Podcast
Welcome to the Thriving Authors Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of what it takes to get your dream book out of your heart, onto the page and into the world, connecting with a wide audience of readers.
I don’t just want you to be a published author – I want you to be a THRIVING author, confidently sharing your ideas, making an impact with your words, and owning your unique voice that deserves to be heard! I’m here to guide you through the writing journey, from first draft to revision process, from mindset issues to craft questions, from finding inspiration to building a sustainable writing career!
On this podcast, you will find behind-the-scenes lessons from my own book-writing and publishing journey, interviews with successful published authors, and tips and advice you can start using today to move you forward in your writing life.
June 2023
Episode 115: Interview with LaCresia Arnold
In today's episode, I had an incredible conversation with LaCresia Arnold about how she came to to adopt the important mission of empowering other women to own their journey, honor their voice and be more verbal about their lived experiences.
May 2023
Episode 114: The time is NOW
In today's solo episode, I’m reflecting on a magical night I had last week at my author event at Banter Bookshop. I've published three books in the last three years, but this was my first in-person book event because of the pandemic and pregnancy, and it was amazing to be in conversation and celebrating my books out in the world.
May 2023
Episode 113: Interview with Mimi Herman
In today's episode, it was such a joy to talk with Mimi Herman about her debut novel, The Kudzu Queen. It was a book I just could not put down and found myself thinking of the characters in between reading sessions.
May 2023
Episode 112: How a Book Coach Can Help You
In today's solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain around what I do as a book coach and sharing three reasons why having a book coach is a game-changer in getting your book written.
May 2023
Episode 111: Interview with Kristin Akerele
In today's episode, it was such a pleasure to talk with Kristin Akerele about how our natural inner femininity nurtures our creativity and how it is SO important in giving birth to our ideas in a way that feels aligned and sustainable.
April 2023
Episode 110: Your Book is Your Legacy
In this solo episode, I’m sharing a little love note from my heart to yours. I’m also reflecting on my daughter's namesake, my Grandma Auden, and how so many of us have no idea how far our legacies extend, the ripples that we create, the ways that we touch other people's lives.
April 2023
Episode 109: Interview with Lelia Gowland
In today's episode, I had a delightful conversation with speaker and author Lelia Gowland about what planted the seed to her publishing a book and how her writing and ideas evolved along the journey.
April 2023
Episode 108: Interview with Stephanie Cotta
In today's episode, it was such a treat to interview Stephanie Cotta whose debut Young Adult Fantasy book, The Conjurer's Curse, was recently released!!
April 2023
Episode 107: 3 Tips to Recharge Your Writing Routine Today
In this solo episode, I’m talking about some epiphanies I had last summer on my way home from getting my blood drawn (my least favorite thing) and, yes, they relate to the writing process!
March 2023
Episode 106: The 2 Biggest Objections I Hear
In this solo episode, I’m diving into two common objections that I hear over and over from the women who are considering joining Thriving Authors Academy. These objections might resonate with you, too, so I wanted to talk about them and pose some questions for you to think about.
March 2023
Episode 105: Interview with Courtney Caldwell
In today's episode, I’m excited to interview my dear friend Courtney Caldwell. She is a writer across genres! She's a poet, a playwright, a novelist, a flash fiction writer. AND she has been with me for three rounds of Thriving Authors Academy!
March 2023
Episode 104: Revamp Your Writing Routine Recap
In this solo episode, I'm recapping the highlights and key takeaways from the Revamp Your Writing Routine Challenge that I hosted in my free Facebook group, the Book Breakthrough Community. The group is full of heart-centered writers sharing resources and supporting each other and I would be thrilled if you joined us!
March 2023
Episode 103: Interview with Nicole Baker
In today’s episode, I am excited to interview Life Coach Nicole Baker! Nicole shares actionable tips you can implement TODAY to help you 1) notice the sneaky ways that perfectionism comes up in the writing process and 2) overcome perfectionism in these moments to get back into the juicy flow of creativity.
March 2023
Episode 102: How do I know if I'm ready to share my work with readers?
In this solo episode, I’m excited to talk about deciding when to share your book with others and what the overall editing process looks like.
February 2023
Episode 101: Interview with RuthAnn Rafiq
In today’s episode, I am excited to have branding expert RuthAnn Rafiq here to talk with us about how to grow your brand as an author. If you’re anything like I was a few years ago, you might be thinking, “Wait, what is a personal brand as an author? What does that even mean?” I have learned a thing or two about the importance of branding as I have published more books and grown my business.
February 2023
Episode 100: Lessons from 100 podcast episodes!
In this solo episode, I’m celebrating a very special milestone – 100 episodes! I have gleaned so much from the process of creating this podcast and doing 100 episodes and I’ve narrowed them down into ten lessons that I want to share with you!
February 2023
Episode 99: Interview with Emily Grabatin
In today’s episode, I am actually in the interviewee seat! Coach and author Emily Grabatin interviewed me for a series that she did on Instagram live and gave me permission to share our conversation with you.
February 2023
Episode 98: Interview with Jennifer Milius
In today’s episode, I spoke with my lovely writer friend Jen Milius. Jen is a talented multi-genre author, developmental editor, podcast host, and all-around wonderful human and I was delighted to have her join me for a wonderful conversation about writing, editing, and really finding your voice.
January 2023
Episode 97: Overcoming the "Second Book Slump"
In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on how welcoming a second baby relates to birthing a second book. Becoming a mom of two reminds me so much of the mindset that I talk through with my clients related to writing another book.
January 2023
Episode 96: Interview with Megan Kuhar
In today’s episode, I spoke with trauma-informed, certified life and success coach and clinical hypnotherapist professor Megan Kuhar.
January 2023
Episode 95: Two Questions to Transform Your Writing Time
In this solo episode, I’m diving into two simple but mighty questions to ask yourself every single week to really move forward in your writing project.
January 2023
Episode 94: Interview with Natasha Ho
In today’s episode, I’m sharing an amazing conversation with celebrated entrepreneur and Marketing and Growth Strategist Natasha Ho. She shares a simple mindset reframe she calls the “You’re Ready Paradox” and speaks to the importance of giving yourself permission to go after whatever it is that you want.
December 2022
Episode 93: 4 Questions to Ask Yourself on New Year's Eve
In this solo episode, I share what I’m doing to really soak up these final hours of 2022 and looking ahead to 2023. I don't know about you, but New Year's Eve just might be my favorite day of the whole year!
December 2022
Episode 92: Interview with Maggie Knox
In today’s episode, I spoke with bestselling Canadian writing duo Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley who write under the pen name Maggie Knox. I just devoured and loved their latest novel All I Want for Christmas, so it was a real treat to talk with them for this very special holiday episode of the Thriving Authors podcast.
December 2022
Episode 91: Finding Your Ideal Reader
In this solo episode, I share all about finding your ideal reader for your book. I also share two stories from my own life that really highlight the idea that our books are not going to be for everyone and the real mindset hurdle we have to get over.
December 2022
Episode 90: Interview with Amanda Hardy
In today’s episode, I spoke with published author and former client Amanda Hardy. She is the author of Dear Mama, You Matter: Honest talk about the transition to motherhood, which is such a beautiful book, especially for any new mamas or expecting mamas.
December 2022
Episode 89: My Top Tips for Connecting With a Publisher
In this solo episode, I share my top tips to get someone in the industry to care about your book and want to read and publish it.
November 2022
Episode 88: Interview with Melinda Rangel
In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I spoke with published author, professor, and former client Melinda Rangel. She is the author of Iron Sharpens Iron: Daily Proverbs for Today's Martial Artist. And she has so much wisdom and inspiration to share with you!
November 2022
Episode 87: Lessons from My Biggest Launch Yet
In today’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I would love to invite you to celebrate with me!!
November 2022
Episode 86: Interview with Elaine Aldrete
In today’s episode, I spoke with my dear friend and former client Elaine Clark Aldrete. She’s the founder of Teaching Life Choices Inc & author of the debut middle-grade novel G-R-E-E-N-E.
> Listen to episode & see show notes
November 2022
Episode 85: Cultivating Gratitude in My Writing Life
In this solo episode, I share three stories from my own writing life of ways that gratitude has helped me.
> Listen to episode & see show notes
October 2022
Episode 84: Interview with Carol van den Hende
In today’s episode, I got to chat with my friend Carol van den Hende, author of the award-winning Goodbye, Orchid series and acclaimed public speaker. She has such wonderful advice for writers at all stages of our careers – whether it's with actually penning our books or marketing our books or spreading the word about them.
> Listen to episode & see show notes
October 2022
Episode 83: Desire & Surrender
In today’s solo episode, I get vulnerable and share a couple stories from my personal life – and how they relate to the writing process.
> Listen to episode & see show notes
October 2022
Episode 82: Interview with Brad Graft
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a fascinating conversation I had with Brad Graft, the author of the Brotherhood of the Mamluks trilogy.
October 2022
Episode 81: Transitioning into your Writing Time
Transitioning into our writing time – or, more specifically, the discomfort of this transition – is often what holds us back from hitting our writing goals.
