Alice Kuipers on Writing, Reflection and Finding Creative Flow

An interview with award-winning author and Substack publisher

When I first connected with

Alice Kuipers

, she didn’t need help becoming a better writer.

She’d already published 14 books in over 30 countries, built a loyal readership and was leading an exceptional team of writing coaches at The Novelry. But like so many seasoned writers navigating a new chapter, she was asking a quieter question: how do I make space for what's next without losing myself — or my readers — in the process?

That’s where our work together on a Writing Plan Makeover began. Alice had already created a Substack publication called Confessions & Coffee — a warm, layered space for her to share stories, observations and the behind-the-scenes of her creative life. But the scaffolding of her newsletter was missing, leaving her unsure how to keep building forward.

Over the course of several weeks, we pulled it all apart.

We looked at which posts her audience was responding to — and more importantly, why. We refined the editorial lanes of her newsletter to bring clarity to each series without flattening her voice. And we experimented with rhythm: how different posting days, formats and tones might unlock new energy and engagement.

We also had real, honest conversations about something too few creatives talk about: the emotional labor of being publicly visible while privately evolving.

One of the most valuable pivots we made together was reframing a concept like Desk Trimmings not as teachable moments or mini-lessons, but as glimpses into her own writing life — creative observations, discoveries and instincts that didn’t quite fit into her longer essays but were still rich with meaning.

Another shift: embracing a looser editorial sandbox for what we called her Riverflow Essays — longer, reflective pieces that aren’t boxed into productivity or performance, but instead let Alice write from the inside out. And finally, we created a sustainable publishing flow for her book club, making a way that Alice describes as “fun and easy” to connect with readers.

Through it all, we focused on one thing: making sure her creative space could flex with her life, not fight against it.

After some reflection, I realized that my own audience might want to hear from Alice directly — not just about her publication strategy, but about the deeper work of writing through seasons of transition.

So I invited her to answer a few questions. What follows is a glimpse into her writing life, her coaching wisdom and what it’s been like to build this next chapter in public.

Now, Hear From Alice …

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Act One, Act Two, Act Three: Describe Your Writing Life in Three Acts

Act One:
My writing life started with a heady mix of enthusiasm and rejection. My sense of urgency was high — I wanted outside validation so badly that I barely edited before trying to find out if my writing was “good enough” for someone else.

Act Two:
I learned to slow down. I began to edit, to think about the craft of storytelling. A couple of years later, I published my first novel (the seventh one I had written). That experience transformed my writing life — I was writing more than ever, but I was still seeking approval from others.

Act Three:
After 14 published books and thousands of hours teaching, writing and coaching, I’ve finally reached a place where urgency no longer dominates my writing life. Now, I focus on the story itself — even if it takes years.

What’s Something About the Writing Life That No One Warns You About?

Distractions are everywhere — and it’s OK to get distracted!

I try to be realistic about what I can accomplish in a day so that I don’t constantly feel like I’m letting myself down. With ADHD, I often think I can do a thousand things at once, and then I end up collapsed on the sofa with my kitten. (And honestly? That’s OK, too.)

When Do You Know It’s Time to Explore a New Genre?

For years, I wrote for children and YA. But through COVID, as my own kids grew older, I started working on SPARK: On Writing for Young Readers — a book about how to write for kids and teens. That project felt like a turning point, and I found myself drawn to something new.

I’ve always loved crime novels, devouring them as a reader, but I had never written one myself. It felt like the right time to challenge myself, so I started writing my first crime novel for adults.

You coach writers at The Novelry, you write your newsletter Confessions & Coffee and you’re raising a family. What’s been the most surprising or fulfilling part of adding these different roles to your writing life?

I’ve always balanced writing with teaching and freelance work. The mix actually helps my writing. But last year was especially challenging. As I shared in Confessions & Coffee, my mother-in-law moved in with us — she has Alzheimer’s, and we had an intense but deeply present year together before she transitioned into a nearby care home.

Now, I’m settling back into my writing and coaching routine. My kids are growing up, and I’m constantly surprised by how much I don’t know — about writing, about parenting. But I love learning, and every coaching conversation I have with a writer teaches me something new.

How Do You Approach Reflection in Your Creative Process?

I love reading about writing!

At The Novelry, we host guest speakers nearly every week, and I work alongside 27 other writing coaches from all genres — they’re all brilliant. I’ve learned so much from them about storytelling, creativity, and even myself.

Right now, I’m trying to apply everything I’ve learned to my own novel-in-progress — and, of course, to my Confessions & Coffee newsletter.

What’s Something Unexpected That Came Out of Our Work Together?

Working with you has been an absolute pleasure!

I love how patient you are with my ADHD and how you seem to know exactly what I need, even when I can’t see it myself. You helped me streamline my process while making me feel more like me on the page. That’s such a gift.

Is There a Piece of Writing Advice That Has Stuck With You?

This quote from Fearless Writing by William Kenower has stayed with me:

Writing really only begins once we forget to be afraid. The question is not whether you will write fearlessly, but whether you will do so on purpose.

Alice’s journey as a writer is a testament to persistence, creativity and the power of embracing change. From shifting genres to balancing writing with coaching and family life, she continues to evolve while staying true to her love of storytelling.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Confessions & Coffee — a space where Alice shares reflections on writing (and writing pivots! Stay tuned to learn how Alice pivots toward writing crime novels!), life and the books that inspire her.

👉 Subscribe to Alice’s newsletter here.

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I have a few openings in May for Writing Plan Makeovers

Are you feeling ready for a reset?

If you’re craving more clarity, rhythm or confidence in your publishing — I have a few openings this May for my Writing Plan Makeover. It’s for writers who want structure without rigidity, strategy that honors intuition and a path forward that feels like theirs.