Stories in Progress with Mary Ellen

About Stories in Progress with Mary Ellen

Welcome to Stories in Progress, a behind-the-scenes peek into the writing life of author Mary Ellen Quigley. From romance to spooky legends to faith-filled reflections and personal journeys, this podcast explores the creative process in all its messy, magical glory. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fellow creative, or just love stories in every form, join Mary Ellen as she shares works-in-progress, writing tips, author life updates, and real talk about balancing creativity with everyday life. Because every story, on the page or in real life, is always in progress. maryellenauthor.substack.com (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Mary Ellen Quigley

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Apr 2025

Latest episode

6 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Nov 2025

   Author Business Plan and Why You Need One

   When I decided to shift from writing romance to paranormal nonfiction, I realized something big — I couldn’t just change genres. I had to rethink my entire author brand. What started as “I’ll just write spooky books now” turned into, “Okay… I actually need a plan for this.” Let’s talk about creating an author business plan. Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   26 May 2025

   ISBNs for Self-Published Authors

   Mary Ellen explains ISBNs for self-published authors, clarifying what they are, why they matter, and when indie authors need them, including comparing free ISBNs to purchased ones.

3. 

   18 May 2025

   How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Writing Retreat

   Ever wish you could just get away and write without all the distractions? This post breaks down how to plan your own writing retreat, whether it’s a weekend trip or a quiet day at home, without spending a ton of money. Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

4. 

   9 May 2025

   I’m Not a Full-Time Author, But Here’s How I Show Up Like One

   Hi friends! As most of you know, I’m not a full-time author, but I show up every week like I am. Whether you're an aspiring author, juggling a day job, or knee-deep in draft number five, this post is for you. I'm sharing the five biggest mindset shifts and strategies that have helped me take my writing from "whenever I get around to it" to a career that’s growing every month. 1. Mindset Matters: Start Acting Like an Author Now One of the biggest changes I’ve made this year is treating my writing like it’s already a career, even though I still have a day job. For a long time, I considered writing a hobby, and I was someone who merely “wrote on the side.” But the truth is that I AM a published author. My books are on Amazon. My name is on the cover. So why downplay that? When you approach writing with the seriousness of a professional, regardless of how much you earn from it, you start showing up differently. You write more. You talk about your work with confidence. You prioritize your goals. If you want others to take your writing seriously, you have to take it seriously first. 2. Consistency is Key. Even if It’s Just 15 Minutes a Week You don’t need to write every day to be consistent. What you do need is a system that works for your life. Maybe that’s writing every Sunday afternoon. Maybe it’s 30 minutes on your lunch break. For me, it’s treating writing like a part-time job. I block out time in my planner and guard it like I would any other commitment. When it’s on the calendar, it gets done. And even when life gets crazy, I know I’ve at least carved out a little progress. Start small. Set a time. Make the appointment with yourself and keep it. 3. Develop a Thick Skin Because Rejection Happens This one’s tough. Whether it’s a one-star review, a snarky TikTok comment, or someone telling you they hate your book (ouch), criticism is part of the job. What I’ve learned? Don’t let it live rent-free in your head. I’ve had to train myself to delete the comment and move on. Not every book is for every reader, and not every opinion needs your attention. Your worth isn’t defined by a random internet stranger or even by your latest review. 4. Set Weekly Goals and Actually Track Them One of the most effective habits I’ve built is using a Kanban board to set and visualize my weekly goals. On Sunday mornings, I grab my coffee and plan what I want to accomplish. I move Post-its from “To Do” to “Doing” to “Done,” and I focus only on what’s in the middle column that week. It helps eliminate decision fatigue and keeps me from falling into what I call "procrastination freeze.” This is when you have so much to do that you can’t figure out where to start, so you do nothing. Even if your goal is simply “write Chapter Two,” write it down. Track it. Give yourself that little dopamine hit when you move it to “Done” or check it off your list. 5. Tap into the Author Community Writing can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. AuthorTube, AuthorTok, Reddit, Discord, and Facebook groups are all communities filled with people just like you. When I’m feeling stuck, unmotivated, or full of impostor syndrome, those communities remind me that I’m not the only one struggling. We’re all a work in progress. Seeing someone else celebrate a win, like hitting six figures or finally making enough to quit their day job, reminds me of what’s possible. Find your people. Encourage one another. Share your highs and your lows. This journey is so much easier when you’re not walking it alone. Final Thoughts I’m not a full-time author (yet), but I’m building the systems, mindset, and habits of someone who is. It’s made me more productive, more intentional, and yes, more confident. I’d love to hear from you! * How do you treat your writing like a job? * What systems or strategies help you stay focused? Let’s talk about it in the comments because we’re all figuring it out together. Mary Ellen's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

5. 

   2 May 2025

   Announcing My Passion Project: Cancer Devotional

   This episode is also available on YouTube. You can watch the video version here. (https://youtu.be/_5CqNUmGvc8?si=z3AiSpOANgfI1qSA) Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   28 Apr 2025

   The Real Impact of Social Media on My Writing

   This episode is also posted to YouTube. You can watch the video version here (https://youtu.be/xAI1ahyujYM). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   27 Apr 2025

   This Author Fair Gave Me A HUGE Confidence Boost

   This episode was originally posted to YouTube on April 18, 2025. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/fLryUGsfrO4). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   27 Apr 2025

   Lessons from Writing About True Crime & Paranormal Cases

   This episode was originally posted to YouTube on April 13, 2025. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/5Zry2DXSiOg). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   27 Apr 2025

   Is Being an Indie Author Worth It?

   This episode was originally posted to YouTube on March 15, 2025. You can watch the original video here. Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Writing a Book Series

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on November 9, 2024. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/blbw1PqgzNc). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

11. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Self-Publishing on a Budget

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on November 1, 2024. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/yz5VEGWIXFY). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

12. 

    27 Apr 2025

    What I've Learned About Managing Social Media As An Author

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on October 17, 2024. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/VdsxZBFHbLU). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

13. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Co-Authoring A Book: Tips For Collaborative Writing

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on September 18, 2023. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/q-0dF90REms). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

14. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Becoming a Full-Time Author: A Dream or a Possibility?

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on September 4, 2023. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/8bQOsgmeLec). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

15. 

    27 Apr 2025

    Traditional Publishing Experience from a Self-Published Author

    This episode was originally posted to YouTube on August 28, 2023. You can watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/8XArLaaw9cs). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

16. 

    24 Apr 2025

    When to Consider Using a Pen Name

    Originally posted to YouTube on March 13, 2023. Watch the original video here (https://youtu.be/ku7SUFwyBhE). Get full access to Mary Ellen's Substack at maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe (https://maryellenauthor.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

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

Quality

57

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

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