulsion: the fear and anxiety of being so far from home. It's a powerful conversation about finding your way back to your native country, your native self, and healing through writing.
Rose also walks us through the challenges of moving from freelance magazine writing to publishing a full-length book, including why she chose self-publishing—and the endless, unexpected tweaks involved in the process. We discuss the criticism that nearly made her quit (and did, for over a year!), the sheer vulnerability of sharing your deepest life memories, and why sometimes you just have to let your imperfect work go.
Key Takeaways:Rose accidentally started her memoir while taking a writing course in 2020, proving you don't always need a grand plan to begin your most important work.
The memoir covers Rose's adventurous, non-linear life, including working in the Arctic and meeting her first love, who she met while working at a bank in Yellowknife, and how she overcame overeating.
Another writer told Rose she should cut her memoir by a third, a devastating criticism that led her to put the draft away for over a year.
Rose's favorite writing ritual involves doing her diary from the day before, followed by "Future Scripting," which she says has been better than antidepressants.
Book marketing advice: If you're sick of hearing yourself talk about your book, say it three more times, because not everyone is hearing your message.
Rose's advice for memoirists is to be prepared for the vulnerability of reliving your memories and to understand that you don't have to publish it—you can write it purely for yourself.
Timestamps00:00 Meet Rose and Her Memoir
00:57 The Memoir Class
02:01 Yellowknife Arctic Adventures
04:52 On Overeating
06:06 Why Australia Triggered Food
08:23 Daily Writing Habits
09:15 Self Publishing Choices
12:30 Endless Book Production Tweaks
17:03 Short Form Writing Adventures
18:19 A 50 Word Story
19:20 Book Marketing Marathons
21:48 Substack as Fuel
22:45 Letting The Book Go
24:42 How Rose Celebrates
26:30 Memoir Vulnerability Advice
33:31 Finishing And Farewell
Links from today's episode:Rose Hurst's book: I ATE EVERYTHING BUT THE NAPKINS: HOW I OVERCAME OVEREATING: A Story of Adventure, Lost Love, and the Consequences
Rose Hurst's Substack: Memoirist in the Museum
Connect with Jacqueline Fisch: The Intuitive Writing Studio Private Coaching & Writing Support Substack: Energy-First Writing LinkedIn Instagram -
Behind the Scenes of My Intentional Book Release Week
My fourth book, Writing With the Moon: Daily Practices to Unlock Your Voice, Write with Flow, and Align With the Power of Astrology, is officially out in the world, and I'm taking you behind the scenes of my release week.
I intentionally refer to this as a book "release" — or a "book birth day" — rather than a "launch." A launch feels like carelessly hurling something out, but a release is intentional, like an exhale.
I kept my release day intentionally light and spacious. It started like a regular Tuesday with a trip to the gym, where I was reminded that just showing up (to exercise or to write) can lead to unexpected flow and surprising results. I sat with my book and oatmeal in the sun and realized I hadn't done any journaling specific to the release, so I quickly wrote about my biggest vision for the book. I cleared my to-do list during a Co-Writing & Chill session with studio members, then celebrated with a relaxing pedicure, veggie sushi, and funny TV with my family.
This book felt light and easy to write because I had lived the material for five years and tested it with my clients and community over two years, allowing it to unfold rather than forcing the process. I know writing a book does not have to be a struggle.
If you've already ordered the book, thank you! And if you have the book, an Amazon review would be wonderful — early purchases and reviews really help a self-published author like me with visibility and rankings.
Key Takeaways:Choose the energy for your book release day intentionally — you're nurturing sacred work over time, not forcing a high-pressure launch.
Get out of your own way and show up to write because, once you start moving, the words often pour out … sometimes in surprising ways.
Journaling about your biggest vision for your book is a crucial step for aligning your energy with your work.
Writing a book doesn't have to be a struggle — the process can unfold while feeling light and easy.
Support a self-published author by ordering early and leaving an Amazon review, which is vital for visibility and ranking ;)
Links From Today's Episode:Order Writing with the Moon and get the Bonus Bundle
Writing with the Moon on Amazon
Join The Intuitive Writing Studio to live the book
Timestamps00:00 Book Release Behind-The-Scenes
00:40 Release Not Launch
01:22 Books are Like Babies
02:25 A Low-Key Release Day
02:38 Gym Lesson On Showing Up at the Page
03:43 Future State Journaling
05:04 Release Day To-Do Sprint
06:29 A Cozy Celebration
08:37 Why This Book Felt Easy
10:13 Bonuses Reviews And Thanks
Connect with Jacqueline Fisch:The Intuitive Whttps://theintuitivewritingschool.com/community
Private Coaching & Writing Support
Substack: Energy-First Writing
LinkedIn
Instagram
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