Be Your Own Hero

This episode of the Be Your Own Hero Podcast features a local writers group /wine enthusiasts, including host Brittany Ranew, as they explore the art of writing relatable characters, the importance of vulnerability, and how fiction serves as a bridge between cultures and human experiences. Affectionately calling themselves the Winey Writers, this episode featuring diverse authors sharing insights on storytelling, empathy, and personal growth.

Key topics:

Relatable character development

Vulnerability and authenticity in writing

Fiction as a tool for empathy and cultural understanding

Quotes:

"Storytelling is a good agent for empathy."

"Books can make you feel less alone."

"Trust your own creative fingerprint."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Winey Writer Series

01:41 The Importance of Relatable Characters

04:02 Vulnerability in Writing

06:43 Processing Emotions Through Writing

08:57 Complexity in Character Development

12:03 The Balance of Vulnerability and Audience Expectations

14:57 Writing as a Reflection of Personal Experience

17:51 The Role of Emotion in Fiction

19:12 Exploring the Unknown in Writing

21:53 Fiction as a Bridge Between Cultures

23:05 Creating Empathy Through Storytelling

24:48 The Role of Indie Bookstores and Libraries

28:50 Practicing Empathy Through Fiction

32:10 The Importance of Diverse Voices in Literature

32:29 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story

resources

Book & Bottle - https://bookandbottle.com

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness - https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Calls-Patrick-Ness/dp/1406339344

Support Your Local Bookstore - https://www.indiebound.org

Public Libraries - https://www.ala.org

Brittany Ranew's Website - https://authorbrittanyranew.com

Keywords:

writing, relatable characters, vulnerability, empathy, storytelling, culture, personal growth, authors, fiction, diversity

In this episode of the Be Your Own Hero podcast, I interview Fantasy author and Air Force veteran, D.L. Jennings. Jennings is the author of the epic fantasy series, the Highglade Series. It features three award winning books: The Gift of the Shaper, Awaken the Three, Days of the Dark.

In this conversation, we discuss Jennings' unique journey of writing during his deployment in Africa, the challenges and joys of being a published author, and the importance of character development in storytelling. Jennings shares insights on the writing process, the balance between writing series versus standalones, and the impact of storytelling on readers.

Key Takeaways:

D.L. Jennings is a veteran and fantasy author.

He wrote his first book while deployed in Africa.

His writing process involves a mix of planning and spontaneity.

He emphasizes the importance of character depth in storytelling.

Writing can be a cathartic experience for authors.

The journey of writing is filled with ups and downs.

Finding your 'why' is crucial for pursuing creative endeavors.

Readers often connect more with characters than plot twists.

D.L. Jennings aims to inspire others through his writing.

He believes in the power of storytelling to impact lives.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to DL Jennings

01:57 The Journey of Writing During Deployment

04:57 Exploring New Projects and Inspirations

06:43 The Dynamics of Series vs. Standalone Books

10:53 Writing Process: Plotting vs. Pantsing

18:44 Character Development and Real-Life Inspirations

20:34 The Creative Process: From Inspiration to Writing

20:55 Balancing Writing with a Day Job

22:43 The Challenge of Full-Time Writing

24:45 Discipline and Consistency in Writing

27:01 Finding Your Why: The Drive to Create

29:56 The Impact of Storytelling on Mental Health

31:54 Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story

38:56 Embracing the Journey: No Regrets

41:03 Connecting with Readers and Building Community

For more, visit DL Jennings website here.

Keywords:

D.L. Jennings, writing journey, deployment, storytelling, fantasy author, character development, full-time writing, creative process, indie author, Be Your Own Hero

In this episode of Be Your Own Hero, I sit down with the talented Anastasia Lindsey to explore her journey of embracing her voice and creativity. From poetry to music, Anastasia shares how she transformed insecurities into confidence and became a published author.

We talk about how she uses her art to inspire and heal, the role meditation and journaling have played in overcoming self-doubt, and why authenticity is at the heart of her work. Poetry has become both a creative outlet and a source of healing, helping her connect deeply with her emotions and experiences. Her musical path, including an audition for The Voice, showcases her commitment to facing fears and pursuing her passions with courage.

Connect with Anastasia:
Website: www.summersolacehealing.com
Instagram: @anamariepoetry

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with GiGi Meier, a former C-Suite executive who boldly transitioned from a 30-year corporate career to become a bestselling author of spicy, reverse age-gap romance novels. GiGi shares her journey from the boardroom to the world of indie publishing, offering valuable insights into her writing process, the allure of her chosen genre, and the organizational strategies that keep her prolific.

Whether you're a fellow writer, a fan of spicy romance, or someone dreaming of making a big life pivot—GiGi’s story is proof that it’s never too late to chase your passion. Be sure to check out her books, follow her journey, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Connect with GiGi

• Website: Red Black and White
• Instagram: Instagram
• YouTube: YouTube
• Literary Lines Podcast: Spotify

Books by GiGi Meier:

• The Cañon Series – Dark romance novels featuring emotionally complex characters.Podcast Guests+2By D. L. Lewellyn+2Red Black and White+2
• The Cougars and Cubs Series – Spicy, reverse age-gap romances celebrating confident women and their younger partners.Red Black and White+1Instagram+1

• • The Bikers of Boston Series – High-octane romances set against the backdrop of Boston's motorcycle scene.Instagram

What does it really take to stick with a big creative goal—especially when motivation fades and real life gets in the way?

In this episode, I’m joined by author J. Gabriel Gates, who shares what it’s like to bring a fantasy world to life while balancing the everyday challenges of writing, publishing, and staying consistent in the creative process.

J is the author of Luck Gods Series and several other novels, and he’s currently diving into a new fantasy series that’s rich with world-building, unforgettable characters, and deep themes of resilience and growth. We talk about his creative process, how he overcame roadblocks along the way, and why discipline (not motivation) is the real key to following through on your goals.

This is such a refreshing, honest conversation about what it means to pursue something meaningful, even when the path isn’t easy. Whether you’re a writer, creative, entrepreneur—or just someone with a big dream—you’ll walk away from this episode feeling inspired to keep going, one step at a time.

To learn more about J Gabriel Gates and his books, visit his website here.

After my conversation with Kasey Brennan, I found myself reflecting on so many aspects of creativity, personal growth, and how understanding ourselves can shape the way we move through life and business.

In this episode, I’m sharing my biggest takeaways from our chat, how they relate to my own journey, and why the Enneagram has sparked some new thoughts about the way I work and interact with others. Kasey’s story—spanning documentary filmmaking, media production, public speaking, and Enneagram coaching—reminded me of the beauty of evolution in our careers and embracing the different facets of who we are.

If you loved my conversation with Kasey, you’ll enjoy this follow-up episode where I unpack everything that stuck with me and how I’m applying these insights moving forward.

On this episode of Be Your Own Hero, I’m joined by Kasey Brennan, a multifaceted creator whose career spans documentary filmmaking, media production, public speaking, and podcasting. As a certified Enneagram coach, Kasey helps individuals uncover their true potential by understanding themselves on a deeper level.

We explore her journey through the entertainment industry, the lessons she’s learned as a creator, and how the Enneagram has become a vital tool in her personal and professional life. Kasey’s story is a testament to following your passions and embracing the complexity of who you are.

To learn more about Kasey's story, visit: https://www.kaseybrennan.com/

In this enlightening episode of Be Your Own Hero, I sit down with Michael Tennant, Founder and CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose-driven venture studio and consultancy. Michael is the visionary creator of the empathy card game, Actually Curious, and the author of The Power of Empathy, praised by Inc. for its perfect blend of self-help wisdom and practical guidance.

Michael shares the journey that led him to create transformative tools that teach empathy and deepen human connection. We dive into his unique framework for understanding emotions, exploring the five phases of empathy and how effectively listening to your emotions can empower you to become your own hero.

Featured Resources:

It's easy to get caught up in the world's definition of success, but it's so important to define what success means for YOU. ⁠I had an incredible chat with Kelly Moser on the Be Your Own Hero Podcast and couldn’t resist taking a few minutes to reflect on my favorite takeaways and how they personally resonated with me. I hope by sharing more of my journey, you'll be able to find ways to unlock YOUR highest potential and get into action to make your dreams come true!

⁠

In this powerful episode of the Be Your Own Hero Podcast, we’re joined by Kelly Moser, the founder of Move Your But, who is on a mission to help people shift from excuses to action. Kelly dives deep into the mindset needed to push past excuses, those “buts” that often keep us from achieving what we truly want.

Throughout this episode, Kelly unpacks his journey, sharing how he went from feeling stuck in his own life to becoming a coach and leader, guiding others to embrace accountability, break through limitations, and reframe their mindsets. His no-nonsense, relatable approach is sure to leave listeners motivated to take immediate action in their lives.

 If you've been wanting to make a change but keep finding reasons not to, Kelly’s insights will resonate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take accountability and make real progress toward their goals!

To learn more about Kelly, visit his website.