> Listen to episode & see show notes
September 2022
Episode 80: Interview with Brianna Wilkerson
I have a special episode for you today where I sat down with my dear friend & client Brianna Wilkerson to chat about her experience being part of Thriving Authors Academy!
> Listen to episode & see show notes
September 2022
Episode 79: All About Thriving Authors Academy
In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m answering all of your questions about Thriving Authors Academy, my signature six-month small-group book mentorship program.
September 2022
Episode 78: Deep Dive into Cover Design
I’m excited to share an excerpt of this expert panel on cover design with YOU as this week’s podcast episode. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes glimpse of what it is like to be part of Thriving Authors Academy!
> Listen to episode & see show notes
September 2022
Episode 77: Interview with Lilian Sue, PR Coach for Authors
My guest Lilian Sue is an expert on everything related to book publicity and she generously shares her top tips, wisdom and insights with us about how you can push past your limiting beliefs, make connections and build relationships, hit your marketing goals for your book... all without burning out!
> Listen to episode & see show notes
September 2022
Episode 76: Are you in a season of waiting?
Are you in a season of waiting? Sometimes we want something SO BADLY, but there is nothing we can do but wait, with patience and faith and surrender, for it to come to us when the timing is right. Other times, we put ourselves in a season of waiting when we don’t have to be, because we are afraid or doubtful about what if we are “ready.
August 2022
Episode 75: Interview with Barbara Graham
Multi-talented, best-selling author Barbara Graham writes nonfiction, fiction, and plays. Her debut novel was released this summer and is titled What Jonah Knew.
August 2022
Episode 74: 6 Reasons to Invest in Your Writing
In this solo episode straight from my heart to yours, I talk about three important ways you can invest in your writing AND six reasons you should do so – not later, but NOW.
August 2022
Episode 73: Interview with Risa Nyman
After taking classes, attending workshops, and conferences, Risa found her writing voice in middle grade fiction. She is the author of the award-winning novels SWALLOWED BY A SECRET and SPOOKED BY A SUSPICION.
August 2022
Episode 72: Over-writers vs. Under-writers
"Over-writers" and "under-writers" are two categories that writers tend to fall into.
Neither one is better than the other. They are simply two different working styles.
Tune into this week’s episode to figure out which category you fall into AND how to use this knowledge to propel your writing forward!
July 2022
Episode 71: Interview with Filip Dousek
Filip Dousek is an AI & analytics expert. He was the founder and CEO of Stories.bi, one of the first startups in the world to automate big data analysis, which got acquired. He is the author of Flock Without Birds, a novel about the illusions that make up our world, which sold sold over 10,000 copies in its original Czech language.
July 2022
Episode 70: Self-Care for Writers
How do you create a sustainable creative practice, build a career as a writer, and actually get to the finish line of your book – without burning out? Build plenty of self-care into your writing routine.
In this episode, I delve into my TOP EIGHT self-care tips for writers. (Plus a downloadable PDF!)
July 2022
Episode 69: Interview with Tobey Hiller
Tobey Hiller writes fiction, flash and poetry. She’s the author of a novel, four collections of poetry, and a book of stories.
July 2022
Episode 68: Virtual Book Launch!
In this special podcast episode, I am super excited to share the audio from my virtual book launch for my new short story collection How to Make Paper When the World is Ending! I got to celebrate & chat with my amazing author friend Carol Van Den Hende, who has been such a generous & insightful supporter of my book.
July 2022
Episode 67: Interview with Iris March
I am delighted to share a brand new episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast where I sat down with my friend Maureen Wise, pen name Iris March @searchingformysteries, to chat about her fantastic debut “succulent sleuth” cozy mystery novel THE BROKEN BRIDGE.
June 2022
Episode 66: 10 Tips to Crush Your Book Launch
I am excited to share a brand new episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, which is very much a day-in-the-life episode because it is all about the week before book launch. And guess where I am right now in my life?? I am LIVING the week before book launch!
June 2022
Episode 65: Interview with Vanessa Hua
Vanessa Hua is a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle and best-selling novelist. Her latest novel, FORBIDDEN CITY, tells the story of a teenage girl from a small village who is selected to serve the Communist Party and Chairman Mao at the start of the Cultural Revolution in China.
June 2022
Episode 64: Why are pre-orders so important?
I am delighted to share a brand-new episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, all about pre-orders and why they matter so much to authors!
June 2022
Episode 63: Interview with Jessica Thompson
In this week’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I got to sit down with Jessica Thompson all about how she combined her love of mysteries and baking and found her perfect genre!
May 2022
Episode 62: Having Cheerleaders in your Writing Life
This week’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast is dedicated to a very special person in my life, on his birthday: my Dad! I talk about what he has meant to me as a writer, how he's been so instrumental in my career and how he inspires me to find joy in the ups and downs of the creative life.
May 2022
Episode 61: Interview with Robert Gwaltney
A graduate of Florida State University, Robert Gwaltney resides in Atlanta, Georgia. By day, he serves as Vice President of Easter Seals North Georgia, Inc., a non-profit organization that strengthens children and their families during the most critical times in their development. Through his non-profit work, he is a champion for early childhood literacy. Robert also serves as Fiction Editor for The Blue Mountain Review. In all the hours between, he writes. The Cicada Tree is his debut novel.
May 2022
Episode 60: What is an ARC and why do I need one as an author?
This week we’re talking all about ARCs! If you’ve never heard this term and are scratching your head, like “not another acronym!” don’t fear. I’ve got you covered!
May 2022
Episode 59: Interview with Angie K. Love
For the past decade and a half, Angie K. Love has had a rewarding career as an Acupuncturist, finding deep fulfillment in helping people heal in body, mind, and spirit. Through her writing, she hopes to bring healing to people's hearts and souls.
April 2022
Episode 58: Using Your Book Cover to Build Buzz
Welcome to the Thriving Authors Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of what it takes to get your dream book out of your heart, onto the page and into the world and connecting with a wide audience of readers.
April 2022
Episode 57: Interview with Rebecca Bischoff
I am excited to share a brand new episode of Overflowing Bookshelves, featuring the talented multi-genre novelist Rebecca Bischoff! If you like to write in many different genres, or if you ever struggle with the push-pull between creativity and promotion of your books, Rebecca has some wisdom and permission to share with you! You will definitely come away inspired from this episode.
April 2022
Episode 56: Interview with J Trevor Robinson
I am excited to share a brand new episode of Overflowing Bookshelves, featuring the hilarious and insightful J. Trevor Robinson @jtrevorrobinsonauthor, author of THE MUMMY OF MONTE CRISTO. It was so fascinating to learn about how he adapted and breathed new life into a classic! If you write historical fiction, or if you’ve ever struggled with balancing research and writing a draft, you definitely do not want to miss this episode.
April 2022
Episode 55: Interview with Alison Kimble
Alison Kimble began writing because she loves stories and believes in their power to shape our world and ourselves. Her writing blends the real and the fantastical and crosses genres of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi.
April 2022
Episode 54: Interview with Melanie Hooyenga
Multi-award winning YA author Melanie Hooyenga writes about strong teen girls learning to find their way in the world. Her time travel series, The Flicker Effect, tells the story of Biz, a 17-year old who uses sunlight to travel back to yesterday, and her sports romance series, The Rules Series, follows three girls in Boulder, Colorado who navigate their struggles with life and love while skiing, biking, and snowboarding in the great outdoors. Her newest series, The Campfire Series, features dual-POV stories about love, life, and making the most of sleeping under the stars.
March 2022
Episode 53: Interview with Cori Cooper
I am delighted to share a brand new episode of Overflowing Bookshelves, featuring my sweet friend @authorcoricooper, who is one of the most inspiring people I know. Her joy about the writing life is contagious and her positive attitude will inspire you to approach your own creative process with renewed energy. Grab a cup of tea or a sweet treat and enjoy!
March 2022
Episode 52: Interview with Lenore Stutznegger
Lenore Stutznegger is the author of the award-winning debut novel BLUE SHADOWS FALL. She grew up running barefoot in the woods of Mechanicsville, Virginia with a dog at her side, five crazy siblings, and creative parents. She learned from a young age to hone her talents in art, trust in her voice, and compete for the most marshmallows in Lucky Charms. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Fine Art, married the love of her life, and lived in North Carolina for many years and considers the South to be her happy place. She now resides in Northern California with her four spirited children, a pug, two cats, and backyard chickens in a new kind of crazy paradise.
March 2022
Episode 51: Interview with JD Spero
Johannah Davies (JD) Spero’s writing career took off when her first release, Catcher’s Keeper, was a finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award in 2013. Since then, she’s found similar success with her young adult fantasy Forte series, winning recognition from National Indie Excellence Award (2014, 2016) and Adirondack Literary Award — Best Book of Children’s Literature (2015). Her novel Boy on Hold was a 2020 Book Excellence Award winner and a 2020 IPPY GOLD winner for Best Mystery/Thriller, and its sequel Boy Released came out earlier this year. After living in various cities from St. Petersburg (Russia) to Boston, Johannah now lives with her family in the Lake George area, where she was born and raised.
March 2022
Episode 50: Virtual Book Launch!
