I’ve been listening to podcasts recently while doing my afternoon steps. Yes, I’m one of those 10,000 steppers. As you know, the world has been crazy. Feeling like I need a mental boost, I’ve become obsessed with confidence podcasts. There are a lot of them out there. But though they all deal with the same topic, some resonate with me, while others seem to fall flat. As I listen and attempt to glean wisdom while burning calories and walking, I find myself thinking—Why do some of these podcasts work for me while others don’t? And, of course, my writer’s brain asks—Can I apply techniques that make podcasts successful to my novel writing?

My answer is absolutely! I believe I can. You can find storytelling morsels everywhere, especially while wearing earbuds or noise-canceling headphones. Below are my takeaways from listening to confidence podcasts.

1. Emotion is the key when making great confidence podcasts and writing compelling novels. I listened to a PhD podcast guest who spoke about neuro connections and how they relate to building confidence via habits. Though this info pertained to my desire to improve my confidence, I didn’t find myself walking any faster or holding my breath in anticipation of the guest’s next comment or thought. Instead, I kept searching the sky for birds. But during another episode, a single-parent dental hygienist spoke about how she injured her back and found the confidence to write a bestselling fantasy novel while lying in bed for six months. She said she was going crazy, was desperate for cash, and thought, “I have to do this.” The guest’s voice cracked as she spoke. Her story captivated me. Because I didn’t want to stop listening to the episode, I walked almost 1500 steps that day. The emotion conveyed in that episode hooked me.
2. Voice matters big time. One of my favorite confidence podcasts is The Confidence Chronicles. The host, who anointed herself the Queen of Confidence, is Erica Cramer. Erica’s communication style is bold and brash. She doesn’t write or follow a script. She talks, almost riffs, sometimes while driving a car. Her stream-of-consciousness-like style feels raw and honest. She curses and uses slang. Erica fully admits that she is a lot and not for everyone. But the thing about Erica, a Latina mom living in Australia, is that she is both memorable and relatable.  She has a unique voice, and that voice, along with her direct Dr. Phil-like, no-nonsense advice, makes her a standout in the confidence podcast arena. She is also a testament to the power of memorable voices. As a novelist, consider taking a cue from Erica Cramer. Get inside your protagonist’s head. Share their thoughts, feelings, and perspectives.  Hone your novel writing voice so readers know instantly that you penned the book they’re reading. Having a strong, memorable voice will serve you well as a writer.
3. Strive for novel plots that aren’t basic, formulaic, or cliché. We’ve all heard writing experts say that if you write in a genre, readers expect certain things when it comes to plot and story premises. They warn that we, as writers, must deliver stories that readers can anticipate, or we risk losing fans.  But let me tell you this, as a confidence podcast junkie, basic and the expected didn’t work for me. I wanted something more than my mother’s or high school guidance counselor’s advice about gaining confidence. Suggestions I’d heard a hundred times like, “Do something that you are good at, and you’ll acquire confidence,” or “Push yourself to do the thing that scares you, and confidence will come,” left me shaking my head. As a podcast listener, I wanted more. I needed more, and I believe that readers of novels crave more too. Consider giving your readers a fresh take on a story. Make them question their beliefs. Get them thinking by writing an unusual character who views the world in a unique way. Maybe use a unique plot structure. One of the confidence podcast hosts I listened to said that people with confidence are scared all of the time. This was a new thought for me. I’m still thinking about it. Aim to leave your novel readers with something that resonates with them even after they’ve finished reading their book.
4. Well-developed, fleshed-out characters can mean the difference between average and great podcasts or novels. One of the podcasts I listened to is hosted by a woman who owns a counseling business. Through her therapy, she helps corporate women thrive. Other than her name, this is the only thing I know about her after listening to five of her podcast episodes. Though her podcasts are informative, and her interview style is fine, I’ve stopped tuning into her show. Bottomline, I don’t want to take advice or spend my precious walking time with a stranger. Your readers probably don’t want to read about strangers either. Develop your characters’ backstories, quirks, hopes, daily habits, and fears so that they can truly come alive on the pages of your novel and feel like friends. Your readers will appreciate your efforts and be loyal if you do.

So, after listening to dozens of podcasts about confidence, am I a more confident writer? Yes, most definitely. But that doesn’t mean I don’t still have moments of panic. Listening to confidence podcasts has taught me that I’m not alone in my doubts and that being a confident writer is all about taking action. Before, when I didn’t know how to do something or what to do (usually, for me, it’s something technical or computer-related), I didn’t do anything. Now, I make a decision even if the path forward or the payoff isn’t clear. I know I can handle whatever comes my way. I’ve also learned to reach out to others, both experts and friends, and I seek support and advice. I was stuck for years in the same place with my writing career. As a stay-at-home mom, I wasn’t confident about the business aspect of publishing. Ironically, listening to confidence podcasts gave me the kick in the yoga pants I needed to free myself and rise up. I never thought that buying earbuds at Target would transform my life, but they definitely did.

If you have thoughts about confidence and writing, general confidence, or you wish to share a great writing tip, feel free to leave a comment. Your ideas are always welcome.

Keep writing, Mary Frances Hill