Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer

You may have heard the term “ghostwriter.” And you might have some questions. (So did the author write the book or not?)

Not every author comes up with every sentence of their book. Many times, there’s a behind-the-scenes person (or team) involved. And it’s not as scandalous as it sounds. In this episode, writer (and ghostwriter) Allison Fallon interviews another ghostwriter and author, Ashley Abercrombie. 

Both Allison and Ashley have both published under their own name and have written for other people. They talk about the challenges of each, when to know if you’re ready to share a personal story, and what it's like to help someone else’s voice come clear on the page.

And check out Ashley’s book, Rise of the Truth Teller. *

*Find Your Voice uses affiliate links.

We all have our doubts.  Maybe you want to write your story, but you're not sure: not sure it's worth the effort, not sure you want to publish. What if no one even wants to read it? 

Or maybe you definitely don't want to publish, but you have a story from your past that needs working out—a story you have questions about—and something is telling you to write it down.  But you think to yourself, "That's crazy, I'm not a writer."

In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon covers the compelling reasons to write your personal story, even if no one ever reads it. 

Artist, poet, musician and author Morgan Harper Nichols' work has already touched so many people's lives—including ours!

This episode, she shares about how she still gets nervous sharing new work with an audience (and how that's a good thing), the playlist she uses when she writes, and what is special to her about her latest book. She reflects on how words connect—or don't—with people, how art might only connect with one person—and that person might be you (and how worth it that is).

She defines "finding your voice" as that moment when you think, "Yes, that's what I've been trying to say, for a long time."

Order her newest book: How Far You Have Come: Musings on Beauty and Courage*
Check out one of our favorites: All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living
morganharpernichols.com

*FYV uses affiliate links. 

So often, it's a childhood love of books and reading which inspires our own writing. But what makes a kid excited about reading and writing?  How can we pass that on?

The mentors in our early lives make a huge difference here. Listen in on Allison Fallon's conversation with an early mentor of her own, her mom, Sandie Spotts. Sandie is a lifelong educator who has years of experience teaching kids to read (and to like reading). In this episode, she shares tips on cultivating a love of reading in the next generation.

So many of us are so focused on getting our stories out there that we forget that becoming "known" has consequences. When you decide to publish (or share your story in any public way), what was once personal and private becomes open for discussion. People will have opinions on your story—and you might not like all of those opinions. 

When Sara Lewis shared her story on a podcast, she didn't think of herself as "brave." But when her story went viral, she quickly learned what it meant to be in the spotlight. 

Follow Sara Lewis on Instagram @SpaceandPurpose
Check out Sara's Blog spaceandpurpose.com
Something Was Wrong Podcast, featuring Sara's story

Is there someone in your life trying to silence you? How do you fight for your voice when you are challenged, and what do you do when that resistance comes from someone close to you?

As an author, speaker, and influencer, Elyse Murphy uses words for a living. But she knows what it's like to have someone suppress her voice: She and Ally both left abusive marriages, and, on this episode, they talk about how you can use a tool like writing—specifically writing your story—to hold onto what you know to be true about yourself.

Instagram: @elyse
Twitter: @elysemaree_
elysemurphy.com

Maybe you doubt if you really have what it takes to write a book.

On this episode, Allison Fallon names five common myths about how books get written—misconceptions that SO many people have about this process.  After debunking these myths, she reveals the truth.

Listen to hear about the myth of the writer's retreat, the typewriter myth, and then what actually happens behind the scenes. 

Hopefully, you'll realize that you, too, have everything it takes to write your words down in the format of the book. 

Is it worth writing even if no one will pay attention?

Melissa wrote a best-selling cookbook back in the height of the Paleo movement called Well Fed. But now, ten years later, she wants to write about something new, and she's not sure her audience will follow.

If you've ever struggled with having a "platform" or "audience" for your writing, today's episode is for you. Listen to hear about what it's like to change topics when the subject you've been writing about isn't where your heart is anymore. 

A few of the many places to find Melissa on the internet:
meljoulwan.com
strongsenseofplace.com
strongsenseofplace.podbean.com
[email protected] 

twitter.com/meljoulwan
instagram.com/meljoulwan
instagram.com/strongsenseof
pinterest.com/strongsenseof
facebook.com/strongsenseofplace

Sometimes, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But what do we do when we feel hopeless?

On this episode, author, speaking coach, and founder of the Don't Give Up Movement Amy Wolff speaks with us about mental health, writing, and how living a life of impact can start small. She brings "hope" out of the clouds and down to earth: naming its components and giving insights on how to get back to feeling hopeful.

New book: Signs of Hope: How Small Acts of Love Can Change Your World*
dontgiveupsigns.com
amynwolff.com

Amy is our first repeat guest. Listen to her first interview with us (recorded while writing Signs of Hope) here. 
*Find Your Voice uses affiliate links.

As we approach the anniversary of the 2020 shutdown, we all need a place to process. 

Author and writing coach Allison Fallon often praises journaling as a tool for personal growth and a form of self-therapy. But what exactly are the parallels between writing and therapy? And when is it best to simply go to the professionals? 

Los Angeles Therapist Jessica Martindale uncovers what therapy is really about. Listen also for:

• Tips on how to find a therapist
• What to do if you can't afford therapy
• Reflections on how this last year has changed us all