The Stories We’re Wired to Tell: Abbie Emmons on Creative Instincts, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Power of Storytelling

Aug 5, 2026

Margo is joined by author, creative writing coach, and video creator Abbie Emmons for a conversation about the power of storytelling and why our ability to tell meaningful stories is more instinctive than we might think. Abbie is the author of three novels and YouTube’s most-watched creative writing coach, with a community of more than half a million writers worldwide. Margo and Abbie explore storytelling as something fundamentally human, why compelling stories begin with internal conflict, and how we can move beyond rigid rules, perfectionism, and self-doubt to reconnect with our natural creativity. Abbie’s nonfiction debut, Make Your Story Matter, releases August 11, 2026.

Margo and Abbie discuss:

• Why storytelling is fundamentally human and helps us make sense of life
• The three pillars of relatable characters: desire, fear, and false belief
• Why internal conflict drives compelling stories and meaningful transformation
• How rules, expectations, and self-doubt can disconnect us from our natural creative instincts
• What neuroscience and creativity research reveal about losing—and rebuilding—creative confidence
• Creating from joy and curiosity rather than trends or external validation
• Moving through perfectionism, overwhelm, fear, and other creative blocks
• How to trust your instincts, reignite your storytelling spark, and create work that matters

Connect with Abbie:
www.youtube.com/abbieemmons
www.abbieemmonsauthor.com
www.makeyourstorymatter.com

Connect with Margo:
www.windowsillchats.com
www.instagram.com/windowsillchats
www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill