Susan de Vriend on fear, perfectionism, and what it takes to finally share your writing
You want to write.
Maybe you already have notebooks, drafts, or even full manuscripts sitting quietly on your computer. But something keeps stopping you — perfectionism, fear, self-doubt, or that voice that says:
“Maybe someday… but not yet.”
In this episode, Susan de Vriend steps into that struggle openly. She shares what it’s really like to want to write… while also wanting to hide.
That’s where Bradley Charbonneau enters the story.
After publishing 40 books and writing publicly for 2,888 days in a row, Bradley believes writers don’t need more pressure or perfection.
They need a simpler plan.
In this conversation, Bradley shares a path that has helped thousands of writers move from fear ? expression ? confidence.
Together they explore:
? why so many writers keep their work hidden
? why perfectionism quietly kills creativity
? how small creative acts build real confidence
? why messy writing beats waiting for brilliance
? how simple daily creation can change everything
If you’ve ever thought…
“I want to write… but I’m not sure I’m ready.”
This episode is your invitation to begin.
Not perfectly.
Not someday.
Just today.
Episode Timestamps
?? 00:00 Susan introduces the conversation and the idea behind today’s interview
? 02:18 Bradley’s first writing life: 50-page letters home from France
? 04:21 The moment he realized words could create entire worlds
? 07:21 Why writing felt like an impossible fantasy
? 12:30 The secret writing life: stopping on the side of the road to write
? 14:19 Why we hide our creative dreams from others
? 15:24 The truth about hidden dreams: they feel safe… but hurt
? 17:29 The dangerous myth of the “perfect book”
? 19:24 The experiment that changed everything: write every day for 30 days
? 20:58 From secret writer to publishing daily
? 21:12 How 30 days turned into 2,888 days of publishing
?? 22:38 Susan’s writing journey and experimenting with Substack
? 23:36 Why creators need output, not just input
? 25:16 Writing as emotional release and creative expression
? 26:55 Stop worrying about being creative — just create
? 28:25 Fear, criticism, and why they stop so many writers
? 30:22 Creator vs consumer: why making things changes everything
? 32:36 Bradley’s challenge: commit to a creative schedule
? 34:12 Why consistency builds trust in yourself
?? 34:49 Don’t let quality stop you from starting
? 35:29 The surprising power of writing your “worst book ever”
? 37:16 Why saying your dream out loud changes everything
? 37:32 Fear and excitement are almost the same emotion
? 39:57 Messy creation and finding your own voice
? 41:28 Why writing communities make the journey easier
? 42:03 Bradley’s current mission: helping people create something small
? 43:39 The power of choosing one word for your year
? 45:12 The tiniest creative start: a single word on your phone wallpaper
? 46:20 Where to explore more: repossible.com/yoy/
If this conversation stirred something in you… don’t let it stay a thought.
Most writers stay stuck not because they lack ideas, but because the first step feels too big.
A whole book.
A big project.
A perfect plan.
So instead of starting big… start small.
Choose one word for your year — a word that represents who you’re becoming.
Then turn that word into something you’ll see every day.
? Your phone wallpaper
? A postcard on your desk
? Maybe even the seed of a future book
It takes about five minutes to create — but it might shape your entire year.
? Start here:
Pick your word.
Create something simple.
And take the first step from thinking about writing to becoming someone who creates.
Because the real transformation doesn’t start with a perfect book.
It starts with one small act of creation.