The TufFish Show: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Milius
Welcome to The TufFish Show! A pond where author, developmental editor, and host Jen Milius interviews authors and sharing their journey, guidance, and books with you. Jen believes that we’re all works in progress, but your first, next or current book doesn’t have to be. And when you have support from someone who has “been there” and understands what you’re going through, it makes all the difference in the world.
To learn more about TufFish and be part of the next author conversation, visit www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish
Welcome Parchelle Tashi to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
No matter if you’ve published fiction or non-fiction, one way to expand your catalog of work as well as how you serve your readers is to create and deliver learning assets. Parchelle Tashi goes in depth to describe learning assets and how they benefit authors and readers (hint: a learning asset isn’t just about giving information). Parchelle shares some practical tips on how to:
- Determine your best modalities to deliver your learning assets
- Expand your book into learning assets
- Use your book to create community
Parchelle Tashi is an award winning creative entrepreneur, popular podcast host, and creator of The Author's Leverage. A former high school math teacher turned tech-preneur, she's an education design architect and video producer with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Tech.
Parchelle lives and works in San Diego where she spends her time brainstorming ways to help other creatives get more bang for their books. She and her team specialize in creating high-end, memorable, impactful online courses for authors and creators who want to establish automated and residual revenue streams.
Her combined expertise in production, education, and business growth come together to help authors create online courses based on their bestselling book, saving them time and creating a revenue stream in their business. A teacher at heart, Parchelle's personal mission is to create noteworthy learning experiences that inspire action and change.
Visit - https://www.theauthorsleverage.com/
Welcome Kristen Tatroe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you are working on getting your book out into the world, one of the biggest hurdles to work through is sharing your story. It’s a vulnerable act to put yourself out there, which is why I loved this deep conversation with Kristen Tatroe about a heart forward approach to editing. We talked about
- How to think through a non-fiction book, whether it’s prescriptive non-fiction or memoir
- How to handle trauma dumping
- How to manage your own self-care as you’re working through edits on an emotional scene or situation
Kristen Tatroe is a freelance editor and instructional designer from the Monterey Bay Area in California. She enjoys working as a developmental editor and copy editor for publishers and indie authors, with a focus on fiction, memoir, and cookbooks. When she’s not helping her author clients, Kristen designs training materials and consults on creating courses and other educational content. Kristen knows that there’s not really enough time to read all of the books, but she’s up to the challenge.
Visit - http://www.kristenedits.com
Welcome back Catherine Michaels to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
If you’re an author who is comfortable and familiar with one genre, yet another genre that’s completely different pulls at your curiosity, how do you go about making that shift?
- How do you switch and honor all the new genre’s conventions?
- How do you build or expand your community with new readers from the new genre?
- What do you need to think about as it relates to your website?
How do you know if the resistance you’re facing is because it's not what you should be doing and you’re not taking the hint, or it’s because it actually is what you’re supposed to be doing and you need to keep moving forward.
If this is resonating with you, let this conversation with kidlit turned women’s fiction/light romance author Catherine Michaels inspire and encourage you as well as give you tips to consider as you pursue a different genre.
Catherine Michaels is a former educator with a lifelong love for storytelling, brings her unique perspective to life after years of nurturing young minds. Having published five children's books as Cat Michaels and leading in the corporate world, she craved a creative outlet that echoed the peace and connection she found at her coastal haven. Fueled by this yearning and a desire for happily-ever-afters, she started her Gull Island series during the pandemic. Here, she weaves relatable characters and picturesque small-town settings into heartwarming escapes, offering readers a chance to breathe deeply and rediscover the joy of love.
Visit - www.catherinemichalesauthor.com
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cat-Michaels/author/B00GEAJQTQ?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Welcome Dave Chesson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Whether you’re in the middle of writing your book or you’ve hit publish and are looking for ways to get your book into the hands of more readers, this powerful conversation with Dave Chesson from Kindlepreneur is for you.
The insights, examples and techniques Dave shared with me is perfect for any author along their author journey. Some of the key aspects Dave shared include:
- The power of a book as a conduit for a business
- Why it’s important to figure out your keywords and categories
- How to leverage keywords, including why and how to change them
- How a curious mindset will aid your efforts and business growth.
Dave Chesson is the creator of http://Kindlepreneur.com, a website devoted to teaching advanced book Marketing which even Amazon KDP acknowledge as one of the best by telling users to “Gain insight from Kindlepreneur on how you can optimize marketing for your books.” Having worked with such authors as Orson Scott Card, Ted Dekker and more, his tactics help both Fiction and Nonfiction authors of all levels get their books discovered by the right readers.
Visit - http://kindlepreneur.com/
References mentioned:
Keywords: https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-kindle-keywords/
Keywords: https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-change-your-kindle-keywords/
Categories: https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-choose-the-best-kindle-ebook-kdp-category/
Welcome back Linda Ruggeri to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
There’s a huge opportunity for expanding your readership in a meaningful way through publishing your books in different languages, yet that can feel like a daunting project. So many questions can creep up that might stop you from even starting. But it doesn’t have to be that way if you have it in your heart to see your book published in a different language. It is possible, and just like you learned how to get your story idea turned into a published work, this is another opportunity to learn and grow. And this conversation with Linda Ruggeri is the perfect place to start getting the juices going and start fleshing out what’s needed to make that a reality for you.
Linda Ruggeri is a bilingual (EN/SP) nonfiction editor and writer based out of Los Angeles. Her first book Networking for Freelance Editors won a IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Medal Award. Linda is the co-founder of The Networking Studio and 3 Vías Creativas. When she’s not editing, she’s gardening, baking, or being a fun mom, and would gladly trade any night out for a good nonfiction book.
Visit - http://www.theinsightfuleditor.com
Book purchase link - https://thenetworkingstudio.com/collections/books
Episode resource: https://www.theinsightfuleditor.com/post/6-tips-to-translate-your-work-effectively
Welcome back Pat Black-Gould to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Research is an important aspect of writing a book. Knowing how, when and where to use the details you discover will create believable characters or a realistic world in fiction, and in non-fiction it helps to deliver on the promise you offer your readers. Multi-genre author Pat Black-Gould and I talked about the pivot she did from writing and publishing a children’s book to her first historical fiction adult novel. To add to this shift, Pat shared how she worked with her co-author for the novel, especially since she had 80,000 words for their working draft. The details she shared on researching for the book as well as co-authoring a fictional piece will inspire you to take your manuscript to the next level.
Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an award-winning author. Her book, The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey, about a hidden child of the Holocaust, won three gold medal awards. As a psychologist, Pat worked for the Veteran’s Administration and specialized in treating Vietnam Veterans. She was also the coordinator for the LGBTQ+ veterans program. In the theater world, Pat worked as a director, producer, and playwright in New York and Maine.
Visit https://patblackgould.com/
Book purchase links: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pat-Black-Gould/author/B09SYHCF74?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Welcome back Donna Norman-Carbone to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about all the things you learn between writing and publishing book one to writing and publishing book two, there’s a lot of growth. Your writing is stronger, your creative process seems to get more fleshed out, you have a better handle on what happens when with whom and how to promote your book. You also strengthen your discernment skills, and in doing so, support all of the above skills even more. In this conversation with Donna Norman-Carbone we cover:
- Lessons learned from book one
- Writing multiple POVs
- What she did to make sure book two’s experience was much more zen and enjoyable
Donna Norman-Carbone, the award-winning author of All That is Sacred, published by Red Adept Publishing, has a passion for writing women’s fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. Her second novel, Of Lies and Honey, released April 2024. Donna is also co-host of the podcast, Authors Talking Bookish, and a tour guide for the Bookish Road Trip. Her writing affiliations include membership of WFWA, WNBA, and CAPA.
Donna is an English teacher in a small CT suburb, where she and her husband have raised three children, two Labrador retrievers and a Siamese cat. In her spare time, she enjoys reading a good book on a sunny Cape Cod beach (her happy place), spending quality time with family and friends and traveling overseas.
Visit - https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
Book purchase links
Of Lies and Honey
All That is Sacred
As you continue to grow in your author business, you will inevitably run into events that do not go as you hoped or planned. Running your business is a marathon, not a sprint, yet when your best laid plans aren’t shaping up the way you hoped either before or during the event, it can throw a wrench into your carefully curated event.
Speaking from experience, I’ve had book signings where I thought I’d have all the titles available, and yet the latest release at the time of the event didn’t make it to the event. I’ve had book signings where no one or very very few attended, thus resulting in no sales. So let this short and sweet episode be your guide so you stay focused on what you can control and how to still create an amazing experience for you and your attendees.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, author stylist, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Her ninth book, Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible and Share Your Message, is your toolbox for the steps to make the most of speaking engagements, book signings, and podcast interviews when they arise, so you grow your readership and create a buzz about your catalog of work and message.
Mini Author Stylist Sessions - visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Ready to elevate your author brand? Get new free resource at https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Get the book Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message
Get book bonuses for Author Stylist Guide: www.jennifermilius.com/books
Welcome Amy P. Kelly and Julie Nee to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Have you ever considered putting together a companion piece for your book as a way to augment your message and create a deeper experience for your reader? If so, or if you hadn’t until this question, then let this conversation with Amy P. Kelly and Julie Nee inspire you to see what’s possible. We talked about:
- Which came first, the book or the journal, and how the two products blended together to create an experience for the reader as well as how they worked together to write both
- Giving yourself as a writer, and giving your reader, permission to pause and why that matters
- Blending branding into your formatting to create a cohesive look throughout the book, your website, social and more
Amy P. Kelly and Julie Nee have a positive obsession about growth and development, and they want to share it with you so you can grow, too. You Grow Girl! became a book (which you have on your tables), a companion journal, and a movement to help women of all ages and stages fulfill their full potential!
Amy’s background includes executive roles in Human Resources, leadership development, and entrepreneurship. She has authored multiple books and is launching her newest book, Difficult Conversations Don’t Have to Be Difficult with her mentor, Jon Gordon, in May 2024!
Julie’s background is in Sales and Executive Leadership, primarily with The Hershey Company. She has been speaking, training, and creating content for Jon Gordon for over 8 years. Her first book, Mirror Mirror: 5 Reflections to Clear the Fog and Help You Shine, shows people how to see themselves with acceptance and joy.
Through You Grow Girl!, they have created something that they believe will enhance the lives of women all over the world. Today they are going to share one aspect of that movement with you and help you Unlock Courage and Confidence.
Visit - http://www.you-grow-girl.com
Book purchase link - https://amzn.to/4aG2eMZ
Welcome Michelle Glogovac to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As an author, you know there are many ways to get visible with your book and message, and one way is through podcasts. Yet, imposter syndrome and our inner critic can start to creep up and either hold us back from pitching all together or downplay what we offer when we show up for the interview. If guest podcasting is part of your author business strategy, and you’d like to either hone your skills or figure out how to get started, then let this fun conversation with Michelle Glogovac not only inspire you, but give you actionable steps. Michelle shared so much wisdom about how to pitch, how research comes into play, how to think of rejections, and how to best present yourself.
Michelle Glogovac is THE Podcast Matchmaker™, a podcast publicist, author of How To Get On Podcasts (McGraw Hill, 2024) and host of the award winning podcast, My Simplified Life. She works with entrepreneurs, authors, and experts hone their storytelling abilities, grow their businesses, and elevate themselves as thought leaders. Michelle is a wife, mom of two, stepmom of two, and a fur mom. She has her B.A. and M.S. in Law, and is the Founder + CEO of The MLG Collective®.
Visit - https://themlgcollective.com or https://michelleglogovac.com
Book purchase link - How to get on Podcasts
Welcome James McLamb to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Sometimes you have an idea for your book, and you know it will be a resource in your business that will further cement your credibility and authority on a topic, Yet you might need support to get the content written and organized. If that’s the case, let this interview with James McLamb inspire you to get your idea turned into a book, including how to work with an editor or book coach and what to do when the book seems to be going in a different direction than when you started.
We also talked about:
- How books can be companions to your business programs
- How fables are a wonderful storytelling approach to teach your business concepts
- How to think about the ROI with a book
James McLamb, celebrated as "America's Youth Coach," is the visionary behind Generation Youth and a beacon in the realm of youth leadership. With roots in Agricultural Education and Youth Development Leadership, his mission is to ignite positive change in the lives of young individuals. As the author of Tomorrow's Youth and the creator of trailblazing initiatives like the Generation Youth Coaching Certification and Youth Leadership Certification, James stands out for his ability to engage and uplift the youth. A revered speaker, trainer, and family man, James invites everyone to be part of his journey in empowering youth across the globe.
Visit - http://generationziglar.com & http://generation-youth.com
Book purchase link - Tomorrow's Youth
Welcome Linda Ruggeri to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Whether you’re an author or an editor, networking and making intentional connections will help you grow your business. In this conversation, Linda Ruggeri shared:
- how editors strengthen your manuscript and questions you can ask
- how volunteering can be instrumental in making intentional connections
- the difference between intentional and transactional networking
- how to do intentional networking, even if you’re introvert
Part of growing your business involves getting out of your comfort zone, getting visible, and making intentional connections that are win-win for you and the other person. Let this episode shift how you view networking, so you are open to new opportunities and look forward to attending.
Linda Ruggeri is a bilingual (EN/SP) nonfiction editor and writer based out of Los Angeles. She’s the author of recently published Networking for Writers, and the co-author of Networking for Freelance Editors which won an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award in 2022. She graduated cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Communications and Fine Arts. She’s directed the Editorial Freelancers Association Welcome Program, the Professional Editors Network mentorship program, and has presented at writing and publishing conferences across the US. She is a founding member of The Networking Studio as well as the Argentinean-based writer community Tres Vías Creativas (@3vc .crea).
Born to immigrant parents in Los Angeles, Linda is Latinx and a first-generation American. She loves to travel and has lived in Córdoba (Argentina), Naples and Salerno (Italy), Windsor (Canada), Green Lake (Wisconsin), and Torrance (California). Besides being an editor, Linda is an avid urban gardener and baker, a writer and a mom, and would gladly trade any night out for a good nonfiction book and sleeping bag in her treehouse.
Visit http://www.theinsightfuleditor.com
Book purchase links:
Networking for Writers
Networking for Freelance Editors
Networking para Editores (Spanish Edition)
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This week’s episode was inspired by a gift from my stepdaughter that has a quote on it about celebrating because life is short, which I believe is an important reminder.
To me, the small things are just as important to celebrate as the big ones, and maybe even more so. The small steps and wins you experience are what develop your bravery and confidence to go for the next "big thing" for you. So if you need a bit of a pep talk and reminder to keep going, let this short and sweet episode do just that.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Jen's new book: Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Tami Matheny to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Writing is a solitary activity, but being an author and running your author business is not. It requires connection, and sometimes that can feel challenging to create. In order for you to reach the goals you have in your heart, you need community, and I was thrilled when Tami Matheny was all for coming back on the show to offer some beautiful and deep insights to get you going in the right direction. She’s a gem, and I can’t wait to hear what steps you’ll take to create and strengthen your community after you listen.
Tami Matheny is owner of Tami Matheny Coaching. Through mental game coaching, keynote speaking, and writing, she strives to help others build their own confidence as well as how to rise above adversity. Additionally, she is a member of the Jon Gordon Team. Tami craves challenges herself as she has completed 50k running races and recently a 100 mile bike race.
Visit - http://www.tamimatheny.com
Book purchase links - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tami-Matheny/author/B07954JCJN?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Welcome Angela Terry to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As you look at the current book you’re writing, do you see strong themes showing up? Can you see them in previous books you’ve written or read? In this fun conversation with Angela Terry, we talked about how one particular theme started showing up in her writing and what she did to hone it even more. We also talked about the fact that part of what makes a good story is that it has relatable characters. Characters that grow and change because of what they’ve been through or that they can sit in the gray area, so I enjoyed how Angela talked about the way she blending her theme and characters and can’t wait to hear what comes up for you after you listen.
Angela Terry is the award-winning and Amazon best-selling author of Charming Falls Apart, The Trials of Adeline Turner, and The Palace at Dusk. She is an attorney who formerly practiced intellectual property law at large firms in Chicago and San Francisco. She is also a Chicago Marathon legacy finisher and races to raise money for PAWS Chicago—the Midwest’s largest no-kill shelter. She resides in San Francisco with her husband and two cats, and is currently working on her next novel.
Visit https://www.angelaterry.com/
Book purchase links -
Charming Falls Apart
The Trials of Adeline Turner
The Palace at Dusk
Welcome E. Danielle Butler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
The saying “it takes a village” is so appropriate when you think about what it takes to bring your thought leadership or imagination into the world. And your book is no exception. Sometimes, we need a sounding board. Sometimes we know what we want to say, but need help getting it conveyed in a way that readers will not only want to read it, but want to continue the conversation with us or with each other. This powerful and deep conversation with E. Danielle Butler shines a beautiful light on how taking a “Yes and” approach as well as strategic partnerships with thought partners will strengthen your message and expand your business. Danielle also demystifies what it means to work with a ghost writer and why you might want to.
E. Danielle Butler is an accomplished interdisciplinary storyteller and author of eight independently published books. She is a respected ghostwriter and collaborator committed to using words as catalysts for change and inspiration. Danielle’s mission is to capture and create cultural movements through storytelling. Since 2018, Danielle has ghostwritten 13 books, including a collection of business e-books.
As a speaker and workshop facilitator, Danielle shares on the topics of publishing, writing craft, and the creative process. She also leads discussions on diversity across industries.
Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle is wife to Brandon and mom to Zoe and Zachary.
Visit - http://www.edaniellebutler.com
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/stores/E.-Danielle-Butler/author/B071W3JL7Z?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
So many times we tell ourselves what’s not working, rather than what’s possible. We can beat ourselves because we haven’t seen the success we envisioned when we did our book release, or participated at a book signing, or using social media. We end up focusing on what we don’t want. To shift that and get to where you want to go, I suggest adding one word and why in this short-n-sweet episode.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - https://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources - https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Get the book: Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message
Welcome Tami Matheny to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As writers and business owners, we create experiences for our readers and clients. We use storytelling to create an adventure, to develop empathy, and to show what’s possible, so we serve our community well. Yet, do we pay attention to the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves? What is the self-talk we choose? Are we stretching in our craft and in our business or playing small? If you could use a pep talk or a way to reframe the stories your telling yourself, let this powerful and deep conversation with Tami Matheny get you going in the right direction.
Tami Matheny is owner of Tami Matheny Coaching. Through mental game coaching, keynote speaking, and writing, she strives to help others build their own confidence as well as how to rise above adversity. Additionally, she is a member of the Jon Gordon Team. Tami craves challenges herself as she has completed 50k running races and recently a 100 mile bike race.
Visit - http://www.tamimatheny.com
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tami-Matheny/author/B07954JCJN?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Welcome Lee Bukowski to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Part of creating believable character driven stories is incorporating authentic dialogue and honoring your voice as an author, and to do this well, writers might have to break a few rules. During this conversation Lee Bukowski shares some key tips that will help any writer hone their skills whether it’s for their current work in progress or as they create community with their readers via their website, email list or social media.
Lee Bukowski lives in Reading, PA, where she teaches freshman writing at Alvernia University. When she's not teaching or writing, she loves reading and traveling, especially visiting her grown daughters in Boston and Fort Lauderdale. Lee is also a self-proclaimed Billy Joel superfan with a live concert count of 49 shows. A Week of Warm Weather is her debut novel. She's currently at work writing her second book, a fiction novel about hope, forgiveness, and second chances.
Visit - http://www.leebukowski.com
Book purchase link - A Week of Warm Weather
Welcome Jeff Heggie to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you view your book as a way to bring more people into your world, into your business, it shifts how you think about and talk about the book. This powerful conversation with Jeff Heggie shows how a book can be a form of a business card, and what can happen when you stay open to the possibilities. Jeff shared his co-authoring journey and the importance of talking about your message, even if it’s exactly what you wrote in your book. Jeff provided some ways to come through the challenges that authors and business owners face. Whether you are in the middle of writing your book, have hit publish or have been at it while, let this conversation with Jeff keep you going and moving to your next level.
Jeff Heggie is a seasoned Entrepreneur, Author and Success Coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve their dreams. Specializing in mastering the mental game, he empowers athletes to reach their full potential and guides athletes & entrepreneurs to 10X goals by cultivating the right mindset. With over two decades of entrepreneurial experience and coaching, Jeff breaks through mental and physical barriers to drive success. As a former professional rodeo cowboy and basketball coach with a deep appreciation for family and sports, he emphasizes the crucial role of mindset in achieving greatness. Jeff and his wife, Tamara, now call Arizona home, where they continue to inspire others to elevate their performance with confidence.
Visit - http://www.JeffHeggie.com
Book purchase link - https://amzn.to/3uOTRiG
Welcome Dr. Lona Bailey to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Research is an important part of writing your book, depending on the genre. Some require more and some require less, and in the case of writing biographies, it’s vital. Dr. Lona Bailey shares how she brings each person she writes about “back to life” so that person’s legacy is honored. We talk about how she strikes the balance between her narrative and the person she’s writing about as well as when she knows the story is done.
Dr. Lona Bailey is an award-winning Golden Age of Hollywood researcher and writer of Uncredited: The Life and Career of Actress Virginia Gregg, Voice of Villainy: The Betty Lou Gerson Story, Mrs. Radio: The Cathy Lewis Story, and The Wasp Woman: The Life, Career, and Brutal Murder of Hollywood’s Susan Cabot. As a PhD and former therapist, Dr. Bailey is passionate about telling the untold stories of women who perhaps weren’t finished using their own voices during their earthly journeys. Her biographic works offer a balanced perspective on the multidimensional elements involved in feministic legacy-maintenance with particular interest in the preservation efforts of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Dr. Bailey's "Voice of Villainy" biography was a finalist in the International Book Awards for 2023 and won the Gold Medal Award in the Dan Poynter's Global Ebook Awards Contest of 2023. Dr. Bailey has been featured on The Wolfe Den Show, in Film Daily, and in The Los Angeles Tribune.
Visit - www.lonabaileywrites.com
Book purchase link - Voice of Villainy: The Betty Lou Gerson Story https://a.co/d/etCIPnm
Recently I had the pleasure of speaking about courage and confidence with an amazing group of women in Winchester, Virginia. As I was driving home, I got to thinking about small beginnings and small steps. When you think about the micro decisions that you make to help you get to where you want to go, you'd be amazed at how many there were. Sometimes we can only see the starting point and the result, but not all the smaller steps to get from point A to point B.
Sometimes those smaller steps and beginnings have to do with trying something new and us managing our expectations.
If you've been in your head because you "only sold 3 books" or "only had 1 person" sign up for your newsletter or "only had 10 people" attend a workshop, I invite you to check out this episode and get a different perspective.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
New book - Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message
Book bonuses: www.jennifermilius.com/books
Welcome Meg Welch Dendler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What a pleasure to welcome back my friend and also editor for Author Stylist Guide, Meg Dendler! We had a fabulous conversation that centered around how involving editors help to strengthen your book and how to choose the right person or people to work with, so it’s your voice that’s in your book.
Meg Dendler has considered herself a writer since she won a picture book contest in 5th grade and entertained her classmates with ongoing sequels for the rest of the year. Beginning serious work as a freelancer in the '90s while teaching elementary and middle school, Meg has over one hundred articles in print, including interviews with Kirk Douglas, Sylvester Stallone, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. She has won contests with her short stories and poetry, along with multiple awards for her best-selling "Cats in the Mirror" alien rescue cat children's book series. Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess was honored as Best Juvenile Book of 2018 by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation. Meg is also an editor for independent and self-publishing authors.
Visit - https://megdendler.com
Book purchase links - https://www.amazon.com/stores/Meg-Welch-Dendler/author/B00BBNY5O2
Get the Author Stylist Guide and book bonuses here: https://www.jennifermilius.com/books
Visit - https://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Mary Camarillo to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As a writer, do you appreciate the boundaries that writing can create? Sometimes when there’s so many ways you can take a story, and Mary Camarillo suggests that setting some parameters can help. We also talked about how to work through feedback when you may conceptually understand what is being suggested, but not necessarily how to execute it. We also talked about why it’s ok for characters not to be likeable.
Mary Camarillo is the author of the award-winning novels Those People Behind Us and The Lockhart Women. Her awards include the 2022 Indie Author Project Award for California Adult Fiction, the 2022 Willa Literary Award Finalist in Multiform Fiction, and the 2021 First Place Award in the Next Generation Indies for First Fiction. She currently serves on the advisory boards of Citric Acid, An Orange County Literary Arts Quarterly, and LibroMobile, An Arts Cooperative and Bookstore in Santa Ana, California. Mary lives in Huntington Beach, California with her husband, who plays ukulele, and their terrorist cat Riley, who makes frequent appearances on Instagram.
Visit - https://www.marycamarillo.com
Book purchase links:
Those People Behind Us
The Lockhart Women
LINKS FROM JEN:
Free Resources: https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Get your copy of Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message - https://a.co/d/90U3q3t
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
One of the main messages in my business is about owning your space and letting your light shine. I wholeheartedly believe that there's only one YOU, and your gifts, message and story need to be shared. And I get how nerve wracking that can be.
In this rebroadcast I have a deep conversation with Lauren Sapala, and we talk about being highly intuitive and how that affects your writing or creative process. One of the biggest things when you are running a business or working on a creative project is getting as comfortable as you can with not knowing all the answers and being uncomfortable. If you are stuck with your writing, are highly sensitive or highly intuitive, then let Lauren’s wisdom offer some ways through it.
Lauren Sapala is the author of The INFJ Writer, Firefly Magic: Heart Powered Marketing for Highly Sensitive Writers, and The INFJ Revolution, as well as The West Coast Trilogy, an autobiographical fiction series. She is also a writing coach for writers of the INFJ and INFP personality type and blogs about writing, creativity and personality theory at http://laurensapala.com.
Visit - http://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Get your copy of Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message - https://a.co/d/90U3q3t
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Today is an important day in my world, and it is also the inspiration for today’s episode.
Today is Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message release day! The Author Stylist Guide is your toolbox for the steps to make the most of speaking engagements, book signings, and podcast interviews when they arise, so you grow your readership and create a buzz about your catalog of work and message.
Part of what this book did for me was strengthen and deepen my spiritual practice. So let this short and sweet episode remind you that not all challenges you face are meant to stop you. Instead they are meant to promote you to your next level. Let this episode reassure you that when you trust your inner voice to guide you, things will work out even better than you could have dreamed.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Get the Author Stylist Guide and book bonuses here: www.jennifermilius.com/books
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Erica Richmond to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This deep conversation with Erica Richmond about why your words matter is powerful. So many times, we as writers can get in our heads and stop writing because we doubt if anyone will care or if it will be any good, yet Erica shares not only insights for how to get out of your own way and unpack your big feelings, but how to remember why your words matter. Erica also talked about how she turned the big feelings she was processing into a story appropriate for children and why that was important.
Erica Richmond is the author of two self-published books including: Pixie and the Bees, a whimsical tale about learning to trust yourself while living with an invisible illness; and The Mail Art Stories Project: Mail Art in the Time of Covid-19, a collection of mail art from around the world that chronicles the Covid-19 pandemic. Through her business Open Sky Stories, Erica leads a variety of workshops which focus on connection and healing using expressive writing. Follow her on social media @OpenSkyStories and visit her website: openskystories.com
Visit https://openskystories.com/
Book purchase links:
Pixie and the Bees
The Mail Art Stories Project
Preorder Jen's new book: Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, and Share Your Message
Sometimes when we see a leap of faith or achieve a new level, we know big steps are required. Yet, there’s real magic in baby steps. I believe if you choose to take them, they won’t slow you down, and that’s what this short and sweet episode is all about. I’d love to hear what comes up for you after you’ve had a listen, so let me know.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, author stylist, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Preorder Author Stylist Guide: https://a.co/d/90U3q3t
Get free resources at https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Janyre Tromp as takeover host on The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When Janyre Tromp volunteered to takeover my show and put me in the hot seat, I knew we’d have fun! We covered how to go into any event, what to think about for speaking engagements, how to discern the right ones for you, and how to detach from the outcome. If you’re thinking about how to take your author business to the next level, let this episode be a resource to help you get started.
Janyre Tromp is a veteran book editor by day and writer of mid-20th century historical novels with a healthy dose of deliciously creepy suspense at night. She’s the award-winning and bestselling author of Darkness Calls the Tiger and Shadows in the Mind’s Eye and co-author of O Little Town. And that all happens from her unfinished basement when she’s not hanging out with her family, two troublesome cats, and slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog.
To pre-order Jen’s new book, Author Stylist Guide: Own Your Greatness, Get Visible, Share Your Message, visit :https://a.co/d/90U3q3t
https://www.jennifermilius.com/books
Get to know your takeover host Janyre Tromp:
Visit - http://www.JanyreTromp.com and http://www.editinginsiders.com
Book purchase links:
Darkness Calls the Tiger
Shadows in the Mind's Eye
Welcome Sonee Singh to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This deep conversation with Sonee Singh just brought me so much joy to do for you. Sonee and I talked about what helped her get through twelve (12) drafts before she published her first novel. Even when you have the right people supporting you, it’s ultimately your call what you need to do and when you take those steps. Sonee shared so much goodness and wisdom about discerning and using your intuition. I firmly believe your intuition is a powerful ally, and when you can discern that it’s your intuition versus the inner critic talking, then it will come through in your writing and your business.
Sonee Singh is a Dr. of Divinity, a cross-cultural seeker of deep knowing. She’s an award-winning and best-selling author of poetry and stories of self-discovery to encourage people to accept themselves for who they are and live life on their own terms. Her writing centers on the definitive moments on life’s journey. The mystical and spiritual are integral in her poems and storytelling, as is her multi-cultural background.
Visit - http://www.soneesingh.com
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CG8ZBFXH
Welcome Pauline Wiles to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This insightful episode with Pauline Wiles is all about what goes into a strong, converting author website. Pauline shared so much wisdom about how to think about your website, choose a domain name, and evaluate what’s working or not. We also talked about how to handle your blog. There’s so much goodness in this episode to strengthen your website, I can’t wait to hear what steps you take after listening to Pauline.
Pauline Wiles is an indie author turned website designer who helps other authors and writers create beautiful, businesslike websites. As an author herself, she noticed others were often overwhelmed by this task. Now, she’s helping to dispel the myths around how difficult a web project should be. British by birth, Pauline is now a contented resident of California, although she admits to an occasional yearning for afternoon tea and historic homes.
Visit https://www.paulinewiles.com/
Book purchase links:
Saving Saffron Sweeting
Indie With Ease
Welcome Suzanne Simonetti to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This uplifting conversation with Suzanne Simonetti is perfect to remind you of the power of community as you’re honing your writing skills, getting comfortable sharing your book, and handling rejection/redirection. Suzanne shared what she’s doing to promote her new book and how much she’s enjoying those author business activities. We also talked about how writing a novella differed from writing her novel and what she learned through that process, including killing off characters.
Suzanne Simonetti is a USA Today bestselling author. Her debut, The Sound of Wings, and her latest Christmas story are both set on Cape May Island where she lives with her husband.
Visit - http://www.suzannesimonetti.com
Book purchase links:
A Cape May Christmas Story: A Celebration of Family and Love in America's First Seaside Resort
The Sound of Wings: a novel
Welcome back Emily A. Myers to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When Emily reached out and shared how she decided to write a non-fiction book that blends self-help with poetry, I couldn’t wait to have her back on the show. Emily has excelled with writing fiction, so we talked about the differences, including the launch process, and the beautiful way she found healing through her poetry. Emily will blend genres for fiction, so we talked about how she blended self-help with poetry, including structuring her book, which I found creative and unique.
Emily A. Myers is an award-winning romantic suspense author of three books, including her top seller, Mine to Protect: A Forbidden Love Mafia Romance. But, this time, she decided to write her own story, albeit not the romance she'd hoped for. To connect with Emily you may visit her website http://www.emilyamyers.com or find her on Instagram and TikTok @emilymyersauthor
Visit - http://www.emilyamyers.com
Book purchase link - Emily's Amazon Store
Welcome back Shayla Raquel to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This in-depth and fun conversation with Shayla Raquel is perfect if you are thinking about hosting workshops or doing more speaking events. And even if you’ve been doing these for a while, Shayla’s insights will help you step up your efforts. In this episode, we talked about how to get started, what she considers for an event to be a success for her, how to prepare, how to stay on track, and tips for when someone starts to takeover the class.
A best-selling author and public speaker, Shayla Raquel has been in the publishing industry for thirteen years and teaches on author branding, self-publishing, and the craft of writing. She is a Poetic Justice volunteer for Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, where she helps women with art and poetry. Shayla lives in Oklahoma with her husband and three fur babies.
Visit - https://www.shaylaraquel.com
Purchase links:
Pre-Publishing Checklist: https://www.shaylaraquel.com/prepublishingchecklist
Printables:
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/novelistcalendars
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/nanowrimoplanner
https://www.shaylaraquel.com/childrenscalendars
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
To me, being a writer and business owner have been integral to my personal development and spiritual growth as a person. Each time we go back and rework a section or chapter or go through updates from our editor, we are reflecting and dreaming. Each time we work with a cover designer, map out our marketing plans, pitching book signing, podcast interviews or speaking opportunities, we are reflecting and dreaming.
Reflecting on where we’ve been and what we’ve learned, and dreaming of where we want to go, how we want to show up and serve our readers and audience.
So let this short and sweet solo episode encourage you as reflect and dream about your books, your message, and your author business. You are closer to your goals and dreams than where you were a year ago, which also means new levels will continue to open up so that you can get your book and message to your readers.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Meredith Schorr to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Believable characters are so important to any story, which is why backstories are so important for the author to know and discern how, when, and how much of it to incorporate into their books. In this fun conversation with Meredith Schorr, we talked about using backstory in your book as well as what happens when your main characters don’t have the chemistry you thought they would, and how to fix it. We also chatted about importance of giving kind feedback as well as how to receive feedback. Meredith shared some tips from having worked with aspiring authors as an author mentor, including how this role has strengthened her own writing.
A born and bred New Yorker and lifelong daydreamer, Meredith Schorr fueled her passion for writing everything from restaurant reviews, original birthday cards, and even work-related emails into a career penning romantic comedies. When she’s not writing books filled with grand gestures and hard-earned happily-ever-afters or working as a trademark paralegal, she’s most often reading, running, or watching TV…for research, of course. Her trade paperback debut, AS SEEN ON TV, released in 2022 from Grand Central Publishing/Forever and was chosen by USA Today and Book Riot as one of the top romances of June. Her pitch-perfect, according to BookPage, latest romantic comedy, SOMEONE JUST LIKE YOU came out July 2023.
Visit - https://meredithschorr.com/
Book purchase links:
Someone Just Like You
As Seen on TV
Welcome PA (Penni) DePaul to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about character development, one technique is using tension and conflict, and this is something our guest Penni DePaul, who writes as P. A. DePaul, loves. Penni and I talked in depth about creating conflict, a powerful villain, and how to keep it all balanced and straight so that you have a cohesive story. Penni shared her path to find her agent and get traditionally published as well as some tips to think about if that’s your goal too.
P. A. DePaul is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling and award-winning author. Her books are full of action, suspense, and romance. As a hybrid author, she has books traditionally and independently published. Her traditional publishers include Berkley, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Harlequin Books.
Visit https://padepaul.com
Books by P.A. DePaul
Welcome Sarahlyn Bruck to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Your first manuscript may not be the first book you publish. In fact, it may be tucked away in a drawer as other pieces happened and made their way to bookshelves; however, this conversation with Sarahlyn Bruck shows how important that first book you write is. We talked about all the lessons she learned from her first piece that’s still in a drawer, and how she applied those lessons and experiences to get other stories published. Sarahlyn also shared how she navigated getting her rights reversed for one of her stories.
Sarahlyn Bruck writes contemporary, book club fiction and is the award-winning author of three novels: Light of the Fire (coming January 2024), Daytime Drama (2021), and Designer You (2018). When she’s not writing, Sarahlyn moonlights as a full-time writing and literature professor at a local community college. From Northern California, she now lives in Philadelphia with her family. For the latest book news, events, and announcements, check out her website and subscribe to her newsletter. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @sarahlynbruck.
Visit - http://sarahlynbruck.com
Book purchase links:
LIGHT OF THE FIRE (2024)
DAYTIME DRAMA (2021)
DESIGNER YOU (2018)
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
One of the main messages in my business is about owning your space and letting your light shine. I wholeheartedly believe that there's only one YOU, and your gifts, message and story need to be shared. And I get how nerve wracking that can be.
Sometimes we can get in our way because we believe the first draft or second draft should be perfect and the final version for the book we so want to bring into the world.
However, the more you can let go for your first draft or reframe how you think about subsequent drafts, the more your confidence will increase and it will show in both you and your writing. So if you need a little reminder about how to embrace the power of the draft, let this short and sweet solo episode be that encouragement for you.
You are a gifted storyteller - your words can transport your reader to new worlds, new adventures, new ways of thinking, and even new mindset shifts for themselves and what they believe is possible. Your words are powerful for them, but also for you.
Visit - http://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Elizabeth Ducie to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As authors and creatives, we focus alot of our efforts to our craft. We invest time, effort and money into developing more of skills we need to produce the best book or creative product we can. Yet, how much effort is spent on the business side of things? So many times when I’ve attended an in-person event, writers tell me how much the business side scares them, and that’s not what I think at all. It can be fun, when you’re open to it. So to help with that shift to embrace the business side of your creative business, let my conversation with Elizabeth Ducie be one of those resources for you. Elizabeth shared how to get started to shift into the mindset of the authorpreneur and run your business effectively. She outlines key questions that will help you get started or reconfirm, if you’ve been in business for a while, that you’re on the right track.
Elizabeth Ducie spent thirty plus years in the international pharmaceutical manufacturing industry before giving it all up to tell lies for a living. In the past 12 years, she has published 7 novels, 5 collections of short stories and the Author Business Foundations series on business skills for authors. She is a hybrid author, having written traditionally-published text books for many years, but is now a passionate advocate of self-publishing, which she strongly believes is a legitimate route within today's publishing environment.
Visit - https://elizabethducieauthor.co.uk/
Book purchase links:
Calamity at Coombesford Church: https://geni.us/CoombesfordBook3
Villainy at the Village Store: https://geni.us/CoombesfordBook2
Murder at Mountjoy Manor: https://geni.us/CoombesfordBook1
Author Business Foundations: https://geni.us/AuthorBusFoun
Welcome Angela R. Hughes to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This deep conversation with Angela Hughes showed how important it is ignore the critics and trust your original design, your desire to write and publish your book. We talked in depth about what it takes to develop well-rounded characters that embark upon a transformation that effects your readers. If you’re characters feel flat or your struggling with how to handle emotionally charged scenes, let Angela’s wisdom help you break through those challenges to write vibrant characters. And if you’re writing non-fiction, Angela’s insights can help you ensure you deliver on the promise of your book.
Historical epic fantasy author Angela R. Hughes believes in the power of storytelling. Her ambition to write stories that grip and inspire readers led her to study Celtic mythology and live for a time in Ireland, where she fell in love with the history and landscapes of “the Emerald Isle,” Wales, Scotland, and England. When she isn’t traveling or researching Arthurian legend, Angela is chatting with fellow fantasy nerds over coffee or spending time with her family at home in Waco, Texas.
Visit - http://www.angelarhughes.com
Book purchase links:
https://amzn.to/45tYrQj
https://amzn.to/3QUTvj1
Welcome Lilian Sue to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Most of the authors I work with cringe when they hear they need to market their book. The idea of getting more visible feels daunting. Some time it’s because they think it will be a huge financial investment, they don’t think they have the skills, or they don’t know where to start. If any of this is resonating, then this conversation with Lilian Sue is for you. Lilian identified the two keys that authors already possess and do well to start building their public relations strategy. She also shared why mindset is important in PR and how to build a strong mindset that will lead to a successful PR strategy.
As a PR coach and publicist, Lilian Sue is in the storytelling and relationship building business.
She empowers authors to learn how to gain the confidence to make public relations work for them to achieve their goals by giving them personalized guidance and support to gain the confidence to push past limiting beliefs and mindset blocks to develop and launch successful PR campaigns.
Why? Because she believes that every author has a compelling brand story that deserves to be heard and celebrated by audiences all over the world. Audiences learn to trust them and support their projects because they resonate with their stories.
Visit - http://www.inretrospectwritingservices.com
Welcome Alexa Bigwarfe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
I also want to mention that one of the links mentioned in this episode is an “affiliate link.” This means if you use that link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my customers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
For this conversation, I asked Alexa to put her summit host hat on as we talked in depth about how to make the most of conference speaking. Alexa shared how the Women in Publishing Summit came to be and how its purpose drives what she looks for from her conference speakers. Alexa and I covered tips on pitching, scaling your presentation, content delivery, and leveraging calls to action. If workshop presentations or conference speaking opportunities are part of your strategy, you’ll want to check this episode with Alexa out.
Alexa Bigwarfe is a publishing consultant, book marketing expert, and author. She enjoys building community and connecting authors and professionals in the publishing industry through her company, The Women in Publishing Summit. She writes her own fiction books under the pen name Lexi Haddock.
Visit https://womeninpublishingsummit.com
Book purchase link - 4 Days in Paris
Welcome Jennifer Lang to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with Jennifer Lang shows how becoming fluent in French helped her to become a strong writer in her line of work, but also as an author. So many writers start out by taking one step - perhaps it’s submitting an article or blogging - before they set out to write a book, especially memoir, and Jennifer’s path and insights are a reminder to keep following that little nudge and taking it a step at a time as you write and share your voice. It’s about the journey, not the destination, so if you’re feeling like you’re behind, let this conversation with Jennifer reassure you that you’re making progress.
Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jennifer Lang lives in Tel Aviv, where she runs http://israelwriterstudio.com. Her prize-winning essays appear in Baltimore Review, Under the Sun, Midway Journal, and elsewhere. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is an Assistant Editor at Brevity Journal, longtime yoga practitioner and instructor. She has two unconventional books forthcoming, Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature (9/5/23) and Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses (10/15/24), both with Vine Leaves Press.
Visit - https://israelwriterstudio.com/
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/Places-Left-Behind-memoir-miniature/dp/3988320188/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1693916697&sr=1-1
Part of being an author is getting feedback on your books. Sometimes it’s during the process as you’re refining your drafts before you hit publish, and sometimes, you’ll receive feedback afterwards through reviews. Let this solo episode offer a way to reframe how to view and handle feedback when you’re on the receiving end as well as offer guidance for when you’re the person providing the feedback.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, coach, developmental editor, author, and host of The TufFish Show who helps creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Whether it’s speaking to elementary school students about courage and confidence; helping authors and creatives move to their next level through coaching, developmental editing, refining keynote speeches, instructions through course or workshops; or even having them on The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Stephanie Cotta to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
If you’ve been writing or have been in your head about when to take it to the next step and share with others, or if you need to rework your book from a different angle, or if you should be further along than you are, then let this conversation with Stephanie Cotta offer some encouragement. Stephanie shared how working with an accountability partner helped her to move to the next step, then how querying her epic fantasy manuscript caused her to try a different approach to get published. She also shared how she trusted her instincts and went at the pace she needed, which is something I think is so important, especially when it seems like you should be further along.
