Writers in the Wilderness Podcast
Kathrin Classen welcomes you to a community of writers, both published and unpublished, to discuss how they traverse the writing wilderness.
- 14
- Episodes
- 2025
- First episode
About Writers in the Wilderness Podcast
Whether you are a published or unpublished author, writing can sometimes feel like you are wandering through the wilderness without a map. In this podcast, Kathrin Classen will interview writers in all stages of their creative careers to offer wisdom, a sense of community, and an encouraging word to keep putting one foot in front of the other. kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
- Publisher
- Kathrin Classen welcomes you to a community of writers, both published and unpublished, to discuss how they traverse the writing wilderness.
- Category
- arts · education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 28 Oct 2025
- Latest episode
- 6 Aug 2026
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
6 Aug 2026
Write Time For Healing with author David Deane Haskell
The incredible thing about stories is that they allow us to process the now and create hope for the future. In this episode, we aren’t only discussing teaching, drafting, or the commercial side of writing. David Deane Haskell talks about writing as a tool for healing and connecting with others. He’s very open about his experiences, and we discuss how writing helped him. In his memoir, David chronicles his healing journey. Trauma never leaves us, and it can come in waves, but when you do the work–David calls it “inner child work”– it gets better and easier over time. He shares his raw experiences in his memoir, Wounded Angels, in the hope that his story will offer hope to his readers. Writing doesn’t have a single meaning. It is multifaceted. It is a form of self-expression, a way to process our world, a way to find healing, and a way we can be superheroes if that’s what we need. This is such a powerful episode. You don’t want to miss this one! You can find David here: Website: https://daviddeanehaskell.com David Deane Haskell Stories: https://daviddeanehaskellstories.substack.com The Inner Child Journal: https://theinnerchildjournal.substack.com You can find his books here: Wounded Angels (memoir/nonfiction): https://mybook.to/woundedangels The Solarian Deep (science fiction): https://mybook.to/solariandeep Thank you to everyone who has listened and shared this podcast. Every single molecule of support is appreciated 1000%. I should be back in 2027. I have a great lineup of authors ready to share their stories. Until then, I hope everyone has a great rest of the summer and year. Here’s wishing you all the best in the wilderness. Follow me on Instagram (@kathrin.classen.writerreader), TikTok (@kathrin.classen.author), Substack (@kathrinclassen), and Facebook (Author Kathrin Classen)! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
4 Aug 2026
Celebrate Your Unedited Self with Writer and Teacher Sara Bednark
In this episode, I interview writer and teacher Sara Bednark. We discuss how she, as a teacher, finds ways to encourage people to write and grow in their craft and helps them embrace their unedited self. We also talk about what it means to do the verb so you can be the noun. There are so many things that stop us from writing: our own lack of confidence, our own negative thoughts, or the words of others. As we understand our needs as writers, in whatever stage we are in, we can start to understand what kind of feedback we need from others. This is a common theme among almost everyone I’ve interviewed. But here’s the thing to remember: Your words are enough. Your voice is enough. You do not need to be Hemingway to create a unique experience for a reader with your writing. All you need to do is be yourself. Sara has such a passion for teaching. I loved speaking with her because in the vulnerable world of creating, she grounds us back into the meaning of finding a supportive community. You can find Sara’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sara+therese+bednark&i=digital-text&crid=NYN82CZCORS4&sprefix=sara+therese+bednark%2Cdigital-text%2C171&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 You can find out more information about Sara and her classes here: https://sarabednark.wordpress.com/ Thank you for listening today! Feel free to email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Don’t miss an episode! Follow me on Instagram (@kathrin.classen.writerreader), TikTok (@kathrin.classen.author), Substack (@kathrinclassen), and Facebook (Author Kathrin Classen)! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
22 Jul 2026
Complex Characters and Realistic Consequences with Author Neal Lipschutz
Stories allow us to ask the big questions about what we would do if we were in tough situations. In Neal Lipschutz’s book, No Write Way to Die, we are asked how far we are willing to go to protect the people we love. Neal created a genuine feel to his novel by using elements with which he was familiar and not shying away from realistic consequences for his character’s ethically questionable decisions. In this episode, we talk about how our characters should be multidimensional, as close to human as we can get them, so they feel genuine. We also discuss how writing contrasting characters will create natural tension, why writing a multibook series can be a little tricky, and the need for both show and tell in a story. When he edits, Neal routinely asks himself if he’s shown who the character is through their thoughts and actions. This episode is also a