More to the Story Podcast with Janna Maron

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Conversation with Lasell Bartlett — Horses, Healing, and Becoming the Designated Calm PersonToday I’m talking with my client Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett, author of Getting Along with Rusty: Horses Healing and Therapeutic Riding, Mostly a Memoir and three accompanying workbooks: Becoming the Designated Calm Person, and Sensing Our Groundedness.Lasell integrates decades of experience in body–mind awareness, somatic experiencing, clinical social work, and therapeutic riding into a body of work that helps people understand themselves, their nervous systems, and the power of grounded presence. In this episode, she shares the evolution of her writing process, how her memoir emerged from what she originally thought would be a how-to book, and how she built trust in her voice as an author.We also talk about her writing rhythm, her accountability structure, her relationship with divine inspiration vs. discipline, and what it means to “stand on the horizon” of authorship after years of self-doubt.If you are writing memoir, working on a self-guided workbook, or navigating the emotional terrain of becoming an author, this conversation will feel grounding, warm, and deeply encouraging.About LasellLasell Jaretzki Bartlett, MSW (she/her/hers), integrates many decades of experience in the fields of body-mind awareness and meditation, with professional expertise as a Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and as a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Education.In private practice, she facilitated trauma resolution from early childhood trauma, falls, medical trauma, and meditation dissociations, helping people develop a sense of safety that can support the best relationships imaginable.In addition to assisting regional, national, and international Somatic Experiencing® and Equusoma® trainings, she has presented on trauma healing at conferences for mental health and therapeutic horsemanship professionals, and in workshops for the general public.Her first book, Getting Along with Rusty: Horses, Healing, and Therapeutic Riding (Mostly a Memoir) was published in August 2023, followed by Becoming the Designated Calm Person™ Workbook: Learning to Settle Ourselves and Others (2024) and Sensing Our Groundedness Workbook (2025). She’s been published in numerous magazines and anthologies.Bartlett lives on the uncharted lands of the Monacan Indian Nation in rural Virginia with two horses, four sheep, eleven guineas, two cats, an unstable internet connection, and her bestest ever human friend.In today’s episode* Lasell’s decades-long journey in therapeutic riding, somatic work, and trauma healing — and how it shaped her writing path* How her first manuscript began as a how-to book and became a memoir about her horse Rusty and her healing journey* The moment she learned that “the book has its own life,” and how she listened when it wanted to become something different* Why the original exercises in her memoir became the foundation for a four-book workbook series* How deadlines, coaching, and accountability helped her finish her first manuscript after 15+ years of stops and starts* Her writing process: 20-minute sessions, creative bursts in the barn, voice-to-text notes, and “mini retreats” for focused work* The biggest internal shift: stepping out of self-doubt and into the identity of a published author — standing “on the horizon” instead of beneath it* What it’s like to receive positive feedback from readers and editors and truly believe her stories matter* How she knows now that she doesn’t have to wait for inspiration — she can reconnect to her writing anytime, under any circumstancesLinks mentioned in this episode* Lasell’s memoir: Getting Along with Rusty: Horses Healing and Therapeutic Riding (Mostly a Memoir) on Bookshop.org* Workbooks:* Becoming the Designated Calm Person: Learning to Settle Ourselves and Others* Sensing Our Groundedness* (And more coming soon!)* Learn more about Lasell & her books → lasellbartlett.com* Follow Lasell on Substack → lasellbartlett.substack.comOther links:* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Schedule a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download my Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Get 10% off your first order at Café Santoro → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect * find all show notes at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree: @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhere have you seen your own confidence as a writer grow — even in small ways?Tell me in the comments; I’d love to hear. (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Should You Even Be Writing a Book? How to Find Your Deep Why and Finally Make ProgressHappy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2026! In this solo episode, I’m talking about the real reason so many women struggle to make progress on their books—even when they deeply want to write them, invest in support, and start the year with the best intentions.This episode is part pep talk, part tough love, and part deep inquiry into the heart of creative resistance. I share what I’ve been witnessing across client conversations, why the “New Year motivation” isn’t enough, and the foundational inner work that must happen before your book will take shape.I also share some exciting updates about how I’m shifting my business this year, including in-person retreats and a renewed focus on catalyzing creative momentum for my clients.In today’s episode:* a New Year check-in for writers recommitting to their book intentions* why desire alone isn’t enough to write a book—and why that’s not a personal failure* the deeper breakdown behind “I still didn’t write this week”* the essential question every writer must start with: should you be writing a book at all?