Stephanie Cotta writes epic fantasy and is the award-winning author of the young adult fantasy novel The Conjurer’s Curse. After discovering the world of Star Wars and the land of Narnia at a young age, her love of Sci-fi/Fantasy has been undying ever since. She loves crafting stories of hope amid impossible odds and creating realistic characters who inspire readers to discover their inner strength and overcome their struggles. Stephanie lives in beautiful Southern Oregon with her husband, their two kids, a corgi named Walter, and a tabby-cat named Percy. When she’s not writing, she’s practicing archery, avidly reading, playing an immersive RPG, or hiking with her family.
Visit http://www.sdaniellacotta.com
Book purchase link https://a.co/d/ejrshEl
Welcome Meg Nocero to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This powerful and deep conversation with Meg is worth its weight in gold! Meg and I talked about using this time of year to set the intention for what you want to create and why, so as you move forward, you’re making empowered choices. We also went into detail what she looks for in guests on her podcasts and speakers for her live events, so if adding speaking engagements or podcasts are on your strategic plan, then let Meg’s insights support your efforts.
Margaret (Meg) Nocero (she/her) was a federal immigration prosecutor and legal intern coordinator/mentor for over 20 years. Now, as an expert in happiness studies, she is a TEDx speaker, an empowerment coach, and the award-winning author of The Magical Guide to Bliss: Daily Keys to Unlock Your Dreams, Spirit & Inner Bliss, Sparkle & Shine: 108 M.A.N.T.R.A.s to Brighten Your Day and Lighten Your Way, and Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief. She founded Butterflies & Bliss L.L.C. and the award-winning S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to young innovative leaders in her community. She holds a B.A. in Spanish/Italian from Boston College, an M.A. in International Affairs from the University of Miami, a J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law, and a Certificate in Happiness Studies with the Happiness Studies Academy. She is also a Certified Federal Law Enforcement Instructor, a Love Button Global Movement Ambassador, and a Happiness Studies Mentor. She has appeared on CNN Español, BookCon live, and online media, such as ThriveGlobal, MSNBC, CBS, Boston Herald, AILA National Well-Being Panel, and Chicago Tribune. She is the Chair of AILA South Florida's Wellness Committee and hosts two YouTube/podcasts called Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary People and Amazing Authors. She is currently working on a novel, The Sunrise of My Italian Bliss.
Visit http://www.megnocero.com
Book purchase links:
The Magical Guide to Bliss
Sparkle & Shine
Butterfly Awakens
Welcome Leslie Rasmussen to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Have you ever felt like once you pick a publishing path, you have to stick with that choice for each book you write? If you have or if you’ve wondered what are some considerations for choosing a path, then let this conversation with Leslie Rasmussen help. This fabulous conversation covers her journey of publishing from a hybrid press to a small traditional press. In addition to publishing paths, Leslie shared her experience with launching her first book as well as writing her second book during the pandemic, then celebrating her second book with an in-person book signing event.
Leslie Rasmussen is the award-winning author of After Happily Ever After and The Stories We Cannot Tell. In the past, she’s written tv sitcoms for Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, and many others. Leslie has also written over twenty essays for Huffington Post and has spoken on panels discussing empowering women in midlife. She is a member of The Writers Guild of America as well as Women in Film and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Leslie lives in Southern California and is married with two sons.
Visit https://www.lesliearasmussen.com
Book purchase links:
The Stories We Cannot Tell
After Happily Ever After
Welcome Kristin Kisska to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When Kristin Kisska talked about “engineering a reader’s experience,” I knew that this was the perfect way to describe our conversation. Kristin and I have a fabulous in-depth conversation about leveraging multiple point of views, dual timelines, epilogues and prologues all to create her book’s structure for a powerful reader experience. To do this, Kristin walks through how handled creating the dual timeline while considering all characters as well as how she decided that an epilogue and prologue were crucial to her book.
Kristin Kisska is a native of Virginia, where she currently resides with her family and their moody tabby, Boom. She holds a BS in commerce from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University. She is the author of a dozen short stories published in anthologies. The Hint of Light is her debut novel. Kristin loves hearing from friends and readers at http://www.KristinKisska.com .
Visit http://KristinKisska.com
Book purchase link
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Hint-Light-Novel-Kristin-Kisska/dp/1662512511/
Audible - https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Hint-of-Light-Audiobook/B0BZ16SRCB?
Welcome Tamsen Horton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As an author, you tend to think about the legal side of your business by securing a copyright for your book, and that’s great! And there’s so much more to truly protect yourself, your works and business. My friend and business mentor Tamsen Horton is also an attorney as well as an expert in thinking through and building solid infrastructure. She’s known for saying “every business decision has a legal impact,” so let this fabulous conversation with Tamsen help you to not only identify where you need legal protection in your author business, but also why it’s needed and how to remedy it.
Tamsen Horton is a licensed attorney, published author, and dedicated advocate for out-of-the-box entrepreneurs. With her extensive expertise and unique perspective, she helps entrepreneurs protect what matters most to them—time, money, and relationships.
As the author of Easy As PB&J: Share What You Know, Make Money Doing It and Open for Business: Entrepreneur Stories, Tamsen shares practical insights, success stories, and entrepreneurial ideas. Her books have inspired and guided countless individuals on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Tamsen's impact extends beyond the pages of her books. She founded PBK (Preneur Business Klub), an entrepreneurial community specifically designed for online business owners. PBK provides valuable resources, coaching, and a supportive network, empowering out-of-the-box entrepreneurs to thrive in their businesses.
Recognizing the need for simplified business and legal tools, Tamsen created BIZLEBOX™—a reliable and user-friendly toolbox for entrepreneurs. BIZLEBOX™ equips entrepreneurs with templates, guides, and resources to protect their most important assets, enabling them to focus on what they do best.
Tamsen's expertise and passion have led to frequent appearances on popular podcasts, including Naptime Empires, You Inc., Now or Never, The Gen Why Lawyer, The Starters Club, and The Marketing Moxie Show. These platforms have allowed her to share her insights, connect with a broader audience, and make a positive impact in the entrepreneurial space.
With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by out-of-the-box entrepreneurs, Tamsen's work has garnered testimonials such as "PBK provided coaching and education beyond our expectations" or "BIZLEBOX™ saved me from myself and my good ideas," she knows that she is truly making a difference.
Visit - https://www.tamsenhorton.com/bizle
Book purchase links:
Easy As PB&J: Share What You Know, Make Money Doing It and Open for Business: Entrepreneur Stories
Welcome Janyre Tromp to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
You know when you just click with someone because it feels like you’ve met a kindred spirit? Well, that’s how I felt with Janyre Tromp, and this fun and in depth conversation is about tackling structure, editing, and puzzling your book together. No matter if you’re a panster, plotter, or puzzler, let the wisdom Janyre shares help you to strengthen your book, so it’s a solid version for your editor, which makes it the best it can be for your readers.
Janyre Tromp is a veteran book editor by day and writer of historical novels with a healthy dose of intrigue at night. She’s the best-selling author of Shadows in the Mind’s Eye and co-author of both O Little Town and It’s a Wonderful Christmas. And that all happens from her unfinished basement when she’s not hanging out with her family, two troublesome cats, and slightly eccentric Shetland Sheepdog.
Visit - http://www.JanyreTromp.com
Book purchase links:
Shadows in the Mind's Eye:
O Little Town
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This solo episode gets into decisions that are necessary to move to your next level. It doesn’t matter how big or small the step is. It’s about taking that next step because each one pushes you out of your comfort zone and toward your next new level, which will require you to dig deep. It’s about not comparing your next level to someone else’s because it only matters what is big to you to accomplish. So whether you’re writing your first book, publishing your latest book in a different genre, doing your first interview, hosting your first book signing or even if you’ve done many of these before, but not at the scale or level where this new opportunity will take you, it still requires action. And some of those steps, may seem invisible to everyone around you, except to you, yet you still need to take them.
So if you’re questioning if you’re the right person for your book, or if you’ve said “yes” to opportunities and are in your head about them, or just need a pep talk, let this episode be encouragement to keep going.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, developmental editor, coach and accomplished multi-genre author who leverages her 20-year corporate career, undergraduate Communications degree, and M.B.A. to help creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Having spoken to over 5,000 elementary school students about courage and confidence as well as being host of The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them. Tapping into your full potential means that joy, purpose, and possibility are coming together through you.
Visit - https://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at https://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Shana Dow to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As writers, positive self-talk is so important. When you’re creating a story, you know the possibility of the impression your words can have on your readers, so you choose them well. Do you do the same with your self-talk? This fabulous deep conversation with Shana Dow goes into being mindful of what you tell yourself and giving yourself permission to make adjustments. Whether it’s to change a book cover to align it better with your genre, questions to ask to make important edits or how to give yourself grace as you write, run your author business and live your life.
Shana Dow is the best-selling author of the young adult adventure fantasy series, The Keepers of the Balance. In addition to writing novels, she enjoys reading, cooking, watching anime, and her newest endeavor, gardening. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and four sons.
Visit https://shanadow.com
Book purchase links:
The Keeper
The Meadow
The Portal
Welcome Delise Torres to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you get that first draft done, it is such a big accomplishment and yet, there’s more writing that’s needed to refine and polish that draft into the final manuscript. Delise Torres and I talked about she found her story through the revisions and developed the structure for her book. She shared how she leveraged her professional background into a subplot and what was required to create a well-connected story that honored her vision.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Delise Torres has a PhD in Food Science and former work experience as a quality assurance manager in the food industry. She currently lives in Germany with her daughter and German husband. One Tough Cookie is her first novel.
Visit https://delisetorres.com/
Book purchase link https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723029/one-tough-cookie-by-delise-torres/
Welcome Stephanie Landsem to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Part of writing a book is determining how to structure it, and if it’s fiction, how you develop engaging and complex characters. In this conversation with Stephanie Landsem, we talk about how she accomplished this in two different genres - biblical fiction and historical fiction - while leveraging and keeping real and documented events intact. Stephanie shared how she worked with her beta readers to ensure the reveals she wanted in the story were ideally timed as well as how she worked through writing roadblocks.
Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women who love history. Stephanie has traveled on five continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure -- whether it be in person or on the pages of her novels. She makes her home in Lake Elmo, Minnesota with her husband of 33 years, occasional adult children, two cats, a dog, and a tortoise named Moe.
Visit - https://stephanielandsem.com/
Book purchase links:
Code Name Edelweiss: https://stephanielandsem.com/code-name-edelweiss/
In A Far-Off Land: https://stephanielandsem.com/in-a-far-off-land/
The Living Water Series: https://stephanielandsem.com/books/the-well/
Welcome back Daniella Rushton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
The first time Daniella Rushton and I chatted, it was all about world building tips as well as dealing with doubt. This time, we talked about how challenges can be conduits to creativity and how empowering and therapeutic writing is. Daniella also shared a fabulous way of how she markets her book that took her main character and book cover to a whole new level!
Daniella Marie Rushton is British, wife to Nicholas and mother to Bertie. In 2017, her son challenged her to channel her renowned imagination into writing a book. The Panther Tales fantasy series was born.
The Watchers and the Gifted Ones, book one in the series, published in 2020.
The Queen and the Powerful Pendant, the sequel, published in 2022.
She has since gone onto collate a collection of fairy tales, of which one has been published online, as well as a collection of surreal poetry, which she hopes to have published someday soon.
Her brand, ‘Fantasy, Fairy Tales and Poetry’ was developed and is inspired by her Christian faith as well as living a thoroughly creative life. This belief, the core message of The Panther Tales, has led to her being featured on numerous podcasts, radio, as well as summits discussing and sharing her literary life.
Visit - http://www.thepanthertales.com
Book purchase link - The Queen and the Powerful Pendant
Welcome Jenn Hanson-dePaula from Mixtus Media to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Do you cringe when you think about marketing or having to market your book? Are you unsure what to talk about or how often so you reach your ideal audience? If so, let this in-depth, chock full of goodness conversation with Jenn Hanson-dePaula at Mixtus Media help you reframe how to think of and approach marketing, especially in social media. Jenn shared so much wisdom including the phases of book marketing, creating connections, and the difference between marketing and sales (hint: they’re cousins, not twins).
Jenn Hanson-dePaula is a marketing and social media expert who has been working with authors, musicians, and other creatives for over 20 years.
Jenn got her start in the music industry working for Essential Records in 2000 serving as the label publicist. In 2001 she was asked to join EMI CMG to serve as label publicist. For five years she helped musicians take their career to new heights, and actually has a platinum record to prove it.
In 2005 she ventured out on her own to start BookEnd Media, which was formed to serve the independent music and author communities. As the music and publishing landscapes changed and social media outlets became more and more prominent, she refocused the company, naming it Mixtus Media. She decided to concentrate on authors and book publishing to help her clients form a deeper and more powerful online presence. She has worked with a wide range of authors - from New York Times best selling authors to self-published authors starting from scratch.
Jenn is a 2000 graduate of Greenville University with a degree in Communication: Public Relations. In 2012 she was named "Outstanding Young Alumna" by Greenville University for her work in marketing and entrepreneurial ventures.
Visit - www.mixtusmedia.com
https://www.mixtusmedia.com/the-author-circle
https://www.mixtusmedia.com/tools
https://www.mixtusmedia.com/consulting
Welcome Donna Norman-Carbone to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about what draws you into a book, a strong and enticing chapter one is key, yet not easily done on the first pass. Donna shares the process she went through to get to this coveted first chapter status including how she went from five point of views to one and why. Another piece to the puzzle is knowing when it’s done, and Donna shares some insights to help here too.
Donna Norman-Carbone’s debut, All That is Sacred, a women’s fiction released June 6, 2023, and was published by Red Adept Publishing. A member of the WFWA and CAPA and a tour guide for Bookish Road Trip, Donna also teaches English in CT where she resides with her husband and family. She enjoys reading and traveling.
Visit https://www.donnanormancarbone.com
Book purchase link - All That is Sacred
Welcome to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
One of the main messages in my business is about owning your space and letting your light shine. I wholeheartedly believe that there's only one YOU, and your gifts, message and story need to be shared. And I get how nerve wracking that can be. The language we use, especially to ourselves, about ourselves is powerful. The more you shifted your language toward success and believing you will do well, the more you will increase your confidence and it will show.
You are a gifted storyteller - your words can transport your reader to new worlds, new adventures, new ways of thinking, and even new mindset shifts for themselves and what they believe is possible. Your words are powerful for them, but also for you.
Visit - http://www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free resources at http://www.jennifermilius.com/start
Welcome Grace Sammon back to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
So much has happened since Grace and I last chatted on the show, including three anthology books that she’s also rapid launching. I was so intrigued that I wanted to have her back to talk about how the anthologies really came together and how she’s applying lessons learned from book one’s efforts into book three’s, all in a relatively short period of time.
Grace Sammon is recognized in “Who’s Who in Education” and “Who’s Who in Literature.” Grace utilized skills built up over decades to re-invent herself with her award-winning fourth book and debut novel - The Eves. She is the brainchild behind the Launch Pad Countdown series on writing, publishing, and marketing your book. Grace hosts two radio shows, The Storytellers and LAUNCH PAD. Always committed to creative collaborations, Grace is the founder of Author Talk Network; a member of both the Women’s Fiction Writers’ Association and the Women’s National Book Association; and she serves as the Director of Membership for the reader/writer online community “Bookish Road Trip.” She currently lives on Florida’s west coast with her husband and a small herd of imaginary llamas.
Visit www.gracesammon.NET
Book purchase links -
For Writing:
https://www.amazon.com/Launch-Pad-Countdown-Writing-Your-ebook/dp/B0BX1GGTD7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RIJDW2L3HKA3&keywords=launch+pad+the+countdown+to+writing+your+book&qid=1683056144&sprefix=launch+pad%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1
For Publishing:
https://www.amazon.com/Launch-Pad-Countdown-Publishing-Your-ebook/dp/B0C3G7KPV9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1W0N486T81SLP&keywords=launch+pad+the+countdown+to+publishing+your+book&qid=1683056212&sprefix=launch+pad+the+countdown+to+publishing+your+book%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1
For Marketing:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/launchpad-mary-helen-sheriff/1143000453?ean=9781637773765
Welcome back Barbara Conrey to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
When my previous guest Barbara Conrey suggested we talk again about how it’s never too late to follow your dream, I couldn’t wait to have her back on the show. Barbara shared in this episode how age is just a number, her lessons between writing book one to now getting ready to publish book three, and how volunteering has helped her grow her author business.
Barbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye, her debut, published on August 4, 2020, by Red Adept Publishing. Liza Fleissig represents her at the Liza Royce Agency. Her sophomore novel, My Secret to Keep, released on August 23, 2022.
Barbara is an active member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Women’s National Book Association, and Author Talk Network. She also moderates the online book club for the Facebook Group Bookish Road Trip.
Travel is her passion, along with reading, writing, hiking, and exploring antique shops. Her greatest love is Miss Molly, her rescue beagle. Barbara lives in Pennsylvania, close to family and friends.
Visit - https://www.barbaraconreyauthor.com
Book purchase links:
My Secret to Keep
Nowhere Near Goodbye
One of the main messages in my business is about owning your space and letting your light shine. I wholeheartedly believe that there's only one YOU, and your gifts, message and story need to be shared. And I get how nerve wracking that can be.
Your creativity is a gift and will require you to get visible to make the impact you want to have, so let this solo bite-size episode offer some perspective, encouragement and support to help you trust the creativity in you.
Jennifer Milius is an entrepreneur, developmental editor, coach and accomplished multi-genre author who leverages her 20-year corporate career, undergraduate Communications degree, and M.B.A. to help creatives bring out their inner greatness so that they get comfortable using their voice, sharing their message, and being visible.
Having spoken to over 5,000 elementary school students about courage and confidence as well as being host of The TufFish Show, Jen believes when you share your gifts and message, you bring joy to others and show what’s possible for them. Tapping into your full potential means that joy, purpose, and possibility are coming together through you.
Visit - www.jennifermilius.com/stylist
Get free tips to help you get started with podcast guesting or speaking: www.jennifermilius.com/start
TufFish: https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish
Welcome Hope Gibbs to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about content editing your manuscript, it can feel like a huge undertaking. And when you need to cut thousands of words to tighten and strengthen the story, how do you know where to start? What to keep? What to omit? If these questions are on your mind, then let this conversation with Hope Gibbs be a fabulous resource. Hope shares what she did over the course of several rounds of content editing to answer these very questions, so that she ended up with an even stronger story than where she started.
Hope Gibbs grew up in rural Scottsville, Kentucky. As the daughter of an English teacher, she was raised to value the importance of good storytelling from an early age. Today, she’s an avid reader of women’s fiction. Drawn to multi-generational family sagas, relationship issues, and the complexities of being a woman, she translates those themes into her own writing.
Hope lives in Tennessee with her husband and her persnickety Shih Tzu, Harley. She is also the mother of five. In her downtime, she loves playing tennis, singing karaoke, curling up on her favorite chair with a book, and playing board games.
Hope has a B.A. from Western Kentucky University and is a member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association, a Bookish Road Trip Tour Guide, and a member of the Women's National Book Association.
Visit - https://www.authorhopegibbs.com
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/Where-Grass-Grows-Blue-Gibbs-ebook/dp/B0BWL189GB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PV2RZ21DCO8C&keywords=hope+gibbs&qid=1677178237&s=digital-text&sprefix=hope+gibbs%2Cdigital-text%2C78&sr=1-1
Welcome Brooke Adams Law to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This fabulous deep conversation with Brooke Adams Law is perfect if you’ve been in your head with getting your book out into the world. When you’re working on something that’s bigger than you, fear will not only show up, it will remind you that it’s there too. So no matter what phase you’re in (writing, editing, publishing, promoting), let the wisdom Brooke shares help you get refocused, grounded and moving to your next level.
Brooke Adams Law is an award-winning author and founder of the Writing Brave movement. Brooke helps creative, intuitive women claim their author identity so that they can start, finish and publish brave, dazzling books.
Brooke’s debut novel Catchlight won the Fairfield Book Prize, was named a Best Indie Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews, and was featured on Good Morning America’s blog.
You can visit Brooke’s website at http://www.wearewritingbrave.com and take her free quiz to discover YOUR writing routine personality type.
Visit - https://www.wearewritingbrave.com/
Book purchase link - https://www.amazon.com/Catchlight-Brooke-Law/dp/1949116182
Welcome Susanne Dunlap to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about historical fiction, there’s so many nuances that go into it in order to create a powerful story. And it’s these details that Susanne Dunlap and I discussed in this episode. Setting, character development, a strong familiarity for the period of time the story, and even dual timelines are areas where Susanne shared so much wisdom. I can’t wait for you to listen!
Susanne Dunlap is the award-winning author of historical fiction for adults and teens, and an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach. Her books span periods from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, all feature strong female protagonists and illuminate something about women's history. Many owe their genesis to the research she did for her PhD in music history from Yale University. She lives in Biddeford, Maine with her 15-year-old dog Betty.
Visit - https://susanne-dunlap.com
Book purchase link - The Courtesan's Daughter
Welcome Shawn Peters to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you think about getting feedback on your writing, whether it’s from an editor or a beta reader, do you feel excited or nervous? Do you feel overwhelmed with how to process all of the feedback you’ve received, so that you don’t miss anything? If any of these questions have run through your mind before now, let this conversation with Shawn Peters help you work through them. Shawn’s energy is vibrant, and he shared so much goodness not only about feedback and processing edits, but also structure and character development. And after you’ve listened, we’d love to hear how you incorporated his tips.
Shawn Peters has written a little bit about a lot of things in a lot of places. Ads for huge premium cable networks and all kinds of small businesses. Movie ideas that ended up on the shelf and domestic date-nights that ended up in the newspapers. Columns about fantasy sports and finally, a pair of books about a neurodiverse hero in the making. Shawn lives in Massachusetts with his wife who is a real superhero (aka a public school teacher), as well as their two children, a dog and a cat that might appear during this podcast if she decides to.
Shawn's debut MG adventure novel, The Unforgettable Logan Foster, was published on January 18th, 2022 by Harper Collins, and the paperback was released on November 8th, 2022. It’s currently nominated for The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Award and The Bluestem Award. The sequel, The Unforgettable Logan Foster and the Shadow of Doubt, is out now as well.
Visit - http://www.shawnpeterswrites.com
Book purchase links:
THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER (Paperback) https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Logan-Foster-1/dp/0063047683
THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER AND THE SHADOW OF DOUBT (Hardcover) https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Logan-Foster-Shadow-Doubt/dp/0063047721
Signed Copies of THE UNFORGETTABLE LOGAN FOSTER SERIES - https://aesopsfable.com/search?q=%22shawn+peters%22
Welcome Sarah Vie to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As writers, we do our best to craft and develop an incredible journey or story for our readers, yet are we mindful of the stories we tell ourselves? This deep conversation with Sarah Vie goes into this exact thing - the stories we tell ourselves and how we can reprogram them. Edit the narrative in a more expansive and positive way, so we are willing to take calculated risks with our writing and our businesses in order to grow.
Sarah Vie Is an award winning author, energy facilitator and manifesting light worker. She helps women shift their limited inner energy so that they can attract massive abundance in their lives.
Visit - http://Sarahvie.com
Book purchase link Sarahvie.com/books
I wish I’d known - Memoir and a guide to release ancestral patterns.
Let your inner golden sparkle shine - Children's book teaching children how to believe in themselves
Welcome Valerie James Abbott to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When my previous guest, Valerie James Abbott, told me about her latest accomplishment, I had to have her back on the show to share with you. As a recap, our first conversation centered around shifting point of view and the illustration process for her children’s book, and this conversation is about how Valerie republished Padapillo from English into Spanish. Valerie’s desire was for this edition to feel as if it was always written in Spanish, so our conversation is a deep dive into her process, so that she achieved her goal.
Valerie James Abbott is the co-founder of the national pediatric Late Onset Hearing Loss Awareness Campaign and a nationally recognized parent-leader for early childhood hearing loss detection and intervention. She serves as director of Listen Up! at Padapillo PBLLC, an organization dedicated to improving community awareness about postnatal hearing loss. Her award-winning children's book Padapillo is based on the true story of how her family discovered and came to terms with their child's mysterious permanent hearing loss.
Visit - www.valeriejamesabbott.com
Book purchase link: https://www.valeriejamesabbott.com/bookstore
Welcome Lauren Sapala to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What a fabulous deep conversation with Lauren Sapala about being highly intuitive and how that affects your writing or creative process. One of the biggest things when you are running a business or working on a creative project is getting as comfortable as you can with not knowing all the answers and being uncomfortable. If you are stuck with your writing, are highly sensitive or highly intuitive, then let Lauren’s wisdom offer some ways through it.
Lauren Sapala is the author of The INFJ Writer, Firefly Magic: Heart Powered Marketing for Highly Sensitive Writers, and The INFJ Revolution, as well as The West Coast Trilogy, an autobiographical fiction series. She is also a writing coach for writers of the INFJ and INFP personality type and blogs about writing, creativity and personality theory at laurensapala.com.
Visit - www.laurensapala.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lauren-Sapala/author/B01G7RO33E
Welcome Samantha Otto Brown to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
So many of the writers I work with share their concerns about balancing real life with writing. Whether they are running their own business, juggling a couple of different jobs, or spending time with family, it can feel challenging to navigate “all the things” and work on your book. If this is resonating, then let this conversation with Samantha Otto Brown offer encouragement and a reminder that you’re not alone. During our chat, Samantha shared some guidance she received which helped her shift her perspective and give herself permission to go at the pace she needed to write and publish her book.
Samantha Otto Brown is based in St. Louis, Missouri. She works in medical publishing and corporate PR/social media. Sub Wife is her first book-length publication.
Visit - Samanthaottobrown.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Sub-Wife-Samantha-Otto-Brown/dp/1737867605
Welcome Lisa Roe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What do you do when you get feedback for your book that might have bigger implications when you address them? That’s what this in depth conversation with Lisa Roe covers. During our chat, Lisa shared ways to develop stronger characters and how to handle structural changes to your book. She likened the process to smoothing out a bedsheet to get all the wrinkles out, and the way she moved between her writing process and her metaphor was brilliant. Because in the end, you want to make sure that any changes you do are worked out entirely, so that the reader gets the best experience with your book.
Lisa Roe graduated from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and spent many years as an advertising creative director and copywriter in New York City until she accepted the tougher job of stay-at-home mom and turned to writing fiction — mostly to entertain her kids, but then to tell her own stories. A classic first born, reluctant empty nester, Dr. Doolittle wannabe, and the author of Welcome to the Neighborhood, Lisa lives in New Jersey with her husband and three incorrigible dogs.
Visit - lisaroe.com
Book purchase link: Welcome to the Neighborhood
Welcome Natalya Androsova to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Working on anything that’s a long term project, like a dissertation or a book, requires something more than stamina. It requires trusting the writer within you, and that’s what Natalya and I talked about in this deep and powerful conversation. Natalya shared so much wisdom about trusting the nudge to share your writing, honoring the balance between listening and applying feedback and staying true to what you wrote originally, and connecting with your inner writer when the inner critic shows up.
Natalya Androsova is an award-winning writing and dissertation coach with over two decades of experience teaching writing. Her passion is helping writers become more courageous, authentic, and kind to themselves. Through her coaching, writing groups, and retreats, she has helped hundreds of writers overcome writer’s block, achieve clarity and writing momentum, as well as complete their projects.
Visit - www.writingdissertationcoach.com
Book purchase links:
7 Minutes to Freedom
https://www.amazon.com/Minutes-Freedom-Writing-Meditations-Liberate/dp/1777453720/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Dissertation Without Tears
https://www.amazon.com/Dissertation-Without-Tears-Critic-Nourish/dp/1777453739/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33R5YRO5G8E9G&keywords=dissertation+without+tears&qid=1652198534&s=digital-text&sprefix=dissert%2Cdigital-text%2C444&sr=1-1-catcorr
Welcome Wendy Koenig to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
If you haven’t worked with an outline at all for writing your book, let this conversation with Wendy Koenig give you some tips for how to incorporate one after you’ve written the first draft. Wendy shared so many tips for how to shape and structure your book by using an outline after writing the first, and rough, draft of a manuscript. She not only demonstrates how this helps with character development, but also can be applied across multiple genres.
Wendy Koenig is a novelist and poet who lives in New Brunswick, Canada. Two of her novels have won international awards, as well as some of her poetry and a short story. She loves animals, especially her two cats: Missy (named after that character in Dr. Who) and Jake (named from the Blues Brothers).
Visit - www.wendylkoenig.com
Book purchase link: https://a.co/d/disL7xu
Welcome back Wayne Applewhite to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This fun conversation with my co-author and friend, Wayne Applewhite, is a wonderful way to celebrate the release of our audiobook! We narrated our book, You Know it’s a Verb, Right?, and it was a wonderful experience for us. In this chat, we talked about what it was like to narrate our book, how we planned and prepped, and how the imperfect recordings were handled for a seamless and engaging experience for our listeners.
Wayne Applewhite is a lifelong learner. His leadership practices started in high school as he witnessed firsthand that leadership was something more than what met the naked eye. Using his curious and ever asking observational notions, Wayne knew early on that leadership was more - much more - than being in charge by title only.
Wayne was co-founder of a leadership development firm, Just Leadership, LLC, and holds a Doctor of Management degree. He has an eclectic experience base that he brings to the community and to the nation at large. Wayne has over thirty-five years of diverse and challenging leadership experiences, coupled with a solid foundation of continuing education. He has held challenging positions such as Associate Professor (Boston University), Director of Graduate Military Programs (Boston University, Metropolitan College), Associate Dean, Instructor, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, Outside Director, Thought Leader, Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Officer in Charge, Commander, and COO. In each of those leadership positions, Wayne continued to build his leadership skillset as he also pursued formal and informal education.
Most recently, he is the co-host of 27 Minutes with Sheila and Wayne!, a podcast focused on providing tips on being a better "you" while at work, play or life with a mission to change the world “One verb at a time!” Wayne’s latest book, You Know it’s a Verb, Right?, co-authored with Jennifer Milius, is about leadership.
However, if you ask him, his greatest joy and accomplishment, is being a husband and a dad
Visit https://mindsyncing.com/
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/You-Know-its-Verb-Right-ebook/dp/B08RLQ6WF4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Welcome Elena Paige to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This fun conversation with Elena Paige demonstrates the power of transformation a book can have. Writing a book can be an intuitive process for many authors and feel like digging into more layers, so Elena shares how this happens for her. Whether it's the characters, the reader, or the author, Elena shares how transformation is possible for each in a fictional book.
Elena Paige is a middle-grade author with a background in counseling psychology. She loves creating stories which inspire and transform young readers - either through empowering them, entertaining them, or encouraging them to be more creative and imaginative.
Her books, while being filled with magic and wonder, have real life characters with real life issues - like fitting in, trusting yourself, dealing with inner conflict and more!
Her greatest value in life is CREATIVITY - nurturing it, enhancing it and using it! She loves encouraging children to believe in themselves and accept their own way of creating, even if it's outside the box. The most amazing creatives of our time rarely fitted in!
Her absolute favorite book as a child was No Flying in the House. She always knew magic was real, but when all attempts to bring her favorite teddy to life failed, she adopted a dog instead. Her Moodle dog, named Lucky, is always by her side when she writes. On Sunday mornings you can find her hiding under her bed covers reading, while her children are wondering where their favorite book has disappeared.
Visit - ElenaPaige.com
Book purchase links for the first book in every series:
Evie Everyday Witch (Secret Magic)
The Magicians' Convention
The Splendid Secrets of 66 Lilly Pilly Lane
Lolli and the Lollipop (Meditation Adventures for Kids)
Taki & Toula Time Travelers (Hercules Finds His Courage)
I Love Being Free (Happy Heart Rhymes)
Welcome Debbie Weiss to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This powerful conversation with Debbie Weiss demonstrates the parallels between writing a book, healing through loss, and embarking on your second act. Debbie shares that as she set out to write her memoir, she learned when it was time to make big changes so that she had a strong story to tell. She also shared ways that she's leveraged the themes within her memoir to promote her book, which are great tips for any genre.
Debbie Weiss is a former attorney who earned her MFA in creative nonfiction from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2020. Weiss’s essays have been published in The New York Times's “Modern Love” column, HuffPost, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Elle Décor, and Reader’s Digest, among other publications. She lives in Benicia, CA with her second life partner, Randal.
Visit - https://debbieweissauthor.com/
Book purchase link: Available As Is
Welcome Jessica Booth to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.This fabulous conversation with Jessica shows that disrupting the market to create books that bring in multiple elements you love will enhance your setting, character development, and plot. Leveraging her experience with professional writing and editing, Jessica shares so much wisdom with self-editing and tips for researching, so that you strengthen your story and have a better draft to give your editor, and ultimately a wonderful book for your readers.Jessica Booth earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and professional writing before making a career in journalism and as a magazine editor-in-chief. Jessica has always dreamt of writing a book, and her love for novels spurred her into becoming an avid bookstagrammer. She grew up in North Louisiana, but now resides in Southwestern Ohio with her husband, pack of rowdy children, and a couple of hounds. They love to spend their time visiting independent bookstores, or outside watching the kids dig up worms and transforming piles of sticks into castles.Visit - https://jessicaboothauthor.com/Book purchase link: A Match Made in Autumn
Welcome Stella Wilde to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Two of the most powerful things that writing, and being creative, does is that it allows for self-expression and self-exploration, and this conversation with Stella Wilde shows this in multiple ways. Your writing has the ability to help you get to know yourself, figure out your gifts and how to express them, and get honest with yourself for what you need to make your goals and dreams happen. Sometimes it's about immersing yourself in the process and sometimes it's about taking a step back, so if you're in need of some inspiration, let Stella's wisdom offer you that nudge to get you back into the flow.
Stella Wilde is a cosmic pathfinder, intuitive advisor, and manifestation mentor. She believes that Astrology and Tarot are essential tools for self-discovery and for navigating life's possibilities and complexities. Since she could hold a pencil, writing has been her first love, and she pursued her passion by earning an MA and MFA in Creative Writing.
Visit - https://stellawilde.com
Book purchase link: 2023 Lucky Stars
Welcome Annie Cathryn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This fun conversation with Annie Cathryn shows that when you have the willingness to expand your circle and explore your curiosities, sweet results happen. By expanding her circle, Annie shares how she navigated incorporating feedback, determining the sub-genre for her book, and the importance of having the right people on your team. By leveraging her journalism background and a desire to include her love of chocolate, Annie shares tips on how to create a believable experience for the reader when you need to learn more about your character's profession.
Annie Cathryn has always dreamed of becoming an author and lives by the motto, “Creating is Living.” The Friendship Breakup is her debut book baby, born out of love.
When not writing or reading, she’s organizing her personal library collection by color and discovering delectable chocolate.
She earned a journalism degree and a master’s in communications from Marquette University, and lives in Chicagoland with her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Visit - https://anniecathryn.com/
Book purchase link: The Friendship Breakup
Welcome Kacey Rayburn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Have you ever questioned why something happened or why you had certain experiences, only to realize in hindsight how all the dots were connected and leading you to where you are now? This powerful conversation with Kacey Rayburn demonstrates this and shows how beauty can come from unexpected places and inspire our writing, if we so choose to see it.
Kacey Rayburn grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. Born into a family of granny witches and gravediggers, she enjoys long walks in the cemetery. She has a sweet fang for chai tea, mermaids, and folk horror.
Visit: https://www.kaceyrayburn.com
Book: Sing Our Bones Eternal
Welcome Barbara Davis to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with Barbara Davis is perfect if you're doubting whether or not you have what it takes to get your book into the world. She shares the importance of finding and having supportive relationships, setting healthy boundaries to thrive as an author, and trusting in yourself, including to takes steps of faith but also to be messy and willing to fall down.
After years in the jewelry business, Barbara finally surrendered to the muse, leaving the corporate world in order to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She was born in New Jersey, has lived in Charleston, Raleigh, and Dover, New Hampshire, and has recently moved back to Florida to be close to her first love--Mickey Mouse.
When she's not writing, Barbara is a voracious reader, foodie, and lover of music, a rabid football fan, and a devoted Florida Gator. She also enjoys traveling with the hubby Tom, who over the years has learned much more about publishing and the craft of writing than he ever wanted to know.
Visit - https://barbaradavis-author.com
Book purchase link: The Keeper of Happy Endings
Link to all of Barbara's books
Welcome Dallas Woodburn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Finding your voice as a writer is a process that develops and evolves as you move along this path of being an author, and this incredible conversation with Dallas Woodburn demonstrates how it's something that grows with each paragraph, chapter and book. As a multi-genre author, Dallas shares so much wisdom about finding and staying true to your voice, even when you're writing and promoting books that are in multiple genres.
Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning writer of fiction, nonfiction, and plays; an in-demand book coach; and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. She has helped dozens of women around the world write and publish the books inside their hearts to grow their businesses, grow their impact, and grow their legacies. Dallas’s debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was a #1 New Release on Amazon, a Featured Bestseller on Apple Books, and the Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. She is also the author of the YA novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life and the short story collections Woman, Running Late, in a Dress and How to Make Paper When the World is Ending. Her novel Before & After You & Me and nonfiction book 1,001 Ways to be Kind are both forthcoming in 2023. Dallas lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area in a comfortably messy house with overflowing bookshelves.
Visit - www.DallasWoodburn.com
Book purchase links:
How to Make Paper When the World is Ending
Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life
The Best Week That Never Happened
Welcome Cynthia James to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This powerful conversation with Cynthia James is a perfect reminder that your work, your message, your voice, your book is needed and to keep showing up so that it does. Cynthia is shares ways to overcome imposter syndrome so that you don't deprive people of your wisdom. And even if you feel resistance coming up with "your wisdom" I invite you to pause, stay open, and listen to the wisdom from Cynthia to help you dig deeper and create a book you are excited to get into the world.
Cynthia James is a transformational coach and inspirational leader, guiding people to make changes at a deep level for lasting healing. Cynthia excels as a speaker, coach, singer, and multiple award-winning author of What Will Set You Free and Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence and #1 Amazon Bestseller for I Choose Me: The Art of Being a Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work. Her newest book, Does My Voice Matter, released on September 27, 2022.
Cynthia James embodies the quote “I am not what I have done. I am what I have become;” and, she leads others to do the same. Her own life was transformed as she transcended a violent and abusive childhood. Through education and personal healing, she created the foundation for all her programs. Her work in self-care strategies and emotional integration support leaders, women and organizations internationally.
Visit - www.cynthiajames.net
Book purchase link: Does My Voice Matter
Welcome Gloria Coppola to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When your writing seems to be blocked or that inner critic says who you are to write this book, let this powerful conversation with Gloria Coppola help you to reconnect, find the joy, and even go deeper with your writing. Perfectionism can be a joy and dream killer, and when it comes up, it can cause you to question yourself and doubt your inner wisdom. So when you need a cheerleader in your corner or a reminder of what's possible for you, let Gloria's joy and wisdom comfort and encourage you to keep going and get your voice into the world.
Gloria Coppola, visionary, best selling and award-winning author and educator, international professional life coach, specializes in helping others find their true purpose.
She enjoys engaging others to live their soul-driven life and empowering them personally and professionally. Offering soul purpose consultations, which are life changing and publishing services that help writers reach their audience through conscious connections.
When Gloria isn't writing or coaching you will find her traveling and offering annual writing retreats to unlock your imagination.
Visit - www.ppp-publishing.com and www.gloriacoppola.com
Book purchase link: Too Many Goodbyes
Welcome Sandra Young to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Creating the emotional tug within fiction is so important because as a writer, you want to immerse the reader into the story, and that's the theme of this conversation with Sandra Young. We touched on ways to include show vs tell, tips to develop setting, tips for character development as well as how to weave in other hobbies and passions into your writing.
Sandra L. Young’s passion for vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage, published this February with The Wild Rose Press. She’s researched and gathered a large, impressive vintage collection spanning the late 1800s to 1990s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in singing groups and community theater. Her website at SandraYoungAuthor.com features a few of her fun garments that are included in the book.
Visit - SandraYoungAuthor.com
Book purchase link: Divine Vintage
Welcome Jen Craven to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Something that copywriting and book writing have in common is storytelling, and Jen Craven beautifully demonstrates how this can come together through emotional connection. This conversation is packed full of tips for character development, especially when handling multiple points of view, and structuring your story.
Jen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, Best Years of your Life is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family.
Visit - www.jencraven.com
Book purchase link - Best Years of your Life
Welcome Uma Girish to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with Uma Girish dives deep into letting your 3 am WHY be your portal to purpose. When you allow your writing, your creativity to shift into this perspective, you'll be able to deal with perfectionism and tend to overwhelming emotions that may come up as you set out to get your book into the world.
Uma Girish is a Spiritual Mentor, Human Design Guide, and Award-Winning Author. She mentors her clients to find and live a life of purpose through the lens of Human Design by addressing their emotional wounds caused by loss, generational trauma, or other forms of grief that have not been honored.
Visit - https://umagirish.com
Book purchase links:
Understanding Death: 10 Ways to Inner Peace for the Grieving
Losing Amma, Finding Home: A Memoir About Love, Loss and Life's Detours
Lessons From Grace: What A Bay Taught Me About Living and Loving
Welcome Lindsay Ward to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Working through change was the overall theme of this fascinating conversation with Lindsay! From starting as an illustrator, then becoming a writer, Lindsay shares her process and transition as well as knowing when it's ok to change agents. And the most important part of all of these shifts, she is that she maintained her creative integrity.
Lindsay Ward is the author and illustrator of over two dozen picture books for kids. She is also the founder of Critter Lit, a free critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her family. Visit her online at lindsaymward.com or follow her on twitter @lindsaymward.
Visit - lindsaymward.com
Book purchase links for all of Lindsay's books
Welcome J.H. Dahler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Getting that first draft out of your head and down on paper or screen can be especially challenging, so use this conversation with Jodie to help you get through the messy middle. Jodie shared how she worked with alpha and beta readers, came through how she structured her book and the world within it, and the lessons she is applying to help her write book two of the series in less time that the first book. As any author knows, as you move closer to getting the book published, another journey begins - marketing - and Jodie shared some tips for using Tiktok.
J. H. Dahler is the author of The Forest Girl, her debut fantasy novel. After eighteen years as a librarian, she waved goodbye to spend more time with family and focus on writing her epic fantasy series. Hiking and traveling are at the top of her to-do list, especially to ancient ruins and stunning landscapes, but she’s also dedicated to the cozy life: curling up with a good book and snuggling her two dogs. Jodie lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland, with her son and husband.
Visit - www.jhdahler.com
Book purchase link - The Forest Girl
Welcome back Alexa Bigwarfe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This extra special episode is packed full of so much wisdom from the incredible Alexa Bigwarfe. Alexa's first fiction novel, 4 Days in Paris, releases December 6, under her pen name Lexi Haddock, and I couldn't wait to have her back on the show! In our previous chat, we talked about finding your target readers and the publishing space, this time we talked about her transition to becoming a published fiction author. If you are considering a pen name or working through your first fiction novel, then let episode be a resource to help you grow as a writer, both in the craft and in the business.
Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. She is also the founder and host of the Women in Publishing Summit and owns two hybrid publishing houses, Kat Biggie Press and Purple Butterfly Press. Alexa is publishing her first fiction novel, 4 Days in Paris, under her pen name, Lexi Haddock.
Visit - https://lexihaddock.com/
Book purchase link - 4 Days in Paris
Get a cup of your favorite drink and raise it to celebrate with host Jen Milius as this week is the 100th episode of The TufFish Show, which feature authors from different genres and businesses, but they all have one thing in common – they had a message or story they wanted to tell and courageously got out of their own way and made it happen. This show will inspire you to do the same because when you hear someone else’s story, you get the guidance and encouragement to keep going and get your book out in the world, too.
It has been such an incredible journey so far, so it felt like a solo episode would be the perfect way to celebrate this first of many big milestones!
As much as Jen loves interviewing her guests, this solo episode was also fun to create because it was a different way to give back and share why she's so passionate about this community and this show.
During this episode, you'll also hear a little behind the scenes, get tips for how to be a guest on a podcast, and get a pep talk to encourage you to keep going.
Jen is a big believer that if you have a story or book that’s in your heart to write, then there’s someone else out there who needs to read it. And once that book is published, you have to keep going and put yourself out there to share it.
SHOW LINKS
Learn more about working with Jen
Get started with Shine as a Podcast Guest course
Welcome Joyana Peters to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation is jammed packed with so much goodness about self-publishing your book! Joyana leveraged "field trips" for research as well as her writing critique group to write her first book. She shared so many nuggets on how she incorporated the feedback and book research such that each round of writing and edits got stronger. Choosing to self-publish her books, Joyana shared various tips on how she did this so that she produced and marketed high-quality books.
Joyana Peters is the Indie author of the award winning novel, The Girl in the Triangle. The Girl in the Triangle won a number of awards in 2021- including the IBPA's Ben Franklin Award for best historical fiction and the Book Excellence Award for best multicultural fiction. Joyana is also building up a self-publishing coaching business to empower other authors with the joy and autonomy of the process.
Visit - https://joyanapeters.com/
Book purchase links:
https://books2read.com/TheGirlintheTriangle
https://books2read.com/SaintPetersburg
Welcome Misty Black to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Misty had a goal for her business to write and publish 20 books while keeping each book intentional and created out of love. In doing so, she developed several different series, each with their own look and feel, that enabled her to have multi-book launches within a year. She also made sure her fictional stories had non-fiction discussion topics, so that her young readers could have their own experiences after each book.
Misty Black is a children's book author, a mother of three, a decent cook, and a terrible singer who enjoys annoying her teenagers by singing at the top of her lungs. She is a 12-times bestselling, award-winning, author of 22 children's books and is working on 117 more, but who's counting? Misty is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and board game enthusiast. Her business experience and mad Monopoly skills have helped her sell over 90,000 copies in 3 years, and she enjoys teaching others about the craft.
And as a special thank you to our listeners, Misty has created a special coupon code for you to get $20 off for the Get It Written Workshop! To take advantage of this generous offer, visit https://www.mistyblackauthor.com/get-it-written-about, then use 20DISCOUNT and you'll get the workshop for $37.
Visit - mistyblackauthor.com
Book purchase links:
Bubble Head, It's Time for Bed!
Grandmas Are for Love
Clutz the Cat Can Do Hard things
Get It Published Program - https://www.mistyblackauthor.com/get-it-published-about
Welcome Alyssa Dver to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
As you pursue your goal of being an author and running an author business, there will be times when you face one of the three Fs - fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of regret. Yet what's important is what you do next when you recognize it's happening, and this conversation with Alyssa is full of so much wisdom to not only understand what's happening, but how to move through it successfully.
Confidence Crusader, Neuro Nerd and Success Equalizer, Alyssa leads the American Confidence Institute, that has empowered over 350,000 people at organizations including the US Air Force, US Tennis Association, Spotify, Wayfair, Panera, Amazon, Dell, Staples, UPenn’s Innovation Center and dozens more.
Supporting her mission to bring more confidence to the world, Alyssa is the Confidence Educator for IT Cosmetics, a global L’Oréal brand. She’s a 2-time TEDx speaker, hosts the podcast Real Confidence and contributes to Thrive Global and many other online media. Her 7th book, Confidence is a Choice: Real Science. Superhero Impact., was recognized by the International Book Awards and endorsed by experts at Harvard Medical School, Wharton’s Neuroscience Center, MIT’s Trust Center, Yale’s Office of Diversity, UC Berkeley Executive Education, and other top academic and business leaders.
With a commitment to make workplace diversity, equity and inclusion a reality, Alyssa founded and chairs the ERG Leadership Alliance, the largest association training employee group leaders, executive sponsors and allies.
In 2021, Alyssa received a Stevie award for Achievement in Thought Leadership.
What fuels her confidence? Her unusually patient husband, 2 very tall sons, and their quirky, but really cute, rescue pooch.
Visit - www.AmericanConfidenceInstitute.com
Book purchase links: Alyssa Dver's books
Welcome Sivan Hong to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
During this inspiring conversation, Sivan shares how she created a children's book series that focuses on inspirational social stories to help young children learn how to work through and overcome challenges. Sivan shared her process from concept through illustration and the loving and purposeful choices she made to ensure she made her books accessible to all types of learners.
Sivan authors and illustrates the best-selling children’s book series The Super Fun Day Books, including Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day and Avery G. and the Scary End of School. Her inspiring books focus on neurodiverse children, who overcome their challenges with perseverance and bravery. Sivan also serves as a Trustee on the Boards of the Rita Allen Foundation, Multicultural Children’s Book Day and the ASPCA.
When she’s not working, Sivan enjoys being a wife to her lovely husband and a mother to their two wonderful children. They have a dog and cat and live in Connecticut.
Visit - sivanhong.com
Book purchase links:
Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween
George J. and the Miserable Monday
Emily D. and the Fearful First Day
Avery G. and the Scary End of School
Welcome Tara Alemany to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What do you want to accomplish with your book? As an author? These are questions that Tara Alemany shared insights to during this powerful conversation. Tara offered three foundational keys to consider when writing your book as well as two exercises to help you become more intentional with your author business and reach (or get closer to) those big goals you have.
Tara Alemany is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, business consultant and publisher, as well as a recovering serial entrepreneur and host of the Publish with Purpose virtual summit.
Her boutique publishing company, Emerald Lake Books, which she co-owns with her best friend, Mark Gerber, specializes in working with positive people to create high-quality books designed to achieve the author’s goals.
In her spare time, Tara serves as a facilitator for the Independent Book Publishers Association’s member roundtables. She is also a winemaker, a military Mom to 2 young adults (one of each), and is owned by a black cat.
Visit - emeraldlakebooks.com | tararalemany.com | emeraldlakebooks.com/summit2022
Book purchase links:
The Best is Yet to Come
Publish with Purpose
Welcome A.M. McPherson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with A.M. McPherson is full of goodness from structuring a book and a series to weaving in themes important to you and being willing to make changes that help you to own the story you want to create. One of the big themes in our conversation is about giving yourself permission to let you and have fun, and as an example, A.M. shares why she change her first book's cover, even though she loved the original design.
A.M. McPherson is a self-published author who needs more naps in her life. She graduated from Kent State University with her Associates of Arts degree where she studied many things, including writing.
She enjoys a good cup of tea while she writes (though some dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either). Superheroes, Scooby-Doo, and Gilmore Girls are a few of her favorite things. She also loves to hike with her family, watch way too many YouTube videos, and be creative whenever possible.
Visit www.ammcpherson.com
Book purchase link: The Guardian's Daughter
Welcome Danica Davidson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When you want to be known as an author, but not for any one specific genre, it can be difficult to break out of the first genre that was published, yet this conversation with Danica demonstrates it is possible by letting her creativity, curiosity and desire to reach young readers be the drivers. She also shared valuable tips for tackling difficult topics while making it age appropriate.
Danica Davidson is the author of 18 books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books range from serious nonfiction (I Will Protect You) to action/adventure science fiction (her two Minecrafter series) to manga how to draw books (including the world's first book on manga chalk art) and comics. In 2018, she was the main speaker at an education event in Brussels for members of the European Union, where she talked about how her books can empower kids.
Visit - www.danicadavidson.com
Book purchase link: I Will Protect You
Welcome Michael Webb to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
If you're wondering how to effectively organize your fantasy world so that there's consistency in a trilogy or how to position your book effectively, then let this conversation with Michael Webb be a resource. Michael started his writing journey with a chapter that he wanted to try for himself, which lead to a trilogy and over 40,000 copies sold. He shared so many valuable nuggets that can reach not only into fantasy but other genres too.
Michael Webb is a young-adult fantasy author who lives in Dallas, GA in the United States. He only recently took up writing and fell in love with it. The Shadow Knights Trilogy is his debut series, and it has already sold over 40,000 copies. He's looking forward to writing more soon.
Visit - www.michaelwebbnovels.com
Book purchase link - The Shadow Knights Trilogy
Welcome Jennie Nash to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
The business side of being an author can feel like a daunting undertaking, but when you're serious about being a published author, the details of remembering the publishing world is a business matter. Jennie's experience as a writer and time at Random House helped her to not just learn the business, but also coach and develop book coaches. This episode is full of goodness as you look at being in the author business, including how to know if you need a book coach and when.
Jennie Nash is the author of 11 books in 3 genres, including Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book: Plan and Pitch Your Idea and Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out. She is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company that certifies book coaches so they can support writers as they do their best work. Visit her at authoraccelerator.com
Visit Jennie at authoraccelerator.com if you’re interested in hiring a coach; at bookcoaches.com if you’re interested in becoming a coach; and at jennienash.com for all other inquiries.
Book purchase links:
Fiction Blueprint: Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out
Nonfiction Blueprint: Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book: Plan and Pitch Your Idea
Book coaching book: Read Books All Day & Get Paid For It
Welcome Cassie Sanchez to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What started out as a mission to find her purpose and a challenge from her son to write a book, Cassie Sanchez proves that when you trust your nudges and bring your real self to your work, joy and growth follow. Cassie shares how working backwards enabled her to develop the fantasy world, even though it felt counterintuitive at the time. She also shares some wonderful tips on building your author presence, especially before the book is published.
Growing up, Cassie Sanchez always wanted superpowers and to be a warrior princess fighting alongside unlikely heroes. Suffice it to say, she lost herself in books, from fantasy to sci-fi to a suspenseful romance. Currently, Cassie lives in the southwest with her husband, Louie, while pestering her two adult men-children. She can usually be found drinking too much coffee while working in her office with her dogs, Gunner and Bullet, warming her feet. When she isn’t writing about magic and sword fights, she enjoys golf, spending time with friends, or partaking in a satisfying nap.
Visit - https://www.cassiesanchez.com
Book purchase link: https://amzn.to/2Y9kIWr
Welcome Anastasia Zadeik to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Feedback can be a scary thing as you shift from writing for yourself to writing for an audience, so if the idea of putting yourself out there is uncomfortable no matter if it's your first time or hundredth, let Anastasia's guidance and wisdom help you reframe and shift your perspective. Anastasia shared different techniques, including the four words she uses that helped herself to stay open to feedback, even when the self-protective side or imposter syndrome wanted to intervene.
Anastasia Zadeik is an author, editor, and storyteller. Dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to the page, stage, and screen, she serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival and sits on the board of the literary non-profit So Say We All. She regularly performs in narrative non-fiction showcases, and her work has appeared in The San Diego Decameron Project, writeordietribe.com, and Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir. She lives in San Diego with her husband and their empty-nest rescue dog, Charlie. Her first novel, Blurred Fates, released on August 2, 2022.
Visit - www.anastasiazadeik.com
Book purchase link: Blurred Fates
Welcome Emma G. Rose to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This incredible conversation with Emma demonstrates the healing power of writing for the author and readers. Emma creatively combines young adult fantasy and world building techniques with her desire to write about difficult topics and weave in responsible mental health messages. By leveraging the space fiction creates, she is able to use characters and plot devices to help readers have conversations beyond the books.
Emma G. Rose is a Maine author, podcast host, and publisher. She intended to become an intrepid girl reporter like Nellie Bly. Then she spent a Christmas Eve standing on a riverbank waiting for rescue divers to pull a body from the water. That's when she stopped waiting and wandered off to explore the world instead. Somewhere out there she discovered indie publishing, which allowed her to publish a book a year since 2019. Now, she hosts the Indie Book Talk podcast, where she and co-host Shelley Shearer explore the expanding universe of indie books.
Visit www.emmagauthor.com
Book purchase links:
Nothing's Ever Lost
Near-Life Experience
Assembling Ella
Welcome Sandee Sgarlata to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with Sandee Sgarlata was powerful! I mean - I had goosebumps! Sandee demonstrated the importance and power being sharing your story. By opening up with others, she not only helped them, but herself too. And as you know, when you feel writer's block creeping in (or pulling up a seat and taking over), finding a way through that can be challenging. However, Sandee shared so much wisdom about how to move through as well as four key things to tell yourself, so you can keep moving forward.
Sandee Sgarlata is a two-time award winning author, certified life coach since 2004, public speaker, retired U.S. national and international figure skating coach, gold medalist in ice dancing, and has spent the past 20 years helping people create lasting changes in their lives. Due to several tragedies that deeply affected her, along with hitting rock bottom with drug abuse in 1990, she has spent the last 30 years in her own quest to find and maintain a sense of peace and happiness, especially during times of stress and chaos.
Sandee’s recent best-selling book, Happiness Solved: Climbing One Hundred Steps, is a self-improvement book, part memoir, and workbook. She is also the host of the Happiness Solved Podcast which is ranked #10 out of the top 80 happiness podcasts.
Sandee’s coaching practice offers group coaching programs, online courses, and one-on-one coaching for elite athletes and corporate leadership.
Visit - https://www.sandeesgarlata.com or https://www.happinesssolved.com
Book purchase link: Happiness Solved: Climbing One Hundred Steps
Welcome Tracey Enerson Wood to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
During our conversation, Tracey shared how she steps through her process to uncover the story she wants to tell. Tracey shared so many nuggets on the power of world building and how it not only immerses the reader into the story through setting, but also strengthens character development.
Tracey Enerson Wood has always had a writing bug. While working as a Registered Nurse, starting her own Interior Design company, raising two children, and bouncing around the world as a military wife, she indulged in her passion as a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She now focuses on historical fiction, telling the stories of amazing women whose stories have been lost to time, and honoring military heroes, with books that tell their stories and inspire others.
Visit - https://traceyenersonwood/
Book purchase links:
The War Nurse
The Engineer’s Wife
Life Hacks for Military Spouses
Homefront Cooking: Recipes, Wit, and Wisdom from American Veterans and Their Loved Ones
Welcome Anne Marie Bennett to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Combining her love of writing, using her imagination and educational background, Anne Marie believes in the power of teaching and finding your purpose. When she felt the nudge to write and publish fiction, she followed it and built a beautiful community too. Anne Marie shared so much wisdom to incorporate into your writing and marketing efforts as an author.
Anne Marie Bennett is the author of multiple works of fiction and nonfiction. Her previous novel, Dragonflies at Night, is the winner of the Pencraft Award for Literary Excellence and the Reader's Favorite Book Awards Honorable Mention. She lives in eastern Massachusetts with her big-hearted, silver-haired, number-oriented husband, one beloved adolescent feline, and a treasury of birds, squirrels and chipmunks who keep them all entertained. Frequent stays in coastal Maine continue to inspire her writing.
Visit - https://annemariebennett.com
Book purchase links for Anne Marie Bennett
Welcome Meg Nocero to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
One of the big themes I've heard as a podcast host and developmental editor is dealing with blocks. Whether it's a closed door or overcoming imposter syndrome to find and use your voice, so you can trust yourself to align to your purpose and write the story you want - or need - to tell. And this powerful conversation with Meg tackles this very theme. Meg shares how she leveraged her legal background as the transitions her career and life have taken to help her write, not one, not two, but three books, and one of which is her memoir. If you are feeling blocked along your writing/author journey, then be sure to listen to what Meg offers in this episode.
Meg Nocero, is an attorney, TEDx inspirational speaker, a certified happiness coach, and award-winning author of three books: The Magical Guide to Bliss, Sparkle & Shine, and Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief. Meg appeared on stage in Miami with Oprah, on CNN Español, and BookCon live. She hosts a Youtube/podcast show called Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary People and an IG Live called Amazing Authors.
Since she resigned from her career as a federal immigration prosecutor, she founded Butterflies & Bliss LLC and S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to young innovative leaders in her community. S.H.I.N.E. was just recognized as a winner in the Education, Arts & Culture, Networking, and Community Organization category of the Inaugural Anthem Awards—a national awards program that celebrates purpose and mission-driven work.
Visit - www.megnocero.com
Book purchase links:
Butterfly Awakens
The Magical Guide to Bliss
Sparkle & Shine
Welcome Lisa Stringfellow to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation with Lisa is packed with wisdom on receiving feedback and working through revisions as you bring your book idea to ready to go manuscript. Lisa also shared key tips for researching and pitching agents, so be sure to get your pen and paper ready as you listen.
Lisa Stringfellow writes middle grade fiction and has a not-so-secret fondness for fantasy with a dark twist. Her debut fantasy A Comb of Wishes is published by HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books and was released on February 8, 2022. It was selected as an ABA Indie Introduce title for Winter/Spring 2022 and an Indie Next Kids' title for March/April 2022. Lisa received the inaugural Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Manuscript Award in 2019 for the novel manuscript. Her work often reflects her West Indian and Black southern heritage. Lisa is a middle school teacher and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her children and two bossy cats.
Visit https://lisastringfellow.com
Book purchase link: A Comb of Wishes
Welcome Merle Saferstein to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation is a powerful reminder to any writer that your work matters. Merle and I talked about leaving a legacy, sifting through material to determine what belongs in your book and what doesn't and why, and how sharing your shadow side can help your readers feel seen and less alone.
Merle R. Saferstein is an educator, speaker, and author. She has been journaling for 48 years and has amassed a collection of 380 journals, the majority of which are the basis for her legacy journal Living and Leaving My Legacy, vol 1. After twenty-six years as a Holocaust educator where she worked with hundreds of Holocaust survivors helping them to leave their legacy, she retired and created Living and Leaving Your Legacy®. Through classes, workshops, and lectures, she has guided thousands of people in sacred legacy work, writing for wellness, and journaling. Her short story collection, Room 732, pays homage to the historic Hollywood Beach Hotel. Merle lives in Miami, Florida with her husband of fifty-five years and has two children and two grandchildren.
Visit - www.merlersaferstein.com
Book purchase link: Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vol 1
Welcome Eileen Cook to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Eileen and I had a powerful and in depth conversation all about the craft of writing. Leveraging her psychology background, we talked about why people, thus characters, do what they do and how you can get to really know your characters, so that your writing draws in your reader. Setting and plot are key, so we covered these tenets and how they blend together.
Eileen Cook is a multi-published, award winning author with her novels appearing in nine languages. Her books have been optioned for film and TV. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. She’s an instructor/mentor with The Creative Academy and Simon Fraser University Writer’s Studio Program where she loves helping other writers find their unique story to tell.
Visit - https://eileencook.com
Book purchase links for all of Eileen's fiction and non-fiction titles
Welcome Sita Romero to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Sita and I had a wonderful conversation about how to finish writing your book. Getting started can be easy and so much fun when you're inspired and the ideas seem to flow, and when you're approaching the finish line, you see the light at the end of the tunnel and that helps carry you through. It's working through the murky middle that is the challenge, and Sita shared so much wisdom on how to work through the middle, finish your first draft, and how to refine and improve that draft into a manuscript.
Sita Romero received her MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Her work has been published in print and online literary journals. Before writing full-time, Sita worked in women’s health for 15 years. She grew up in Florida and now lives in Virginia. Her debut upmarket contemporary fiction novel, Words We Cannot Say, released April 19, 2022.
Visit - https://sitaromero.com/
Book purchase link: Words We Cannot Say
Welcome Laurie James to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Laurie will tell you that her book "found her" and in doing so, she trusted and followed her inner knowing, and found the "universal story" so her readers could see themselves. Laurie and I talked about ways to allow for self-care as well as the writing journey she went on to bring this book to life, including when to hold on and when to let go. Although not all books have a subtitle, Laurie's does and she shared how this came to be too.
Laurie James is a mother, caregiver, divorcée, turned author and transformative coach. Laurie’s book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is about her eight year journey when she is sent down an unwanted path after her mother has a heart attack and her husband’s lawyer delivers some shocking news. Sandwiched between caring for her parents, managing caregivers, raising four daughters, and trying to understand her husband’s choices, she is faced with reevaluating everything she thought she knew as she tries to keep her family together. Laurie is a free spirit, lover of nature, skiing and sailing. You can often find her walking by the beach or playing in mountains with her adopted husky, Lu. For more information on Laurie and her book, please visit www.laurieejames.com.
Visit - www.laurieejames.com
Book purchase link: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go
Welcome Pat Black-Gould to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This is a deep and powerful conversation! Pat shares how she leveraged her theatre and psychology backgrounds as well as working with writing critique groups to ensure the setting, character development and dialogue all came together in this poignant and powerful story so that she could connect with both children and adults.
Pat Black-Gould is a clinical psychologist and an author. Her short stories have appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Her children's book, The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey, is scheduled for publication on June 14th, 2022. She and co-author, Steve Hardiman, are currently writing a coming-of-age story based in the Vietnam era.
