Today on More to the Story Podcast: Should You Even Be Writing a Book? How to Find Your Deep Why and Finally Make Progress

Happy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2026! In this solo episode, I’m talking about the real reason so many women struggle to make progress on their books—even when they deeply want to write them, invest in support, and start the year with the best intentions.

This episode is part pep talk, part tough love, and part deep inquiry into the heart of creative resistance. I share what I’ve been witnessing across client conversations, why the “New Year motivation” isn’t enough, and the foundational inner work that must happen before your book will take shape.

I also share some exciting updates about how I’m shifting my business this year, including in-person retreats and a renewed focus on catalyzing creative momentum for my clients.

In today’s episode:

* a New Year check-in for writers recommitting to their book intentions

* why desire alone isn’t enough to write a book—and why that’s not a personal failure

* the deeper breakdown behind “I still didn’t write this week”

* the essential question every writer must start with: should you be writing a book at all?

* the truth: the answer is probably yes—but not for the reasons you think

* common fears that block writers from taking action (being judged, not being good enough, not knowing where to start)

* why personal story is essential even in prescriptive nonfiction, business books, and self-help

* the difference between memoir and prescriptive nonfiction—and why people often confuse the two

* the foundational work all writers need before writing: uncovering your deep compelling WHY

* how your why becomes the engine that drives actual creative momentum

* what it means to craft a vision statement for yourself as a writer

* why you can’t know your publishing path (traditional, hybrid, indie) until you know your vision

* what happens when writers go to conferences too soon and get overwhelmed by industry noise

* how human design (especially my Manifestor energy type) is shaping the way I work

* why I’m is shifting my business to include in-person retreats and high-impact intensive work

* what to expect from upcoming More to the Story retreats in 2026

If you’re local to Sacramento or Northern California and would like to explore all of this with me in person, you’re invited to 2026 Creative Catalyst: a one-day retreat for women writers and creatives. Find more info & sign up here:

Links mentioned in this episode:

* The book Human Design Made Easy by Illona Pamplona on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)

* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis

* Join the Retreat Waitlist: moretothestory.co/retreats

* Under the Gum Tree: underthegumtree.com

* Get 10% off your first order from Caffe Santoro: caffesantoro.com/janna

Follow & Connect

* Find the show notes & subscribe at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com

* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies

* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtree

Question for you:

What is your deep, compelling reason for writing your book this year?Not the surface-level one — the true one.

Share in the comments — I’d love to witness your why.

(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.)

Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

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