* the truth: the answer is probably yes—but not for the reasons you think* common fears that block writers from taking action (being judged, not being good enough, not knowing where to start)* why personal story is essential even in prescriptive nonfiction, business books, and self-help* the difference between memoir and prescriptive nonfiction—and why people often confuse the two* the foundational work all writers need before writing: uncovering your deep compelling WHY* how your why becomes the engine that drives actual creative momentum* what it means to craft a vision statement for yourself as a writer* why you can’t know your publishing path (traditional, hybrid, indie) until you know your vision* what happens when writers go to conferences too soon and get overwhelmed by industry noise* how human design (especially my Manifestor energy type) is shaping the way I work* why I’m is shifting my business to include in-person retreats and high-impact intensive work* what to expect from upcoming More to the Story retreats in 2026If you’re local to Sacramento or Northern California and would like to explore all of this with me in person, you’re invited to 2026 Creative Catalyst: a one-day retreat for women writers and creatives. Find more info & sign up here:Links mentioned in this episode:* The book Human Design Made Easy by Illona Pamplona on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Join the Retreat Waitlist: moretothestory.co/retreats* Under the Gum Tree: underthegumtree.com* Get 10% off your first order from Caffe Santoro: caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Find the show notes & subscribe at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for you:What is your deep, compelling reason for writing your book this year?Not the surface-level one — the true one.Share in the comments — I’d love to witness your why.(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Conversation with Carrie Lea — Author of Granny Panty ChroniclesToday I’m joined by my client Carrie Lea, author of the memoir Granny Panty Chronicles, a candid, funny, big-hearted story about dating and singleness and unexpectedly falling in love with a man who would become her husband — and whose two teenage sons would make her a proud “bonus mom.”In this conversation, Carrie shares the twists and turns of her writing journey, how this memoir emerged from her journals and blog posts about dating, and what she learned about trusting her voice, her instincts, and her sense of humor on the page. Carrie’s approach to life—and to writing—is warm, insightful, and grounded in honesty. Listeners who are navigating their own creative projects, life transitions, or new family configurations will find so much resonance here.About CarrieCarrie Lea resides in California’s Bay Area with her husband, teenage sons, and parents in a lively multi-generational household. When she’s not discovering new restaurants or traveling, she’s likely curled up with a good book or spending time with loved ones. For several years, Carrie has shared her heart and relatable real-life moments to encourage women in their faith on her website, CarrieLea.com — always with her signature mantra: Read. Laugh. Relate. Whether she’s writing, speaking, or serving in her local church, she strives to remind women they are seen, loved, and called to flourish. By day, she works in corporate America while by nature, she’s a certified fashionista and enthusiastic storyteller. Always up for a good laugh and a quick dance, she blends style, honesty, and faith to reveal the beauty in life’s imperfect moments.In today’s episode* how Carrie began documenting her dating life and slowly realized it was the seed of a memoir* how becoming a “bonus mom” to two teenage boys opened a new chapter of her identity* the writing process: what it looked like, what she struggled with, and what ultimately kept her moving* learning to trust that her everyday experiences were enough to build a compelling narrative* how coaching helped her find structure and momentum* what shifted when she allowed herself to write with humor, honesty, and tenderness* what she hopes readers will take from Granny Panty ChroniclesLinks mentioned in this episode* Carrie’s memoir: Granny Panty Chronicles on bookshop.org* Follow Carrie online → carrielea.com* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download my Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Café Santoro — 10% off → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & connect* Find all show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree: @undergumtreeQuestion for youIf you were to write honestly about your romantic life—past or present—what story would you start with? Share in the comments; I’d love to hear! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Everything Makes Perfect Sense with author Brinn LangdaleI’m joined today by my client Brinn Langdale, whose powerful memoir Everything Makes Perfect Sense chronicles her journey through childhood trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Brinn is a licensed psychotherapist who began her healing path at age 22, ultimately transforming her lived experience into a book that supports survivors and shines a light on shame, resilience, and personal truth.We talk about what it means to write a trauma story with intention—not as a “trauma dump,” but as crafted, meaningful literature—and the emotional and spiritual growth required to stand in your truth as a memoirist, even when family members may not be ready for what you share.If you are writing personal narrative about difficult lived experience, this conversation will remind you you’re not alone—and that the process itself