This is a special episode: a recording of my virtual book launch for my new novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life! My amazing sister & librarian extraordinaire Allyson McAuley chatted with me about the ten years it took to bring this book into the world, crafting multidimensional characters, giving yourself permission to write and read a variety of genres, planning out book structure, and more! I also give a little reading from the book – a part I’ve never shared publicly before.
February 2022
Episode 49: Interview with Lisa Czarina Michaud
Lisa Czarina Michaud is a novelist and translator. Her debut novel, SLANTED & DISENCHANTED, came out last year to rave reviews. Born and raised in Chelsea before a family relocation to Long Island, she has been writing her New York stories her entire life. Wanting to see the left coast, she attended The Evergreen State College before stumbling through adulthood in Hollywood, then back east to Brooklyn and eventually Paris. Lisa's work has been featured in various publications. She currently lives in France with her husband, son, and cat, Le Tigre.
February 2022
Episode 48: Interview with Cynthia Morris
Author and Certified Coach Cynthia Morris is the founder of Original Impulse, helping people become the writers they’ve always wanted to be. Cynthia has published seven non-fiction books and a Paris historical novel. Her most recent book is The Busy Woman’s Guide to Writing a World-Changing Book. She speaks globally on writing and the creative process and leads retreats, and hosts the podcast Stumbling Toward Genius.
January 2022
Episode 47: Interview with Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Before becoming a writer Elizabeth was a waitress, a pollster, an Avon lady, and an opera singer. Her stories and essays have appeared in The Idaho Review, The Rumpus, StorySouth, PANK, and elsewhere, and have received numerous Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net nominations. She is the Interviews Editor at The Rumpus, as well as a regular contributor to Ploughshares Blog. Her first novel, MONA AT SEA, was a finalist in the 2019 SFWP Literary Awards judged by Carmen Maria Machado, and is available now from Santa Fe Writers Project. Originally from South Texas, Elizabeth now lives with her family in Massachusetts.
December 2021
Episode 46: Interview with Ethel Rohan
Ethel Rohan is the author of In the Event of Contact, winner of the Dzanc Short Story Collection Prize (2021). Her debut novel The Weight of Him (St. Martin's Press and Atlantic Books, 2017) was an Amazon, Bustle, KOBO, and San Francisco Chronicle Best Book, and was shortlisted for the Reading Women Award. She is also the author of the story collections Goodnight Nobody and Cut Through the Bone, the former longlisted for the Edge Hill Prize and the latter longlisted for the Story Prize. Her work has appeared widely, including The New York Times, World Literature Today, The Washington Post, PEN America, Tin House, Guernica, and more. Raised in Ireland, she lives in San Francisco where she is a member of the Writers Grotto. Connect with her at www.ethelrohan.com.
November 2021
Episode 45: Interview with Rebecca Prenevost
Rebecca Prenevost is the author of The Mom Walks series: Starting in Fifth, Getting Crushed, and Catching Up. Never in a million years did Rebecca think she’d be a writer. But she was looking for fiction books that reflected her everyday struggles of parenting tween girls, and she couldn’t find them. She wanted something light, heart-warming, and relatable. So she tried writing one, and she had a blast. If you liked The Baby-Sitters Club books when you were younger and enjoyed Gilmore Girls not too long ago, her books could be perfect for you.
October 2021
Episode 44: Interview with Shanthi Sekaran
Shanthi Sekaran's most recent novel, The Samosa Rebellion, was written for 8-13 year olds, but it's definitely the kind of book adults can get into, too. (I LOVED it!) Her most recent adult novel, Lucky Boy (Putnam/Penguin), was named an IndieNext Great Read and an NPR Best Book of 2017. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, Salon.com, LA Review of Books and Huffington Post. When she's not writing books, she writes for television, on the staff of the NBC medical drama, New Amsterdam. Shanthi lives in Berkeley with her family and a cat named Frog. Connect with Shanthi at www.shanthisekaran.com.
September 2021
Episode 43: Interview with Audiobook Narrator Elise Arsenault
Shanthi Sekaran's most recent novel, The Samosa Rebellion, was written for 8-13 year olds, but it's definitely the kind of book adults can get into, too. (I LOVED it!) Her most recent adult novel, Lucky Boy (Putnam/Penguin), was named an IndieNext Great Read and an NPR Best Book of 2017. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times, Salon.com, LA Review of Books and Huffington Post. When she's not writing books, she writes for television, on the staff of the NBC medical drama, New Amsterdam. Shanthi lives in Berkeley with her family and a cat named Frog. Connect with Shanthi at www.shanthisekaran.com.