great reminder that every single writer is unique and approaches writing differently. Neal recommends reading many craft books and taking what you need and leaving the rest. We talk about the magic of libraries, to read as much as you can, and to write what you love to read because there are others out there who will enjoy what you’ve created. You can find Neal here: https://www.facebook.com/neal.lipschutz Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram You can find his books here: Amazon, the Barnes and Noble website, or bookshop.org (http://bookshop.org) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=neal+lipschutz&crid=3ML88EJUKJETZ&sprefix=%2Caps%2C118&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_4_0_recent Thank you for listening today! Feel free to email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Don’t miss an episode! Follow me on Instagram (@kathrin.classen.writerreader), TikTok (@kathrin.classen.author), Substack (@kathrinclassen), and Facebook (Author Kathrin Classen)! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
8 Jul 2026
Think Like A Journalist with Writer Michael Fitzgerald
From newspaper columns to the rush of wire services to breaking down barriers with informative fiction, Michael Fitzgerald and I talk about how our words have power. We as writers have the responsibility to do our research and get the facts right. Not only that, this episode will remind you that your voice matters, but you have to speak up to create change. Be brave, do your research, have a strategic plan, and remember that it will take time. Change doesn’t happen overnight. And how you measure success doesn’t have to be by the numbers. Sales of a book do not equal impact. If you can change one person’s life with what you’ve written, you’ve changed the world. In this episode, I learned that sometimes you have to get crafty, learn by doing, and put yourself in a challenging situation to grow. No effort is wasted. And most importantly, write down your story. Make it a part of history. This episode is such an exciting sneak peek into an amazing career! If you want to see more of Michael’s work, you can find him here: Find his book on Amazon or feel free to contact him directly for a signed copy! https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00IWBDVT6/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=4c2f5c3e-3901-437e-bfbf-23f589ade22e Thank you for listening today! Feel free to email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Don’t miss an episode! Follow me on Instagram (@kathrin.classen.writerreader), TikTok (@kathrin.classen.author), Substack (@kathrinclassen), and Facebook (Author Kathrin Classen)! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
24 Jun 2026
Wisdom From Dead Dahlias with Writer and Website Designer Sue Evergreen
What does it mean to drop a rock? If you imagine every project, every responsibility, every role as a rock, we usually carry around a pretty big sack of them. That’s not a bad thing! But it is all about finding balance in your life. In this episode, writer and website designer Sue Evergreen and I talk about finding sparks of inspiration, not just in the incredible, but in the mundane. We discuss practicing the act of letting go, learning to identify the difference between your “diamonds” and what external pressures deem as “diamonds,” and taking little steps to create change. Writing doesn’t always have to be about making money. It can be healing. It can be meditative. It can help you see the extraordinary in the ordinary. And it can help you drop some rocks! You can find Sue Evergreen and Dropping Rocks here: https://droppingrocks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DroppingRocks https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092433550733 https://www.instagram.com/droppingrocksblog/ Thank you for listening today! Feel free to email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Don’t miss an episode! Follow me on Instagram (@kathrin.classen.writerreader), TikTok (@kathrin.classen.author), Substack (@kathrinclassen), and Facebook (Author Kathrin Classen)! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
10 Jun 2026
A Writing Career Worth More Than The Paper It’s Printed On with Author Melinda Di Lorenzo
With over 40 books to her name, Melinda Di Lorenzo is a wealth of information about the publishing industry. In this episode, we talk about what it means to set achievable daily/weekly goals and why it is important to view your craft as your career. Melinda and I also discuss how writing is only 10% of publishing and selling a book. The other 90%? Marketing, collaborating, and networking. A successful career is not only about being a talented writer. It’s about “timing and luck.” One of my favorite quotes from our chat is “overnight success takes ten years.” What a great reminder that this industry takes time! Write down those great ideas. Expand them into story. And whatever you do, don’t give up. Whatever success looks like for you, keep going. From pre-edits to acknowledging your craft as your career to that endless agent/publisher loop, this is not an episode you’ll want to miss. You can find Melinda here: www.facebook.com/MelindaDiLorenzo @melindawrites on X @melindadilorenzo on Insta @melindawrites on TikTok You can find her books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Melinda-Di-Lorenzo/author/B073ZQM76N?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1774128781&sr=8-1&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=b161bdf3-5c67-4a6e-9699-5197e103db04 If you enjoy these episodes, let me know! Drop a comment or an email at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
