Read and Write with Natasha

When Patricia Bonis lost her children to international abduction, she was thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare—fourteen years of silence.In her memoir Jeddah Bride, Patricia recounts the unimaginable journey from Florida courtrooms to the heart of Saudi Arabia, where a judge’s decision to allow unsupervised visitation led to more than a decade of separation.With raw honesty and emotional clarity, Patricia exposes the human toll of international custody battles. Her story reveals the alarming gaps in protection for children and parents caught between conflicting legal systems. "Within one hour of his unsupervised visitation, they were on a plane to Saudi Arabia—and I didn’t see my children for fourteen years," she says, still stunned by how swiftly her world changed.Now a passionate advocate through the organization Find My Parent, Patricia channels her pain into purpose, offering hope and support to others navigating similar tragedies. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly ordinary lives can be upended—and how resilience can restore what once seemed irretrievably lost.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

When Karen De Bonis arrived at her library book reading to find zero attendees, she didn't crumble—she took a photo. That single photo of empty chairs would go viral on Twitter, reaching over a million views and revealing something profound about vulnerability in our success-obsessed world.Behind this viral moment lies a much deeper story. De Bonis spent seven years crafting her memoir "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," which chronicles not just her son's medical journey but her own battle with people-pleasing behaviors that delayed crucial medical intervention. As she explains, "It's really not a story about the brain tumor as much as it's a story about my shattered expectations of motherhood."The conversation explores the fascinating collision between medical gaslighting and people-pleasing tendencies that left her son undiagnosed for three years. With remarkable candor, De Bonis reveals her publishing journey—from writing in fits and starts over many years to querying 85 agents without success before finding a home with a university press. Her honest assessment of book marketing realities (that viral million-view post translated to exactly 44 book sales) provides crucial perspective for aspiring authors.Perhaps most compelling is De Bonis' DIY approach to audiobook creation, complete with a closet recording studio lined with egg crate foam and free Audacity software. For writers and readers alike, this conversation offers a masterclass in persistence, authenticity, and the courage to share our imperfect experiences. 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

Join Jean Alfieri, author of the Zuggy the Rescue Pug series and shelter pet advocate, as she shares her delightful journey in authorship. She reveals how good old-fashioned hustle beats social media algorithms, emphasizing the power of personal connections at book events. Jean discusses the importance of engaging directly with readers and her experiences navigating the publishing landscape. With her motivational mantra pinned to her fridge, she inspires aspiring writers to pursue their dreams with intentionality and community support.

In this episode, I sit down with the marketing strategist and author of The Art of Resilience: The Refugee State of Mind—Hussein Al-Baiaty, to explore the power of writing communities and the evolving world of indie publishing.We discuss how building connections, honing communication, and embracing community can shape an author’s journey—whether you're considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or growing your presence as a writer.What We Cover in This Episode:The impact of writing communities and why they matterThe shift from traditional publishing to self-publishing and what it means for authors todayUnderstanding your deeper purpose as a writer beyond just publishing a bookHow platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube can help authors build visibilityThe role of community engagement in opening doors and creating opportunitiesEffective marketing strategies for indie authors looking to stand outIf you found this episode valuable, please take a moment to leave a review, subscribe, and share it with fellow book lovers and aspiring authors. Your support helps more writers discover these conversations.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

