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Author J. M. Shaw on Publishing After Autism Diagnosis, Indie Publishing & Courage
🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!
In this episode, Sharissa Bradley is joined by author J. M. Shaw for a candid conversation about writing for decades before publishing, receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis later in life, and finding the courage to finally share her work with the world.
J. M. shares that she has been writing for over 35 years, mostly in private, never believing her work was good enough to be published. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019, she began to see writing as her lifelong special interest — and decided it was time to be brave.
She talks about the fear of sending her first manuscript to an editor, the mantra that helped her move forward, and how outside validation changed everything. Jennifer also shares why she turned down traditional publishing offers, chose the indie publishing route, and why retaining control of her work mattered deeply to her.
This episode explores vulnerability after publication, imposter syndrome, marketing reframed as visibility, and the importance of community, editors, and learning as you go.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
- J.M. Shaw's website: www.jmshawauthor.com
- Goodreads (linked via website)
- Alexander Writing Society (Alberta, Canada)
- Canadian Guild of Editors
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing J.M. Shaw 00:27 — Writing for 35 years before publishing 00:49 — Autism & ADHD diagnosis as a turning point 01:27 — Sending the manuscript to an editor 01:49 — Fear, mantras, and stepping outside comfort zones 02:35 — Exploring agents and publishing offers 03:00 — Why J.M. chose indie publishing 03:32 — Vulnerability and negative reviews 04:02 — Jennifer's published works and current projects 04:18 — Where to find Jennifer and her books 04:52 — Advice for authors afraid to start 05:36 — Writing as a marathon, not a race 06:00 — Reframing marketing as "showing the world I exist" 06:53 — Learning from editors and other authors 07:52 — Finding editors and professional boundaries 08:26 — Writing communities and the Alexander Writing Society 09:12 — Closing
🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSKf0qMOmvM
Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/
View all episodes
By Sharissa Bradley🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!
In this episode, Sharissa Bradley is joined by author J. M. Shaw for a candid conversation about writing for decades before publishing, receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis later in life, and finding the courage to finally share her work with the world.
J. M. shares that she has been writing for over 35 years, mostly in private, never believing her work was good enough to be published. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019, she began to see writing as her lifelong special interest — and decided it was time to be brave.
She talks about the fear of sending her first manuscript to an editor, the mantra that helped her move forward, and how outside validation changed everything. Jennifer also shares why she turned down traditional publishing offers, chose the indie publishing route, and why retaining control of her work mattered deeply to her.
This episode explores vulnerability after publication, imposter syndrome, marketing reframed as visibility, and the importance of community, editors, and learning as you go.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
- J.M. Shaw's website: www.jmshawauthor.com
- Goodreads (linked via website)
- Alexander Writing Society (Alberta, Canada)
- Canadian Guild of Editors
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing J.M. Shaw 00:27 — Writing for 35 years before publishing 00:49 — Autism & ADHD diagnosis as a turning point 01:27 — Sending the manuscript to an editor 01:49 — Fear, mantras, and stepping outside comfort zones 02:35 — Exploring agents and publishing offers 03:00 — Why J.M. chose indie publishing 03:32 — Vulnerability and negative reviews 04:02 — Jennifer's published works and current projects 04:18 — Where to find Jennifer and her books 04:52 — Advice for authors afraid to start 05:36 — Writing as a marathon, not a race 06:00 — Reframing marketing as "showing the world I exist" 06:53 — Learning from editors and other authors 07:52 — Finding editors and professional boundaries 08:26 — Writing communities and the Alexander Writing Society 09:12 — Closing
🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSKf0qMOmvM
Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/