Read and Write with Natasha

When a creative mind trained in Hollywood's competitive structure ventures into the world of novel writing, the results can be illuminating. Shan Serafin's journey from James Patterson collaborator to solo novelist offers fascinating insights into the modern creative landscape, and a passionate warning about the future of human expression.Serafin reveals the unexpected path that led him to co-authoring bestsellers with Patterson, crediting his manager for seeing novel-writing potential he hadn't recognized in himself. "When writing a novel, you create an entire universe," Serafin explains, contrasting this with screenwriting, where directors, designers, and actors share the creative burden. This collaborative foundation provided crucial storytelling skills, particularly Patterson's ability to identify that critical "one percent" that transforms a good story into an exceptional one.Now standing at the threshold of his solo career with The Paris Vendetta Serafin shares the ironic origin story of a book he never intended to write. Having moved to Paris with two clear goals, not to write about the city and not to write about himself, he found himself doing precisely both when COVID isolation and unexpected encounters with European business figures sparked his creative imagination.But it's when addressing artificial intelligence's role in creative work that the conversation takes its most passionate turn. Serafin delivers a warning about AI's homogenizing effect on artistic expression: "If you start using AI as a creative person, it will homogenize everyone slowly because it's just basing everything on what currently gets the most attention in the shortest time." While acknowledging AI's benefits in fields like medicine, he argues that in creative pursuits, it threatens the very diverse human voices that make literature meaningful.For writers struggling to break through, Serafin offers hard-earned wisdom about nurturing your authentic voice despite rejection. Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What happens when a child spills leftovers on the kitchen floor and immediately labels himself "stupid"? For author Brenda Do, this heartbreaking moment sparked the creation of It's Okay Not to Know, a children's book challenging our perfection-obsessed culture.Growing up Chinese in 1970s America, Brenda never saw herself represented in children's literature; every book featured white children. This experience shaped her determination to create characters that every child could identify with, regardless of appearance or background. So she created a world of colorful monsters with the gender-neutral protagonist leading readers through lessons of self-compassion and curiosity.Brenda draws fascinating connections between childhood messaging and adult behavior, noting how our early experiences with "failure" shape our willingness to take risks later in life. She references Stanford professor Carol Dweck's groundbreaking research on growth mindset, explaining how praising effort rather than results can dramatically expand children's potential. With just 230 words and playful rhyming text, Brenda describes it as "Dr. Seuss meets Brené Brown" - simple language conveying profound emotional intelligence.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

For Neera Mahajan, a professional critique about her written English didn't derail her career; it sparked an extraordinary second act as an author, book coach, and community builder."The only thing standing between you and the senior management position is your written English," Neera's boss told her years ago. Rather than accepting this limitation, she embraced it as a challenge, eventually publishing eight books and building a thriving community of writers who benefit from her unique approach to making the writing and publishing process accessible to everyone.In this conversation, Neera reveals the surprising method she used to write her first book in just one week, a technique that has since helped countless aspiring authors overcome the paralyzing perfectionism that prevents most books from ever seeing the light of day. "Get the story out," she advises, "it doesn't matter how many pages it is." The beauty of self-publishing, she explains, is that you can continuously improve your book over time.For professionals looking to establish authority in their field, Neera offers a compelling perspective: "The fastest way to develop authority in any area is by writing a book on it." The process itself transforms you as much as it transforms your career prospects. By organizing your knowledge into a book, you clarify your own thinking and create a foundation for all your future content.Neera's practical wisdom and inspiring journey prove that it's never too late to reinvent yourself through words. At 57, she was just getting started on her most fulfilling chapter yet.