27 May 2026
Sometimes All You Need is a Sparkly Bracelet with Pediatrician and Fiction Writer Kati Eisenhuth
Have you ever thought that, since you didn’t go to school for it or don’t feel like you have “natural talent,” writing isn’t for you? Pediatrician and fiction writer, Kati Eisenhuth, and I talk about how time and effort can forgo our perception of natural talent as long as you stick with it and don’t give up. Rejection happens to everyone. What matters is that we keep going despite those rejections. In this episode, Kati shows us that writing is like running track; If you perform badly during a meet, you just have to get back out there for the next one like nothing happened. And there’s a twist to this episode! Kati turns the tables and interviews me! Want to find out my origin story along with Kati’s incredible encouragement? You’ll just have to listen! You can find Kati here: katieisenhuth.com @katieisenhuth If you are a writer and you have an encouraging word to share with the writing community, please send me an email at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com). I’d love to share your words of wisdom with the writing community. Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
14 May 2026
Just Start! with Author and Entrepreneur Natasha Parvey
If you’ve ever thought, ‘it is too late to make my dreams come true’, this episode is for YOU! Natasha Parvey, aka Natalia Lee, got serious about writing her debut children’s book, The Man on the Bike with the Blue Bird, at age 50. She reminds us that it is never too late to start something new. Yes, the unknown can be scary. Yes, it will take time to learn. But what is the worst that can happen? Natasha reminds us that the best thing we can do for ourselves and our dreams is to “just start!” In this episode, Natasha and I talk about ever-changing social media trends, the importance of speaking to your target audience, understanding that you will never make 100% of people happy and that’s OK, and her personal philosophy when she is considering a new project. Some of my favorite quotes/phrases in this episode: * Color code your life * Work hard, play hard * Authors aren’t competitive–we just want to see more people read * Find the best time of day to eat your elephants * Community will challenge you and cheer you on * “You gotta try things, you might not be good at them, but you gotta try them to see if you like them.” I learned so much from Natasha. Speaking to her lit a fire in my belly. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out there and just start! Find Natasha here: Facebook & Instagram @NataliasBooksforKids Find Natalie Lee’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Bike-Blue-Bird/dp/B0F1DMWX3N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I4TEGDBC1ZIR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2v2Hh8zt5CyDgjhAxmZ1Q28-Ztmb06G3RjdRYSoDEvtZ9z7cMI7VLdNWw3RfbGtWa6XiSvWbQXzQ9BN2khHW8yY7hirWoPe0pkUfrWLrA3MR92Yl1_6dwdbbgcGn0CYDgb-R889IAdOUFxg-K1Xcpf7pTptG4BgP3T-k3cpOtRc8sbB_Y4OYB2Z8l8zCUJInwW4I_VkHTheucEx3EhQCG3c4axLsteHfnznFUI-O_9k.cinrt-xx_sej-RyOzTrXj3K85D_mTs1jSzxnQX2cv24&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+man+on+the+bike+with+the+blue+bird&qid=1742520252&sprefix=%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-man-on-the-bike-with-the-blue-bird-natalia-lee/1148157080?ean=9798992623918 https://www.booksamillion.com/search2?query=The+Man+on+the+Bike+with+the+Blue+Bird If you have an encouraging word to share, I’d love to hear your story. Just email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
29 Apr 2026
Your Permission Slip to Create with Author Accelerator-certified Fiction Book Coach and Podcast Host Stacy Frazer
Author Accelerator-certified fiction book coach Stacy Frazer is no stranger to the doubt that plagues all writers. She shares her story and the stories of other writers on her podcast, The Write It Scared Podcast, and reminds us that stories, our stories, “have the power to change and shape lives.” (Direct quote from Stacy) In this episode, we talk about giving ourselves permission to be creative, why it is so important to have our outsides match our insides, why doubt and creativity go hand-in-hand, and why “writing a novel is an inside job we do not do alone.” (Quoted from the intro of The Write it Scared Podcast) From blogging to novel writing to helping other writers find their voices, Stacy’s story is deep and meaningful and changed my life. I’m cashing in that permission slip! And I hope this story gives you the courage to do the same. Here’s where you can connect with Stacy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writeitscared/ Website: https://www.writeitscared.co/ Podcast: https://www.writeitscared.co/podcast You can also email her at Stacy@writeitscared.co If you have an encouraging word to share, I’d love to hear your story. Just email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Thanks for listening! Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
15 Apr 2026
Defining Your Feedback Goal with Author and Story Coach Sharon Hughson
Author and story coach Sharon Hughson is a Feedback Master. (I have personal experience with her work, and thanks to her attention to detail and encouragement, I think differently about how I approach my writing.) In today’s episode, we’ll talk about the importance of reviewing your work, how to process both positive and negative feedback, and what it means to divorce yourself from your writing and why having that emotional distance is so important. Equally important is defining your feedback goal. Are you writing a memoir for friends and family? Are you writing short stories just for fun? Or, are you looking to have your work published? Knowing your writing goals will help you define the kind of feedback that will be the most helpful for you. Some resources from Sharon for you amazing writers: PLOT & STRUCTURE by James Scott Bell K. M. Weiland’s blog and character workbook You can find Sharon here: Substack Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sharonlhughson Youtube https://bit.ly/WriteYTChan You can find Sharon’s books here: Amazon: https://bit.ly/SHonAmz Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Every step takes time, research, and trust in yourself and your community. The cool thing is, you are not alone in the writing wilderness. Feel free to reach out anytime, or if you want to be on the show, just email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
1 Apr 2026
Genuine Stories, Humor, and The Art of Eavesdropping with Mike Exinger
Stories are a part of our everyday life. Humor can come from places we least expect, lawn mower or bank memo not excluded! You just have to keep your ears, eyes, and imagination open to the unexpected. Mike Exinger and I had such a fun discussion about where he gets his ideas (spoiler: daily life is full of material ripe for the picking!) and how he uses his unique brand of humor. We also talked about what happens when you get an agent but your manuscript doesn’t sell, how to interpret mixed feedback with completely opposing recommendations, turning your short stories into full length novels, and giving old ideas brand new life. You don’t want to miss this incredible conversation! You can find Mike (and his alter ego Buxton Manning) here: buxtonmanning.com @mikeexinger.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/mike.exinger/ X = @MikeExinger You can find Mike’s and Buxton’s books here: buxtonmanning.com Gambling guides are available on Apple, Kobo, etc. through D2D If you are a writer, published or unpublished, have an encouraging word to share, and want to be on the podcast, just email me at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com) or visit https://writersinthewildernesspodcast.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
18 Mar 2026
The Art of Co-Writing, Collaboration, and Finding Your Readers with Writers Estella Edgewater and Jadyn LaRiviere
The art of co-writing doesn’t come naturally, as my guests, Estella and Jadyn, will explain. It takes trial and error to find the perfect rhythm. But when you do, you can create an immersive, satisfying world alongside someone you trust. The best part? They remind us that writing is good for our souls! Write for your own joy and for bringing something of yourself to an audience. There is someone out there who will connect with your writing, and that moment is pure magic. Your writing is unique to you, and if it brings you joy, that’s all that matters. You can find Jadyn LaRiviere here: Instagram: JadynLaRiviereTumblr: JadynLaRiviere You can find Estella Edgewater here: https://youtube.com/@estellaedgewater?si=QHXWsO7P9Z91ELcPFoxbridgefantasies.com Find their stories here: https://archiveofourown.org/series/4670671 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
4 Mar 2026
Keeping the Joy Alive in Your Writing Craft with Cozy Mystery and Romantic Comedy Writer, Ellen Jacobson
Welcome to the very first episode of Writers in the Wilderness! Thank you so much for being here! Whether you are a published or unpublished author, writing can sometimes feel like you are wandering through the wilderness without a map. In this podcast, I interview writers in all stages of their creative careers to offer wisdom, a sense of community, and an encouraging word to keep putting one foot in front of the other. From sailboats to imaginary cats, cozy mystery and romantic comedy writer, Ellen Jacobson, shares wisdom about finding community and keeping the joy alive in your writing craft. You can find out more about her and her books here: Website: https://ellenjacobsonbooks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllenJacobsonAuthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellenjacobsonwriter/ Without further ado, let's strap on our boots, and go for a hike! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
28 Oct 2025
What Writers in the Wilderness Podcast is all about!
Hello Listeners! I’m Kathrin Classen, an as of yet unpublished author of domestic thrillers. I want to invite you to enjoy this intro episode to my new podcast, Writers in the Wilderness Podcast. Whether you are a published or unpublished author, writing can sometimes feel like you are wandering through the wilderness without a map. In this podcast, I will interview writers in all stages of their creative careers to offer wisdom, a sense of community, and an encouraging word to keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you are a writer and are interested in being on the show, just send me an email at writersinthewildernesspodcast@gmail.com (mailto:writethroughthewilderness@gmail.com). So, let’s strap on our boots and get ready to put one foot in front of the other in this crazy wilderness! Music info: Song: Step Artist: Owl Nest Music by: CreatorMix.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kathrinclassen.substack.com (https://kathrinclassen.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
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