September 2021
Episode 42: Interview with Joan Steinau Lester
Joan Steinau Lester is an award-winning commentator, columnist, and author of critically acclaimed books, including Mama's Child and Black, White, Other. Her writing has appeared in such publications as USA Today, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, and Huffington Post. Her latest book Loving Before Loving: A Marriage in Black and White chronicles her marriage to the Black writer Julius Lester, and tells the story of a writer and activist fighting for love and justice before, during, and after the Supreme Court’s 1967 decision striking down bans on interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia. Speaking candidly about every facet of her life, Lester illuminates her journey to fulfillment and healing.
September 2021
Episode 41: Interview with Ruth Mitchell
Ruth Mitchell is the author of the award-winning novel Deleted, described as "Inception meets 50 First Dates." She was born and raised in Salt Lake City and grew up writing plays for the neighborhood kids and “exploring” the woods near her home.
July 2021
Episode 40: Interview with Rachel Huffmire
Rachel grew up in the middle of a wheat field where she found plenty of time to read and dream. Her mom paid her a dollar per classic novel she read so, in a quest to amass a small fortune, Rachel read over 200 classic novels before junior high. After dabbling with writing novels and stage plays, she ran to the BYU bookstore for her first job. She sat behind the register, voraciously reading Shannon Hale novels while Brandon Sanderson and other internationally-selling authors held book signings in front of her. That was when she began dreaming up plots of her own.
June 2021
Episode 39: Interview with Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi writes contemporary Women’s Fiction. She began writing seriously while a stay at home mom with 3 children under five years of age. She needed something for herself and for her future. By changing her mindset, being consistent and developing confidence, Emma has gone from having a collection of handwritten notes to two fully written, edited and published novels titled THE DAY SHE CAME HOME, and BELONGING.
May 2021
Episode 37: Interview with Holli H.L. Anderson
Holli H.L. Anderson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing—which has nothing to do with writing, except maybe by adding some pretty descriptive injury scenes to her books. She discovered her joy of writing during a very trying period in her life when escaping into make-believe saved her. She enjoys reading any book she gets her hands on, but has a particular love for anything fantasy.
May 2021
Episode 36: Interview with Sonya Judd
As a thriving professional in the tech industry, Sonya Judd's life was interrupted by a premature baby and spontaneous twins less than a year later. Having three children born within a year of each other, often referred to as Irish triplets, she speaks and writes about becoming your best you when life throws you curveballs. She studied Finance and Economics at NYU and Columbia, and works as a business strategist in the tech industry. Her debut book Rest in the Nest was released earlier this year.
April 2021
Episode 35: Interview with Katya Cengel
Katya Cengel is an author and freelance writer. Her work has appeared in New York Times Magazine, Marie Claire, Newsweek, Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post among other publications. She has reported from North and Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa and was based in the former Soviet Union for half a decade. She is the author of Independent Publisher Book Award (IPPY) 2020 winner and Foreword Indies 2019 winner From Chernobyl with Love: Reporting from the Ruins of the Soviet Union (Potomac, 2019); Exiled: From the Killing Fields of Cambodia to California and Back (Potomac, 2018) and 2013 Kentucky Literary Award finalist Bluegrass Baseball: A Year in the Minor League Life (Nebraska, 2012).
April 2021
Episode 34: Interview with Mary Potter Kenyon
Mary Potter Kenyon graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a BA in Psychology, and is a certified grief counselor. She is the Program Coordinator for the Shalom Spirituality Center. Mary is widely published in magazines, newspapers, and anthologies, including ten Chicken Soup books. She conducts writing workshops and does public speaking on the topics of writing, utilizing your creativity in your everyday life, and finding hope and healing in grief. She is the author of seven books including the award-winning Refined By Fire: A Journey of Grief and Grace and Expressive Writing for Healing. Her book on creativity, Called to Be Creative, was released in August 2020.
March 2021
Episode 33: Interview with Emily Grabatin
Emily Grabatin is the author of the book DARE TO DECIDE: Discovering Peace, Clarity and Courage at Life's Crossroads. Through coaching, writing and leadership development, she helps individuals recognize who they are, uncover what makes them feel alive, and streamline their focus so they can flourish.
March 2021
Episode 32: Dallas Woodburn interview with UCL Writers' Society
This episode is a bit different! I was recently invited to be a guest speaker for the Writers' Society at the University College of London to answer questions about my writing journey. Our conversation was so fruitful and interesting that I asked for their permission to share part of it with you. Hope you enjoy this glimpse into my writing life!