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What does it take to build a sustainable career as a writer? In this special episode, the tables turn as I’m interviewed by author Jean Alfieri about my 25-plus years in the writing world.I talk about how it all began with a letter to the editor challenging gender discrimination in Jordan’s labor laws. Seeing that letter published and realizing my words could spark debate was the moment I knew storytelling would be at the heart of my life’s work.We cover everything from building resilience to facing rejection, and yes, I even share how playing the violin shaped the way I approach writing. I explain why I believe talent is overrated and how discipline and strategy are what really carry writers forward.We also explore how writing tools have evolved. While some writers fear AI, I embrace it fully. I see it as a transformative force that helps me stay accountable, saves time, and reduces the mental blocks that often lead to procrastination.If you’re a writer at any stage, I hope this conversation gives you a grounded and honest view of what it takes to keep going. I share why I don’t believe in writer’s block, how I build community, and how I stay creatively energized even when things get tough.Curious about my books?You can find my novels, including They Called Me Wyatt and Karma Unleashed, on Amazon. You can also visit my website,  and subscribe to my newsletter where I share resources, tips, and services for writers.Ask yourself this: What limiting beliefs are standing in your way? And what could shift if you gave yourself permission to write differently? Tune in for a conversation that might just change how you see your writing life.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What if becoming a parent actually made you MORE creative, not less?Writer and "book therapist" Heidi Fiedler discovered something surprising: when life became more demanding after she became a mom, her creative drive didn't disappear. It intensified. "I had less time, less energy when I became a mom, and yet I wanted to keep writing. It felt more important to me than ever."In this deeply personal conversation, Heidi reveals why the pressure to write fast is killing our creativity and how embracing the "messy, dreamy early stage" is where the real magic happens. As someone who coaches writers through the emotional rollercoaster of creating, she knows that your biggest writing challenge isn't finding the perfect plot twist—it's surviving the mental game.You'll discover:Why "slow progress is still progress" (and how to stop comparing yourself to Stephen King)Practical techniques for staying connected to your writing when life is chaoticThe surprising truth about writer's block and what's really happening in your brainHow to navigate the agent-finding maze without losing your soulWhether self-publishing might be your secret weaponWhy one genuinely moved reader matters more than a thousand followersHeidi takes us on an unexpected journey through Substack communities, the universal plague of creative doubt, and her game-changing philosophy: focus on the joy of creation, not the outcome of publication.The most powerful moment? When Heidi shares why sometimes all you need is one reader who truly connects with your work. That single connection can sustain your creative flame through the darkest moments of doubt.Perfect for writers at any stage, parents juggling creativity with family life, and anyone who's ever wondered if their creative dreams are worth pursuing.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What if you could design your entire life around freedom and flexibility? That's exactly what Kayla Ihrig did when she bought a one-way ticket to Mexico in 2017, launching herself into the world of digital nomadism. This journey ultimately led to an unexpected book deal, "How to Be a Digital Nomad," and a thriving freelance career.In this conversation, Kayla shares the truth about the digital nomad lifestyle beyond the Instagram highlights. While beautiful destinations like Croatia and Guatemala feature in her story, she discusses the challenges that rarely make it onto social media: loneliness, financial instability, and the mental toll of constant movement."It can be bad for your mental health," she admits, describing the delicate balancing act nomads face between enjoying their surroundings and maintaining professional commitments.Key Topics CoveredThe Reality Behind the Instagram LifeThe mental health challenges of constant movementFinancial instability and uncertaintyDealing with loneliness on the roadFrom Content Creator to Published AuthorHow daily LinkedIn posts led to a book dealBuilding an authentic audience through real experiencesThe power of consistent, genuine content creationMarketing in the Digital AgeWhy podcast appearances trump social media for book promotionBuilding genuine connections through conversationLeveraging digital platforms for unprecedented opportunitiesMaking Nomadism SustainableOrganization strategies (Google Sheets for everything!)Establishing routines and family check-insFinding community through coworking spacesThe freedom to be present for life's crucial momentsResourcesVisit writingfromnowhere.com to learn more about Kayla's journey and discover resources for your own adventure in reimagining work and life.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

Imagine being just 20 years old when police force you to confess to a double murder you didn’t commit. Then imagine spending the next 21 years of your life behind bars, with no hope of release.This isn’t fiction; it’s the reality Deon Patrick lived before his exoneration in 2014.In this powerful conversation, Deon shares how Chicago police built a false case against him and seven others, including a 15-year-old with borderline intellectual disability. One of the most shocking parts? His co-defendant, Daniel Taylor, was already in police custody at the time of the murders, yet authorities fabricated evidence and hid documentation that could have freed them decades earlier.When Deon was imprisoned, his daughter was just eight months old and his son eleven months old. He watched them grow up through brief visits, powerless to guide them. Even after a $13.4 million civil judgment, Deon says: “I still can't remove some of the barriers I have within myself and in my head that have happened in my life.”The prosecutors and police responsible for this miscarriage of justice faced no consequences. As Deon puts it: “They’re still collecting their pension. They just as arrogant as they were back in 1992.”Today, Deon documents his story through advocacy and co-authorship. Alongside three others who were wrongfully convicted in the same case, he wrote "The Hazel Boys: The Trials of Four Innocent Men"—a memoir and a vital teaching tool for law students and the public alike.For anyone still fighting for their freedom, Deon offers simple advice: “Never give up.”Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What would drive someone to leave behind a comfortable six-figure corporate career and sell everything they own to pursue writing? For JD Barker, New York Times bestselling author and collaborator with James Patterson, it was a calculated risk that changed everything.In this conversation, Barker reveals the eerie inspiration behind his upcoming thriller Something I Keep Upstairs,  a real-life haunted house perched on a tiny granite island just off the New Hampshire coast. He describes his personal experiences visiting the isolated structure and the visceral, instinctual dread it evoked. "I felt something really weird. I just did not want to be in there," Barker confesses, explaining how the island's dark history as a quarantine facility, prison, and site of mysterious deaths dating back centuries formed the foundation for his novel's supernatural elements.The conversation discusses modern publishing as Barker shares his journey from indie author to creating his own imprint with Simon & Schuster. His unconventional marketing approaches, from television commercials to streaming platforms and innovative BookTok strategies, showcase why his books consistently reach audiences that other authors miss. JD's daily writing discipline (even while working 80-hour weeks in finance), strategic business thinking, and willingness to reinvent himself demonstrate what it takes to succeed in today's publishing landscape. As he explains his philosophy: "I look at what everybody else is doing and then I try to come up with something different." Listen now to discover how this approach transformed his life and might just transform yours.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What if anyone could have a biological child with anyone, regardless of gender, fertility, or age?That’s the provocative premise behind Baby X, the new novel by author and bioethicist Kira Peikoff. In this episode, we explore the world of In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG), a cutting-edge technology that transforms ordinary cells into sperm or eggs using stem cells. It’s already been tested in mice. Humans may be next.Kira explains how IVG could revolutionize parenthood for same-sex couples, single parents, and those facing infertility, while also confronting the chilling potential for misuse, like unauthorized reproduction using stolen celebrity cells.With a master’s degree in bioethics from Columbia and a background in science journalism, Kira brings deep insight to this discussion at the intersection of science, ethics, and policy. She traces her fascination with biotechnology back to her early days as a reporter, covering President Bush’s stem cell veto.We also explore:Her journey publishing five novelsHow she markets science-driven fictionWhy medical thrillers are still a male-dominated genre, despite focusing on women’s bodiesCurious about the future of reproduction—and the stories we’ll tell about it? Hit play and prepare to rethink what’s possible.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N

What happens when a marketing strategist decides history shouldn't be boring? In this captivating conversation, Paul Lloyd Hemphill shares how a simple question to his teenagers about history sparked an unexpected creative journey. When they repeatedly called history "boring," Hemphill set out to change the narrative, literally.Hemphill shares the fascinating evolution of his book, Inspiration for Teens, which uses stories from the Battle of Gettysburg to teach leadership skills and character development to young people. What began as management literature found its true audience only after two teenage girls suggested a title change, transforming it into an Amazon bestseller almost overnight. His practical approach to self-publishing, studying bestsellers at the library, hiring professional designers, and choosing colors based on market research provides valuable insights for aspiring authors.The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Hemphill explains his decision to adapt his content into a video series called "America's 52 Stories." By adding thought-provoking questions at the end of each video, he created an unexpected benefit: meaningful conversations between parents and teenagers. Throughout the discussion, Hemphill emphasizes his commitment to keeping politics and religion out of his work, focusing instead on "common sense" lessons that can be applied universally. His mission is beautifully simple yet profound: "to help our kids believe in themselves and their country." Whether you're a parent seeking inspiration for your teenager, a history enthusiast, or an aspiring author, this episode offers practical wisdom and a refreshing perspective on making history relevant in today's world.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show****************************************************************************➡️ P.S📘 If you love stories with mystery, identity, and a touch of the mystical... You’ll want to read my new novel, Karma Unleashed—a supernatural suburban thriller set between two cultures. 📚 Grab it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FH6GZX6N