In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, we welcome back Maureen Kane and her husband, Sean Dwyer, to explore their journey of creating and publishing two impactful books—Maureen’s therapy workbook A Guide Back to You, and Sean’s memoir A Quest for Tears: Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury. Together. They dive deep into the world of creativity and self-publishing, sharing practical strategies for using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), design tips, and ways to overcome common writing challenges.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- The Inspiration Behind the Workbook: Maureen discusses her motivation for creating a resource that guides clients in rediscovering themselves and setting boundaries.
- Collaboration as a Couple: Learn from Maureen and Sean about how they honored each other’s strengths, and worked together with success and ease.
- Publishing Insights: Sean shares his experiences with self-publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and offers tips for aspiring authors, including the advantages of hybrid publishing and the realities of bringing a book to market.
- Marketing Strategies: Maureen reveals her organic marketing approach, discussing how she integrates her workbook into her therapy practice and uses social media to promote both books authentically.
Whether you're a therapist, a writer, or someone interested in the creative process, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips and encouragement!
00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:00:40 - Maureen's Return and New Projects 00:01:12 - Inspiration Behind the Therapy Workbook 00:02:39 - Sean's Role in the Workbook Creation 00:03:38 - Maureen's Poetry Book 00:05:00 - Sean's Experience with Publishing 00:06:05 - Sean's Memoir on Traumatic Brain Injury 00:09:25 - Challenges and Healing Through Writing 00:10:15 - Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 00:12:23 - Tools and Techniques for Capturing Ideas 00:14:59 - Transition from Writing to Design 00:17:17 - Graphic Design Challenges 00:18:23 - Cover Design and PowerPoint Tips 00:21:01 - Unique Design Elements 00:22:18 - Working Together as a Couple 00:23:52 - Complementary Skills and Brain Differences 00:26:13 - Understanding Each Other's Work 00:26:28 - Introduction to KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) 00:28:03 - ISBN and Distribution Considerations 00:30:05 - Print on Demand and Cost Benefits 00:32:33 - Challenges with Amazon's AI 00:34:57 - International Availability and Future Projects 00:37:01 - Alternative Publishing Options 00:39:39 - Mainstream vs. Hybrid Publishing 00:41:03 - Marketing and Ethical Considerations 00:43:12 - Awards and Recognition 00:45:24 - Self-Publishing Stigma and Quality Control 00:47:11 - Changes in the Publishing Landscape 00:48:00 - Marketing and Unexpected Audiences 00:49:07 - Feedback on the Therapy Workbook 00:50:17 - Feedback on Sean's Memoir 00:52:25 - Personal Connections and Impact 00:53:40 - Unexpected Reach of Maureen's Poetry Book
Connect with Maureen Kane and Sean Dwyer:
www.maureenkanecounseling.com
seandwyerauthor.com
Maureen's therapy workbook: https://a.co/d/1ajtRJ5
Maureen’s poetry book: https://a.co/d/hyxsYxt
Sean's book: www.seandwyerauthor.com/shop
Check out Berries:
www.berries.icu/heart-centered
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