More to the Story Podcast with Janna Maron

Hi Friend, Today I’m sharing the recording of a Substack live I did with Brendan Spiegel over at Narratively Academy. Brendan and I talk about why a lot of writers struggle with finding time to write and how to find a rhythm that works for you.In this conversation we cover:* why common writing advice like “write every day” or “get up an hour earlier” works for some writers, but leaves others feeling like they’re doing something wrong* how living with chronic illness forced me to rethink consistency, productivity, and my own creative capacity* how I finished my memoir by scheduling 10 dedicated writing days over 10 months instead of trying to write every day* why the lesson isn’t “write two days a month,” but to pay attention to when, where, and under what circumstances you actually write well* how Human Design helped me understand my natural tendency as a Manifestor to work in bursts rather than with consistent energy* how different Human Design energy types might approach writing differently—and why what looks like procrastination can sometimes be part of the creative process* why coffee shops, coworking, writing groups, and Zoom writing rooms can help some writers tap into the energy of other people working around them* practical ways to make progress on a book while working a 9-to-5 job* the big takeaway: there is no one right way to be a writer; finding your process requires experimentation, self-awareness, and self-trustThis is just a preview of what I’ll be covering in the upcoming coaching experience I’m leading with Narratively Academy: The Aligned Writer.This is the right class for you if…* You’re working on a book and you find yourself cycling through burnout, frustration, inconsistency, self-doubt wondering if you’ll ever finish or feel successful in your writing life.* You’re tired of trying to follow writing routines and productivity systems that seem to work for everyone but you.* You want to build a writing practice that feels sustainable, productive, and genuinely your own.This class is a 4-week coaching experience happening on Wednesdays in October. We begin next week and there are still spots available. Follow this link to Narratively Academy for all the details and registration info. I’d love to have you join me! Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Writing, Energy, and the Creative Life with Susie PrattOn essay collections, self-doubt, literary community, and following the energy of your workToday I’m joined by my client Susannah (Susie) Pratt, author of More or Less: Essays from a Year of No Buying, a prize-winning essay collection that explores what it means to raise a family inside consumer culture and how our identities are shaped by what we own—and don’t.In this conversation, Susie and I talk about the evolution of her essay collection, the structural challenges she faced early on, and the mindset shift that helped her move from feeling stuck to finishing her book. We also go beyond craft and into something a little more unexpected—energy, attention, and what it means to follow your creative instincts rather than force your way through the work.We talk about self-doubt, the writing life after publishing a book, and how community and environment can make all the difference in sustaining a creative practice.About SusieSusannah Pratt is the author of, More or Less: Essays from a Year of No Buying (EastOver Press, February 2022). More or Less, Pratt’s debut collection, reflects on the challenges of raising a family in a consumer society, and seeks to understand the degree to which we are defined or confined by what we own. The book won the 2021 EastOver Prize for Nonfiction.Pratt’s writing has appeared in a variety of print and online publications including Literary Mama, Essay Daily, The Mindful Word, Motherwell, The Week and bioStories, among others. She has also served as a regular contributor to The Waking, the blog at Ruminate Magazine.Pratt has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago, but her writerly roots can be traced to her degree in English Literature from Colgate University, and even more deeply to taking first place the Young Authors contest in second grade. Pratt, her husband, three sons, two dogs and a tortoise make their home – still full of too much stuff – in Evanston, IL.In today’s episode:* how Susie came to identify as a writer—and why that felt difficult at first* the origin of More or Less and the “year of no buying” as a framework for exploring consumer culture* why the book isn’t really about not buying things—but about meaning, value, and entanglement in consumerism* the early structural struggle: trying to organize the book chronologically and how the collection ultimately took shape around theme instead of timeline* the concept of “problem essays” vs. “foothold essays” and how that became the organizing structure of the book* why writers often feel stuck if they don’t know where a piece belongs—and why you don’t actually need to know* the importance of continuing to