In this special episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we turn the mic on co-host Helen Worthington-Smith to explore the creative mind behind Skin Deep, a contemporary fantasy debut that dives deep into themes of identity, transformation, and what it means to be truly seen.

Helen shares how the idea for Skin Deep first sparked to life, the storytelling influences that shaped her voice, and how she built a world where mistakes are written on your skin for all to see. We talk about the joys and challenges of worldbuilding, her approach to character, and what’s next in the Skin Deep universe.

From creative rituals to surprise moments in the drafting process, this conversation is a warm, thoughtful deep dive into one author’s path from inspiration to publication. Whether you're a debut author, a beginner writer, or just someone trying to find your voice, Helen’s story is a powerful reminder that the writing journey is never linear, but always worth it.

We also get playful in the final section with imaginative hypotheticals, creative comforts, and some behind-the-scenes fun.

If you're looking for writing advice grounded in personal experience, with a side of heart and honesty, this episode is for you.

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, debut authors, books, fantasy writing, character development, worldbuilding, indie publishing, women who write

Let’s be real, writing a book is one thing, selling it is a whole other beast. In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we’re diving into one of the most overwhelming (and often confusing) parts of becoming an author: marketing and personal branding.

Whether you’re going the indie route or aiming for traditional publishing, promotion is part of the job now, and for most debut authors, it can feel like a crash course in business, visibility, and identity all rolled into one.

We’re sharing our own experiences: the good, the awkward, the cringe, and the lessons we’ve learned (and are still learning) about how to show up online, talk about our books, and not lose ourselves in the process.

From awkward social media launches to branding identity crises, this one’s for any beginner writer trying to build their presence while staying true to their voice.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: What this episode is really about
01:48 – What is marketing and personal branding for authors?
02:52 – When we realised this was part of the job
04:46 – Early marketing mistakes and what felt weird (or natural)
06:27 – Social media journey

17:02 – Marketing more than social media
21:33 – What we’ve learned about personal branding so far
28:46 – Our honest thoughts on showing up online and the pressures of social media
31:54 – Tips for new writers overwhelmed by branding pressure
35:58 – How our relationship with marketing has evolved
39:30 – Outro: Still figuring it out—but here’s what we know

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, debut authors, author marketing, personal branding, book promotion, writing community, self-publishing, author platform, social media for writers

Whether you're dreading your first book launch or just trying to figure out what your “brand” even is, this episode is a reminder: you’re allowed to be figuring it out, and you don’t have to do it alone.

PS: If you’re a book marketer or branding specialist who’d love to share your insights with our listeners, get in touch—we’d love to have you on the show!

You can learn all the craft techniques in the world, but without the right mindset, writing can start to feel like a battle you never win. In this episode of Daggers & Daydreams, we’re diving deep into what we believe is the most underrated but essential part of the writing life: mindset.

Whether you’re working on your first book or just beginning to call yourself a writer, this episode explores how your inner world shapes your creative process far more than word count goals or plot outlines ever could.

We answer 13 honest and vulnerable questions about writing mindset, covering everything from fear of failure to imposter syndrome, creative blocks, limiting beliefs, procrastination, perfectionism, and what it really means to move from amateur to professional (no matter where you are in your publishing journey).

We also share the personal rituals and mental shifts that help us stay resilient, creative, and committed to the work, even on the hard days.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why mindset is the foundation of writing success

02:19 – Our mindset journeys, what’s changed and what’s still a work in progress

10:43 – Defining a healthy writing mindset

13:29 – How mindset helped, or hurt, our writing

16:24 – Common limiting beliefs and how to challenge them

18:40 – Resistance, rejection, and reframing fear

28:47 – The power of rituals, routines, and energy management

34:56 – Coaching yourself through tough writing days

39:43 – Celebrating small wins and cultivating long-term motivation

44:16 – What it really means to think like a professional

47:21 – One mindset principle we swear by

50:32 – Outro: The role of coaching in your mindset journey

Keywords: beginner writing, writing advice, writing mindset, creative blocks, debut authors, self-belief, motivation, imposter syndrome, writing rituals, mental resilience, writing growth

Writing is hard—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. This episode is a reminder that you’re not the only one struggling—and that with the right mindset, you can keep showing up for your stories, even when doubt creeps in.

Book References:

Grit - Angela Duckworth

Atomic habits - James Clear

The War of Art - Steven Pressfield

Peak - Robert Pool and Andre Ericsson