In this episode, Susie sits down with ghostwriter and developmental editor Charlie Daly to explore the emotional, creative, and deeply human side of ghostwriting. Charlie shares how he helps authors—especially veterans and trauma survivors—“go there” with difficult stories, the healing that happens through storytelling, and why collaboration is at the heart of every great book. From his cottage on the Irish coast to the pages of powerful memoirs, Charlie opens up about process, purpose, and preserving stories before they're lost forever.

Finish the Damn Book Podcast is for writers who know they have a book in them — and are ready to finally get it done.

Hosted by Susie Schaefer, this show cuts through perfectionism, overwhelm, and publishing myths to focus on what actually moves a book forward. Through honest conversations with authors, editors, ghostwriters, and industry insiders, Susie explores the craft, mindset, and real-world mechanics of writing books readers finish and share.

Each episode offers a blend of:

• Practical writing and revision strategies
• Clear-eyed insight into publishing, platform-building, and promotion
• Encouragement for writers stuck in the middle (or avoiding the hardest chapter)
• Permission to write imperfectly — and keep going

Whether you’re working on memoir, nonfiction, or a book that defies categories, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you stop circling the idea and start delivering the work.

Because the world doesn’t need another unfinished manuscript, it needs your finished book.