Want to write fear that actually gets under a reader’s skin—not just jump scares on the page? Start with what unsettles you.

Horror and thriller author Nicole M. Wolverton joins me to discuss why discomfort can be more powerful than terror, how writing from your own fears creates unforgettable stories, and why horror can be deeply empowering during difficult times.

Nicole is also very candid about the process, the realities of publishing, rejection, and the mindset she attributes to her success in publishing and marketing.

Timestamps

01:10 – Meet Nicole Woolverton
03:16 – Nicole’s Writing Origins
04:30 – Why We Crave Horror
05:15 – Fear, Resilience, and Difficult Times
07:15 – Her Novels and Settings
09:33 – Gastro Horror and Disgust on the Page
12:42 – What Makes Horror Truly Work
16:17 – Process: Outlining vs. Drafting
21:16 – Publishing Fears and Limbo
25:26 – “You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get”
28:29 – Rejection and Redefining Success
31:06 – Advice for Writers

Guest Bio

Nicole M. Wolverton is an unapologetic fear enthusiast who writes horror and thrillers for adults and young adults. She is the author of A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (CamCat Books, 2025), The Trajectory of Dreams (Bitingduck Press, 2013), and the upcoming Meat Sweats (Horrorsmith Publishing, 2026). She also served as Editor of the menopause-themed horror anthology Bodies Full of Burning, published by Sliced Up Press. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and essays also appear in about 50 anthologies, magazines, and podcasts. Nicole holds a master's degree in horror and storytelling from the University of Pennsylvania; her academic interests center on building resilience through horror media and gastrohorror.

Links

Website
nicole@nicolewolverton.com

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

Writing can be hard, lonely work. Talking about the struggle can release pressure and help you get back to the page—but only if you’re sharing with the right people.

I talk about why feelings aren’t facts, how isolation keeps writers stuck, and how to build a small circle of writing trust that you can lean into when you feel stuck.

Timestamps
00:00 Writing Struggle + Isolation
01:44 Listener Question About Short Stories
03:44 Why Venting Helps Writers
05:45 Feelings Aren’t Facts
07:57 Choosing Who to Tell
09:48 Building a Circle of Trust
12:27 Final Thoughts

Links to Other Episodes Mentioned

S2 Ep 53 How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz

S3 Ep 78 From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak

S2 Ep 54 Finding the Right Writing Community For You

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears

If you’ve ever told yourself you’re lazy, undisciplined, or just “bad at finishing,” this episode might reframe everything.

In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, I talk with book coach and editor Nicole Bross about how ADHD impacts a writer’s mindset, motivation, and process—especially for those diagnosed later in life. We unpack the shame spiral so many writers fall into, why traditional writing advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how diagnosis can open the door to self-compassion and smarter systems.

We also talk about her book A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers (co-written with Kirsten Donaghey), including practical tools for overcoming paralysis, managing shiny object syndrome, and using outlines to reduce overwhelm and actually finish.

If you’ve struggled with consistency or focus, this one is equal parts strategy and permission to be kinder to yourself.

Timestamps
00:00 The Writing Advice Shame Spiral
01:41 Meet Nicole + Her Book
05:46 Late ADHD Diagnosis + Mindset Shift
13:51 Building Better Writing Systems
17:03 ADHD Creative Strengths
27:14 Motivation + Shiny Object Syndrome
32:02 Why Outlines Help
37:35 Paralysis vs. Procrastination
41:12 Final Encouragement

You can learn more about Nicole and her work here:

🌐 Writing: https://nicolebross.com
🌐 Book Coaching: https://manuscriptalchemy.com

The Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers is available wherever books are sold.

Links mentioned:

Have a comment or idea about the show? Send me a direct text! Love to hear from you.

Support the show

To become a supporter of the show, click here!

To get in touch with Stacy:

Email: Stacy@writeitscared.co

https://www.writeitscared.co/wis

https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/

Take advantage of these Free Resources From Write It Scared:

Download Your Free Novel Planning and Drafting Quick Start Guide

Download Your Free Guide to Remove Creative Blocks and Work Through Fears