Exit Plan: Writer

About Exit Plan: Writer

Exit Plan: Writer is a podcast for writers and creatives, hosted by Dajana Holst — an author building a writing career from the ground up and sharing the journey in real time. Each episode dives into practical writing experiments, creative income strategies, and mindset shifts to help you build an intentional, independent writing life. You’ll get the how-to — I’ll take the trial-and-error hits. Subscribe to support my slightly unhinged creative choices and help me get one step closer to never hearing the phrase “circle back” again.

Publisher

Dajana Holst

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Jun 2025

Latest episode

13 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jan 2026

   EP10: Writing the Female Indiana Jones – with Michelle Jensen

   What does it take to write a female-led action-adventure novel inspired by Xena, Buffy and Indiana Jones? Travel blogger and debut novelist Michelle Jensen talks about creating a strong female protagonist, researching real history and mythology, finishing a first draft, editing over several years, and querying literary agents. We also discuss bad editor experiences, cutting word count, and the reality of turning a first novel into a publishable book. You can find Michelle at https://www.travelherstory.com and sign up to recieve news about her book at https://www.travelherstory.com/deferring-death Summary In this conversation, Dajana and Michelle discuss the journey of writing a novel, the challenges of travel blogging, and the importance of creating strong female characters. Michelle shares her experiences with research, editing, and the publishing process, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on her writing journey. They explore the balance between writing and other responsibilities, the monetization of blogs, and the realities of the writing industry. Keywords writing, travel blogging, novel, female characters, publishing, editing, querying, storytelling, adventure, creativity

2. 

   23 Sept 2025

   EP09: The Writing Advice Nobody Gives You – with Lori Puma

   What do most writing craft books leave out—and how can you avoid getting stuck mid-draft? In this episode of Exit Plan Writer, I talk with developmental editor and story coach Lori Puma, author of the free ebook What Fiction Craft Books Left Out. Free to download here: https://loripuma.com/craft-books-skip Lori shares why genre fiction authors (romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller) struggle with missing guidance, how to build a strong story foundation, and why antagonists are the secret to page-turning plots. We also dig into my own work-in-progress, with Lori giving live coaching on character arcs, conflict, and how to avoid a “Frankenstein” draft. If you’ve ever wondered what a developmental editor really does—or how to take your messy middle to a finished, reader-hooking novel—this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t find in traditional craft guides. You can find Lori at www.loripuma.com And me at www.exitplanwriter.com

3. 

   9 Sept 2025

   Ep07: Update – Writing While Back at the Day Job

   An update to experiment number two. How exactly is writing going now that I’m back at the day job? In this episode I discuss the sacrifices one has to make to obtain the things we want. I reflect on what I learned during my hiatus from work now that I can compare the two situations properly. Tune in to listen to why I feel unstructured time is important.

4. 

   20 Aug 2025

   EP07: What Top Authors Actually Earn & the Cash Flow Dilemma

   In this solo episode, I share the money lessons from my first 8-week experiment of ditching the day job to focus on writing. Running a writing business is still a business, and cash flow matters more than I first realized. I talk honestly about the “cash flow dilemma,” what it really takes to fund creative work, and why pretending money doesn’t matter only leads to stress later. I also pull back the curtain on what six-figure authors like Joanna Penn, Sasha Black, and Rachael Herron are actually earning, and how they combine multiple income streams—from book sales to nonfiction, courses, and Patreon. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming an author entrepreneur or just curious about what it takes to make writing sustainable, this episode gives you a grounded look at the financial side of a creative life. Email me at Podcast@exitplanwriter.com or go to my Substack https://exitplanwriter.substack.com

5. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Bonus: Guided Meditation for Authors — with Dajana Holst

   Special: A 10 minute guided meditation specific for authors to help set you up to overcome the dreaded first page. Listen to this to find your zone for writing that flows from your fingertips. It’s ten minutes short so you can get to your writing. A perfect meditation for writer’s that need to quickly change their state before sitting down to write. Listen to it whenever you need. Guided meditations have always been my preferred type of relaxation but I’ve missed having one specific for authors that I can listen to before a writing session. So I made one myself! Enjoy!

6. 

   5 Aug 2025

   EP06: A Writing Life at Sea – with Paul Trammell

   A story about leaving everything and building a writing life on board a sailboat. In this episode I interview author and sailor Paul Trammell to talk about creativity, solitude, writing routines, and how he’s built a multi-stream writing life from the sea. Mentioned in this episode: Paul Trammell’s website (https://www.paultrammell.com/) and books (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9V9T8K4) Dream Chasers and Eccentrics podcast (https://www.paultrammell.com/dream-chasers-and-eccentrics) Offshore Sailing and Cruising podcast (https://www.paultrammell.com/oscpodcastshownotes) Paul’s books The Gold Box, Until They Bury Me, and On a Belt of Foaming Seas Keywords: writing routine, author productivity, writing on a sailboat, how to write on the road, self-publishing tips, distraction-free writing, AI and writing, author life, sailing author, writing podcast, creative process. You can find me over on Substack (https://exitplanwriter.substack.com/) or write me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com

7. 

   29 Jul 2025

   EP05: Clarifying My Book Premise – A Writing Life in Progress

   In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on my current work-in-progress and share what I’m writing, messy draft and all. You’ll hear about the beginner mistakes I’ve made, what I’m learning about plotting with two protagonists, and how it feels to let others read an unfinished manuscript. I also dig into the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of working with an editor early in the process and what you should have in mind. Plus, I share a personal update on my ongoing experiment: building a sustainable, long-term writing life. If you’ve ever wrestled with your book or felt stuck between inspiration and execution, this episode is for you. It’s part reflection, part behind-the-scenes, and a reminder that clarity is a process. 🟡 Want to build your own writing life with more intention? Subscribe to Exit Plan: Writer—my newsletter for writers who are in it for the long haul: https://exitplanwriter.substack.com And as always you can email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com

8. 

   21 Jul 2025

   EP04: Why You’re Not Finishing Your Novel — with Penelope Trunk

   In this episode I talk to my old writing coach Penelope Trunk about why I’m not finishing my novel - and why you might not be either. If you’ve ever wanted to eavesdrop on an editor/writer conversation, this is it. We unpack my 50.000 ”non-words”, the trouble with editing yourself and why building a writing desk doesn’t count as writing (even if it’s gorgeous). Penelope, in her famously blunt and brilliant style, calls me out on procrastination disguised as productivity, explains why writing groups often fail, and reminds me that writing is not planning — it’s writing. If you’re overthinking your plot, waiting for the perfect moment, or secretly hoping your book will write itself… this one is for you. Mentioned: Anna Karenina (a lot), The Midnight Library, Big Mouth, sailing, Scrivener (don’t) and Maxwell Perkins. Find Penelope’s work at https://penelopetrunk.com Subscribe to her newsletter: https://penelopetrunk.substack.com And as always you can email me at podcast@exitplanwriter.com

9. 

   15 Jul 2025

   EP03: Creating Space to Write and the Myth of Hard Work – With Silke Krieger Genckel

   In this episode, Silke Krieger Genckel and I explore what it really takes to claim time for creativity—especially as mothers, writers, and women conditioned to put others first. We talk about guilt, identity, the myth of hard work, and the quiet courage it takes to take yourself seriously as a writer. Silke is embodying the Practical Magic life and I hope she inspires you as much as she inspired me. 👉 Follow the show for more honest conversations about creativity, writing, and life—and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs to hear it. ✍️ You can find more of Silke’s beautiful work on her Substack here: https://silkekriegergenckel.substack.com Follow me on instagram @exitplanwriter Connect on Substack : https://Exitplanwriter.substack.com Or email my direct at podcast@exitplanwriter.com

10. 

    8 Jul 2025

    EP02: Business of Writing Experiment #1 – Losing the Day Job

    DAN KOE shares his initial experiment in building a sustainable writing career, debunking myths about making money through writing and emphasizing the value of intellectual property.

11. 

    29 Jun 2025

    EP01: How I’m Daring to Build a Writing Life in Public — with Lara Rickard

    Host interviews therapeutic coach Lara Rickard about building a writing life in public, naming the obstacles that stop us, and declaring a commitment to writing in real time.

12. 

    28 Jun 2025

    Episode 000 Intro

    Host Dajana Holst introduces her writing podcast, which documents her journey of building a writing life through experiments in creativity, income, and mindset, offering insights for listeners.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

41

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Exit Plan: Writer

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.