Episode 187: Summit Sneak Peek Interview with Maureen Wise

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to talk with author Maureen Wise about her newest cozy mystery in her Succulent Sleuth series, which she writes under her pen name Iris March!If you’ve wondered how you can intentionally incorporate your values and things you care about into not just the overarching themes of your book, but also in little ways – like through characters, settings and scenes – I think you’ll get a lot out of this episode!She shares:A solution for writing about events you’ve never experienced.Her process for writing mystery and incorporating plot twists.The types of characters make her put down books and not finish them.What makes writing fun for her.Maureen also gives us a sneak peek at what she is sharing about at my upcoming Write Your Book Summit. In her talk, How to Save the Planet AND Write Your Book, she’ll share ideas on how to normalize eco-minded characters and ways your writing can inspire people to spend time in nature, along with greener habits for writers. You’ll also be able to get her free gift: 25 Ways To Show (Don’t Tell) That Your Characters Have an Environmental Mindset. Sign up for the free summit at https://bit.ly/writeyourbooksummit.About Maureen: Maureen Wise has worked in the sustainability field her entire career. She is an author of the Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery Series and a hiking devotional. Wise has worked as a sustainability consultant, in higher education sustainability, in stream restoration, and has taught classes at the college level on environmental topics. Connect with her on IG @searchingformysteries

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to share my conversation with author Kay Ross who has released books in multiple genres! Her contemporary romance A WORK IN PROGRESS came out earlier this year and her debut fantasy novel WHISPER was released in 2024.If you’re interested in writing in more than one genre, you'll be really inspired to hear about her journey adjusting to writing in different genres.She shares:Why it’s so important to protect why you write.The writing techniques she’s tried and her specific outlining process.How switching to write in a different genre felt like a palate cleanser.Advice for what to do when you get writing advice that distracts or depresses you.How writing fits into her daily life and what makes writing easier and more fun for her.I think you’ll really enjoy hearing about her inspiration and creative process!About the author: Kay loves stories so much that she can't just write in only one genre. You can find her fantasy works under the name Kay Ross, and her romance is under the name K.A. Ross. When she's not at work, she's finding new stories, discussing old stories, or writing her own. If she's ever not thinking about stories, she's either trying not to be too invested in sports or climbing up a mountain so she can run down it. She may live in Utah, but she says that she considers any open space with a view to be home. https://www.authorkayross.com

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to spotlight two wonderful clients who went through this past round of Thriving Authors Academy. Both of these women, Rachel Surls and Yogani Singh, finished the drafts of their books during our time together! So, so proud of them! Listen in as they talk about their experiences being part of Thriving Authors Academy. You’ll hear them reflect on things like what caused them to sign up for the program, what surprised them about the program and what they most got out of it. I hope this is helpful for you, whether you're thinking about joining Thriving Authors Academy, or whether you're working through your book project on your own. They have a lot of wisdom to share around overcoming challenges, setting up writing routines and the importance of finding community and support throughout the process of writing a book.Rachel shares how joining Thriving Authors Academy helped her create a solid, sustainable writing routine and write the entire draft of her novel in six months -- something she never thought she could do!Yogani shares how joining Thriving Authors Academy helped her embrace her creativity, own her identity as a writer, establish a consistent writing routine and finish the entire draft of her novel in six months -- something she never dreamed possible!The doors are OPEN for the next round of Thriving Authors Academy! Will you join us? Come write your book these next six months! Claim your spot at www.thrivingauthorsacademy.com

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m diving into two common objections that I hear over and over from the women who are considering joining Thriving Authors Academy. These objections might resonate with you, too, so I wanted to talk about them and pose some questions for you to think about.If you’re feeling resistant to committing to write your book, this episode will help you figure out if now is the right time to jump in AND how you can guarantee that this investment is going to pay off.After listening to the episode, if you’re still wondering “Can I really do this?” – let's hop on a call and we can talk through it together. There's no pressure and you're not wasting my time. During our call I’ll be a mirror for you, reflecting back to you the truth that you are sharing, so that you are able to go after your dream of becoming a published author in whatever is the best way for you to do that.AND if now is the time – and you are ready to go all in to write your book – register by March 28th & get a BONUS Book Breakthrough 1:1 60-minute Intensive ($499 value) so that you can get personal support around wherever you are stuck on your book & can make the most of the Thriving Authors Academy when it starts April 5th! Find more details at ThrivingAuthorsAcademy.com

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the timeline of drafting, editing and submitting (and editing and submitting again) that led to finally getting a publication deal for my new novel BEFORE & AFTER YOU & ME.It has been quite a long journey filled with ups and downs to get here! And I think it’s really important to hear the real stories behind others' success. In fact, many times books aren’t published in the order in which the writer wrote them (which has certainly been true for me!)In this episode you’ll hear:What inspired the idea for this story 12 years ago.How I played around with the structure, setting and POV.Ways I took feedback to make my book better while staying true to myself and my vision for the book.What I feared would happen if I made any big changes to the book.The discouragement after making it to an acquisitions meeting at a big publisher but not getting an offer… and how I was able to learn from that experience and later get a publication deal with my wonderful publisher Owl Hollow Press.The process of working with amazing editors to get the book to the next level, which helped me grow so much as a writer.So even if it’s a long journey to get YOUR book out into the world, who knows what's around the next corner. Just keep moving forward, find that next stepping stone and don't give up on yourself. You never know what opportunities and excitement are waiting for you!BEFORE & AFTER YOU & ME is available now and recently won the 2024 Indies Today Book Award for Best Teen Contemporary! I am so thrilled and honored by this news, and am eternally grateful to the team at Owl Hollow Press for bringing the best version of my book to life, and to everyone who has supported and spread the word about this story I poured my heart into for twelve years.P.S. If you decide you want to take the reins (and timeline) into your own hands and self-publish your book — but you don't want to worry about getting all the moving pieces coordinated and getting your book up on Amazon and Ingram Spark — you’re in luck. I have a Book Publishing Package where I can handle that all for you, in addition to editing and cover/interior design. Just reach out!