Renowned executive coach Antonia Bowring joins us to reveal how coaching has evolved in the digital age, especially amidst the challenges brought on by COVID-19.  This shift has increased the acceptance and accessibility of coaching across regions like Africa and the Middle East. Through her book "Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive," Antonia empowers listeners to harness their own potential with the right mindset and resilience. We address skepticism in the coaching industry, underscoring the importance of certifications like those from the International Coaching Federation to maintain quality standards. Our conversation takes a turn as we explore the intricacies of ADHD, particularly in adults. Antonia shares her experiences of managing ADHD while writing her book and actively discussing the condition on platforms like TikTok. Antonia also reflected on her journey and weighed the pros and cons of traditional versus self-publishing. Her candid insights are vital for aspiring authors and those navigating the challenges of ADHD. 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 the items gathering dust in your attic held the keys to unlocking your deepest healing? In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child, to explore the transformative power of confronting childhood memories through seemingly mundane objects.Anne shares her personal journey of healing old wounds, where items like her grandfather's pipe became touchstones for reframing her past and releasing feelings of unworthiness.Through journaling, self-reflection, and forgiveness, Anne turned her own healing process into a powerful book—one that encourages readers to confront buried trauma and rewrite their personal narratives.We also explore:🔹 The impact of childhood memories on adult self-perception🔹 The significance of forgiveness in releasing past pain🔹 Journaling as a tool for emotional healing and self-discovery🔹 The art of manifestation and aligning heart and mind for future goalsBeyond her book, Anne takes us behind the scenes of her entrepreneurial journey and the birth of Amarantic Publishing, where creative control and passion converge. She shares her approach to marketing through networking, public speaking, and community-building, offering insights for aspiring authors. We also get a sneak peek into her exciting future projects, including a novel where love transcends time. 🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on self-discovery, personal transformation, and the power of storytelling.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

In this episode, we focus on actionable strategies for aspiring writers and solopreneurs to thrive in the creator economy. Author and solopreneur  ​Ayodeji Awosika shares his insights on leveraging personal strengths, mastering marketing skills, and the significance of building an audience to achieve financial independence.We discussed the following:• Importance of aligning work with natural strengths • The myth of the starving artist and the necessity of marketing • Building a robust email list for direct audience engagement • Discussing the realities of the creator economy and persistence • Aiming for manageable financial goals like 20K a month • Daily habits and practices that support long-term success If today's episode inspired you in any way, please take the time to review the podcast. Remember to subscribe and share this podcast with fellow book lovers. Until next time, happy reading, and happy writing.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

In this episode, three authors come together to share their journeys through widowhood, highlighting the strength found in friendship and community. Karen Smith Racicot, Karen Justice, and Rebecca LaChance discuss their collaborative writing process in their book Widows Among Us, and the essential lessons learned about preparing for an unforeseen loss. Among the topics we discussed: • How unique bonding experiences led to a friendship• Writing a book from shared stories and experiences• Practical advice for navigating widowhood • The Publishing  journey and strategies for outreachIf this episode inspired you in any way, please take the time to review the podcast. Remember to subscribe and share this podcast with fellow book lovers. Until next time, happy reading, happy writing.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

🎥  You can watch the episode on YouTube here.Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a pioneering advocate for Muslim women's rights.From her early days in architectural design to becoming a powerful voice for gender equality, Dr. Khan shares her inspiring journey detailed in her memoir, Born with Wings. Her story unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11, driving her leadership in officiating marriages, tackling community issues, and challenging stereotypes about Islam.We discuss the persistent hurdles of Islamophobia, focusing on its impact on young Muslims in education and their careers, and examine the resurgence of social justice movements aiding the establishment of a Muslim community center in the U.S. Dr. Khan also talks about her ongoing efforts in gender rights, the power of storytelling to combat adversity, and her latest book, which champions the legacies of Muslim women like Hagar and Fatima of Fez through modern media. Tune in to discover how Dr. Khan's work is reshaping perceptions and empowering Muslim womenHave 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

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Josh McConkey, best-selling author, emergency physician, and military leader. Hear how his dual roles have shaped his views on addressing Gen Z's mental health challenges, exacerbated by social media pressures. Dr. McConkey shares insights from his military and medical career on preparing Gen Z for success, emphasizing community involvement and volunteerism to foster resilient leaders. We also explore his transition from emergency medicine to authorship with his book Be The Weight Behind The Spear, tackling topics like children’s social media use, parental controls, and the nuances of hybrid publishing. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the digital age's influence on leadership, mental health, and publishing.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