write before the structure is clear* how coaching supported her not just with editing, but with confidence and momentum* the difference between being edited vs. being coached—and why both matter* navigating the “slush pile,” rejection, and the emotional toll of submission culture* how proactive pitching (inspired by the book Pitchcraft) can shift a writer’s sense of agency* the challenge of consistency in a writing practice—and what helped her rebuild it* the impact of creating a dedicated writing space outside the home* how literary community (a shared writing studio) helped her recommit to her work* what she’s working on now: essays on attention, nostalgia, and what it means to be human in an AI-driven world* the importance of following creative energy—and recognizing when a project isn’t “alive” anymore* how quickly writing can move when energy is aligned vs. when it’s not* a deeper conversation on attention, imagination, empathy, and consciousness as central human experiencesLinks mentioned in this episode:* Susie’s website → susannahqpratt.com* Susies’s Book: More or Less: Essays from a Year of No Buying on bookshop.org* Susie’s Essay: “Puzzled” in The American Scholar* Pitch Craft, by Lauren Goode* A Marriage at Sea, by Sophie Elmhirst* More about Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Learn more about retreats with me & sign up for the waitlist → moretothestory.co/retreats* Get 10% off your first order of whole bean coffee → caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Follow the show & find all show notes at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree: @undergumtreeQuestion for youWhere in your writing life are you forcing something that might not have energy right now? And what would it look like to follow the energy instead?Share in the comments, I’d love to hear. Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast, I’m talking with my client, Margaret Whitford, whose forthcoming memoir The History We Carry (She Writes Press, June 2026) explores the impact of generational trauma, a mother–daughter relationship shaped by wartime history, and how personal narrative becomes a place of refuge.Margaret and I began working together several years ago on the early draft of her book, and in this conversation she shares the long, patient journey from dense essays to a full manuscript—and ultimately to publication.About MargaretMargaret Whitford served in leadership positions within the nonprofit world for twenty years, including ten years in the social justice field, before turning to writing. She is fascinated by the ways in which each of us seek to create places of refuge in both a metaphorical and physical sense. The History We Carry is her first memoir. A dedicated Francophile, she and her husband divide their time between a small village in the South of France and their home in Concord, Massachusetts. Find more about Margaret and her book at her website, margaretwhitford.com.In today’s episode:* how Margaret came to writing later in life after a 20-year career in nonprofit leadership* what drew her back to school for an MFA and the community she was seeking* the early spark that shifted her work from essays to a book-length project* how interviews with her mother became the backbone of the memoir* why writing about generational trauma required “containers” and linked-essay structure* the moment she realized she was writing the same 80–100 pages over and over* the turning point where developmental editing revealed themes and structure* how permission to “animate her mother on the page” unlocked the storytelling* the years-long process of drafting, researching WWII history, and shaping narrative arc* navigating acquisitions, titling, and the publishing journey with She Writes Press* what she’s working on now and how she’s preparing for the launch of her bookLinks mentioned in this episode:* Margaret’s website & book information: margaretwitford.com* Pre-order The History We Carry from bookshop.org, or wherever books are sold* More about Under the Gum Tree: underthegumtree.com * More about my book coaching & editing services: moretothestory.co* Download the free Book Outline Formula worksheet: moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Book a 15-minute Book Diagnosis call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Get 10% off your first order of whole bean coffee from Caffe Santoro: caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* find show notes for this episode at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for YouHave you ever felt “stuck” in the same 80–100 pages of your writing, like Margaret described? What helped you move forward? Share your experience in the comments!Thanks so much for listening and for being here! Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Returning Home, Rewriting Life — A Conversation with Chick MorganToday I’m talking with my client Eileen “Chick” Morgan, a writer, singer-songwriter, podcaster, cabaret performer, and arts entrepreneur whose creative life is as rich and layered as her memoir, Everything’s a Two-Step But a Waltz: The Reluctant Texan Comes Home.Chick spent decades building a global corporate career before eventually returning—reluctantly—to Texas. What began as a deeply personal, private email blog shared with a handful of close friends grew into a powerful story of heartbreak, reinvention, identity, and creativity. Over time, and through the guidance of structure, community support, and perseverance, her pages became a full memoir that has now been published in print, e-book, and audio formats—all produced within her own small arts-centered Texas town.In this conversation, Chick and I talk about her path from corporate strategist to artist, the years-long process of transforming fragmented notes into a cohesive narrative, and how returning home unexpectedly opened every door she needed to bring her book into the world.About ChickEileen S. (“Chick”) Morgan, PhD, is a writer, singer-songwriter, cabaret performer, podcast host, radio host, and arts entrepreneur. After a full career working globally with large companies and non-profits in leadership, strategy development, and execution, Chick now uses those skills as an arts entrepreneur, producing such experiences as Wimberley Alive! Arts and Music Festival; creating the inaugural Wimberley Storytelling Fest; Co-Visionary and Founder of Descanso Creatives International Writers’ Retreats, and Co-Founder and Board President of the Wimberley Literary Salon. Chick is an active musical performer in Wimberley, sharing her own songs and those of the American Songbook and Contemporary Cabaret in her musical groups The Cashmere Cowgirls and Women with Standards.Everything’s a Two-Step but a Waltz: The Reluctant Texan Comes Home is Chick’s third book. She previously published books about conducting business in the Soviet Union and navigating cross-cultural business ethics. She lives outside of Austin in the Hill Country town of Wimberley with her fiancé, Robert Smith, and their excellent canine companions, Chase and Najee.In today’s episode:* Chick’s background as a writer, singer-songwriter, cabaret performer, podcaster, radio host, and arts entrepreneur* How her return to Texas—after 43 years away—unexpectedly sparked the story* The “double-barreled heartbreak” that began the writing: losing her mother and her marriage on the same day* How a private email blog grew from 30 to 300 readers in six months* The moment she realized her story resonated far beyond her inner circle* The slow, intuitive method she used—Post-its on a long roll of white paper—to discover themes and shape the book* How coaching and deadlines helped her move from scattered scenes to an actual manuscript* Learning to bridge intuition with structure so the story became more than anecdotes* The role of community in publishing: how her local poet/publisher friend produced the print book* Creating the e-book and audio book with resources in her own town* What it felt like to publish vulnerable material in a small community (“I might as well walk naked through the town square”)* The surprise of how many readers related to her experiences: military life, Southern Baptist upbringing, Texas vs. New York identity, heartbreak* Her current writing projects:* A nonfiction exploration of long-term women’s friendships* A fiction project set in the artsy town of Wonderly, Texas* How memoir writing helped her find the emotional truth needed to write fiction* Where listeners can find her work, her newsletter The Reluctant Texan, and her cabaret performancesLinks mentioned in this episode:* Chick’s website → chickmorgan.com* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download the Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Café Santoro — get 10% off your first order → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Follow the show at: moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram: @undergumtreeQuestion for YouHave you ever had a moment in your creative life that felt like everything suddenly aligned? How has community shaped your writing journey?Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Following the Thread — Intuition, Ancestry & Storytelling with Joella AragónHow a multigenerational story finds its form through lineage, spirituality, and lived experienceToday I’m joined by my client Joella Aragón, a writer whose multigenerational, genre-bending book has been evolving for years — from memoir to fiction to speculative nonfiction and back again. Joella and I first met at a Shut Up & Write group I used to host at Old Soul Coffee in Sacramento, and from the beginning she was someone who carried a deep, intuitive relationship with story.In this conversation she talks about growing up partly in Belize, where spiritual and “witchcrafty” elements were woven into everyday life; the moment she read a pivotal piece (“Obia Child”) at my Tahoe retreat; and how her family’s history—including her great-grandmother’s kidnapping in 1904—has shaped the book’s spine.We also revisit the frightening experience Joella survived at age 