Visit - https://patblackgould.com/
Book purchase link: The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey
Welcome Sandi Schwartz to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This is the perfect conversation to listen to if you're writing non-fiction for both children and adults. Sandi's excitement for what happens after you get your manuscript written is contagious! We talked about writing for both target audiences, and to top it off, Sandi shared some wonderful publishing and marketing tips.
Sandi Schwartz is the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project; author of the parenting book Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer; co-author of the children’s book Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness; and journalist specializing in parenting, environmental, and wellness topics. Her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Yahoo!, Good Housekeeping, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Scary Mommy, and more. She has two school-aged children with whom she enjoys sharing ecohappiness adventures.
Visit https://ecohappinessproject.com
Book purchase link: Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer
Welcome Christina Dankert to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Christina shared so many tips for bringing her children's picture book to life including how she made sure her book would relate to both adults, the customer, and children, the client. One of the steps for a published book is editing, and Christina shared why she chose to work with editor before she started pitching for publication.
Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher and children's book author. She believes it is through children's literature and by reading to the children in our lives that we can change the world.
Visit https://christinadankert.com
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-kindness-machine/9781955119092
Welcome Leslie Rasmussen to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Leveraging her sit-com screenwriting talents for witty dialogue, Leslie shares some fabulous nuggets on how to use dialogue to create relatable characters. From considering POV to using index cards, Leslie shared so much wisdom that you can incorporate into your writing.
Leslie A. Rasmussen is the award-winning author of the novel, After Happily Ever After. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, as well as The Wild Thornberrys and Sweet Valley High. Recently, she’s written over twenty essays for Huffington Post, and has spoken on panels discussing empowering women in midlife. Leslie is a member of The Writers Guild of America, as well as Women In Film and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
Visit https://www.lesliearasmussen.com
Book purchase link: After Happily Ever After
Welcome Libby Fischer Hellman to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Libby and I had a fascinating conversation about writing in multiple genres and building suspense in each. Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, you can leverage suspense to create a satisfying experience for your reader, and this episode will help get those juices flowing.
Libby Fischer Hellmann left a career in broadcast news in Washington, DC and moved to Chicago a long time ago, where she, naturally, began to write gritty crime fiction. She soon began writing historical fiction as well. Sixteen novels and twenty-five short stories later, she claims they’ll take her out of the Windy City feet first. She has been nominated for many awards in the mystery and crime writing community and has even won a few. She has been a finalist twice for the Anthony and four times for Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year. She has also been nominated for the Agatha, the Shamus, the Daphne, and she won the The Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year in 2021. In the past she has won the IPPY, Foreword Magazine’s Indie Awards, and the Readers Choice Award multiple times.
Libby also hosts Second Sunday Books, a monthly podcast where she interviews bestselling and emerging authors.
Visit http://libbyhellmann.com
Book purchase links: https://www.amazon.com/Libby-Fischer-Hellmann/e/B001HMMDZU
Welcome Maggie Smith to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Resilience and reinvention are key themes that Maggie shared during our conversation. She explained the importance of having a strong concept for your book, especially as you develop your characters, go through the editing process, and choose the best publishing path for you and your book.
In a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith now adds novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies. In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar, where she interviews debut authors about their novel and their path to publication and blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. A board member of the Chicago Writer’s Association, she’s Managing Editor of their Write City Magazine, and coordinator of Book Nook, which highlights Chicago-area independent bookstores.
Visit https://maggiesmithwriter.com
Book purchase link: Truth and Other Lies
Welcome Karen A. Chase to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Karen's path leveraged her photography, marketing and writing background such that she published her own books in different genres as well as helped other authors build and establish their businesses. She shared so many nuggets to help authors embrace their role as a business owner and leader. What a fabulous conversation about being in the author business!
Karen A. Chase is an independent author and a Daughter of the American Revolution with the Commonwealth Chapter in Virginia. Her first novel, Carrying Independence, book one of the 3-part Founding-Documents Series, is historical fiction about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was a nominee for the 2020 Library of Virginia Literary Awards, and was awarded #12 of the 100 Best Indie Books of 2019. Her first book, Bonjour 40: A Paris Travel Log, garnered seven independent publishing awards, and in 2021 she released a new short food-themed story (with recipes), Mary Angela’s Kitchen. Originally from Canada, Karen is now chasing histories from Richmond, VA.
Visit http://KarenAChase.com
Book purchase link:
All Book Buying Links: http://karenachase.com/books or signed copies: https://karenachase.square.site/
Welcome Lorraine Hawley to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Lorraine Hawley writes stories about tweens, teens, and fantastical worlds. While she has attempted to write non-magical stories, her characters refuse to stay reality grounded, leaping off the pages to fly. So she gave up trying to be what she is not. Lorraine is a fantasy writer who hopes to share magic with the world.
Lorraine and I talked about how to find your writing community, including a writing critique partner. We also talked in depth about character development and point of view, especially for characters with sensory sensitivities.
Visit https://lorrainehawley.com/
Book purchase link - Curious World of Dandy-Lion
Welcome Sonja F. Blanco to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Sonja and I had a fun conversation that touched on several facets of writing, including structuring your book, point of view, character development, especially villains or antagonists. We talked about how to clear "monkey brain" so that the story can come through you and turn the image in your mind into words on the page.
Sonja F. Blanco grew up in New England where she ran barefoot through the woods, chased lightning bugs, and tapped maple trees for syrup.
Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular.
Witty comics easily amuse her, as do heavily jowled Hell Hounds that talk in their sleep.
She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so.
Visit https://sonjafblanco.com
Book purchase link: Witch of Ware Woods
Witch of Ware Woods - Flood & Fire: This prequel novella is exclusive to Sonja's tribe; sign up for the download and newsletter at: https://sonjafblanco.com/f2
Welcome Emily Myers to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
When your book really feels like a combination of two different genres, what do you do? Emily's answer is to blend them by letting the story become what it's meant to be. This conversation is packed with how she navigated romance and thriller with her first two books, including character development and setting. We also switched gears a bit and Emily shared some great insights for authors building their brands in social media.
Emily is the author of two romantic thrillers, The Truth About Unspeakable Things and Bound by the Unspeakable, the second of which will launch this summer. Emily is a story teller at heart and is excited to branch into other niches of the romance and mystery and thriller genres after the launch of her second book. In addition to writing, Emily loves dreaming up fun marketing campaigns for her books and encouraging other aspiring authors to follow their dream and publish their first book.
Visit www.emilyamyers.com
Book purchase links: The Truth About Unspeakable Things and Bound by the Unspeakable
Welcome Natasha Carlow to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This is a powerful conversation you won't want to miss! Natasha opens up and shares how leaning into your why and your vulnerability create powerful stories for children and adults alike. Her mission to share a message of kindness is a theme that shines in her books. Natasha shares in detail how she went about the research for her most recent picture book in order to reach and touch the hearts of a community so dear to her heart.
Natasha Carlow is an Itinerant Counsellor and author residing in the sunny twin Island state of Trinidad and Tobago. She is the mother of two rainbow babies and writes about grief and loss and parenting after loss. She is a contributing writer at Pregnancy After Loss Support and has been featured in Her View From Home Magazine. She is the author of Happy Tears and Rainbow Babies and Mike Nero and The Superhero School.
Visit www.Natashacarlow.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Melissa-Carlow/e/B07R2FG8HP%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Welcome Deborah Shepherd to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Deborah and I talked about her journey to bring her first book to life. After writing the first draft, she put it away for 30 years before revisiting and reworking it until she resubmitted it for publication. Deb demonstrates how finding the right communities to nurture your craft and drawing from your own experiences enables your storytelling to touch hearts and readers.
Deborah K. Shepherd came to writing later in life, after retiring from her position as director of a domestic violence resource center. She holds a BFA in drama from the University of Arizona, and an MSW from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. She is the mother of two adult children, the grandmother of two, and lives with one husband and two rescue dogs on the coast of Maine, where she spends her non-writing time in the garden or with a stack of books.
Visit https://deborahshepherdwrites.com
Book purchase link: So Happy Together
Welcome Densie Webb to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Densie's approach to "go against the grain" and served her well and such, she shared tips and ideas to help writers come through their path to write their book as "there is no right way." We talked through the editing process, including when you might want to switch points of view (POV) to strengthen your story.
Densie Webb (not Denise) has spent a long career as a freelance nonfiction writer and editor, specializing in health and nutrition, and has published several books on the topic. She grew up in Louisiana, spent 13 years in New York City, and settled in Austin, TX. She is an avid walker (not of the dead variety, though she adores zombies, vampires and apocalyptic stories), drinks too much coffee, and has a small “devil dog” that keeps her on her toes.
Visit http://www.densiewebb.com
Book purchase link: When Robins Appear
Welcome Julie Valerie to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Julie shared nugget after nugget including how to work through the structure of your book, the difference between the book theme and its message, story having energy as well as how to get to the end of the first draft. So much goodness, you won't want to miss it!
Julie Valerie married her college sweetheart, and they live in Virginia with their four children and two English Labradors. She is the bestselling author of Holly Banks Full of Angst and The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks, Books 1 & 2 in the Village of Primm series, both with Lake Union Publishing. Learn more about Julie and subscribe to her newsletter at julievalerie.com.
Visit julievalerie.com
Book purchase links -
Holly Banks Full of Angst and The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks
Available in paperback, ebook, and audio (Audible, MP3 + CD) wherever books are sold. Also available in libraries.
Welcome Michelle Mazur to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This powerful conversation with Dr. Michelle demonstrated the importance of positioning and messaging your book, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, especially since "publishing is the start of a marathon." We also talked about when it's time to create a new edition for your previously published book and how to determine when something should be included in a book versus a different format, like a podcast or blog.
Michelle Mazur is a messaging expert who works with brilliant business owners who are shaking things up but having trouble talking about it. She combines the tools of successful social movements with the qualitative research skills she earned in her Communications Ph.D. to help them craft their powerful, captivating message.
Visit www.drmichellemazur.com
Book purchase link: 3 Word Rebellion
Welcome Jenn Bouchard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
By seeking spaces where she could listen to published authors share their stories and tips, Jenn leveraged what she learned to help create write, publish and promote her first novel that includes a love of food and coastal Maine. Jenn shared some creative ways for cultivating her brand's awareness, which is so important as an author and running a business.
Jenn Bouchard's debut novel First Course was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press. Her short stories have appeared in the Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, the Penmen Review, and the Little Patuxent Review. A high school social studies teacher of 22 years, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two children.
Visit www.jennbouchard.com
Book purchase links:
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/first-course/9781952816499
Amazon (US): https://amzn.to/3CP19BO
Book Depository (worldwide): https://tidd.ly/3kt1Iu3
Welcome Stacey Aaronson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This episode is full of so much wisdom as Stacey shares what happens when she followed her inner knowing on a soul level to write her memoir. During our conversation, Stacey shared the importance of relevance and structure, especially as it relates to memoir. We also talked about beta readers and some tips for how to vet, so it's a good fit for all of you.
As a lifelong grammar nerd and lover of books, Stacey Aaronson has been in her element for the last ten years: building books for her author clients as a ghostwriter, editor, cover designer, layout artist, and publishing partner within her business The Book Doctor Is In. She finally fulfilled her own dream of becoming a published author when her memoir, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother, was released in June 2021. Stacey lives a quiet, creative life on an island in Washington state with her partner of 22 years, their Maine Coon kitty, and a delightful plethora of deer, birds, and squirrels.
Visit www.staceyaaronson.com
Book purchase link:
Signed books (my website): www.staceyaaronson.com
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Losing-Remarkable-Teenage-Mother/dp/1736460501
IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781736460511
Welcome Meredith Stoddard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Meredith shared so much goodness about things to think about when writing a series as well as techniques she uses to ensure each book aligns to its theme while strengthening the series. She also shared some tips for balancing her time and energy between writing and promoting her series.
Meredith R. Stoddard writes folklore-inspired fiction from her writing shed in Virginia. She studied literature and folklore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. before working as a corporate trainer and instructional designer. Her love of storytelling is inspired by years spent listening to stories at her grandmother's kitchen table. She also advocates for the preservation of traditional fiber arts and the Scottish Gaelic language.
Visit http://www.meredithstoddard.com/
Book purchase links:
The River Maiden
Cauldron
Thrice To Thine
Nothing Good Gets Away
Welcome Ellen Goodwin to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Permission to be brave and how energy patterns impact our work as writers were key nuggets from this wonderful interview with Ellen. She shared her insights for the cause of procrastination as well as different methods to overcome it when we face it. As writers, sometimes one of the hardest things to do is turn a blank page with a blinking cursor into a draft, and the wisdom Ellen shares in this episode are gold to get unstuck and writing again.
Ellen Goodwin is a productivity consultant, TEDx speaker, and author who uses neuroscience-based principles to enable individuals and businesses to overcome all types of procrastination, be more focused and manage their energy instead of their time to be more efficient effective with their lives. Ellen believes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to productivity, which is why she advocates for experimentation to find the tools and techniques that will work seamlessly with your life and your business, no matter what you want to accomplish. She is the author of DONE: How To Work When No One Is Watching and the co-host of The Faster, Easier, Better Show podcast.
Visit https://ellengoodwin.com
Book purchase link: DONE: How To Work When No One Is Watching
Welcome Mary Helen Sheriff to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Mary's experience showed how embracing change is so vital as an author. With her debut novel, she changed genres, POVs and character leads, yet each change made her writing, thus her book, stronger. She shared how she navigated these changes as well as the community she's created that's all about books and travel.
Mary Helen Sheriff is the author of the award-winning southern women’s fiction, Boop and Eve’s Road Trip. She serves as the CEO of Bookish Road Trip and a blogger at “...the gift of story.” After 14 years teaching elementary school, middle school, college, and professionals, Mary has taken a break from the classroom to focus on writing. She has an MFA from Hollins University, an MA from Old Dominion University, and a BA from UVA. She lives in Henrico County, Virginia with her two children, two cats, and one husband.
Visit maryhelensheriff.com
Book purchase links:
Print book: https://bookshop.org/a/22556/9781631527630 (or any online book retailer)
ebook: https://books2read.com/boopandeve
Welcome Linda Rosen to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
From leveraging a writer's workshop, to working with a book coach, to forging new networks, Linda demonstrates over and over again the power of connection, community and relationships as a writer. The insights she shared showed how creativity in all its forms help you go from concept to a manuscript ready for publishing.
Linda Rosen's books are set in the "not-to-distant past" and examine how women reinvent themselves despite obstacles thrown their way. A central theme is that blood is not all that makes a family - and they always feature a piece of jewelry! Her debut novel, The Disharmony of Silence, released one week before Covid shut the world down and her sophomore novel, Sisters of the Vine, published one year later. Linda is a snowbird living half the year in New Jersey, with her husband, and when she has to swap sandals for shoes and socks, they head to Florida.
Visit www.linda-rosen.com
Book purchase links:
The Disharmony of Silence and Sisters of the Vine
Welcome C. D'Angelo to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Following your voice and focusing on the next step versus the whole staircase was the theme of this conversation with the amazing C D'Angelo. She shared nuggets for bringing a book to life by working with a community, whether it's an editor or two or a supportive group of fellow authors, as well as the importance of having a brand as an author.
C. D’Angelo is an Italian American author living in Winter Garden, Florida with her husband. She has been a psychotherapist for twenty years and began writing in 2013 to add to her many hobbies (playing ukulele, drawing, painting, crocheting, cross stitching, sewing, and any other craft available to try!). Soon writing became more than a hobby and now her passions and life experiences have made their way into her relatable stories of the Italian culture in women's fiction. The Difference is her debut novel, and more stories are on the way.
Visit www.cdangeloauthor.com
Book purchase link: The Difference
Welcome Michelle Cox to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
A few of the nuggets Michelle shared during our chat included: tips for historical fiction research and balancing information overload, the audiobook process she followed as well as things to think about when deciding a publishing path.
Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. Her books have won over 50 international awards and have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Foreword, Elle, Redbook, Brit&Co., POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, and many others.
Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, and one naughty Goldendoodle and is hard at work on her latest novel.
Visit https://michellecoxauthor.com/
Book purchase links:
A Girl Like You
A Ring of Truth
A Promise Given
A Veil Removed
A Child Lost
Welcome Ryan Dalton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Ryan and I talked in depth about the querying process and success tips for working with beta readers. He also shared how music plays a part in his writing process.
Ryan Dalton spends his time thinking up stories when he's not wearing a cape and fighting crime. He's a singer, a voiceover artist, a pretty decent amateur chef, and a lover of all things geek. Ryan lives in an invisible spaceship that's currently hovering St. Louis, Missouri.
Visit https://www.ryandaltonwrites.com
Book purchase link: The Last Adventure
Welcome Saralyn Richard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
"Stories are magnets" is one of the many wisdom nuggets Saralyn shared. Leveraging empathy, life experiences and observation, Saralyn explains how every book is a mystery or puzzle, no matter the genre during our conversation. She also talked about her latest book (and first thriller) launching early 2022.
Award-winning and best-selling author, Saralyn Richard was born with a pen in her hand and ink in her veins. A former educator, she loves connecting with readers. Her humor- and romance-tinged mysteries and children's book pull back the curtain on people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. A member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing and literature at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Her favorite thing about being an author is interacting with readers like you.
Visit http://saralynrichard.com
Book purchase links:
A Murder of Principal
Bad Blood Sisters
Welcome Judith Keim to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Judith's tips for writing book series and handling multi-book launches were some of the fantastic nuggets she shared during our conversation. We also talked about things to consider when participating in a book anthology. So much goodness shared!
Judith Keim is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family.
Visit https://judithkeim.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FTHWKYK/
Welcome Melissa Face to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Melissa and I talked about when it's ok to call yourself a writer, putting yourself out there, and the importance of a positive supportive community. Whether it's a writing critique group or one you cultivate between family and friends, that encouragement along with self-care are so important to taking care of yourself, and as a result, your writing. She also shared a book that she's read three times because it's been that instrumental in her writing journey.
Melissa Face is the author of I Love You More Than Coffee, an essay collection for parents who love coffee a lot and their kids...a little more. Her essays and articles have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Tidewater Family Magazine, Scary Mommy, and twenty-five volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul. She lives in Prince George and teaches world literature at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology. Read more at melissaface.com.
Visit https://melissaface.com/
Book purchase link: I Love You More Than Coffee
Welcome Alexa Bigwarfe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What a fabulous conversation with Alexa! What started with the desire to move through grief from the loss of her daughter to following her ability to solve puzzles, Alexa has published several books, started her own publishing company, and is the host for a successful virtual multi-day publishing event and all with the goal to serve others. During our chat, Alexa shared invaluable tips for thinking through publishing routes, target audience/readers, and the power of relationships.
Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. Her courses and training focus on author platform growth and creative ways to market books, especially for those who know nothing about marketing. She is also the founder and host of the Women in Publishing Summit and owns two hybrid publishing houses, Kat Biggie Press and Purple Butterfly Press.
Visit http://writepublishsell.com/
Book purchase link: Alexa's books
Welcome Susan Wilking Horan to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Susan shared how having different writing goals helped her create the various books she's authored, including serving those who have been diagnosed with cancer or who love someone who has. We also talked about how to move through writer's block through simple changes and leveraging neuroplasticity. Such a powerful conversation!
Susan Wilking Horan is a survivor of 3 different cancers, wellness advocate, lawyer, and speaker. She also has authored seven books and contributed to the ever-popular Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has also had the pleasure of working alongside her husband for many years at the family business, classic cartoon powerhouse Fleischer Studios. Find Susan at http://www.susanwilkinghoran.com
Visit http://www.susanwilkinghoran.com
Book purchase link: Betty Boop's Guide to a Bold and Balanced Life: Fun, Fierce, and Fabulous Advice Inspired by the Animated Icon
Welcome Diane Barnes to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Diane and I share a background in journalism, and it was so cool to see how she leveraged hers throughout her path as an author. Diane shared so many nuggets as she talked about her writing process as well as the querying process.
Diane Barnes is the author of More Than, Waiting for Ethan, and Mixed Signals. She is also a marketing and corporate communication writer in the health care industry. When she’s not writing, she’s at the gym, running or playing tennis, trying to burn off the ridiculous amounts of chocolate and ice cream she eats. She and her husband Steven live in Massachusetts and dream of moving to Turks and Caicos – at least for the winter months.
Visit https://www.dianembarnes.com
Book purchase links:
MORE THAN
Waiting for Ethan
Mixed Signals
Welcome Barbara Conrey to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Barbara and I talked about how when you're an author, you're also running a business. This mindset shift is so important because it requires something different from you and requires you to put yourself out there. Barbara shares wisdom for how to go about this shift and frames it as though it's a marathon, not a sprint. She also shares how she took challenging emotions of anger and grief and channeled them into her first book that centers around a young child with glioblastoma.
Barbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye. Barbara worked in the health care industry for many years before opting for early retirement, which lasted all of three months. She then accepted a position in finance, for which she had absolutely no background. Four years later, she decided to write a book.
But not about finance.
Travel is a passion, along with reading, writing, hiking, and exploring antique shops. Barbara’s greatest passion is Miss Molly, her rescue beagle. There are stories to be told about beagles, and Barbara incorporates some of those stories into her books. Barbara lives in Central Pennsylvania, close to family and friends, and of course. Miss Molly.
Visit https://www.barbaraconreyauthor.com
Book purchase link: Nowhere Near Goodbye
Welcome Lainey Cameron to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Lainey shared one wisdom bomb after another as we talked about imposter syndrome, second book syndrome, and the importance of staying open to all paths for publishing.
Lainey Cameron is a digital nomad and author of women’s fiction. A recovering tech industry executive, her 11-time award-winning novel, The Exit Strategy, was inspired by a decade of being the only woman in the corporate boardroom.