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m diving into all the moving pieces involved in self-publishing and giving you a checklist of what needs to get done before your book hits the shelves. By following this timeline, you’ll give yourself enough time so that it's not a stressful process, but instead, it’s a really fun and fulfilling and exciting process!I share:What you need to have done first, before moving your book into the production timeline.When to choose your cover designer and your interior book designer and what’s involved in that process.Why to consider having a book launch team and how you can involve them.The importance of pre-orders and early reviews – along with ideas for pre-order bonuses.Considerations for how you’re going to showcase your book.After listening, if you decide you don't want to worry about getting all the moving pieces coordinated and getting your book up on Amazon, you’re in luck. I have a Book Publishing Package where I can handle that all for you. Just reach out!>> Here’s the PDF << you can download to stay organized and on top of things as you release your book out into the world. Other episodes mentioned:Episode 89: My Top Tips for Connecting With a PublisherEpisode 66: 10 Tips to Crush Your Book Launch Episode 133: Tips for Writing Your Book DescriptionEpisode 64: Why are pre-orders so important?

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to feature my conversation with Emily Tamayo Maher. She shares how to overcome any block with the creative path down the chakras.Emily teaches an approach to creativity that is four-thousand-years-old but most people don’t know about it! You’ll discover realms of your imagination you didn’t even know existed, eliminate blocks that stifle your best work and learn audience growth strategies used by spiritual leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi.Her insight was a huge hit during the Thriving Authors Summit so I can’t wait for you to listen!About Emily: Emily Tamayo Maher is a book coach and best-selling author in women's spirituality. She helps aspiring writers turn their own life-changing stories into books that capture the depth and significance of their experiences. Her clients have written memoirs, personal development, self-help, and fiction. As a consummate adventurer and expatriate, she’s made her life in Bogotá, Colombia with her husband Mauricio and son Martín. Connect with her on IG @ emily.tamayo.maher

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to talk about deciding when to share your book with others and what the overall editing process looks like.Listen in to find out details like: The different stages of editing and which order to do them in. An analogy that my creative writing professor at USC shared that has stuck with me. The importance of hiring a qualified professional editor, and how to find the ideal editor for YOU. How to ensure you get the feedback that you really need to hear from others. And what to do when you get feedback that doesn’t resonate with you.When I recorded this episode I was in the trenches working on the edits to my books so I think that you’ll get a lot of value out of the insights I’m sharing. If you could use support around the drafting or editing process or anywhere along your book writing journey, I would love to connect. I offer 60-minute 1-on-1 calls where you can pick my brain with questions about your book (or multiple books!), and get my personalized expert guidance to help you move forward in your writing career. Let me help you get un-stuck so that you can write and publish your dream book that grows your audience, grows your business, and grows your legacy.

In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m sharing my top three tips that will really help if writing a book is a big goal that you have for 2025! Sometimes a couple weeks into the new year reality hits and we start to feel in a slump, so I’m talking about specific and practical steps to keep going and get to the finish line of your book. Even if you don’t feel like you have much time, energy, or bandwidth for writing your book this year, don’t despair! This episode is for you!  I’m sharing: My little secret project that I’ve been working on! How to connect with your characters and your book in a very intentional and purposeful way. What to focus on when you are feeling stuck around the bigger questions and structure of your book. I think you’ll be inspired by how you can rejuvenate your writing in 2025! And if you’re looking for a jump start into writing your book in 2025, join Your Book Roadmap where you’ll get all the best things from my coaching in a small container – accountability, motivation, inspiration and individualized attention in a small community of other women writers who are also working on their books. By the end of our eight weeks together you’ll have the momentum to carry you through to continue your book. It’s a small group with limited spots so grab yours today at dallaswoodburn.com. Resources mentioned: Checklist for an amazing writing session Discovery call Your Book Roadmap program

In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m talking with my wonderful friend Greta Woolley about her incredible book “S.O.S.: Survival Guide for Teachers, Old and New”. I was honored to be able to support her in writing this book over the course of my 8-week writing program Your Book Roadmap. It was really so beautiful and incredible for me to witness and journey with her as this book poured out of her! Greta shares: - How she knew she was ready to write her book and how it wasn’t the spectacular moment she thought it would be. - The challenges she went through during her writing process and what kept her going. - Her favorite writing exercise to implement when she was worrying about her book. - What she feels and how she’s different now that her book is out in the world. I think you’ll be inspired by this conversation and what you can do when you allow yourself to be supported along your writing journey. About Greta: Greta Woolley is a behavior specialist at Miles Elementary, where she walks alongside students, families, and educators to create needs-fulfilling environments that positively support academic achievement while growing students’ social and emotional competence. She has spent the past 35 years working as a front-line teacher in the trenches for both general and exceptional student education settings, as a District Trainer, ESE Specialist, Instructional Mentor, and Site-Based Behavior Specialist. Woolley examines the relationship between your “head and your heart” with the firm belief that they must be synchronized for maximum learning to occur. She also models the power of self-examination and reflection necessary for teachers to always remain in an upward trajectory of growth and improvement. She lives in Tampa, Florida with her husband Chris and two daughters, Julia and Jaclyn. Connect with her on Instagram @themindfulmentor_ Join Your Book Roadmap for the next round that starts February 3, 2025, and by the end of our eight weeks together you’ll truly see yourself as an author. You’ll have the first chapter of your book DONE and all the momentum you need to continue! It’s a small group with limited spots so grab yours today at https://www.dallaswoodburn.com.