15: nearly being kidnapped by an infamous serial predator in Vacaville, California, and the intuitive force that helped her get away. It’s a thread that echoes across generations and illuminates the story she’s writing now.This conversation is honest, layered, intuitive, and full of the courage it takes to trust a story that doesn’t fit neatly into one genre — and to claim your own voice as a writer.About JoellaJoella Aragón is a memoir and fiction writer whose global experiences have greatly influenced her storytelling. Growing up in the Air Force, Joella lived in multiple countries, and these diverse environments have become a source of inspiration for her work.Joella holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Sacramento State University and also earned her Elementary Teaching Credential from the same institution. She began her professional career as an elementary school teacher before transitioning to work for the California Teachers Association as a labor union representative. The skills and insights gained from her time as both a teacher and union representative continue to shape the narratives in her stories.Joella is a published short story author, with her work appearing in distinguished publications such as the San Francisco Chronicle and Under The Gum Tree Literary Magazine. Additionally, her stories have been brought to life by actors at the Stories on Stage events in Sacramento and Davis, California.Currently, Joella is finishing a family saga that poignantly illustrates the enduring strength and resilience of a family navigating historical upheaval, personal trauma, cultural displacement, and mental illness. Through detailed storytelling across generations, her work highlights the complexities of love, survival, identity, and healing, deeply rooted in the intertwined histories of Belize and the United States.In today’s episode:* how Joella’s lifelong relationship with writing has resurfaced in different seasons of her life* our origin story: meeting at Shut Up & Write at Old Soul Coffee in Sacramento* how her manuscript has shifted from memoir to fiction to something in-between* the internal tension of not knowing what genre her book “belongs” in—and why that’s part of the process* growing up partly in Belize and how Caribbean spiritual traditions shaped her worldview* reading her “Obia Child” chapter at my Tahoe retreat—and why that moment clarified the heart of the book* the generational story beginning with her great-grandmother’s 1904 kidnapping* Joella’s own near-kidnapping at age 15 and how ancestral intuition helped her escape* trusting herself as a writer even when the material feels unusual, spiritual, or hard to categorize* where she is now: finishing final chapters, moving into line edits, and exploring hybrid publishing options* how she’s sharing pieces of her work and life today—mostly on Facebook, with a future website in the worksLinks mentioned in this episode:* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download my Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Café Santoro — get 10% off your first order → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Follow the show & find all show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram: @undergumtreeQuestion for youDo you write about lineage, intuition, or the spiritual elements of your life?How do you navigate telling stories that don’t fit neatly into one box?Share in the comments—I’d love to hear. (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Talking Writing, Meditation, and the Long Journey of Memoir with Lori WaldThis week I’m joined by my former client Lori Wald, mindfulness meditation teacher, personal essayist, and author of the Substack newsletter Tuesdays with Lori. Lori and I worked together back in 2020 on a full draft of her memoir, and in this conversation she shares where the project has taken her since then, what she’s learning about structure, and how meditation is woven through both her life and her storytelling.We talk about the nonlinear nature of memoir, what it means to trust your material, how to keep writing even when the book still isn’t “there yet,” and the surprising ways Substack helped Lori find her confidence and her audience.This is a generous, honest conversation about writing through grief, identity, faith, and the practice that helped Lori find her voice.About LoriLori Wald is a mindfulness meditation coach and writes “Tuesdays with Lori, Musings on Life, Loss and Everything In-Between” at loriwald.substack.com.In today’s episode:* how Lori juggles life between Cleveland, Ohio and Florida* her shift from fiction to personal essay* the messy truth of a first memoir draft (and the second…and the third)* why memoirs are often not chronological* the challenge of structure — and the moment when you know you’ve landed it* how meditation helped Lori reclaim her voice after profound loss* the intersection of mindfulness, storytelling, and healing* writing about widowhood, divorce, remarriage, and becoming “more me”* the difference between teaching meditation and writing about meditation* how Substack is building her confidence and helping her grow her readership* her experience writing op-eds about her Jewish identity since the war in Gaza* why being seen as a writer — regardless of a book deal — is deeply meaningfulLinks mentioned in this episode:* Lori’s Substack newsletter — Tuesdays with Lori: loriwald.substack.com* Under the Gum Tree – submit and subscribe* Book a 15-minute book diagnosis call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download the Book Outline Formula worksheet: moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Caffe Santoro – get 10% off your first order: caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram: @undergumtree* Show notes & episodes on Substack: moretothestorypodcast.substack.comQuestion for you:Are you working on a nonlinear memoir or essay-driven narrative? What helps you trust your structure (or keep going until you find it)? Share your experience in the comments — or leave a question for a future episode.Thanks so much for listening and for being here.(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Conversation with Lasell Bartlett — Horses, Healing, and Becoming the Designated Calm PersonToday I’m talking with my client Lasell Jaretzki Bartlett, author of Getting Along with Rusty: Horses Healing and Therapeutic Riding, Mostly a Memoir and three accompanying workbooks: Becoming the Designated Calm Person, and Sensing Our Groundedness.Lasell integrates decades of experience in body–mind awareness, somatic experiencing, clinical social work, and therapeutic riding into a body of work that helps people understand themselves, their nervous systems, and the power of grounded presence. In this episode, she shares the evolution of her writing process, how her memoir emerged from what she originally thought would be a how-to book, and how she built trust in her voice as an author.We also talk about her writing rhythm, her accountability structure, her relationship with divine inspiration vs. discipline, and what it means to “stand on the horizon” of authorship after years of self-doubt.If you are writing memoir, working on a self-guided workbook, or navigating the emotional terrain of becoming an author, this conversation will feel grounding, warm, and deeply encouraging.About LasellLasell Jaretzki Bartlett, MSW (she/her/hers), integrates many decades of experience in the fields of body-mind awareness and meditation, with professional expertise as a Clinical Social Worker and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, and as a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Education.In private practice, she facilitated trauma resolution from early childhood trauma, falls, medical trauma, and meditation dissociations, helping people develop a sense of safety that can support the best relationships imaginable.In addition to assisting regional, national, and international Somatic Experiencing® and Equusoma® trainings, she has presented on trauma healing at conferences for mental health and therapeutic horsemanship professionals, and in workshops for the general public.Her first book, Getting Along with Rusty: Horses, Healing, and Therapeutic Riding (Mostly a Memoir) was published in August 2023, followed by Becoming the Designated Calm Person™ Workbook: Learning to Settle Ourselves and Others (2024) and Sensing Our Groundedness Workbook (2025). She’s been published in numerous magazines and anthologies.Bartlett lives on the uncharted lands of the Monacan Indian Nation in rural Virginia with two horses, four sheep, eleven guineas, two cats, an unstable internet connection, and her bestest ever human friend.In today’s episode* Lasell’s decades-long journey in therapeutic riding, somatic work, and trauma healing — and how it shaped her writing path* How her first manuscript began as a how-to book and became a memoir about her horse Rusty and her healing journey* The moment she learned that “the book has its own life,” and how she listened when it wanted to become something different* Why the original exercises in her memoir became the foundation for a four-book workbook series* How deadlines, coaching, and accountability helped her finish her first manuscript after 15+ years of stops and starts* Her writing process: 20-minute sessions, creative bursts in the barn, voice-to-text notes, and “mini retreats” for focused work* The biggest internal shift: stepping out of self-doubt and into the identity of a published author — standing “on the horizon” instead of beneath it* What it’s like to receive positive feedback from readers and editors and truly believe her stories matter* How she knows now that she doesn’t have to wait for inspiration — she can reconnect to her writing anytime, under any circumstancesLinks mentioned in this episode* Lasell’s memoir: Getting Along with Rusty: Horses Healing and Therapeutic Riding (Mostly a Memoir) on Bookshop.org* Workbooks:* Becoming the Designated Calm Person: Learning to Settle Ourselves and Others* Sensing Our Groundedness* (And more coming soon!)* Learn more about Lasell & her books → lasellbartlett.com* Follow Lasell on Substack → lasellbartlett.substack.comOther links:* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Schedule a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download my Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Get 10% off your first order at Café Santoro → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect * find all show notes at moretothestory.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree: @undergumtreeQuestion for YouWhere have you seen your own confidence as a writer grow — even in small ways?Tell me in the comments; I’d love to hear. (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Should You Even Be Writing a Book? How to Find Your Deep Why and Finally Make ProgressHappy New Year and welcome to the first episode of 2026! In this solo episode, I’m talking about the real reason so many women struggle to make progress on their books—even when they deeply want to write them, invest in support, and start the year with the best intentions.This episode is part pep talk, part tough love, and part deep inquiry into the heart of creative resistance. I share what I’ve been witnessing across client conversations, why the “New Year motivation” isn’t enough, and the foundational inner work that must happen before your book will take shape.I also share some exciting updates about how I’m shifting my business this year, including in-person retreats and a renewed focus on catalyzing creative momentum for my clients.In today’s episode:* a New Year check-in for writers recommitting to their book intentions* why desire alone isn’t enough to write a book—and why that’s not a personal failure* the deeper breakdown behind “I still didn’t write this week”* the essential question every writer must start with: should you be writing a book at all?* the truth: the answer is probably yes—but not for the reasons you think* common fears that block writers from taking action (being judged, not being good enough, not knowing where to start)* why personal story is essential even in prescriptive nonfiction, business books, and self-help* the difference between memoir and prescriptive nonfiction—and why people often confuse the two* the foundational work all writers need before writing: uncovering your deep compelling WHY* how your why becomes the engine that drives actual creative momentum* what it means to craft a vision statement for yourself as a writer* why you can’t know your publishing path (traditional, hybrid, indie) until you know your vision* what happens when writers go to conferences too soon and get overwhelmed by industry noise* how human design (especially my Manifestor energy type) is shaping the way I work* why I’m is shifting my business to include in-person retreats and high-impact intensive work* what to expect from upcoming More to the Story retreats in 2026If you’re local to Sacramento or Northern California and would like to explore all of this with me in person, you’re invited to 2026 Creative Catalyst: a one-day retreat for women writers and creatives. Find more info & sign up here:Links mentioned in this episode:* The book Human Design Made Easy by Illona Pamplona on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call: moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Join the Retreat Waitlist: moretothestory.co/retreats* Under the Gum Tree: underthegumtree.com* Get 10% off your first order from Caffe Santoro: caffesantoro.com/jannaFollow & Connect* Find the show notes & subscribe at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for you:What is your deep, compelling reason for writing your book this year?Not the surface-level one — the true one.Share in the comments — I’d love to witness your why.(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: A Conversation with Carrie Lea — Author of Granny Panty ChroniclesToday I’m joined by my client Carrie Lea, author of the memoir Granny Panty Chronicles, a candid, funny, big-hearted story about dating and singleness and unexpectedly falling in love with a man who would become her husband — and whose two teenage sons would make her a proud “bonus mom.”In this conversation, Carrie shares the twists and turns of her writing journey, how this memoir emerged from her journals and blog posts about dating, and what she learned about trusting her voice, her instincts, and her sense of humor on the page. Carrie’s approach to life—and to writing—is warm, insightful, and grounded in honesty. Listeners who are navigating their own creative projects, life transitions, or new family configurations will find so much resonance here.About CarrieCarrie Lea resides in California’s Bay Area with her husband, teenage sons, and parents in a lively multi-generational household. When she’s not discovering new restaurants or traveling, she’s likely curled up with a good book or spending time with loved ones. For several years, Carrie has shared her heart and relatable real-life moments to encourage women in their faith on her website, CarrieLea.com — always with her signature mantra: Read. Laugh. Relate. Whether she’s writing, speaking, or serving in her local church, she strives to remind women they are seen, loved, and called to flourish. By day, she works in corporate America while by nature, she’s a certified fashionista and enthusiastic storyteller. Always up for a good laugh and a quick dance, she blends style, honesty, and faith to reveal the beauty in life’s imperfect moments.In today’s episode* how Carrie began documenting her dating life and slowly realized it was the seed of a memoir* how becoming a “bonus mom” to two teenage boys opened a new chapter of her identity* the writing process: what it looked like, what she struggled with, and what ultimately kept her moving* learning to trust that her everyday experiences were enough to build a compelling narrative* how coaching helped her find structure and momentum* what shifted when she allowed herself to write with humor, honesty, and tenderness* what she hopes readers will take from Granny Panty ChroniclesLinks mentioned in this episode* Carrie’s memoir: Granny Panty Chronicles on bookshop.org* Follow Carrie online → carrielea.com* Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute Book Diagnosis Call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Download my Book Outline Formula Worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Café Santoro — 10% off → cafesantoro.com/jannaFollow & connect* Find all show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* Follow me on Instagram: @jannamarlies* Follow Under the Gum Tree: @undergumtreeQuestion for youIf you were to write honestly about your romantic life—past or present—what story would you start with? Share in the comments; I’d love to hear! (AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe

Today on More to the Story Podcast: Everything Makes Perfect Sense with author Brinn LangdaleI’m joined today by my client Brinn Langdale, whose powerful memoir Everything Makes Perfect Sense chronicles her journey through childhood trauma, self-discovery, and forgiveness. Brinn is a licensed psychotherapist who began her healing path at age 22, ultimately transforming her lived experience into a book that supports survivors and shines a light on shame, resilience, and personal truth.We talk about what it means to write a trauma story with intention—not as a “trauma dump,” but as crafted, meaningful literature—and the emotional and spiritual growth required to stand in your truth as a memoirist, even when family members may not be ready for what you share.If you are writing personal narrative about difficult lived experience, this conversation will remind you you’re not alone—and that the process itself can be transformative.About BrinnAt 22, Brinn began confronting her own childhood trauma, setting her on a lifelong journey of healing and forgiveness. Today, she runs a thriving private practice as a licensed psychotherapist, speaker and author. Brinn’s core message, that everything you do makes perfect sense and that healing is possible, resonates with a wide range of audiences, including students, professionals, survivors, and anyone seeking personal growth and self-improvement.In today’s episode* Brinn’s early journaling life and why writing helped her feel seen* The moment she realized her trauma—and how naming it shifted everything* The year she devoted entirely to forgiveness before turning 30* Starting the memoir during the 2020 lockdown and drafting the ending first* What her early “word vomit” draft taught her about storytelling* Working together through developmental edits and learning to trust her voice* The risk of hiding behind endless revisions—and when it’s time to move forward* Choosing a hybrid publisher and navigating launch + visibility* Family reactions to memoir, and how Brinn held her boundaries and truth with compassionLinks mentioned in this episode* Brinn’s book → Everything Makes Perfect Sense on bookshop.org (also available wherever books are sold)* Learn more about Brinn & her work → brinnlangdale.com* Submit or subscribe to Under the Gum Tree → underthegumtree.com* Book a free 15-minute book diagnosis call → moretothestory.co/bookdiagnosis* Get my Book Outline Formula worksheet → moretothestory.co/bookoutline* Try my family’s coffee → cafesantoro.com/janna for 10% off your first orderWant help figuring out the next steps for your book project? Schedule a 15-min Book Diagnosis call with me.Follow & Connect* find show notes at moretothestorypodcast.substack.com* follow me on Instagram @jannamarlies* follow Under the Gum Tree on Instagram @undergumtreeQuestion for youHave you ever written something that asked you to step into your truth—even when it felt vulnerable or uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear.Thanks so much for listening and being here.(AI Disclaimer: These show notes were generated by AI using the transcript of this episode.) Get full access to More to the Story with Janna Maron at moretothestory.substack.com/subscribe