It’s been called a “rallying call for women to believe in themselves and join together” and tells the story of a Silicon Valley investor who first meets her husband’s mistress across the negotiating table.
A digital nomad—meaning she picks locations around the world to live (and write) for months at a time—Lainey is an avid instagrammer. She’s the founder and host of The Best of Women’s Fiction podcast, proud member and volunteer with Women’s Fiction Writers Association, believes community makes the author's life worthwhile, and is on a mission to obliterate the term aspiring writer.
Originally from Scotland, Lainey has a soft spot for kilts and good malt whisky.
Visit https://www.laineycameron.com
Book purchase link: The Exit Strategy
Welcome Jodi Meltzer to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Jodi's ability to blend writing pieces that connect with adults as well as books that connect with children is a true gift. During our conversation we talked about this, divine breadcrumbs, honoring your authentic self, some of the key elements to writing for children and so much more.
Jodi Meltzer is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who has also written extensively about grief, divorce, and parenting for various publications, including HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and Thrive Global. Before motherhood, she was an accomplished anchor/ reporter who covered everyone from Hillary Clinton to The Goo Goo Dolls. She transitioned to mommy blogger in 2010―the year her baby boy swallowed her whole. She escapes his grips with sarcasm, bold coffee, and ’80s music/movie binges with her rescue dog curled up on her lap. A Boston native, she recently relocated to Tampa in search of more sunshine, literally and figuratively. To learn more about Jodi and her books, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are and When You Lived in My Belly, visit jodimeltzer.com.
Visit www.jodimeltzer.com
Book purchase link: Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are
Welcome Antoinette Truglio Martin to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
During our conversation, Antoinette shared so many nuggets such as writing a book you want to keep talking about after it's published, leveraging your listening skills to help your writing, and tips for world building.
Antoinette Truglio Martin is a speech therapist and special education teacher by training but really wants to be a writer when she grows up. She has been collecting and writing stories forever. Over the years, Antoinette had been a regular columnist in local periodicals and had several essays featured in newsletters and literary reviews.
Antoinette's popular children’s picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup was published in 1993 (Albert Whitman Co.). Antoinette’s memoir, Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer (She Writes Press 2017), chronicles her first year battling breast cancer as a wimpy patient. Becoming America’s Stories (Red Penguin Books) a middle-grade historical fiction series, debut in 2020. The award-winning first book, The Heart of Bakers and Artists, takes place in 1911 and follows nine-year-old Lily Taglia, an American-born child of Sicilian immigrants, coming of age in a crowded New York City three-room Lower East Side tenement. The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers picks up where The Heart of Bakers and Artists leaves off. Lily, her family and friends reach for their dreams as new Americans. Read Becoming America’s Food Stories where there are always good stories around good food.
Antoinette proudly holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook/Southampton University (2016). Be sure to stop by her website and blog, Stories Served Around The Table at https://antoinettetrugliomartin.com/ to read about past and present family adventures, book happenings, and life musings.
Visit www.storiesserved.com
Book purchase links:
The Heart of Bakers and Artists
The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers
Becoming America's Food Stories
Hug Everyone You Know
Welcome Heidi Torres to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Heidi and I had a great conversation where she talked about having a message to share and leveraging your team. She also talked about incorporating personal stories into her book and how to discern which ones to include or not.
Heidi Torres built connections at an early age when she studied at twelve schools and lived in three countries. She pursued a fifteen-year career in sales and progressively led and developed sales teams that spanned three states. After a promotion to Human Resources Supervisor, she began overseeing the HR needs of over 200 employees. Torres then earned a BBA in HR Management from Texas Woman’s University, became a SHRM-Certified Professional, and landed positions as an HR Generalist and a Talent Acquisition Manager through networking. She serves on the DallasHR Board, attends the MBA program at West Texas A&M University, and is the author of The CEOs of Networking.
When not working, Torres volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and enjoys spending time with her husband, rescue cats, and ducks.
Visit http://www.hrheidi.com
Book purchase link: The CEOs of Networking
Welcome Mallory Howell to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Mallory and I talked about bringing a vision - a book - to life and how family inspired both of her children's books.
Mallory Howell is a wife, mother, stepmother, author, and former teacher. She was born and raised in East Tennessee and still resides there with her family. She stepped away from the classroom after the birth of her second son in November 2018 and now stays home with her two boys. She enjoys family camping trips, gardening, reading, cooking, and writing. Mallory published her first children's book, Soda Pop Drop, in 2018 and her newest book, The Little Ninja That Could: Conquer Kindergarten, in August 2020.
Visit: http://www.authormalloryhowell.com
Book purchase links:
The Little Ninja That Could Conquer Kindergarten
Soda Pop Drop
Welcome Mary Ann Tippett to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Mary Ann shared so many nuggets during this powerful conversation about overcoming "Who am I" as so many authors face when following their hearts as they write their first, next or current book. We also talked about the power of focus and to use it to help you go from a blank page to a first draft.
Mary Ann Tippett writes uplifting fiction from her home in Ottawa. She has a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University. After writing and publishing novels she wrote in 3 days, such as Clara & Pig, Finding Clara, and Pairs With Pinot, she published her first non-fiction guide on writing, How To Write A Novel In 3 Days: The Zone Method.
Visit https://maryanntippett.ca/
Book purchase links:
Write A Novel In 3 Days: The Zone Method
Finding Clara
The Shape of Us
Pairs With Pinot
Clara & Pig
Welcome Julie Reisler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This conversation was powerful! We talked about the importance of following that inner nudge, even when doubt creeps in and you question if you're the right person to write this book, and so much more.
Julie is a Master Transformation Coach, Author, multi-time TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, and Georgetown University Faculty. On her podcast, The You-est You, she has featured esteemed guests such as New York Times bestselling author, Marci Shimoff; the President and CEO of HeartMath Inc., Dr. Debbie Rozman; and world-renowned mediation teacher psychologist, Tara Brach.
Julie has been featured in Forbes, MindBodyGreen, The Chopra Center, and Thrive Global. She is the author of the Get a PhD in YOU book series and is the creator of many courses and meditations on the popular mindfulness app, Insight Timer.
At Georgetown University, she serves as faculty in the Health & Wellness Coaching program. Through her practice, she offers private 1:1 coaching, group coaching, online courses, and a membership group, Sacredology®. To learn more about Julie and her offerings, you can check out her website
https://www.juliereisler.com
Book purchase: Get a PhD in YOU: A Course in Miraculous Self-Discovery
Free e-book version: https://www.juliereisler.com/freebook
Welcome Namaine Coombs to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Namaine unleashes so many nuggets in our conversation, including how working through attachments of approval and achievement was necessary to unleash his success and how a solo international trip sparked the journey to write his first book.
Namaine Coombs is a certified professional life coach and an established financial professional that inspires people to unleash success in their personal and professional lives. He evokes awareness and helps us address subconscious limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors through his writings, speaking engagements, social media presence, and personal coaching. He is the author of Unleash Intentional Success: Change Your Mindset. Change Your Actions. Change Your Life.
Visit https://www.namainecoombs.com
Book purchase link: Unleash Intentional Success: Change Your Mindset. Change Your Actions. Change Your Life.
Welcome Debbie Monteggia to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more
Debbie Monteggia is passionate about expressing her true voice through poetry. She hopes that by reading her poetry, others will be encouraged to find and listen to their own true voice.
Throughout her journey in life Debbie has recognized the depth, diversity and power of emotions. She understands how important it is to honor all emotions and not to suppress or ignore the more challenging or fearful ones. These emotions are the ones that will transition readers into their joy once they move through them. All of our experiences are necessary to get through our life lessons. This is how Tears of Change was born.
Her opening poem ‘Honor your Tears’ takes readers through the beauty of this conversion. Her poetry started from her tears of sadness and despair and moved her through writing about her tears of joy, grace and gratitude, and most of all, finding God’s love.
Debbie Monteggia lives in Mesa, AZ with her husband and two dogs. She works in the design industry as an interior designer. She enjoys bicycling, walking and playing pickleball. Debbie is very dedicated to giving back and will allocate a percentage of her book sales to a basic needs charity.
Debbie also sells individual poems from the book that can be overlaid over a favorite framed picture of a friend or family member. You can view and purchase these poems, and discover more about Debbie, at TearsofChangePoetry.com.
Visit www.TearsofChangePoetry.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Tears-Change-Reflections-Quotes-Meaningful/dp/1098011767
Welcome Hillary Lee to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Hillary and I had a lovely conversation about how her debut picture book started as a poem that was created out of love for her children. Hillary shared so many nuggets about the illustration process, and we also talked about author brand awareness and running an author business.
Hillary Lee is a newly published children’s book author with her debut book, Oh, The Way I Love You, released in 2020. In addition to writing, Hillary truly enjoys her career in orthopedic surgery as a physician assistant. She is also the owner of a small business, Baby Books & Mama Looks, which allows buyers to purchase a children’s book paired with apparel for mamas and littles. She is married with two young children and feels so blessed to be inspired by her family daily.
Visit www.babybooksandmamalooks.com
Book purchase links: Oh, The Way I Love You
For personalized inscription copies: www.babybooksandmamalooks.com
Welcome Steven Joseph to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Get ready to laugh throughout this conversation all around writing to become an expert, and Steven wrote about crankiness! Steven demonstrates different ways to connect with his readers, whether it's grown-ups or children, so each audience can enjoy the stories and message in relatable and fun ways.
Steven Joseph is an attorney, professional negotiator, humorist, and marathon runner. He is the author of The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrsnkaTsuris, A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method, and Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles!!
Visit https://www.StevenJosephAuthor.com
Book purchase links
For Kids - The Last Surviving Dinosaur: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Surviving-Dinosaur-TyrantoCrankaTsuris/dp/1643071572
Grownup Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Grownup-Guide-Effective-Crankiness-Crankatsuris/dp/1480893811/ref=nodl_
Welcome Diane Grimard Wilson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Diane's courage to share her experience with a brain injury demonstrates the underlying the driver for why she writes. We talked in depth about her writing and editing process to bring forth her memoir.
Diane Grimard Wilson is a Chicago peak performance coach, licensed clinical professional counselor and has board certification as a fellow in neurofeedback. Her clients include physicians, leaders, executives and creatives. Diane is host of the Genius: Sciencing Our Human Potential podcast where she interviews leaders and other personalities for their human stories on resilience, change, and coping with the global pandemic. She recently released her second book, Brain Dance: My Journey with Invisible Illness, Second Chances, and the Wonders of Applied Neuroscience, which hit best-selling status in the first week.
Visit: www.GrimardWilson.com
www.GeniusPodcast.Us
www.BrainDanceBook.com
Book purchase links:
https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Dance-Journey-Invisible-Neuroscience-ebook/dp/B093CKZ8N8/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=brain+dance+diane+wilson&qid=1626972442&sr=8-3
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brain-dance-diane-grimard-wilson/1139316992
Welcome Meg Dendler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
The power of the draft is at the crux of this incredible conversation with Meg! Allowing space in between writing and editing, working with beta readers and critique groups, self-editing and working with your editor are all key elements that we talk through in depth to take your first draft and get it to the best version possible for publication. Meg also shares valuable insights for how to work through the editing process as well as tips for writing children's and sci-fi books.
Meg has been writing since the early 1990s and has over 100 articles published. She has won multiple awards for her Cats in the Mirror series about alien rescue cats, based on her own household of kooky felines. Her fairy tale book, Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess, won Best Juvenile Book of 2018 from the Oklahoma Writers' Federation. Meg's newest science fiction novel, The Tigran Chronicles, delves into how humans treat animals and tiger conservation. Meg also freelances as an editor and proofreader.
Visit https://megdendler.com
Book purchase links:
Why Kimba Saved The World, https://www.amazon.com/Kimba-Saved-World-Cats-Mirror-ebook/dp/B00BB2S7AG
Vacation Hiro, https://www.amazon.com/Vacation-Hiro-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B00FGX6C5S
Miss Fatty Cat's Revenge, https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Fatty-Cats-Revenge-Mirror-ebook/dp/B00KZ1YF5K
Slinky Steps Out, https://www.amazon.com/Slinky-Steps-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B01DB65ER8
Kimba's Christmas, https://www.amazon.com/Kimbas-Christmas-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B07T31TPM9
Max's Wild Night, https://www.amazon.com/Maxs-Wild-Night-Meg-Dendler-ebook/dp/B00W8FOKS8
Dottie's Daring Day, https://www.amazon.com/Dotties-Daring-Day-Meg-Dendler-ebook/dp/B01MS4CZM3
Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess, https://www.amazon.com/Bianca-Brave-Frail-Delicate-Princess-ebook/dp/B075KQ8FQ7
The Tigran Chronicles, https://www.amazon.com/Tigran-Chronicles-Meg-Dendler-
Welcome Jennifer Swanson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What a fun and fascinating conversation with Jennifer about writing STEAM middle grade books! Leveraging her background and passion for writing, Jennifer makes it her goal to ensure physics, engineering and math are fun and easy to understand. We talked in depth about blending what you know with what you like to write and what you can sell, which includes understanding your target reader and being willing to change point of view.
Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the award-winning author of over 45 nonfiction books for children. Using her background in science and history that she received from the U.S. Naval Academy, and her M.S. in Education, Jennifer excels at taking complex facts and making them accessible, compelling, and humorous for young readers, Jennifer's passion for science resonates in in all her books but especially, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact and Beastly Bionics, which both received Florida Book Awards and NSTA BEST STEM book awards. Her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received an NSTA BEST STEM Award and a Parent’s Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer has been a featured speaker at the Tucson Book Festival, National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the World Science Festival (twice), the Atlanta Science Festival (twice) and the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival in 2019. You can find Jennifer through her website www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com.
Visit https://www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com
Book purchase link for The Secret Science of Sports: Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Behind Every Grand Slam, Triple Axel, and Penalty Kick https://www.blackdogandleventhal.com/titles/jennifer-swanson/the-secret-science-of-sports/9780762473038/
Welcome to The TufFish Show, which feature authors from different genres and businesses, but they all have one thing in common – they had a message or story they wanted to tell and courageously got out of their own way and made it happen. This show will inspire you to do the same because when you hear someone else’s story, you get the guidance and encouragement to keep going and get your book out in the world, too.
Sometimes we have this idea in our minds of what the writing process is suppose to look like and one of those preconceptions is that the idea flows and we have a pretty good first draft as a result. We might even have set ourselves up for loftier expectations by thinking we should have a complete and perfect version right out of the gates. In this encouraging solo episode, Jen talks about the power of the draft and reframing how to view having them.
To learn more about the TufFish and Jen, visit https://www.jennifermilius.com
Welcome Shayla Raquel to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What a fabulous and fun conversation with Shayla! We covered writing in multiple genres, how to handle negative book reviews, overcoming imposter syndrome as a writer, author branding and so much more.
An expert editor, best-selling author, and book marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with writers every day and specializes in self-publishing. She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, “The Rotting,” The Suicide Tree, The 10 Commandments of Author Branding, and All the Things I Should’ve Told You. In her not-so-free time, she acts as organizer for the Yukon Writers’ Society and studies all things true crime.
Visit https://shaylaraquel.com/
Book purchase links:
Short story "The Rotting" in anthology (2018): https://shaylaraquel.com/shiversinthenight
The Suicide Tree (2018): https://shaylaraquel.com/thesuicidetree
The 10 Commandments of Author Branding (2019): https://shaylaraquel.com/10commandments
All the Things I Should've Told You (2021): https://shaylaraquel.com/allthethingsishouldvetoldyou
Savage Indulgence (coming fall 2021)
Welcome Vilayvanh Bender to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
What started as a way to share her culture and childhood experiences with her children blossomed into a children's book that could reach more children. Vanh's efforts to write a book that helps to normalize different food was strengthened by working with a talented illustrator and incorporating feedback from beta readers. She offers great insights for why school visits are so valuable as well as ways to make them engaging for children.
Vilayvanh Bender immigrated to America with her family as a young Vietnam War refugee. Entering the United States without speaking English, her first goal was to become fluent in this new language. Cultural preservation, acceptance and not giving up on one’s dreams is very important to Vilayvanh. She is also a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Corona, California working with children and families. Vilayvanh lives with her husband and two girls.
Visit www.mommyeatsfriedgrasshoppers.com
Book purchase link for Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers: https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Fried-Grasshoppers-Vilayvanh-Bender/dp/0989885038
Welcome Johanna Halley and Janae Seabloom from Hannah Bloom Books to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
These childhood friends tag-teamed and brought their childhood dream of publishing a children's book, yet the original idea was put on hold to bring a second book into the world first. By playing off of each others' strengths and embracing change to switch gears, Johanna and Janae understood their debut book had a specific season and followed the flow. Johanna and Janae demonstrate the beauty and power when two talented individuals come together and co-author and market a book.
Johanna Halley and Janae Seabloom are childhood friends, preschool co-teachers, and moms doing life together. They draw from both their experience in the classroom and life at home. They hope to create picture books that both children and adults love, and encourage early readers and pre-readers to gain confidence in literacy.
Visit https://www.hannahbloombooks.com
Book purchase links:
A Day to Stay Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735868205
A Day to Stay Home/Un día para quesarse en casa https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735868213
Welcome Grace Sammon to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Grace shared so much goodness in this conversation from how to write with the "end in mind", working with editors and beta readers, and developing characters. To create an authentic feeling within the story, Grace shared some key tips for how to go about researching your book and what to do when you have too much information. Then once you have your book, you need to talk about it, so Grace shared key tips for how to be a podcast guest.
Grace Sammon is an educator, entrepreneur, and author. She has created four companies and written four books. Her debut novel, The Eves, is the story of lives lived well and lives in transition. It is a story about leaving your mark in the world at any age. Grace is committed to volunteering and enjoys tennis and pickle ball. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her husband and a small herd of imaginary llamas.
Visit www.gracesammon.net
Book purchase link: https://bit.ly/THEEVES
The TufFish Show is a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
This week's solo episode, host Jen Milius talks about what story are you telling, and more importantly what are you believing. You are a gifted storyteller - your words can transport your reader to new worlds, new adventures, new ways of thinking, and even new mindset shifts for themselves and what they believe is possible. Your words are powerful for them, but also for you. So use this episode as a reminder to make sure the story you're telling and believing are supportive and encouraging about you.
Welcome Heather Legge to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Following her curiosity that initially started as market research for her business, Heather shared how she followed one breadcrumb after another to create her book. She worked with a book coach to help her find her voice, overcome writer's block and determine a publishing path.
Heather Legge is the founder of Envision Success, Inc and author of Lead With Moxie.
Since starting her firm in 2006, Heather has worked with hundreds of clients on strategic leadership, communication skills and productivity behaviors.
Heather is a “recovering perfectionist,” data nerd, red wine lover, scuba diver, and has a love/hate relationship with running(!).
Visit https://www.envisionsuccessinc.com/about/heather-legge/
Book purchase links for Lead with Moxie:
Details and signed copies: https://www.envisionsuccessinc.com/lead-with-moxie/
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z1DNCWS
Welcome Valerie James Abbott to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Giving herself permission to shift points of view and shift genres is what helped Valerie fully embrace her storytelling capabilities and create a children's book that honors all family members when a sibling is deaf or hard of hearing. Valerie shared how she and her illustrator worked together to create realistic illustrations as well as tips on how she is marketing her book.
Valerie James Abbott is an active parent-advocate and champion for early hearing detection and intervention and parent-to-parent support organizations in Virginia. She has served on the board of Virginia Hands & Voices, is the first parent co-chair of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee, and has received the Governor’s Award for Civilian Excellence for Virginia Fire Safety, spearheading special programming for families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Valerie is a guest blogger for the Center for Family Involvement and has published several articles online and in print about raising a child with a disability that have gained nationwide attention. Padapillo is her first book.
Visit https://www.valeriejamesabbott.com/
Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Padapillo-Valerie-Abbott/dp/1950306801
Welcome Stacy Fisher to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Self-care is a vital part of being a writer and running a business, and Stacy shared so much wisdom about how cathartic writing was for her as she wrote her memoir, then later designed a planner that supported the life you want to create. Stacy shared valuable insights for things to consider when writing memoir, so that you honor yourself, those who are in your story, and your readers.
Stacy Fisher is a registered dietitian, self-care & resilience coach, health & travel writer, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Stacy has worked in private practice, in medical facilities, and with large companies such as Dell, Boeing, and Nike. As the founder of LivingUpp, Stacy uses a unique self-care framework to help people move forward from anything.
Visit https://www.LivingUpp.com
Book purchase links:
Go: One Woman. One Van. A New Beginning
The Lifestyle Design Planner
Welcome Amanda Malek-Ahmadi to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.
Amanda's passion for dance and all things creative shined through this fabulous conversation. We talked in depth about the steps Amanda took to bring her idea for a children's book to publication, including how she ensured the accuracy of dance within her book.
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi lives with her husband, three sons, daughter, and two dogs in Arizona. When she’s not writing or having adventures with her family, Amanda teaches dance and performs with WNDC, a Professional Contemporary Dance Company. Amanda began her dance training when she was five-years-old and taught her first classes at age seventeen. She holds an Elementary Education Degree with a Dance Minor from the University of Arizona.
Visit https://www.authormamanda.com
Book purchase link for 10 Ballet Dancers
Welcome Julie Schooler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more
Multi-genre author Julie Schooler and I had a fabulous conversation that straddled both children's books and non-fiction personal development. Julie shared how she found the illustrator for her children's book as well as how her own daughter inspired her non-fiction book. She shared her writing and editing process for non-fiction and how to work with beta readers.
Julie Schooler is an author of 10 self-help and parenting books and mama of 2 beautiful tiny humans.
