Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Kevin O'Connor, the author of the forthcoming memoir, 2 Floors Above Grief. Scheduled for release today, O'Connor's book provides a unique blend of memoir, travelogue, and an exploration of the mental health aspects of working in the funeral industry from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Our conversation ranges from the intricacies of writing a memoir to the deep emotional and historical context behind his family's funeral business.Timestamp:00:00 Focused on writing a book in 2021.03:12 Followed the guided process and published the book in 18 months.06:41 The Initial audience was 150 family members, but expanded.11:57 Planning follow-up books, inspired by family letters.14:39 Funeral directors coping with inherited grief burden.18:20 Authentic family stories, no fictionalization, considering fiction.19:53 Use fiction to tell truths without hurting people.24:30 Real, flawed characters are relatable and interesting.28:08 Memoir covers multiple lives and personal stories.30:06 Memoirs reflect interpreted past moments, not facts.36:00 Resources for grief, book updates, newsletter, Instagram.37:00 Shift toward emotional aspect in modern grieving.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive deep into aspiring authors' emotional and psychological challenges. Through personal anecdotes and imparted wisdom, I not only recount my journey riddled with self-doubt and dyslexia but also provide a guiding light for those grappling with similar fears. I share insights from my experiences and teach you how to transform fear into fuel for your writing journey.Timestamp:00:00 Convinced teacher to grade speeches without writing.06:47 Kids inspired me to publish my book.09:44 Self-doubt and mental habits are hard to break.11:18 Tell a positive story if imagining the future.16:43 Face fear; you'll overcome like before.18:01 Join our author community: resources, workshops, support.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive into an enlightening conversation with Sébastien Roger, a multifaceted entrepreneur, coach, and speaker. Roger’s journey spans from creating a feature documentary to teaching languages, and ultimately, coaching individuals to fine-tune their public speaking abilities. Through his reflections, Sébastien Roger offers insights on authenticity, the power of small steps, and the importance of emotions in storytelling.Timestamp:00:00 Sebastian is a kind and inclusive leader.05:27 Refusing coaching led to an unsuccessful TEDx talk.06:24 Promote meaningful ideas through TEDx talks.11:29 Multilingual upbringing sets a precedent for easy learning.12:57 Identity struggle leads to a broader perspective.17:32 Living in a world of programmed characters.19:56 Fear of writing, and storytelling challenges push boundaries.24:08 Setting intention drives towards desired outcomes and mentors.28:38 Embracing creative noncompliance to foster growth and change.30:28 Overcome nervousness by focusing on others.33:41 Supporting impactful communication on diverse platforms with clarity.36:21 Deep conversations spark new thoughts and growth.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I welcome Karen Osborne, an award-winning author and podcaster. This intriguing conversation delves into how we use fiction to address political and historical issues without directly engaging in politics. Karen's newest book, "Justice for Emerson," is set in 1968 and explores themes of race and the treatment of black veterans during and after the Vietnam War. Her first dive into a city she created allows for the resurrection of characters from her prior book, "Reckonings," adding an extra layer of familiarity and depth for her readers.My own work, "Adventures in Cinderbottom," focuses on the humanity of coal miners in Southern West Virginia, pushing back against the often negative stereotypes portrayed about the region. My ability to tell rich, humane stories has garnered positive feedback from actual residents of the cities I write about, showing that authenticity and sincerity resonate deeply with readers.Timestamp:00:00 Sibling search unravels family's mixed race history.05:23 Characters make surprising choices, revealing their humanity.07:42 Novel based on real events in 1924.09:43 Memoir turned coming-of-age story in the 50s.15:50 The Author creates a new setting for an upcoming book.17:08 Adventures in Cinderbottom depicts humanity amidst hardships.21:09 Fiction addresses political issues in a historical context.25:29 Discussing memories with husband to fact-check.27:54 Author's son, skilled beta reader, successful writer.33:40 Showcasing expertise through podcast interviews, learning journey.34:19 Podcasting has helped me become a better writer.38:10 Persistence pays off for aspiring authors.42:45 Inspiring students to become published authors.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I take listeners on an introspective journey, urging aspiring authors to embrace their genuine desires and motivations when writing a book. Through personal anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of knowing and honoring what you truly want from your writing journey. Timestamp:00:00 Overcoming doubts and finding purpose in writing.05:26 Harness the power of writing for yourself.09:46 Write a book with purpose, impact, and creativity.11:25 The book changes you and can change the world. TEDx.14:58 Book efforts lost due to lack of truth.17:28 Embrace desires and uniqueness for success. Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn today's rapidly evolving media landscape, promoting a nonfiction book has become an ongoing endeavor that requires strategic planning and relentless effort. On this episode of Authors Who Lead, Leah Paulos and I delve into the intricacies of book publicity, shedding light on the sustained efforts required for successful book promotion far beyond the initial launch. If you're an aspiring or established nonfiction author looking for practical advice, this episode offers invaluable insights.Timestamp:00:00 Leopoldos, founder of Press Shop PR summary.03:10 Media is part, but not all, of the launch.06:24 Work hard, position book well for success.09:49 Media fragmentation offers challenges and opportunities.13:16 Series "Adventures in Cinderbottom" set in Appalachia.17:39 Authors need to summarize their books.19:58 Providing relevant info for publishers and audiences.22:34 Authors must take control of their campaign.28:51 One-off courses, intensive 6-week program, 6-month coaching.30:01 Authors struggle due to mindset and doubt.33:41 Promote without selling, connect with readers.37:42 Podcast for media training and author visibility.40:52 Publicity boosts book sales and authors' careers.44:05 Appreciation for growth and learning in publishing.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn the expansive world of writing, two elements intertwine seamlessly: the stories of the past and the characters that breathe life into them. This notion becomes clear in this episode of Authors Who Lead, where Cecilia Tichi and I delve into the intricacies of storytelling, drawing from personal and historical wellsprings of inspiration.Timestamp:00:00 Overcoming challenges as a writer, shaping journeys.06:36 Lee Child on mystery fiction's shared assumption.08:42 Irish immigrant becomes wealthy with JPMorgan.11:41 Develop strong and diverse characters for impact.15:04 Curiosity about stories, historical fiction, and academic background.20:32 Steel mills, coal, generations - deep-rooted history. Sketch your stories.22:14 Vegas before Vegas, coming of age story.27:16 Writing to shed light on overlooked historical figures.31:16 Overcoming dyslexia, excelling at conveying through voice.35:17 Believe in authorship, find joy in writing.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textWriting a book can be a daunting journey, particularly when the biggest hurdle lies not in the process itself, but in the mindset of the aspiring author. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I shine a light on the psychological landscape that authors must navigate. From overcoming imposter syndrome to embracing the identity of an author from the outset, I offer invaluable insights that can help both new and seasoned writers alike.Timestamp:00:00 Battling imposter syndrome as an aspiring author.05:00 Overcome writing blocks and find community support.07:10 Believe in yourself, writing is for everyone.10:50 Becoming an author cleared my mind.14:52 Writing, publishing, doubt, and self-discovery in industry.17:09 Accelerated 3-month program with special bonus.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, Dana Malstaff and I unravel the intricate tapestry of balancing extraordinary personal and professional goals, particularly through the lenses of parenthood, authorship, and entrepreneurship. This episode, rich in insights, underscores the raw honesty and emotional depth that resonate with many. It shows how individuality, unique perspectives, and mindful marketing strategies drive meaningful connections and impactful storytelling.Timestamp:00:00 Emphasizing the importance of genuine brainstorming in mind mapping.04:46 Marketing system empowers moms with brutal honesty.09:37 Harvard expert, not the essential, emotional connection is.10:51 Recognize the impact of words when writing books.15:13 Growing an audience requires coaching and vulnerability.20:10 Book emphasizes doing things differently for success.22:38 The author advocates for a thoughtful, long-term business approach.25:24 New book released; old version stays online.29:16 Book writing vs. core of long-term mission30:50 Be strong for your kids, your voice matters.34:13 People connect through shared thoughts and experiences.40:13 Harness your passion to drive change.43:27 Next book discussed, collaboration preferred over accolades.44:19 Agree, big advance, payback, royalties, job.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us a textIn this episode of Authors Who Lead, I have the pleasure of delving into a profound conversation with Brooks Elms. As we reflect on their journeys, share personal experiences, and offer invaluable insights, it becomes evident that writing is as much about collaboration and facing fears as it is about individual creativity.Timestamp:00:00 Lockdown influenced show popularity, reflecting cultural timing.03:59 Write stories with deep soul and timing.09:43 Refused to sell out, stood by principles.10:42 Overcoming fear to create a successful genre movie.15:21 Shift in perspective, missed opportunities, perfect timing.18:53 Emotions as a guidance system in families.20:23 Listening to and understanding your inner feelings.25:03 Team provides perspective for ideal audience impact.29:36 Simplify: Storytelling basics are fundamental, enjoy the process.31:16 Took action without experience, found courage instead.36:00 Understanding audience and purpose in writing.38:24 Learning the art of storytelling in 5 minutes.40:30 The Fast-paced interview ends with gratitude and excitement.Full show notesCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS📚 Write and Publish your bookCONNECT📷 Instagram🎬 TikTok👫🏻 Facebook💼 LinkedIn🐦‍⬛ Twitter🤝🏻 Apply to be a GuestLEAVE A REVIEW✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts✍️ Review on Spotify🖱️ Episode Webpage