Shows / No Mess, No Magic
No Mess, No Magic
No Mess, No Magic is a podcast for writers who want to embrace the messy, imperfect process of writing.
Hosted by writing coach Monica Hay, this show is for writers who want to stop waiting for perfect conditions and start building a writing practice in the middle of busy lives, rough drafts, and creative resistance.
You won’t find rigid writing rules or productivity perfectionism here. Instead, we talk about the real work of being a writer: showing up when you feel uninspired, writing through…
Episodes
- No Mess, No Magic
Is Scrolling Making Writing Less Enjoyable?
Have you ever sat down to write, stared at your document for approximately 30 seconds, and then immediately reached for your phone? Yeah, me too. In this solo…
- No Mess, No Magic
How to Reclaim the Joy of Writing with Zanni Louise
When was the last time you wrote something just for the hell of it? Not because you were working on your manuscript Just because it sounded FUN? I don't know…
- No Mess, No Magic
The 7 Unpublished Novels That Led to Her Debut
What if the books you never publish are just as important as the one that finally gets you a book deal? Rebecca Taylor McKay spent ten years writing…
- No Mess, No Magic
The Truth About Querying in 2026 with Literary Agent Linda Camacho
Querying has never exactly been fun… but in 2026, it can feel especially not fun. Response times are longer, agents are overwhelmed. Publishing is changing…
- No Mess, No Magic
Mundane Magic for Writers: Ritual, Resistance, & the Nervous System
Check out Molly's free meditation here: https://www.mollydonlan.com/magic-meditations Find Molly's book Mundane Magic here…
- No Mess, No Magic
Why ADHD Writers Need Experimentation, Not More Rules
Curious about the summit? It runs October 16-19th! Sign up for the Basecamp to Brilliance Summit for ADHD Writers here…
- No Mess, No Magic
She Built a Writing Career by Mailing Short Stories
Curious about Ink and Mist Society?? Check it out here! https://inkandmistsociety.com/ Find them on Instagram here…
- No Mess, No Magic
Why Movement Matters for Writers with Doctor Chelsea
Us writers are good as disconnecting from our bodies. We surface from a writing session in shrimp posture. This week, I'm joined by Chelsea of Chelsea Fit &…
- No Mess, No Magic
Everything Is Writing Time: How Creative Play Fuels Your Stories
Your other hobbies aren't distracting you from writing! They might actually (almost certainly) help your writing. This is THE episode to listen to when you…
- No Mess, No Magic
It's Never Too Late to Create
In this episode, I'm joined by author, writing coach, and filmmaker Beth Barany for a conversation about something I hear from writers all the time: "Is it too…
- No Mess, No Magic
Shadow Work, Part 2: Why Play Matters
Last week, Chelsea Pippin Mizzi introduced us to the idea of shadow work. This week, we're getting practical. If you've ever wondered why sharing your writing…
- No Mess, No Magic
Shadow Work with Chelsey Pippin Mizzi - Part 1
When you hear the words shadow work, what comes to mind? For a lot of people, it's trauma. Darkness. Digging up painful memories. That's not the whole story…
- No Mess, No Magic
The Truth About Author Platforms and Writing in the Margins
In this episode, I'm joined by author Hannah Callan to talk about writing in the margins of life, and building an author platform. We discuss what it looks…
- No Mess, No Magic
Building an AuDHD Friendly Practice with Dr. Bailey Lang
Many writers spend years trying to force themselves into writing routines that simply don't fit how their brains work. In this episode, Monica sits down with…
- No Mess, No Magic
The Writing Lessons Hidden in Hard Seasons
What happens when life forces you to stop writing? In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, I sit down with developmental editor and story scientist Lori Puma to…
- No Mess, No Magic
The Mindset Shifts That Help You Finish Your First Book
Writing a first book isn't just about learning craft. There's a lot of mindset work involved, and a lot of it feels invisible. It's about learning how to keep…
- No Mess, No Magic
Intuitive Outlining: How to Use Story Structure Without Feeling Trapped by It
If you've ever opened a beat sheet, stared at a plotting template, and immediately wanted to throw your laptop out a window, this episode is for you. (This is…
- No Mess, No Magic
Writing Novels With Your Voice with Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer
In this episode of No Mess, No Magic, Monica talks with fiction author and educator Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer about dictation, accessibility, and why writing with…
- No Mess, No Magic
Writing for Approval Is Killing Your Creativity with Rachel May
We get SPICY in this one! About Rachel: Rachel May is a published author and powerhouse coach who brings a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to writing…
- No Mess, No Magic
Self Publishing and Successful Marketing with Annie Abel
About Annie: Annie is a German-born author who now lives in the Netherlands, where she cycles through the countryside like a main character in a moody indie…
- No Mess, No Magic
What My Mom Taught Me About Creativity (and Sacrifice)
Join this conversation with my mommyyy, Stacy Blum-Hay. What happens to creativity over a lifetime? Visit my mom's website here. The conversation explores the…
- No Mess, No Magic
Making Peace With Your Writing Pace with Gala Russ
Join Monica and Gala for a low-key chaotic discussion about the writing life. Gala Russ helps creatives understand how they work and build sustainable creative…
- No Mess, No Magic
What If Writing Is Actually Channeling?
Today we have guest Dani Fankhauser! Dani is a writer and energy healer. Her fiction has been published by NonBinary Review, HAD, Sheepshead Review, and…
- No Mess, No Magic
The Case for Half-Assing It
We talk about why lowering the bar sets you up for success in your writing life! Subscribe to my newsletter Check out my Instagram! Website New here? Hi, I'm…
- No Mess, No Magic
Nine Unsexy Truths About Being a Writer
Today, we’re covering the 9 unsexy truths I’ve learned from being a writer the last 10+ years. And I introduce myself and what this podcast is all about!