Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer

Allison Trowbridge, author and entrepreneur, is a woman full of goals and ambition. She has written books, argued with senators about the severity of human trafficking, studied at Oxford, traveled the world, and now she’s starting a company. The running thread? Good company along the way. As she dives into what it takes to write a book or pursue any creative project, her main advice remains: “Do something worth the journey.” Podcast: Real Good Company Book: Twenty Two meetcopper.cominstagram.com/MeetCopperinstagram.com/alliebridge

Nicole Sachs, LCSW, a chronic pain psychotherapist, discusses the power of writing in healing chronic pain and the significance of self-expression. They debunk the belief that physical abnormalities are the sole cause of pain and address the struggles in connecting mind and body. Tools for dealing with chronic pain and the unique concept of Journal Speak are also explored, along with transitioning from personal writing to writing for the world.

How can we, as writers, handle criticism (readers, trolls, and the inner critical voice)? Jonathan Merritt, award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and author of several critically-acclaimed books, has some thoughts on how to connect with an audience, how to connect with your own power as a writer, and how to deal with the voices of critics.Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. This episode is for anyone who wants to write publicly, or who wants a behind-the-scenes look at one writer’s life. jonathanmerritt.comwritebrilliant.com@jonathan_merrittfacebook.com/JonathanMerrittWritertwitter.com/jonathanmerrittyoutube.com/channel

What can we do when we feel “blocked” or “stuck”? Healer, writer and breathwork coach Jenna Reiss answers the question, “What is breathwork?” and dives into what to do when you feel unable to move forward—in our writing or in our lives. She’s also working on her first book, and she gets honest about her questions and fears as a first-time author with a book deal. jennareiss.com@jennamreiss

Amy is a radio host on the Bobby Bones’ show, a mom of two adopted Haitian kids, and an entrepreneur several times over. While she has made a career out of speaking every morning, it wasn’t until recently that she embraced her passions. In this episode, she traces her evolution from “Radio Amy” to “Amy Brown,” a woman proud of who she is and unabashed about the projects which speak to her heart. Amy Brown defines “finding your voice” as “finding what you’re passionate about, finding what you believe in, finding what makes you whole, finding what makes you happy, and sharing that with others.” At 38, she’s embracing who she is at a whole new level. Podcast: 4 Things with Amy Brown OUTWEIGH: A podcast series exposing the 'grey area' of eating disorders 4 Things Gratitude Journal ESPWA Pimpin Joy  radioamy.comtwitter.com/RadioAmyfacebook.com/radioamybrownyoutube.com/channelinstagram.com/radioamy

Actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Caitlin Crosby knows about creating something from scratch. But in the midst of responsibilities, projects, and the craziness of life, how do we find what’s important? This conversation leads us down a path of the challenges of business ownership, balancing work and family, discovering what’s really important to you, and of course Caitlin’s journey to include her entire life story in a book. Caitlin shares about the person behind the projects, and how she keeps embracing herself and what’s closest to her heart.  Websites: thegivingkeys.com, caitlincrosby.comTED Talk about Giving Keys (1) TED Talk about Giving Keys (2) Podcast: Real Good Company

Writing holds up a mirror... and we don’t always like what we see. In this episode, Hollywood producer and actor Alex Beh approaches the uncomfortable fact that writing reveals what’s inside—our biases, our addictions, and the ways we participate in objectifying systems. The good news? Writing doesn’t leave you there. Part of finding your voice is learning to shut up, listen to others, receive feedback, and have the courage to admit when there's something you need to work on.Beh gets very honest about the entertainment industry, about his personal life, and about what writing has revealed for him. Whether you’re creating a screenplay or a book, writing exposes what’s below the surface and, potentially, can bring transformation.  alexbeh.cominstagram.com/alexbehtwitter.com/alexbehMentioned: onsiteworkshops.com

It wasn’t that long ago the internet didn’t exist. Now, more than ever, who you are feels connected to how you present yourself online. Which brings up the question: How does the “real” you compare to the brand of yourself you put online? If you’ve ever thought about how the internet is changing the way we view ourselves, pick up Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion.

Ever wondered if you’re “too young” to write a book? (or too—anything! You fill in the blank!) At age 19, Lauren Kinney decided that the only “qualification” she needed was her own permission. With her first published book, Unshakeable: Overcoming Fear to Discover a Life of Freedom, out now, Kinney’s story shows us all that, if we’re making excuses not to write, we’re getting in our own way. Lauren Kinney is an author and blogger based in Arlington, Texas. Connect with her on Instagram @laurennkinney or at thelaurenkinney.com 

Speaker and storytelling coach Mike Pacchione (miketalks.co) addresses the obstacles of “being yourself”—in life, on the stage, and on the page. While covering distinctions and similarities between speaking and writing, Mike provides practical steps for how to calm anxiety and how to design an engaging (and authentic) speech.Mentioned: Why Not Me by Mindy KalingIs Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling