🎙️ Book Talks with Keith

Episode Title: Letting Go of the Final Draft

Book Talks with Keith is where southern storyteller, author, and speaker J. Keith Brown invites you behind the scenes of the writing life. Each episode explores the heart, humor, and humanity behind great stories — from the creative process to the moments that shape us along the way.

Finishing a book should feel like crossing the finish line — but often, it feels more like saying goodbye. In this heartfelt episode, Keith shares an honest reflection on the emotional tug-of-war that comes when a writer releases their final draft for publishing.

It’s a moment filled with pride, relief, and a touch of fear — the same mix of emotions a parent feels sending their 18-year-old off to college. You’ve guided it, worried over it, and loved it into being. Now, you have to trust that it’s ready for the world.

Keith offers gentle wisdom and humor as he talks about the stress of “letting go,” the pull of perfectionism, and the peace that comes when you finally release what you’ve created.

• Why finishing a book can be harder than writing it

• How to quiet the perfectionist’s “one more edit” voice

• The beauty and freedom in letting go

🎙️ Book Talks with Keith

Episode Title: Reading Between the Lines: How Fiction Teaches Us About Real Life

🌟 Episode Summary

In this episode, Keith Brown—southern storyteller, novelist, and lifelong reader—invites you to explore how fiction does more than entertain. It teaches. It mirrors. It transforms.

Through thoughtful reflection and a few charming stories, Keith shares how the characters we meet on the page can reveal truths about our own hearts. From Atticus Finch’s timeless wisdom to those complex characters we can’t help but love (or love to hate), you’ll discover how every great story carries a message meant just for you.

Whether you’re curling up with a cozy mystery, wandering through a small southern town, or escaping into a sweeping romance—this episode reminds you that fiction’s real magic lies between the lines.

• How stories sneak truth past our defenses

• Why we emotionally connect with fictional characters

• What even the villains can teach us about ourselves

• The “mirror” effect of great storytelling

• A simple challenge to rediscover meaning in your favorite novel

Revisit a novel that once touched your heart. Read just one chapter—and then ask yourself:

“What truth about life, or about me, did this story whisper when I wasn’t paying attention?”

Follow Keith’s work as an author and southern storyteller at JKeithBrownAuthor.com
You can also find updates, book news, and more episodes of Book Talks with Keith wherever you listen to podcasts.

And remember—
Every story has something to teach us… if we’re willing to listen.

Episode Show Notes

Episode Title: Writing for Your True Audience

Every writer faces it—the sting of criticism. It’s that fear that can keep us from putting words on the page or from sharing our stories with the world. But here’s the truth: your writing isn’t for everyone. And it doesn’t need to be.

In this episode of Book Talks with Keith, I encourage you to release the pressure of trying to please everyone and instead write with confidence, knowing that your words are right for the right audience.

We’ll talk about:

• Why criticism is inevitable (and survivable!)

• The danger of trying to write for everyone

• How to trust that your true audience will find your work

• Why courage and authenticity matter more than perfection

If fear of rejection or criticism has been holding you back, this episode will give you the encouragement to keep going—pen in hand, head held high.

👉 Your job isn’t to write for everyone. Your job is to write with courage for the readers who need your voice.

Resources & Links:

• Share this episode with a fellow writer who needs encouragement

• Subscribe to Book Talks with Keith so you don’t miss future episodes

My author guest today is Sheryl Bass. Sheryl holds a master’s degree in Social Work and Journalism. She has also studied child development. She uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Bass is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Children’s Book Insider (CBI). Bass also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship. Bass resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers.

Her first book is: "Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze."

This book has earned Eleven international book awards. Here is a synopsis:

A sick baby dragon feels terrible when his fiery sneeze causes problems for a neighboring village. Can they forgive and find it in their hearts to help the giant young dragon?
Follow one brave little girl who enters his cave and confronts the dragon. After learning about his plight, she advocates for him with the townspeople.
It will take problem-solving at its best to prevent further destruction and heal the ailing dragon.

Here follow-up book is called "Baby Dragon Finds His Family."

www.bekindpublishing.com

Marco was born in Chicago but has also lived in Mexico City and San Antonio. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence. With 15 years of experience in the corporate sector, his roles have spanned product management, operations, governance, and call center positions.

In 2011, after the birth of his first daughter, Marco began to feel ill. For nine years, he was told it was anxiety, but nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t until 2020 that he was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. From 2011 to 2022, Marco struggled with agoraphobia, but with the help of medication, therapy, and supportive friends, he was able to overcome these limitations.

During his time at home, Marco began writing a collection of fictional short stories. Originally, he intended to gift the stories to his daughters, the youngest of whom was born in 2013. However, after sharing the stories with friends, he was encouraged to consider publishing them.

In 2023, the stories were published as a novel titled Within Normal Limits. Shortly after its release, the novel became an Amazon Best Seller in the Multiple Sclerosis category.

The novel follows a fictional version of Marco as he navigates struggles with religion, relationships, fatherhood, and connecting with others who are also dealing with their own solitude.

After the publication, Marco began doing readings. Though the book is quite sad, Marco (the author) is not, which led to the readings evolving into comedy routines. This eventually opened the door for Marco to participate in stand-up comedy around town.

Book Synopsis:

This gripping collection of stories tells the story of Marco, a young man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who must confront the harsh reality of his prognosis. Set against the backdrop of a life being slowly taken away from him, the reader is taken on a journey of strength, courage, and resilience as Marco learns to appreciate the beauty of life. With his relationships pushed to the limit, Marco must find the courage to face his illness and discover the weight of hope.

Website:

https://www.wnlmarco.com

Welcome to another episode of Book Talks with Keith! Today, we’re tackling one of the most essential yet often overlooked parts of the writing process: proofing and editing your manuscript before it goes to print.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and a dash of humor to help you present your best work to the world.

Resources Mentioned:

Join the Conversation:
What’s the funniest typo you’ve ever made—or spotted in someone else’s work? Share your stories on social media using #BookTalksWithKeith.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:
✅ Subscribe to the podcast.
✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
✅ Share this episode with your fellow writers!

Do you rate your books? Most people don't. What's more, often people only rate things when they aren't happy. Maybe they got bad service at a eatery. Maybe the new doctor made them wait too long. Perhaps they thought the art display was a waste of time because the paintings looked like a third grader painted them. Or perhaps they didn't like a podcast because the host said, "like," too often. Sadly, the same thing happens with books. So in this episode, I want to share with you 3 reasons I would love to see you actively rate the books you read, especially those you enjoy.

Be sure to visit www.jkeithbrown.com to learn more about Keith and his books.

The one thing I most often hear from new authors is: "Promoting my book is so hard." Well...it can be. In truth, for many authors, the writing is the easy part, or at least, the fun part. But it takes more work to get it into the hands of your readers.

In this episode, I want to suggest three ways you can better promote your book as a new author.

Grab a listen and be sure to share it with a friend.

Thanks,

Keith

Today's episode is a solo episode and in it, I simply want to encourage any new author to remember these three tips. In fact, all of us may need to be reminded at times. So, grab a coffee, have a seat at my table, and let's chat.

To apply to be a guest on the show, visit HERE.

To visit my website: www.JKeithBrown.com