Writing Without Fear | Denise Frost

Send us a text In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Denise Cecilia Frost and I delve into the grueling yet rewarding process of writing a novel. The takeaway is clear: the first draft is not about perfection but capturing a great story"s essence. Drawing inspiration from Kurt Vonnegut, Denise emphasizes that every character must have a desire or goal to propel the narrative forward. It’s a stage where messiness is not just tolerated but encouraged. Resonating from my experience as a co-writer, I added that revisiting drafts can later refine these raw beginnings into something coherent and compelling. Timestamp: 00:00 Interviewing DC Frost, debuting novel with the detective. 03:33 Mysteries capture local essence and offer immersive experiences. 07:46 Books create intriguing, atmospheric worlds and loneliness. 11:39 Commit, stay excited, and seek trusted feedback. 15:44 Storytelling involves relationship-building and deep listening. 19:21 Struggling with vulnerability in character choices. 22:12 First drafts reveal key story elements. 25:34 Write, and rewrite frequently; the husband"s critique improves specificity. 27:58 Female strength, vulnerability, and personal empowerment explored. 30:22 Book explores cultural differences, education, and groupthink issues. 33:58 Writing fiction allows the sharing of diverse, untold stories. 37:20 Stories are vital; writers can revise freely. Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage