Hello Writers and Crafters! I'm Valerie Ihsan, And I'm Erick Mertz, and this is Episode 147 of the podcast and it's March 6, 2024 as we record this.  Main Topic: Reset Buttons and Pivoting for Authors PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.  Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre Patron comment:  Comments/email from listeners:  Questions from listeners: Announcements:  Registration is open for the 2024 Writer Craft Writing Retreat and Workshop in Marcola, Oregon. At this point, there is only four private tickets left and three shared tickets. We'll likely sell out again. ValerieIhsan.com/retreat for more info.    UPDATE:  Valerie:       Erick:     Just finished:  I'M READING:  Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume What's a Poor Girl to Do?: Prostitution in Mid-Nineteenth Century America by Elizabeth A. Topping    The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo     Up Next: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin  Erick's Reading:  Lost Places by Sarah Pinsker     Show Notes:  You can't always take both paths. Choosing becomes more important as we age. "There's a different way to do this." (Message from the universe) How do I pivot from this to this? Identification of other way (journey begins) Take time to process. You aren't cheating or doing a disservice to the readers. Acknowledging limiting beliefs. How do I take the next growth step? Asking What if? often helps to challenge the limiting belief. (QTP. Question the Premise. Becca Syme.) Getting past the what if is the next step. (Yes, I can do this.) Research next step.  Forgive yourself for not knowing. "I've never tried this. Please help me." (Try it for 6-9 months) We have permission to explore. Reflection. Remembering by adding, you aren't removing. It's not all or nothing.   Next Episode:     Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor