On this episode of the Authors on Mission podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with author Carolyn Wilman, widely known as the “Contest Queen,” to explore how she’s won over $400,000 in prizes and helped others win more than $1 million through sweepstakes and contests.

Carolyn shares her proven tips on:

1. 🗂️ Staying consistent and organized when entering contests
2. 📬 Setting up systems like dedicated emails and aggregator sites
3. 💡 Adapting to new formats such as social media contests
4. ✍️ Writing strategies: starting with a table of contents, drafting chapters out of order, and the importance of professional editing
5. 📣 Why marketing matters for authors and how to build a strong presence

This conversation is packed with practical advice for both aspiring contest winners and authors looking to sharpen their writing process.

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #Podcast #ContestQueen #BookWritingTips #PublishingSuccess

In this episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with author Laura Alyn to explore her bold journey of writing taboo-breaking books like All About and All About Weed. Laura shares how she taps into a creative “flow state,” balances playfulness with profound questions, and overcomes the fear of putting her work into the world.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

1. How asking “why” repeatedly uncovers deeper truths in your writing
2. Why starting with playful, conversational questions can lead to powerful self-discovery
3. How to balance academic rigor with spiritual exploration in creative work
4. Why persistence and trusting your voice are essential for every author

👉 Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer, Laura’s unique approach will inspire you to embrace authenticity, break barriers, and connect more deeply with your readers.

Learn more about Laura Alyn:

Instagram: [@itslauraalyn]

TikTok: [@itslauraalyn]

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/itslauraalyn/]

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #PodcastInterview #AuthorJourney #WritingCommunity #IndieAuthors #SacredWriting #FlowState #CreativeProcess #FindYourVoice #WritingTips

In this podcast episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Kristin Massey shares insights from her book The Jodes: Life Lessons of a Jill of All Trades. She introduces the DAS Method—Diversify, Adapt, Specialize—as a powerful framework for growth and reflects on how embracing diverse talents can become your greatest asset.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

1. How to creatively combine diverse skills for personal and professional success
2. Why the DAS Method helps you grow and specialize over time
3. The importance of supportive beta readers and honest feedback
4. How to pivot and embrace new passions without fear

👉 Whether you’re exploring new passions or refining your craft, Kristin’s insights will inspire you to embrace authenticity and turn diverse skills into your greatest strength.

🔗 Connect with Kristin Massey

X: https://x.com/TheJOATbook

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-massey-210049190/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinmasseyhaas/

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #Podcast #KristinMassey #TheJodes #WritingCommunity #LifeLessons #DASMethod #PersonalGrowth #BookLaunch

In this podcast episode of Authors On Mission, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, author Patricia Grayhall shares her journey of blending memoir and fiction in her new novel A Place for Us. She opens up about her creative process, balancing fact with imagination, and the discipline that keeps her writing sharp.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

1. How transitioning from memoir to fiction can unlock creative freedom
2. Why discipline and daily writing habits fuel productivity
3. How to respect privacy while writing about real experiences
4. Why supportive readers are essential when sharing early drafts

👉 Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced writer, Patricia’s insights will inspire you to embrace authenticity, refine your craft, and tell stories that matter.

Learn more:

https://www.instagram.com/patricia_grayhall_author/

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #Podcast #PatriciaGrayhall #WritingCommunity #Autofiction #BookLaunch #WritingTips #CreativeProcess

In this episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, you’ll hear from Matt Levenhagen as he shares his career pivot into web design and book marketing—and how authors can use smart strategies to grow their audience.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How starting with a simple landing page can test market interest before investing in a full site

• Why the “report‑to‑book” strategy helps validate ideas and build an email list

• Tips for writing in a conversational style that keeps readers engaged

• Website options for every budget—from DIY platforms to agency‑level design

👉 Whether you are an aspiring author or an experienced writer, these practical, science‑backed strategies will help you thrive online.

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #Podcast #MattLevenhagen #BookMarketing #WebDesignForAuthors #WritingTips

On this episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with Dave Letterfly Knoderer to explore his extraordinary life journey—from running away to join the circus as a teenager, to mastering horseback riding, sign painting, and ultimately becoming a traveling artist and author.

Dave shares insights from his book Hit the Road and Thrive, including his 7 secrets to living an adventurous, purpose‑driven life. One of his most powerful lessons? Shifting focus from self‑interest to serving others as the true key to happiness and fulfillment.

💡 Tips you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why rest and routine fuel creativity (Dave writes daily in diners and RV stops)

• How embracing unconventional paths can lead to long‑term success

• The importance of kindness and service in both writing and life

• Practical advice for writers on finding purpose and energy through storytelling

👉 Tune in to discover how you too can thrive outside conventional paths and bring adventure into your creative journey.

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #Podcast #WritingTips #CreativeJourney #DaveLetterfly #HitTheRoadAndThrive

In this inspiring episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with memory expert and author Frank Healy. With the extraordinary ability to remember every day since age six, Frank shares how he transformed this gift into books that help people find happiness and resilience.

He discusses Happy Every Day and Stoicism for Resilience, blending psychology, counseling, and personal experience to guide readers toward emotional healing and balanced living.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

Why self-love and balance are key to resilience

How to control emotions and find joy in daily life

The value of joining writer support groups and learning book advertising strategies

Why writing in a “flow state” can unlock creativity

✨ Whether you’re an aspiring author, a seeker of happiness, or simply curious about the power of memory, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Explore more:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Memoryhealing

Twitter - @healysheal1 Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-healy-1aa95227 Website - https://healyshealing.com/

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #FrankHealy #HappyEveryDay #StoicismForResilience #MemoryExpert #EmotionalHealing #WritingTips #AuthorJourney

In this heartfelt episode of the Authors On Mission Podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with bestselling author Jean Meltzer to explore her remarkable journey from Emmy-winning TV producer to pioneering Jewish romance novelist.

Jean opens up about the turning point when she realized she was “living for my goals and not my values” and how that shift led her to write stories that make the invisible seen. Her latest book, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah, is a Christmas Carol-inspired rom-com that blends humor, resilience, and the Jewish concept of Besheret—a soul’s other half.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends

How to balance empathy and detachment with a “ghostwriter mindset”

The importance of asking family questions early before stories are lost

How to balance trauma with hope to create a compelling narrative

✨ Whether you’re a memoirist, novelist, or aspiring nonfiction author, this episode will inspire you to see your unique story as your greatest asset.

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436

⁠Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #JeanMeltzer #EightHeartbreaksOfHanukkah #JewishRomance #AuthenticVoice #PublishingTips #AuthorJourney #WritingAdvice

In this inspiring episode of the Authors On Mission podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with author Gina Economopoulos to explore her powerful memoir Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk. Gina shares her journey from deep suffering and loss to finding joy, purpose, and freedom through faith and sobriety. Drawing from 180 pages of raw journal entries, Gina transformed her pain into a story of resilience and hope.

Beyond her writing, Gina now serves as an end‑of‑life doula, offering comfort and guidance to families during their most difficult moments—work deeply rooted in her experiences with loss, faith, and healing.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

1. How journaling can become the foundation for a transformative memoir.
2. Why faith and perseverance are essential in overcoming trauma.
3. The importance of balancing raw honesty with hope in storytelling.
4. Practical advice for aspiring memoirists: start small, stay consistent, and write with empathy.

✨ Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey, considering writing a memoir, or simply curious about the power of faith and resilience, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom.

🎙️ Check out more amazing author journey stories in Authors On Mission podcast:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436
2. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049
3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #GinaEconomopoulos #ShakeTheDustOffYourFeetAndWalk #MemoirWriting #FaithJourney #Sobriety #Resilience #HealingThroughWriting #AuthorLife

In this powerful episode of the Authors On Mission podcast, host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with memoirist Max Friedman to discuss his book Painful Joy. Sparked by his grandson’s question, “What is a survivor?”, Max embarked on a five‑year, three‑continent research journey that uncovered his parents’ hidden love story in a Swedish refugee camp. What began as a narrative of inherited trauma shifted into one of resilience, hope, and joy.

💡 Tips you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Ask questions early—don’t wait to uncover family stories.
2. Use a “ghostwriter mindset” to balance empathy and detachment when writing memoirs.
3. Practice with smaller projects before tackling a full‑length book.
4. Balance trauma with hope to create a compelling narrative.

✨ Whether you’re a memoirist, a family historian, or simply curious about how personal stories can transform into powerful books, this episode offers inspiration and practical guidance.

🔗 Explore more:

Website- https://maxfriedman.net/ |

Book- https://www.amazon.com/dp/9493231844

🎙️ Catch more inspiring author journeys on Authors On Mission Podcast:

1. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/12U5nbvPkcgC83VK9j4lPM?si=6ddaaa0c8a034436
2. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/authors-on-mission/id1585639049
3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@authorsonmission

#AuthorsOnMission #MaxFriedman #PainfulJoy #MemoirWriting #HolocaustStories #FamilyHistory #WritingTips #AuthorJourney