The Secret Sauce of Worthwhile Work with Kimberly Stuart Episode 320
The Secret Sauce of Worthwhile Work
Smart Girl Summer is hands-down my favorite thing I get to do all year. Instead of sticking to one topic or promoting a project, I get to bring on friends who are brilliant at what they do and ask them all the behind-the-scenes questions we never hear anywhere else. Today’s guest is my friend Kimberly Stuart.
Kimberly is a writing coach and novelist who’s authored eight books. Alongside Bob Goff, she’s helped hundreds of aspiring writers through coaching, courses, and live events.
Her new book, Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit): Rediscovering the Grace that Sets Us Free, explores the moments that teach us to embrace God’s love rather than seeking substitutes.
Early Days of Kimberly’s Career
Before writing books, Kimberly taught high school Spanish and ESL, and she loved it. When her youngest was born, she became a full-time stay-at-home mom—right for the moment, but lonelier than expected. Each afternoon, she eagerly met her husband at the door, hungry for adult conversation.
One day, her husband gently reminded her about their old computer and her wish to write. He encouraged her to try. During nap time, Kimberly curled up on the couch and began writing, at first just for herself. Then, her mom gifted her a ticket to a writer’s conference, which became the birthplace of her first novel, Balancing Act.
The Difference Between Writing Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Kimberly writes both fiction and nonfiction. I told her I think nonfiction is easier, though I’ve never written a novel. I asked her to explain the real difference between the two.
She explained that fiction starts with a blank page. You’re creating characters you actually want to spend time with and building a plot strong enough to keep readers turning the pages. The fun part, she noted, is getting to decide everything—you shape the characters, their choices, and the world they live in.
In contrast, nonfiction presents a different kind of work. The people in the story are real, which means revisiting moments you may not want to relive. Kimberly talked about how writing nonfiction required her to look back at experiences she had already processed once and wasn’t eager to process again. There’s a deeper emotional weight to it, and she felt that more intensely with nonfiction.
Advice If You’re Thinking About a Book
For me, the urge to write a book feels like a unique nudge—a persistent, God-given impulse. So I asked Kimberly to share her most motivating advice for anyone who senses this call. She offered two clear, powerful steps.
First, commit to writing.
It seems simple, but this is where most people stall. Kimberly cited a statistic: about 85 percent claim they have a book inside, yet only 1 percent actually write it.
Second, make it real—tell someone you trust.
Don’t just say, “I’m thinking about writing a book.” Say, “I’m writing a book, and next month on this date, ask me my word count.” Writing can feel lonely, so choose someone to invite into the process now—accountability and a gentle push can help you keep going.
Coaching This Week: Self-Talk
Self-talk matters because your inner voice is the one you hear most. Often, we wouldn’t tolerate a friend speaking to us the way we speak to ourselves—sharp, critical, and draining.
If you wouldn’t accept that tone from a loved one, don’t accept it from yourself. You wouldn’t speak to your best friend, spouse, or child the way you speak to yourself on tough days.
Here’s a simple step: when the negative voice appears, imagine a friend in your situation. Pause, picture your loved one, and record a brief voice memo of what you’d tell them. Delete it afterward if you wish. The aim is to retrain your mind to respond with truth and kindness, not criticism.
Listen or Watch now:
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes those little tiny dreams we haven’t even put any oxygen on yet, those are the ones that we need someone else to say out loud.”
(7:02)
“It makes a difference in the narrative we are telling ourselves and reminding ourselves.”
(16:22 )
“Failure can come when you are not looking for it.”
(30:46 )
Links to Great Things We Discussed:
- Kimberly Stuart Website
- Kimberly Stuart Instagram
- Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit) Rediscovering the Grace that Sets Us Free
- Mini Steamer
- Shani Darden Retinol Reform
- The Great British Baking Show
- Friday Night Lights
- Baja Gold Mineral Sea Salt
- The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage
- Apply for Alli’s Free Coaching
- Create a Course
- Alli on YouTube
- Remaining You While Raising Them
Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! 🙂
xo,
Alli
