Author Pep Talks

A Pep Talk for the Writer who needs to just be.

Connect with Alechia online:

Alechia's Website

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A Pep Talk for the Willing.

Connect with Vanessa online:

Vanessa's Website

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Today I’m interviewing Vanessa L. Torres, debut author of the young adult novel The Turning Pointe.

Vanessa L. Torres loves to read anything with a vivid setting, but there's a special place in her heart for urban tales. She was born and raised in Minneapolis Minnesota, and now lives in Olympia Washington with her husband and daughter. When she's not writing, she balances her time between anything outdoors, and her other job as a firefighter/paramedic. And when the snow hits, you might catch a glimpse of her ski patrolling on the mountain.

Today we’re talking about how Vanessa juggled writing her debut novel alongside being a firefighter paramedic at the height of the pandemic, the beauty in returning to old security blankets in times of need, and why it’s essential to have the support of other writers as you brave the often long and winding journey to publication. If you’ve found yourself feeling discouraged by rejections or overwhelmed by your responsibilities, I know you’ll find solace in Vanessa’s story.

So pop in your headphones, find a path you’ve yet to explore, and enjoy my conversation with Vanessa L. Torres.

Connect with Vanessa online:

Vanessa's Website

Twitter

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A Pep Talk for the Pusher.

Connect with Laekan online:

Laekan's Website

Twitter

Instagram

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A Pep Talk for the Painstaking.

Connect with Racquel online:

Racquel's Website

Twitter

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Today I’m interviewing Racquel Marie, debut author of the young adult novel Ophelia After All.

Racquel Marie grew up in Southern California where her passion for storytelling of all kinds was encouraged by her friends and big family. She received a BA in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in gender and sexuality studies from the University of California, Irvine. Racquel primarily writes YA contemporaries starring queer Latine characters like herself. When not writing or reading, she loves practicing beauty and special effects makeup, watching and producing YouTube videos, and teaching herself to play ukulele in spite of her extremely long nails.

Today we’re talking about the importance of setting physical and emotional boundaries, how borrowing joy from our own communities can help us reconnect with our work, and why books are the ultimate group project. If you’re struggling to find your voice in your personal or professional life, this episode is for you.

So make a space that’s just for you and enjoy my conversation with Racquel Marie.

Connect with Racquel online:

Racquel's Website

Twitter

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A Pep Talk for the New You.

Connect with Laekan online:

Laekan's Website

Twitter

Instagram

Buy her book!

A Pep Talk for the Unproductive.

Connect with Alex online:

Alex's Website

Twitter

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Today I’m interviewing Alex Perry, debut author of the middle grade novel PigHearted.

Alex used to teach amazing middle schoolers in Houston, but now she writes novels for kids everywhere. She lives in Arkansas with her husband, baby, and two dogs.

Today we’re talking about what it feels like to be entering year three of the pandemic, experiencing tragedy alongside professional milestones, and how to let go of the debut hustle. If you’re currently raising littles or struggling with the guilt of not being quite as productive as you’d like, this episode is for you.

So on Alex’s recommendation, make yourself a warm cup of Earl Grey Tea, find your favorite chair and enjoy my conversation with Alex Perry.

Connect with Alex online:

Alex's Website

Twitter

Buy her books!

A Pep Talk for the Uninspired

Connect with Laekan online:

Laekan's Website

Twitter

Instagram

Buy her book!