Welcome to the Write On Purpose podcast, where we empower aspiring authors in the second half of their lives to discover the joy and fulfillment of crafting their legacy through the written word. Join me, Brad Swift, a seasoned Write On Purpose coach, as I share insights, strategies, and inspirational stories to guide you on your journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
Introducing Rebecca Nagy
Today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Rebecca Nagy. While it’s typical for podcasters to interview famous, best-selling authors, I believe it’s just as important to talk with up-and-coming authors who are in the early stages of their own authorial hero adventures. Rebecca is one such author. She’s an award-winning wedding officiant, a spiritual teacher, and an inspirational speaker.
After a spiritual awakening in Paris, Rebecca transitioned from fashion design to spiritual teaching. She’s a graduate of Santa Sofia Seminary, has led two New Thought congregations, and taught at Queens University in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2018, she founded the Golden Quest Mystery School. As a writer, her debut novel, Phoenix Rising Initiation, begins the Tribred Chronicles—a science fiction fantasy series that blends ancient aliens, magic, dreams, and astrology.
Brad Swift (BS): Welcome to the Write On Purpose podcast, Rebecca. It’s a pleasure to have you here.
Rebecca Nagy (RN): Thank you, Brad. It’s a pleasure to be here.
BS: I’ve enjoyed being a part of your journey, from aspiring author to published author. With a second book in the works and a third one on the slate for the near future, let’s jump right in. What led you to finally answer the call to write your first book?
RN: I actually started writing my first book as a memoir way back in 2007, but I didn’t finish it. During COVID, I became a fan of fiction, particularly sci-fi fantasy. While reading a series of books, I thought, “I could write this. I could take my spiritual teachings and make them fiction.” Initially, I resisted, but then my muse woke me up in the middle of the night with the message, “What is your legacy?” That’s when I decided to turn my teachings into a novel.
BS: Listening to that message at 2 a.m., was it a one-time nudge, or did it take a few more wake-up calls?
RN: Oh, it was at least every day! There were times when I wondered if I was writing nonsense, but I kept going. Eventually, I had the idea of getting my students from the Mystery School to be alpha readers. That’s how the book evolved over the first two and a half years.
BS: It’s interesting that you involved your students as alpha readers. Did you find that process helpful?
RN: Absolutely. My alpha readers and later, my beta readers, were essential to my process. They provided valuable feedback, especially since the only other “person” I could ask for an opinion was my cat, Gabriel!
BS: That’s great. One thing I focus on in my coaching is helping aspiring authors recognize their inner hero and inner villain—the latter being that voice of self-doubt. How did you handle those negative thoughts?
RN: You, as my coach, helped me realize that doubting myself was normal, part of the creative process. Your encouragement to keep going was empowering, reminding me that what I had to say was important.
BS: That’s a key message—write the book, get it published, and see what happens. Speaking of writing, there’s often talk about being a “pantser” or a “planner.” Where do you fall on that spectrum?
RN: For my first book, I was definitely a pantser. It was all about flow—or lack thereof. I didn’t outline; I just wrote. However, for the second book, I’ve started using a more visual system with colored note cards to plan out character arcs and plot points.
BS: It sounds like you’ve developed a system that works for you. How do you stay inspired and motivated for the long haul, especially when writing a series?
RN: I stay inspired by reading and listening to audiobooks, not just in my genre but in others as well. I also keep a dream journal and ask for insights when I’m stuck. Sometimes, I take a break, like watching a Netflix series, to clear my mind. And yes, I get a lot of ideas from the “shower gods” too!
BS: That’s a creative approach! What advice would you give to other writers, especially about building a sustainable writing practice?
RN: The easy part of writing a book is writing it. The hard part is marketing it afterward. I had no idea that 70% of my time post-publishing would be spent on marketing, book signings, and learning how to use platforms like TikTok. Also, having a good editor and a coach, like you, was invaluable to me. Finally, I’d say, learn the business side of writing. It’s like getting a second Ph.D.
BS: That’s excellent advice. Any final nuggets of wisdom, particularly in the area of marketing?
RN: Reach out to the author community. I’ve experienced such generosity from other authors willing to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
BS: Well said. Where can people find out more about Phoenix Rising Initiation and your upcoming books?
RN: You can visit my website at RebeccaNagyAuthor.com, where I have character descriptions and a newsletter sign-up. My books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other places where books and audiobooks are sold.
BS: Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your journey with us. I look forward to seeing what’s next for you.
RN: Thank you, Brad. It’s been an honor and a pleasure.
BS: This is Brad Swift, your Write On Purpose coach, and this has been the Write On Purpose podcast. Until next time, keep writing and stay on purpose. Take care, everybody.
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