Podcast: Verses & Visions: Creative ConversationsHolly Kolb: The Courage to Be Vulnerable in Writing

What does it really take to share your writing with the world? In this episode of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations, host Cassidy Beck sits down with editor, writing coach, and co-owner of Merry Robin Publishing, Holly Kolb. Holly works closely with authors to help shape their manuscripts into meaningful stories, and through that work, she has gained a deep appreciation for the courage and vulnerability required to write honestly.

Holly shares her journey from studying English literature and book history to living internationally in the United Kingdom and Germany, experiences that reshaped her understanding of identity, empathy, and creativity. She reflects on the challenges of navigating life in a different language and culture and how those experiences have deepened her ability to connect with others.

Together, Cassidy and Holly explore the role of editors as facilitators of creative vision, the courage it takes for writers to share unfinished work, and why vulnerability is often the very thing that makes writing powerful. Holly also discusses how balancing multiple roles—as a mother, teacher, conference manager, and editor—has taught her to trust that each season of life brings different priorities and opportunities to serve.

Key Topics Discussed

• Holly’s path from English literature student to editor, writing coach, and co-owner of Merry Robin Publishing

• How living internationally shaped her perspective on identity, empathy, and creativity

• The emotional and vulnerable nature of sharing writing with others

• Why editors play an essential role in shaping and strengthening a manuscript

• The courage required for writers to share their authentic voice

• Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities while pursuing meaningful work

• Trusting that different seasons of life require different priorities

Personal TakeawayOne of the most powerful insights from this conversation is Holly’s reminder that vulnerability and courage go hand in hand. Writing honestly—whether in fiction, essays, or personal storytelling—requires authors to put something deeply personal on the page. Yet that vulnerability is often what allows readers to connect most deeply with a story.

Holly’s perspective as an editor highlights how collaboration can strengthen creative work. When writers are willing to share their imperfect drafts and trust the process, their stories often become stronger, clearer, and more impactful.

Resources & Links

• Merry Robin Publishing

• LDSPMA (Latter-day Saint Publishing, Media & the Arts)

• Books mentioned in the episode: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Sponsor ShoutoutThis episode is sponsored by Sheep Chronicles: Baptism, a children’s book written by Cassidy Beck.

In this heartwarming story, a curious boy named Joshua learns about baptism through the parable of a sheep named Shannon shared by his wise grandfather. Sheep Chronicles: Baptism invites families to explore gospel principles together through storytelling and meaningful conversation.

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Connect with the GuestHolly Kolb
Co-owner, Merry Robin Publishing
Conference Manager for LDSPMA
Instructor at BYU and UVU

Connect with the HostCassidy BeckHost of Verses & Visions: Creative Conversations

Website: Sage Verse Publishing