January 2021
Episode 31: Interview with Kelli Warner
Kelli Warner is the author of NOT WITH THE BAND and THE MOMENT WE FELL: humorous and relatable young adult and contemporary romance novels, the kind of stories that get your insides so wound up in an ooey-gooey mess that you forget about the un-fun stuff in life. She's passionate for a good cup of coffee (even a bad one on a desperate day), enjoying time with friends and family, and spending lazy Saturday mornings watching the Food Network. Kelli and her husband live in Oregon with their two teenaged children and a border collie named Lucy. Connect with her at https://www.kelliwarner.com
December 2020
Episode 30: Interview with Kiley Roache
Kiley Roache is the author of FRAT GIRL and THE DATING GAME, two young adult novels published by Inkyard Press, a division of HarperCollins. Kiley grew up in the suburbs outside Chicago, and has been writing since the 7th grade. She signed with a literary agent days before graduating high school. She is a graduate of Stanford University where she studied Political Science. She authored both her books while she was still a college student, and once got up early to look at copyedits before painting her face for a tailgate.
December 2020
Episode 29: Interview with Maggie Reyes
Maggie Reyes is the author of the Questions for Couples Journal, and is also a blogger and podcast host. She is a Life Coach and Modern Marriage Mentor who specializes in helping driven, ambitious women create the marriages of their dreams. Her innovative, playful and practical approach to love and marriage takes the principles of cognitive psychology and luxury hospitality service and uses them to teach her clients the most effective ways to break destructive patterns and develop the mindsets and habits that make relationships thrive.
November 2020
Episode 28: Interview with A.H. Kim
A.H. Ann Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea and immigrated to the U.S. as a young child. She was educated at Harvard College and Berkeley Law School, where she was an editor of the California Law Review. She is a practicing attorney and has served as chief of staff to the CEO and head of investor relations at a Fortune 200 company. A.H. Kim is the proud mother of two sons, a longtime cancer survivor, community volunteer, and member of the San Francisco Writers Grotto. A GOOD FAMILY is her first novel.
November 2020
Episode 27: Interview with Gabi Justice
Gabi Justice is the author of Dog Girl, her young adult contemporary romance debut which just released on November 17, 2020. She is the mom to three dogs and one stray cat named Luna Buna. She lives in Florida with her husband and children. You’d be hard-pressed to find a tennis court in the state that she hasn’t visited, having three competitive junior players in the family. Gabi spent most of her adult life writing editorial copy for local magazines after graduating from the University of South Florida. Florida provides the settings for all her coming-of-age stories that highlight bullying, misjudgment, acceptance, and teen anxiety. Her main characters are goal-oriented teenage girls with a drive that can be fierce and dangerous.
November 2020
Episode 26: Interview with Shana Lynn Schmidt
Shana Lynn Schmidt is the author of the award-winning memoir Over Our Hearts: a mother's journey learning to listen in, about her experience listening in to her heart during teen daughter's pregnancy and beyond. She is a licensed counselor, parenting coach, infant & early childhood mental health specialist, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, writer, and Nana. She lives in a small Kansas town with her husband Brian, not far from where they grew up, with their two dogs and an empty nest.
October 2020
Episode 25: Interview with Hope Bolinger
Hope Bolinger is the author of the modern-day Daniel retelling trilogy, Blaze, Den, and Vision (releasing in August 2021). The YA superhero romance she co-wrote with Alyssa Roat, Dear Hero, just released from INtense Publications in September 2020. The sequel Dear Henchman is set to release in April 2021. Hope is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a graduate of Taylor University's professional writing program. More than 900 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer's Digest to Keys for Kids to HOOKED to Crosswalk.com. She writes about 250-300 articles a year. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column "Hope's Hacks," tips and tricks to avoid writer's block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly in the Serious Writer newsletter.
September 2020
Episode 24: Interview with Samantha Vitale
Samantha Vitale has an insatiable hunger for two things: big challenges and amazing stories. When not working at her highly technical day job, she can be found devouring books or writing new ones of her own. She lives in Virginia with her husband and their two small humans. She is the author of the debut YA novel THE LADY ALCHEMIST.
August 2020
Episode 23: Interview with E.K. Baer
E.K. has been writing poetry ever since she was very young. She published her first book, A Collection of Poems, when she was 10 years old. Her second collection, Down the Road, was released only a few years later in 2018. E.K. has published work in Stone Soup Magazine and is a staff writer for Youth MENSAN Magazine. Her poetry has placed in several competitions, including but not limited to the Carl Sandburg, Ventura County Writer’s Club, Lincoln Poetry, and No Place for Hate Imagine a World Without Hate writing contests. Besides writing, E.K. loves science, math, and history! She also plays the violin, piano, and sings. Traveling the world is one of her favorite things to do. E.K. enjoys spending as much time as possible with her dog Coco.
August 2020
Episode 22: Interview with Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Jennifer Lynn Alvarez is the author of two middle grade book series, each published by HarperCollins Children's Books, THE GUARDIAN HERD (a quartet) and RIDERS OF THE REALM (a trilogy). Before this, she self-published a middle grade fantasy called THE PET WASHER. She received a B.A. in English from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition to literature, she studied philosophy and sociology, and is fascinated by underdogs and power dynamics between groups of people. She is the current Literary Laureate for The Healdsburg Literary Guild. When she is not writing, you can find Jennifer galloping her little black mare through the foothills of Sonoma County or teaching free creative writing workshops to kids and adults at various branches of the local library system. She lives in Northern California with her husband, three children, and many pets!
July 2020
Episode 21: Interview with Karen Strong
Karen Strong is the author of the critically acclaimed middle grade novel Just South of Home, which was selected for several Best of Year lists including Kirkus Reviews Best Books, CCBC Choices, and Bank Street Best Books. Her short fiction appears in From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back and A Phoenix First Must Burn. Born and raised in the rural South, she is a graduate of the University of Georgia and an advocate of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). An avid lover of strong coffee, yellow flowers, and night skies, Karen lives in Atlanta.
July 2020
Episode 20: Interview with Lisa Moore Ramée
Lisa Moore Ramée was born and raised in Los Angeles and now lives in the Northern California, with her husband, two kids, two obnoxious cats and more yard than she can control. She earned a BA in Speech Communications from San Francisco State and a MA in English Literature (focusing on Creative Writing) from Cal State East Bay. She worked for several years in publishing for the Walt Disney Company, first in comics, and then with licensed publishing. While there, she co-penned The Little Mermaid, Jr. Graphic Novel and the writing bug took up permanent residence. She is a devotee of Top Chef and Project Runway and often tries to work the shows in her plots. A Good Kind of Trouble, her first novel, received critical acclaim, garnering three starred reviews (PW, Kirkus and SLJ). Something to Say has received two starred reviews (Kirkus and SLJ).
July 2020
Episode 19: Interview with Caitlin Horrocks
Caitlin Horrocks is author of the novel The Vexations, named one of the Ten Best Books of 2019 by the Wall Street Journal. Her story collection This Is Not Your City was a New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice and a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. Another story collection, Life Among the Terranauts, is forthcoming from Little, Brown in 2021. Her stories and essays appear in The New Yorker, The Best American Short Stories, The PEN/O. Henry Prize Stories, The Pushcart Prize, The Paris Review, Tin House, and One Story, as well as other journals and anthologies. Her awards include the Plimpton Prize and fellowships to the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and the MacDowell Colony. She is on the advisory board of the Kenyon Review, where she recently served as fiction editor. She teaches at Grand Valley State University and in the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her family.
June 2020
Episode 18: Interview with C. Hope Clark
C. Hope Clark is the Editor of FundsforWriters, named one of the Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers for the past 10 years. She is also a prolific author of The Carolina Slade Mysteries and The Edisto Island Mysteries. As a freelance writer, she’s published in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest, Guide to Literary Agents, Writer’s Market, Chicken Soup, and many other trade and online publications.
May 2020
Episode 17: Virtual Book Launch for THE BEST WEEK THAT NEVER HAPPENED
I'm excited to share this very special episode! My debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was published on April 21st by Month9Books and Blackstone Audio. It is such a thrill to have it out in the world and to hear from readers who are connecting with the storyline and the characters! I held a Virtual Book Launch on April 26 and was joined by my friends Tobie Easton and Jennieke Cohen, who you might remember from episodes 2 and 3 of this podcast. I’m delighted to share our conversation with you now, as well as some behind-the-scenes tidbits about my brand new book!
April 2020
Episode 16: Interview with Morris Ardoin
Morris Ardoin earned a bachelor’s in journalism from Louisiana State University and a master’s in communication from the University of Louisiana. A public relations practitioner, his work has appeared in regional, national, and international media. His blog, Parenthetically Speaking, can be found at www.morrisardoin.com. His memoir STONE MOTEL: MEMOIRS OF A CAJUN BOY is now available. He divides his time between New York City and Cornwallville, New York, where he does most of his writing.
April 2020
Episode 15: Interview with Natalie Lund
Natalie Lund is the author of the young adult novels, We Speak in Storms and The Sky Above Us (forthcoming Nov. ’20). She is a former middle and high school teacher and a graduate of Purdue University’s MFA program. Natalie is a member of SCBWI and is represented by Sarah Davies of Greenhouse Literary Agency. She lives in Chicago with her spouse and a very talkative cat. You can follow her on Instagram or Twitter at @nmlund.