She wants you to rediscover YOUR sparkle so she's on a mission to help busy people have all the love, energy, and fun they deserve without the guilt or overwhelm.
Julie lives with her family in New Zealand, a small, magnificent country at the bottom of the world, where you may find her trying to bake the world’s best chocolate brownie.
Visit https://www.julieschooler.com
Rediscover Your Sparkle Book link: https://books2read.com/rediscoveryoursparkle
Welcome Stephanie BwaBwa to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Stephanie and I had a fabulous and fun conversation about how faith is at the center of her love of writing and storytelling. Stephanie's love of writing about angels and the supernatural has strengthened her ability to develop complex characters and create worlds within her novels. By starting with the character, Stephanie offered one wisdom bomb after another for how to effectively world build, macro and micro, within your book.
Stephanie BwaBwa is the Jesus-centered, YA Fantasy Author and Entrepreneur, creator of fantasy world Elledelle, and Co-Host of the Indie Author Lifestyle Show, who’s enjoying building a legacy through the lens of story.
BwaBwa began her journey to publishing in 2013. In 2016, her fantasy world, Elledelle, was born. In 2017 she published her first two books. Since then she’s gone on to write and publish fantasy novels centered about black angels in a supernatural world that are captivating readers all around the world. As the CEO and Founder of Bwabs Collective LLC, BwaBwa has focused her zone of genius on teaching unconventional principles to writers who like to meticulously plot, research, and organize their way through crafting their stories while also having an incredible amount of fun.
Stephanie BwaBwa has authored YA Fantasy series: The Seraphim Resistance Prequels, and is an avid reader of fantasy and fiction. Jesus is her Lord, Disney+ is her safe place, she dreams of being a monkey mama and she’s always penning a new story in Elledelle. You can usually catch her going for a walk through a park, or simply binging Disney+ with too many snacks. Get in contact with Stephanie directly at: stephaniebwabwa.com.
Visit stephaniebwabwa.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-BwaBwa/e/B073ZKDPLT
Welcome Daniele Lanzarotta to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Daniele and I talked about getting inspiration, developing characters, and how it takes a village to bring a book to life.
Daniele Lanzarotta is the author of young adult and new adult paranormal/fantasy/contemporary novels, including The Sinners Series, Academy of the Fallen Series, Life Interrupted and more.
Daniele is the CEO & Founder of Elysian Nightfall Studios – audio & video post-production, brand development and screenwriting services company. She is also the A/V Director and partner at The Audio Flow, and a Board Member with Youth in the Booth.
Writing and working with audiobooks and TV/Film is her passion. She has undergraduate studies in Digital Cinematography, a MBA with focus in marketing - specializing in brand development, and Certification in Media Communications. In addition to having worked on post-production for several audiobooks in diverse genres, she has also worked on Virginia based short films as the 2nd Assistant Director and Still Photographer.
She enjoys watching hockey, playing Rock Band/Guitar Hero, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and the family dog.
Visit http://www.danilanzarotta.com/ or https://www.elysiannightfallstudios.com/
Book purchase links for The Sinners series, Academy of the Fallen series, Life Interrupted and more
Welcome Daniella Rushton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Daniella and I talked about how she found her way to create her first book and series. We talked about how her faith guided her writing and creativity as well as how important it is to work with others to bring your book to life.
Daniella Marie Rushton is British, born 1973. Wife to Nicholas and Mother to Bertie. Over the course of several summers whilst vacationing with her family, in the delightful desert sun of the Coachella valley, California, she formulated the concept of The Panther Tales.
Her son challenged her to channel her renowned imagination into writing a book series. The Panther Tales was born and The Watchers and The Gifted Ones is the first book of the series.
Living a thoroughly creative life, Daniella busies herself with not only the ongoing series of The Panther Tales, her dog Walter and her family and friends. She is also an advocate in the Christian faith, believing in oneself, finding and using ones ‘Gifts’ in life.
Visit http://www.thepanthertales.com/
Book purchase link: The Watchers and The Gifted Ones from The Panther Tales
Welcome Andy Slinger to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Andy shared so many nuggets about writing for middle grade readers including structuring the book and understanding the target reader. We talked about imposter syndrome and the importance of building your platform as an author.
Andy is a single dad of identical twins and a middle grade writer. He's from North West England and works as a retail manager day to day. He writes in a humorous, fun and exciting style whilst addressing hard hitting topics in his books.
Visit https://www.andyslinger.com
Book purchase links for The Super Twins
Amazon
Amazon UK
Welcome Natalie Sisson to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Natalie and I talked in depth about the journey a book not only take the reader on, but also the writer because it's an opportunity to share your "special sauce." A book can be part of a business' eco-system, and Natalie demonstrates this throughout this powerful conversation with each of the books she's authored.
Natalie Sisson is a New Zealand entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, host of the ‘Untapped’ podcast, and lover of handstands and dogs. She’s passionate about helping women entrepreneurs leverage their unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience to get paid to be them, and make an income and impact they desire, simply by being them.
https://nataliesisson.com
Book: Suck It Up, Princess
Welcome Jacob Hess to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Jacob shared so many nuggets centered around telling the story you want to tell. He shared how he created a framework for creativity that helped his self-editing process before he worked with his editor as well as create the world within the story and structure the book.
There is one True Story that all other stories echo, one Story that captures everything that it means to be human and showcases the greatest beauty ever seen: the gospel of God's grace in Christ Jesus. It is Jacob’s passion to retell this Story in everything he does.
Jacob grew up in Oregon and became a Christian at a young age. God has continued to display His faithfulness to Jacob throughout his life; a journey deeper and deeper into grace. Jacob received a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and moved to Seattle Washington where he works as a minister in the local church.
Jacob’s years in school grew his passion for writing and reading, but he has always had a love for stories, whether they're told with pen and page or the rhythms and rhymes of song. He agrees with J. R. R. Tolkien when he writes, “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story, has always been boiling, and to it have continually been added new bits, dainty and undainty," (On-Fairy-Stories, p. 45). As humans we simply cannot seem to escape a need to tell stories, a desire to reach beyond ourselves and connect to the deeper truths of who we are and what it means to live a life of meaning.
Our stories inspire us, convict us, and encourage us as we struggle through a world not as it should be. This is what Jacob seeks for his stories to do. He wants to tell new stories built on the tried and true pillars of tales centuries old, stories that connect to our deepest longings and speak to our greatest fears. But most of all he wants to echo the greatest story ever told, the One True Story to which all other stories point: the gospel of God's grace in Christ Jesus.
https://www.jacobehess.com/
Book: The Bright Abyss
Welcome Sana Fayyaz to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Sana talked about the importance of letting your imperfect voice out being willing to share it, despite your inner critic's protests. She shares how working with others helped her with blindspots, which was a significant part of her writing and editing process.
Sana Fayyaz is a creative who loves being a student of life and enjoys the beauty of a beginner’s mind. She took root in the crowded streets of Pakistan, sprouted in the concrete jungles of New York and bloomed in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Sana, known as the Sacred Keeper of Memories, relishes in gathering meaningful moments through writing as a way to connect with humans and build bridges across chasms. Currently residing in suburban NY with her husband and three daughters, Sana is just a furry pet away from living the white picket fence American dream.
Visit http://sanafayyaz.com
Book purchase link: Chai Chats: Personal Essays to Fill your Cup
https://www.amazon.com/Chai-Chats-Personal-Essays-Fill-ebook/dp/B08R9GSQQT
Welcome Michael O'Brien to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Michael and I talked about the importance of believing in your voice and the impact your ripple can have. We talked in depth about writing memoir and being clear about your target readers as well as overcoming as Michael puts it, "post traumatic 7th grade English disorder."
Michael O'Brien is the Chief Shift Officer at Peloton Executive Coaching and serves on The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Global Board. As a coach, speaker, and best-selling author, he helps leaders build resilience and prevents bad moments from turning into a bad day. He has shared his personal transformational Last Bad Day story and leadership advice on the TEDx stage, with Fortune 500 companies, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Real Simple, ABC, and NBC.
Visit www.michaelobrienshift.com
Book - Shift: Creating Better Tomorrows: Winning at Work and in Life
Welcome Julie Gorges to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Julie shared so much wisdom about remembering your "why" when you face imposter syndrome, rejection letters and navigate your publishing path. We also talked in depth about her memoir and how that book took shape.
Julie A. Gorges is an award-winning author of five books available on Amazon, a blogger at www.babyboomerbliss.net, and a freelance writer with hundreds of articles and short stories published in national and regional magazines. In addition, she won three journalism awards as a newspaper reporter.
Julie’s latest book, Ten Secrets to Losing Weight After 50, received a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite and her book, I’m Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia, based on her caregiving experiences for her mother who had Lew Body dementia, won grand prize from Royal Dragonfly.
Julie lives in Southern California with her husband. She has two grown sons and four grandchildren. Her other passions, aside from writing, are traveling and sailing.
If you’d like more information about Julie, please visit her author’s website at www.juliegorges.com or her blog at https://babyboomerbliss.net/,
Books:
Ten Secrets to Losing Weight After 50
I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia
Just Call Me Goody-Two-Shoes
Time to Cast Away
Residential Steel Design and Construction
Welcome Kathy Perry to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Kathy shared how getting your books leveled for reading enables libraries and schools to provide better guidance for children that matches their reading level. We also talked about leveraging themes within books as well as building characters and vocabulary lists.
After the passing of her parents, Kathy Perry evaluated what she was doing with her life and her contribution to others. She’s always had a heart for teaching kids. Kathy has been a classroom teacher, a homeschool mom, a tutor, and a substitute over many years. Now, she’s written, illustrated, and published the Bandana Acres series of Early Reader Chapter Books with solid moral lessons that fill a genre gap between picture and chapter books. Fellow teachers say, “Great! Keep it up. We need more of these.”
As a twelve year-old, Kathy identified with a fictional orphaned girl and was so impressed with her cleverness and honesty that Kathy wanted to be like her. It was this story that inspired Kathy to write Emeline - A Journey, a story that will educate, encourage, and inspire your tween or teen to find their way as a confident young adult.
Visit https://www.kathyjperry.com
Book purchase link
Kathy’s website: https://kathyjperry.com/chickadee-words-store/emeline-a-journey
Welcome Matt Juhl to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Matt and I talked in depth about creating and developing complex characters and strong dialogue as well as striking the balance between show vs tell, so that readers feel connected to the characters and want to keep reading.
Matt Juhl is an award-winning contemporary romance author. Having interacted with clients and colleagues in the financial industry for the past twenty years, he has gained a deep understanding of relationships and where people's passions lie. Using that knowledge and his affinity for storytelling, Matt published his award-winning debut novel, The Straight Crimes. When not absorbed in his writing, he enjoys vacationing at the beach, relaxing in his hot tub, and otherwise spends too much time on Instagram. Matt resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his family and is currently working on his next book.
Visit https://linktr.ee/author.mattjuhl
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493513257/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_8z7bGb5PHVK97
Welcome Cat Michaels to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Cat and I talked about the business of being an author, especially as you consider co-authoring a book, and honoring your path that supports your message with creativity and service. She also shared some valuable tips for working with beta readers.
Award-winning author Cat Michaels started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since.
Her books for young and reluctant readers have been recognized for excellence in writing children’s literature with three Purple Dragonfly Awards, a first-place honor from the Children’s Literary Classics Book Awards, and a silver medal by the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her last chapter book, Sweet T and the Turtle Team, also won the Wind Dancer Films competition and was considered for adaptation to movies or TV.
Cat earned an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas and held her first teaching positions near Kansas City, supporting children with learning disabilities. After a career in the classroom, she studied for a certificate in organizational development from National Training Labs and managed communications and training programs for a global high-tech firm in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. Before becoming an authorpreneur in 2013, Cat’s final 9-5 role brought her professional life full circle as a writing coach at a community college.
Cat and her family live outside Raleigh, North Carolina, where she creates a fairy garden for neighborhood children, enjoys photography, works out most days, and writes.
Visit www.catmichaelswriter.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXRS98Z/
Welcome Dr. Cynthia Miller to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
What an incredible conversation with Dr. Cynthia! Her memoir was years in the making, but to get to her published book, she had to overcome imposter syndrome, work through difficult trauma and loss, as well as determine what stories should be shared or not.
Dr. Cynthia Miller, visionary and pathfinder, has a Ph.D. in Cellular Transformation and the Psychology of Change. She guides people into the unknown, from the remote wilderness, the psyche, and vast terrain of cellular consciousness into multiple dimensions, all to uncover the truth of who they are. For decades she has transformed her own life and the lives of her clients.
Her map, CM2=E, is a revolutionary model for Conscious Multidimensional Evolution that can shift the global framework from fear and suffering into safety, inner fulfillment, and love.
Dr. Cynthia is the author of Unseen Connections: A Memoir from Pain and Violence to Joy, The Art of Radical Gratitude, and I Am Worthy.
Visit https://www.drcynthiamiller.com/
Book purchase link for Unseen Connections:
https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Connections-Memoir-Pain-Violence-ebook/dp/B08TPRQNFK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Welcome Caleb Ortega to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Caleb shared so much goodness as we talked about his writing process and how it takes a village to bring your book to life. He talked about world building as well as the editing process and working with his editor and beta readers.
Caleb Ortega is a combat veteran, avid world traveler, and author of The Writer and the Throne, which is book 1 from the Warfare of the Gods series. He is a student of historical/cultural ethics and morals. He enjoys painting, mindless action movies, and losing fairly consistently in chess.
Visit Caleb at Ctortega.com
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MQ8TM91/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rFOaGbKP5V9ME
Welcome Abbie Pierce to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
During my chat with Abbie, we talked about the beauty of using fiction to share what you may be working through - to share how to go through change. Abbie talked about her writing process which includes how to structure a book, tips for self-editing, overcoming writer's block and the power of a community.
Abbie Pierce is an Author, Coach, Fire-Starter, an Ally, and is Always up to Something!
Abbie says that people rationalise and don’t start their best work or quit when they encounter The Resistance. Through 1:1 personal coaching and mentoring, Abbie wants to help people make the creative change they seek. Being a veteran, she is for the crazy misfits who get a thrill out of winging it but want to turn pro. Abbie believes in building safe spaces for people to navigate the awkward moments of learning together, so that we can master the fear and practice the tenacity for sharing our creativity with the world.
It’s why Abbie also co-founded a veterans networking group, to help each other build our networks and create our opportunities. Abbie side gigs as an author of fiction novels and blogging at Evoenix:Edits, a weekly insight into the Practice of Leadership and helping others and honing your Real Skills.
Visit https://evoenix.com/
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R21ZHHD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0
Welcome Rosie Russell to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
This chat is full of goodness as Rosie shares the process she and her co-author went through to create their first book together, including setting up the business elements, storyboarding the concept, and the writing process itself.
Rosie Russell is currently the author and illustrator of nine books for young readers. After studies in early childhood education, she taught in elementary and middle schools for fifteen years. She enjoys sharing her books with students and encouraging them to write and illustrate their own stories.
Rosie now writes and illustrates full time in her Kansas City, Missouri, hometown. As an avid reader, baseball fan and crafter, her greatest joy comes from spending time with family and friends.
Visit Rosie's website: www.booksbyrose.com
Book purchase link for Just Between Sam and Me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXRS98Z/
Welcome Jed Doherty to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Jed's passion to serve children has been the driver for all that he's done. During our chat, Jed shared the process he went through to take his children's book idea to an actual book. He shared what it was like working with an illustrator and tips for strengthening a story that's for children.
Jed Doherty is a husband, father, former licensed, certified social worker, award winning children’s author, professional magician and the host of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast. After working in the juvenile justice system for close to a decade Jed left the traditional field of human services to serve humans magic and laughter from the stage. Since that time he has brought a magical message of caring and community to millions of hearts throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
In 2015 Jed, also known as Jedlie, wrote and published The Great Maritini, a magical retelling of the Story of the Good Samaritan. That book was named one of the top 7 books that teach kids kindness by ChildrensPublishing.com and received Story Monster Approval.
In 2017 Jedlie launched the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to inspire families to grow closer by reading more together. And not just with our young kids. The show does this by interviewing authors of all genres of children’s literature. Past guests include LeVar Burton, Brad Meltzer, Kate DiCamillo and Jennifer Milius. Since its debut the podcast has been downloaded to over 180 countries on every continent in the world, including Antarctica, and was nominated for the iHeartRadio Best Kids and Family Podcast award. The show will be publishing its 1,000th episode on March 26, 2021.
Visit https://readingwithyourkids.com/
Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Maritini-Jedlie-ebook/dp/B01N5Y1606
Welcome Dr. Wayne Applewhite to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Wayne shared wisdom about co-authoring a book and taking the idea from conception all the way to a published book, including receiving rejection and criticism and how to bounce back.
Wayne was a co-founder of a leadership development firm and holds a Doctor of Management Degree. He has an eclectic experience base that he brings to the community and to the nation at large. He has over thirty-five years of diverse and challenging followership and leadership experiences, coupled with a solid foundation of continuing education. He has held challenging positions such as Associate Professor (Boston University), Director of Graduate Military Programs (Boston University, Metropolitan College), Associate Dean, Instructor, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, Outside Director, Thought Leader, Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Officer in Charge, Commander, and COO. In each of those leadership positions, Wayne continued to build his leadership skillset as he also pursued formal and informal education.
Wayne taught Leadership and Organizational Behavior at the graduate level for over 12 years, helped develop leadership skillsets for many individuals and organizations around the nation, and hosted a podcast for a year and a half called Affect! through BlogTalkRadio (just to name a few of his accomplishments). The podcast was an intellectual incubator where guests and callers had the opportunity to exchange ideas, concepts, and thoughts in hopes of influencing and motivating others to action in a positive way; and as you can imagine, all of the topics were leadership related.
What is he doing now you might ask? Wayne co-authored You Know it’s a Verb, Right? that is a new discussion with bold, yet simple and timeless concepts of leadership and will launch February 2021. Wayne is so excited about this new book on leadership and cannot wait to share it with you face-to-face, virtually, or any other creative way imaginable!
As a matter of fact, Wayne is hosting a discussion group in Facebook to talk about leadership, and he would love to have you join. To learn more about Wayne, his new book and be part of the discussion, visit his website mindsyncing.com.
With all that being said, if you ask Wayne, his greatest joy and accomplishments are being a husband and a dad!
Visit http://www.mindsyncing.com
Book link: You Know it's a Verb, Right?
Book signings and other events are a great way for authors to meet readers! Whether you host and arrange your own event or are able to attend one hosted by someone else, this episode will help you have a successful experience and be ready for more!
To learn more about TufFish and be part of the next author conversation, visit www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish
Welcome Dianne Karg Baron to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Dianne's obsession with wire began over 25 years ago when she made a pendant out of a little piece of beach glass she found while walking near her home. Since then, she has bent, linked, twisted, woven, hammered, fused, crocheted and knitted her way through many kilograms of metal.
One thing you'll notice about Dianne right away is that she has an infectious passion about wire working, and pays meticulous attention to detail. She has written and published over 80 tutorials, courses and videos on wire working and chain making. Her most recent release is the RAW Design Challenge Plan(ner), which helps creatives like you set and track goals that are Realistic, Achievable and Work with your Life.
Her goal is to help make wire working accessible for you: whether you're a raw newbie, or have many years on the tools, there's something for everyone!
Visit Dianne at www.thetaoofwire.com and www.diannekargbaron.com
The RAW Design Challenge Plan(ner) is available now: https://www.thetaoofwire.com/rawplanner2021
Welcome Carmela Dutra to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
Carmela shared wisdom about following your instincts through your publishing path, even if that means saying "No." She also talk about how to move through receiving rejections and criticism to get where you want to go as well as how she shifted her writing between different genres.
Carmela is an award-winning storyteller, illustrator, wife, and mother from San Jose, California. Her book series Little Katie introduces the whimsical world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics for kids. Her other series, The Adventures of Lorenzo, the Bear teaches children about compassion, friendship, and seeing the good in others, qualities that are vital to everyday life.
Visit Carmela at https://carmeladutra.com/
Purchase from the Little Katie series or The Adventures of Lorenzo series at https://carmeladutra.com/bookstore or anywhere books are sold.
Welcome Scott Perry to the TufFish show, which is a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish make both feel smoother and achievable.
Scott shared ways to move through resistance, so you're willing to be seen and heard and can step into possibility. He also talked following the creative path and paying attention how it resonates and with whom.
Scott Perry is Creative on Purpose's Chief Difference-Maker and the author of the Amazon top-sellers Endeavor and Onward. In addition to Difference-Maker Coaching, Scott is on the head coach team in Seth Godin's Akimbo Workshops.
Scott is a husband and father, goes for a cemetery run every day, and quotes Marcus Aurelius more often than he should.
Scott believes you enhance your life most through work that elevates others. He's on a mission to help people like you endeavor better. The process Scott has crafted is a catalyst for thriving through work that's worth it.
Visit Scott at https://www.creativeonpurpose.com/
Purchase Onward: https://www.amazon.com/Onward-Where-Certainty-Possibility-Begins-ebook/dp/B0859MN7PK
Welcome to The TufFish!
TufFish helps writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable.
TufFish host Jen Milius believe that we’re all works in progress, but your first, next or current book doesn’t have to be. And when you have support from someone who has “been there” and understands what you’re going through, it makes all the difference in the world. Jen's goal is to help writers get from “maybe I’ll do it” to “it’s happening!”
This show will feature authors from different genres and businesses, but they all have one thing in common – they had a message or story they wanted to tell and courageously got out of their own way and made it happen. This show will inspire you to do the same because when you hear someone else’s story, you get the guidance and encouragement to keep going and get your book out in the world, too.
Learn more at www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish