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Have you ever tried following someone's writing advice? You've read all the books with guidelines for getting your outline done or advice about setting up your writing schedule, yet you're still feeling like something's not quite right. Like maybe the problem isn't your commitment to the process, but the fact that the method itself was never designed for the way YOU actually think and create? On this week's episode of the Inspired Writer Collective, we welcome editor and writing coach Cynthia Merrill who completely reframed Elizabeth's thinking about the writing process. Cynthia has developed something called the Authentic Writer Archetype Assessment, and in this conversation she walked through Elizabeth's results live. Here's what came up in the conversation:

• Why writing advice that works well for one writer can actually sabotage another
• Insight into why many memoir writers quit before they finish (hint: it's not what you think)
• Figuring out the support systems you actually need before spending money on programs, editors, or writing groups

Give it a listen and let us know what resonates.

About our guest Cynthia Merrill:

Cynthia Merrill is a developmental editor, writing coach, and creator of the Authentic Writer Archetypes—a system dedicated to helping writers understand their creative needs and build a sustainable, authentic, and joyful writing practice. While she holds a BA in Editing and Publishing, her real education has come from years of working side by side with writers in the depths of the creative process. Cynthia hosts The Way You Write podcast and lives in Phoenix, AZ with her two kids and a dog named Jasper.

Connect with Cynthia Merrill:

Website: ​cynthiamerrillediting.com ​

IG: ​https://www.instagram.com/cynthiamerrillediting/​

Free Author Archetype Assessment: ​https://www.cynthiamerrillediting.com/assessment

 Welcome to the Inspired Writer Collective podcast. If you've ever felt the pull to write your truth, to shape the chaos of real life into something meaningful and to share your journey with the world, you're in the right place. We're your hosts, Elizabeth and Stephanie, writers, coaches, and entrepreneurs who believe in you and know how important it is to find a writing community to guide you on your path to self-publishing.

You’re invited to connect with us by joining our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. Whether you’re working on a memoir, a novel, or journaling for yourself, this is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Join our Embodied Writing Experience where you’ll get a writer’s retreat directly to your inbox on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week. This is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and write with embodied intention.

Get on the waitlist for the Memoir Master Plan cohort here.

Apply to join the Finish Your First Draft in 90 Days program here.

If you prefer to watch our conversations, you can find all of them on our YouTube channel.

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