Read and Write with Natasha

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

What makes a truly unforgettable literary villain? According to bestselling thriller author Gary Braver, it's not mustache-twirling evil, but rather those "sweet smelling reasons" that justify their actions in their minds. Drawing from over four decades of teaching creative writing and penning critically acclaimed mysteries, Braver takes us behind the curtain of compelling thriller construction.Braver's latest novel, "Rumor of Evil," follows two Cambridge homicide detectives investigating a suspicious death that connects to the cold case of a Romani exchange student who perished in a treehouse fire.Inspired by the infamous Slenderman case, the story explores how destructive rumors, prejudice, and superstition can have deadly consequences—themes that resonate powerfully in today's climate of misinformation.For writers seeking to master the mystery genre, Braver offers an architectural approach: study successful novels like a carpenter examines a house. Notice how authors craft cliffhanger chapter endings that keep readers awake at night, balance action scenes with reflective moments, and create dialogue that distinguishes characters without attribution tags. This technical dissection of craft transforms passive reading into active learning.Whether you're a fiction writer seeking to strengthen your villains, a mystery lover curious about the mechanics behind your favorite thrillers, or fascinated by how stories are crafted, this episode delivers invaluable insights from a master of the genre. How will you apply Braver's architectural approach to your next reading or writing experience?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 reinvent your life in your 40s, face down hundreds of rejections, and still come out on top?In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christina LePort, a former cardiologist turned medical thriller author, about her remarkable journey from the operating room to the written word.Born in Bologna, Italy, Christina once dreaded writing assignments. But everything changed in her mid-40s as she waited to start cardiology training.That’s when she discovered the magic of fiction. “I realized that if you’re an author, you create the world, you invent the characters you want to meet,” she says.Her debut novel, Change of Heart, is a medical thriller that dives into the dark ethics of heart transplantation. In it, a string of suicides in New York City turns out to be something far more sinister. Victims are dying in ways that preserve their hearts, making them perfect for organ harvesting. Enter detective Jack Mulville and FBI cyber expert Charlotte Bloom, who must untangle a web of medical conspiracy and murder.In our conversation, Christina shares the surprising overlap between medicine and storytelling, from reading people under pressure to navigating life-or-death stakes. She also opens up about the emotional toll of rejection and her hard-won publishing journey. “The therapy for rejection is writing more,” she says, after enduring three years of no's before landing a deal with Bancroft Press.For aspiring authors, Christina offers a candid look behind the scenes: why you need a professional editor (“not your friend—someone who will tear it apart”), how to build your platform, and why writing should always come from joy, not just the pursuit of validation.If you’re ready for a high-stakes story rooted in real medical expertise, or you just need inspiration to keep going after rejection, don’t miss this episode.📚 Grab your copy of Have a comment? Text me!Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.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 it didn’t take a life-altering tragedy to change your life for the better?In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Scott White, also known as the “Life is Too Short Guy,” who’s on a mission to make the world a happier place—one smile at a time.Scott breaks down the ten simple but powerful principles from his Amazon #1 bestselling book. These aren't vague motivational quotes—they're real, actionable tools you can use right now to shift your mindset and improve your life.From “Attitude is Everything” to “Live Today, Don’t Wait for Tomorrow,” Scott’s message is rooted in science and real stories—people who found light after illness, grief, or even suicide attempts. But his goal? To help you have that “aha” moment without needing to hit rock bottom first.We talk about:Why positivity can literally extend your life (yes, there’s data!)How a simple smile can change your brain chemistryWhat it means to live with urgency—but not fearThe underrated power of random acts of kindnessThis episode is packed with heart, science, and straightforward takeaways you can start practicing today. Learn more about Scott and grab his book at lifeistooshortguy.com.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 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