can be transformative.About BrinnAt 22, Brinn began confronting her own childhood trauma, setting her on a lifelong journey of healing and forgiveness. Today, she runs a thriving private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, speaker and author. Brinn’s core message, that everything you do makes perfect sense and that healing is possible, resonates with a wide range of audiences, including students, professionals, survivors, and anyone seeking personal growth and self-improvement.In today’s episode* Brinn’s early journaling life and why writing helped her feel seen* The moment she realized her trauma—and how naming it shifted everything* The year she devoted entirely to forgiveness before turning 30* Starting the memoir during the 2020 lockdown and drafting the ending first* What her early “word vomit” draft taught her about storytelling* Working together through developmental edits and learning to trust her voice* The risk of hiding behind endless revisions—and when it’s time to move forward* Choosing a hybrid publisher and navigating launch + visibility* Family reactions to memoir, and how Brinn held her boundaries and truth with compassionLinks mentioned in this episode* Brinn’s book → Everything Makes Perfect Sense on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)* Learn more about Brinn & her work → brinnlangdale.com* Submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute book diagnosis call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Get my Book Outline Formula worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Try my family’s coffee → cafesantoro.com/janna for 10% off your first orderWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & Connect* find show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for youHave you ever written something that asked you to step into your truth—even when it felt vulnerable or uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear.Thanks so much for listening and being here.(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Client Interview with Barbara Caver, author of the debut memoir A Little Piece of CubaBarbara Caver joins me to talk about her debut memoir A Little Piece of Cuba: A Journey to Become Cubana Americana, which lands December 2 (She Writes Press / distributed by Simon & Schuster). We talk about the long, winding path from screenwriting and documentary work to creative nonfiction, how a five-day trip to Havana reopened childhood memory, and the way family recipes and sensory details can act as time machines for a life lived between places. About BarbaraBarbara Caver is a lifelong student of the arts and is an accomplished film and television production executive. She loves traveling, exercising, hiking, dancing, cooking, and eating, as well as writing about all of these things with great enthusiasm, affection, and humor. A Little Piece of Cuba is her first full-length memoir. Raised in South Carolina, Barbara currently resides in Jackson Heights, New York City.In today’s episode:* how Barbara’s writing life began (diaries at nine, film school, screenwriting) and how readers kept telling her this material wanted to be a book. * the catalytic trip to Havana in 2017 that unlocked deeper memories and the decision to tell her Cuba story as a memoir.* the sensory hooks that became anchors in the manuscript—airport smells, tiles, and the way place can call up the past.* the role of community, developmental editing, and coaching in moving from fragments to draft—including the 30,000-word early dump Barbara sent me and how we found the through-line.* the emotional labor of naming the book’s “why” (what the book is about beyond events) and trusting the feeling-thread over strict chronology.* Barbara’s publishing choice: why she submitted to and chose She Writes Press (hybrid publishing) and what that experience has been like.* what Barbara’s doing now—publicity, podcast interviews, a six-city book tour, and essays she’s placing in outlets like Lit Hub.* how the More to the Story community functioned as “creative Kool-Aid”—honest, protective, and un-coddling support that helped her keep going.Links mentioned in this episode:* Pre-order A Little Piece of Cuba at bookshop.org* Barbara’s site and book page → barbaracaverauthor.com* Barbara’s Substack: Tiny Escapes with Barb → Barbara Caver.* Learn more / submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com.* More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.co* My Book Outline Formula Worksheet & Book Diagnosis calls → moretothestory.co/bookoutline and moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis.* Get your 10% discount on your first order of whole bean coffee roasted from my parents’ boutique coffee roastery in Northern California at caffesantoro.com/janna.Want help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & Connect * find show notes for this episode at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhat single sensory detail (a smell, a sound, a taste) immediately takes you back to your family or childhood? Share it in the comments — I’d love to hear what surfaces for you.Thanks so much for listening and for being here! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: An interview with author Molly Mogren KattMolly holds a special place in the More to the Story universe—she was my very first coaching client when I launched my business in 2020! Molly finished her manuscript, Mom Geans, with me, and in this conversation she shares the ups and downs of her journey toward publishing.Her memoir explores the decision to have kids after growing up in an abusive household. It’s a story about breaking cycles of generational trauma, cultivating empathy, and becoming the parent you always wished you had. We also talk about her path to finding an agent, the challenges of querying, and what it means to keep writing even in the midst of uncertainty.About MollyMolly Mogren Katt believes in making every day an adventure, and you can read all about it on her Substack, Hey Eleanor. She’s written for Food & Wine, Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, and Experience Life. Her forthcoming memoir, Mom Genes, chronicles her decision to have kids after growing up in an abusive household. It's a story about breaking the cycle of generational trauma; cultivating empathy; and learning how to be the parent you always wished you had. In addition to writing, keeping her kids alive and cooking, she and her husband Josh are currently restoring a haunted 1903 Victorian house in Minneapolis.In today’s episode:* Molly’s long road from idea to finished manuscript* Why the scariest part of memoir writing is often how it affects real life and relationships* What it’s like to query 60+ agents before getting a “yes”* Breaking up with her first agent—and finding another one* How to balance caring deeply about your work without being too precious about it* Why a regular writing practice (even imperfect) is essential for finding your voice* The current realities of publishing: costs, delays, and the state of the market* How Molly is keeping her writing muscle strong through her Substack Hey EleanorLinks mentioned in this episode:* Submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* My free Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Book a Nail Your Book Outline Session with me: moretothestory.co/nailyourbookoutline* Follow Molly’s Substack, Hey Eleanor: Molly Mogren Katt * Follow Molly on Instagram: @mollymogren* More about my coaching & editing services at moretothestory.coWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & connect:* Show notes & transcripts at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouHave you ever felt scared to tell the truth in your writing because of how it might affect people in your life? How do you navigate that fear? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s get a conversation going!Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A debrief + book outline session with anti-hustle coach Tracy StangerI’m back after a summer pause to revamp how I’m integrating Substack with my work—and I’m kicking things off with a special conversation with my friend Tracy Stanger. We met on Instagram, grabbed coffee, and realized we share the same philosophy: do the work in a way that fits you. That turned into a trade—half a day on my business with Tracy, and half a day on Tracy’s book with me—followed by this debrief you’ll hear in the episode.Tracy is an anti-hustle business coach whose “Less But Better, Most You” approach helps human, justice-minded (often neuro-spicy) entrepreneurs focus on results—not just checking things off a to-do list—so they can do meaningful work and live their dream days.About TracyTracy Stanger is an anti-hustle business coach who believes we shouldn’t have to choose between meaningful work and living your dream days. She’s on a mission to prove we CAN have time for our dreams when we focus on RESULTS instead of just checking shit off a to-do list. Her Less But Better™ Most You business strategy helps human (justice-minded, often neurospicy) business owners use their uniqueness to make more money and more impact, with more time for rest, and less stress.In today’s episode:* how this episode came to be: a mutual “workday” trade and a recorded debrief* why Tracy stopped waiting to build a “giant platform” before writing her book—and started writing now* how we used a strengths analysis (think an amalgam of personality tools) to shape both her book and my business pivots* what changed for me: moving away from webinars → high-ticket yearlong delivery, to offers that fit my health, capacity, and season* the edit I delivered to Tracy: audio feedback + a written summary (hello, hand neuropathy workaround)* clarifying prescriptive nonfiction: bringing the reader along, adding bridges between ideas, and making sure each chapter delivers the outcome it promises* turning Tracy’s client process into a reader journey (a clear sequence the reader can follow)* the practical writing plan Tracy is using now: 25-minute sessions with her outline and manuscript open, steady and sustainable* why “Less But Better, Most You” isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a book structure, tooLinks mentioned in this episode:* my free Book Outline Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* book a “Nail Your Book Outline” session with me → moretothestory.co/nailyourbookoutline* More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.coWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & connect:* Show notes & transcripts at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhat “should” about platform or process are you letting go of so you can move your book forward now? If you picked one 25-minute action for this week, what would it be? Share in the comments—I’ll respond (and may feature your question in a future episode!).Thanks so much for listening and for being here! xo(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Why I Don’t Do Outlines for Memoirs (Part 2 of the Genre Conversation)This is a continuation of the genre conversation from the last episode, and I dive straight into something I get asked about all the time: book outlines. Specifically, why I do create outlines for prescriptive nonfiction (what I call memoir-ish), and why I don’t use outlines for memoir or personal essay.I also introduce a new term I’m using with clients—memoir-ish—to distinguish prescriptive books that are driven by teaching, insight, or process but are supported by personal story. This is different from memoir-plus (or hybrid memoir), where the personal story leads and other elements supplement it.If you’ve ever wondered whether you “should” outline your memoir, or you’re trying to figure out what kind of book you’re writing in the first place, this episode will help with clarity, language, and direction.In today’s episode:* what I mean by memoir-ish and how it differs from memoir and hybrid memoir* the role of personal story in prescriptive nonfiction* a client example of someone who thought she was writing memoir—but wasn’t* why prescriptive books need outlines (and how I co-create them with clients)* how your process, framework, and client stories become your table of contents* why memoir and essay don’t lend themselves to outlines* the puzzle metaphor: collecting pieces before trying to assemble structure* how outlines can constrict discovery in memoir writing* what’s really going on when memoirists spin their wheels for years* trusting yourself, trusting the work, and letting the story tell you what it needsLinks mentioned in this episode:* submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* get whole bean coffee from Café Santoro → cafesantoro.com/janna* book a 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosisFollow & Connect* subscribe & find show notes for this episode at moretothestory.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouAre you writing from discovery—or trying to force your memoir into a structure too soon? What do you notice about your own process? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear and may respond in a future episode!Thanks so much for listening and for being here! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Why I’m rethinking how I use the word “nonfiction” to describe the kind of books I work on.I’ve been rethinking how I describe the work I do with writers, and one thing has become clear: the word nonfiction doesn’t really serve us. It defines writing by what it isn’t, rather than what it is. In this episode, I talk about why that matters, how it affects the way writers think about their projects, and why I prefer to use the term personal story.This shift isn’t just semantics—it’s about honoring what writers are actually doing when they tell the truth about their lives and experiences. Whether you’re writing memoir, essay, or narrative nonfiction, centering story (instead of “not fiction”) gives you a clearer, more empowering frame for the work ahead.In today’s episode:* why the term nonfiction feels limiting and misleading* how genres like memoir, essay, and narrative don’t quite fit under the same umbrella* why story—especially personal story—is a more accurate way to name the work* how the words we use shape both the writing process and how others receive our work* what happens when you describe your project in terms of what it is instead of what it isn’t* an invitation to writers: to honor your story as its own genreLinks mentioned in this episode:* my free Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* my masterclass designed to help you finally write (& finish) your book → http://moretothestory.co/finishyourbook* More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.coWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & Connect* subscribe & find show notes and transcripts for this episode at moretothestory.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhen you describe your writing project, what words do you use? Do they feel true to the work you’re creating? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re naming your story.Thanks so much for listening and for being here! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Reintroduction After a Summer BreakAfter a summer hiatus, I’m back with a fresh season of More to the Story. In this episode, I share what’s been happening behind the scenes—how I’ve been reflecting, pivoting, and rebuilding my business in a way that’s sustainable with my health and energizing for the women writers I serve. I also talk about Substack becoming a bigger part of my work, the importance of personal story in nonfiction, and a new layer of insight I’m gaining through Human Design.In today’s episode:* a summer hiatus and what I’ve been reflecting on since my MS relapse three years ago* why I’ve been experimenting with new ways of working sustainably* the challenges of using the term “nonfiction” and why I center personal story instead* how Substack is becoming the new home for my podcast, emails, and posts* shifting to a “mostly weekly” cadence to make the work easier and more sustainable* what I’ve been learning about Human Design and being a Manifestor—surges of energy, deep rest, and the ripple effect of creative sparks* how this new self-knowledge empowers me (and my clients!)* celebrating client wins: Barbara Caver’s forthcoming book A Little Piece of Cuba (available for pre-order now!)* how supporting each other—writers, readers, and coaches alike—creates a rising tide for all of usLinks mentioned in this episode:* More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* More about my coaching & editing services → moretothestory.co* Client books & success stories → moretothestory.co/about* Pre-order Barbara Caver’s A Little Piece of Cuba → bookshop.org* Follow Barbara on Substack for her book updates → Tiny Escapes with BarbWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & connect:* Show notes & transcripts at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhat season of life or creative work are you emerging from right now—and how are you making it easier for yourself to sustain your next steps? Share in the comments—I’ll respond (and may even feature your reflection in a future episode!).Thanks so much for listening and for being here! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe