My Friend Writes

In this episode of My Friend Writes, I sit down with author Paula Romang, whose memoir Thriving in the Barren Place: How Trust in God Fueled My Journey Through Heartache and Loss tells the story of raising her son Matthew, walking through unimaginable grief, and discovering a deeper trust in God.

Paula shares how a lifelong dream of becoming an author stayed hidden for years until God used both heartbreak and healing to prepare her to tell the story only she could write.

Together we discuss:

• Writing through grief and loss• Finding hope in the middle of suffering• The healing power of storytelling• Why every writer needs community• Learning to trust God's timing instead of rushing the process• How outlining transformed her manuscript• Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and the feeling of not being "ready"• What writing revealed about her faith, identity, and calling

Whether you're a writer, a caregiver, someone walking through grief, or simply wondering if God is still writing your story, this conversation will encourage you to take the next faithful step.

To connect with Paula, visit my Substack account to discover her social links and read a follow-up essay.

Subscribe for more conversations with authors about who they were before they wrote, what changed them through the writing process, and what they discovered along the way.

#MyFriendWrites #ThrivingIntheBarrenPlace #ChristianAuthor

When grief enters our lives, it changes far more than our circumstances. It changes our identity, our relationships, and the way we see the future. Award-winning author Dr. Jerry Woodbridge knows that journey well.

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Jerry shares the personal losses that shaped her life, including pregnancy loss, the sudden death of her husband, and the experiences that eventually led her to write award-winning children's books that help young readers navigate grief with hope. We talk about healing, obedience, second callings, writing through pain, and why stories can help children—and the adults who love them—find language for emotions they don't yet understand.

If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem your hardest experiences, or whether your own story might someday help someone else, I think you'll find encouragement in this conversation.

After you've listened, head over to https://open.substack.com/pub/myfriendwrites/p/the-intersection?r=18i4uc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=truehttps://open.substack.com/pub/myfriendwrites/p/the-intersection?r=18i4uc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true on Substack to read my follow-up with Jerry.

Every week on My Friend Writes, I sit down with an author to talk about the book they wrote. We usually begin with the manuscript, but we almost never stay there.

Somewhere along the conversation, we begin talking about courage, healing, obedience, identity, and the surprising ways writing changes the person holding the pen.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing the story behind My Friend Writes—how it grew from a simple guest blog into a podcast devoted to the stories behind the stories. I'm also talking about why I intentionally interview both traditionally published and independently published authors, what I've learned from dozens of conversations, and why I believe every book changes two people.

It changes the reader eventually.

It changes the writer first.

If you've ever wondered whether your story is worth telling—or if you've written a book and would love to have a conversation about the journey behind it—I hope you'll listen.

Interested in being a guest on My Friend Writes? I would love to hear your story. Whether you've published independently or traditionally, whether this is your first book or your tenth, if writing changed you, I think our listeners would love to meet you. There is more information on Substack at My Friend Writes or you can send me a direct message on Instagram at my_friendwrites

What if the hardest parts of your story become the places where God shines brightest?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with author, speaker, and podcaster Amanda Schafer to explore how writing helps us discover God's fingerprints throughout our lives.

Amanda shares the remarkable story behind Holy Plot Twist, the healing that came through revisiting her own past, and why she believes our testimony is one of God's greatest gifts to the world. Together, Kim and Amanda talk about vulnerability, forgiveness, obedience, storytelling, and the courage to share the chapters we'd rather hide.

Whether you're a writer, a creative, or simply someone trying to make sense of your own journey, this conversation will encourage you to look back with fresh eyes and discover the places where God has been writing a better story all along.

After listening, visit My Friend Writes on Substack to read Amanda's companion essay, where she shares an even deeper reflection on the relationship between healing, storytelling, and the God who never wastes a single chapter.

What if your creativity isn't just a talent... but part of your calling?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman welcomes author Rose Ward to share the remarkable journey behind her debut fantasy novel, Prophecy Changer.

Rose opens up about writing through seasons of healing, processing childhood trauma, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to trust God's timing after carrying this story in her heart for more than a decade. Together, Kim and Rose explore how fiction can communicate deep spiritual truths, why stories often reach hearts in ways facts cannot, and what it means to create from a place of obedience rather than striving.

Whether you're a writer, a creative, or someone who has felt God quietly nudging you toward something you've been afraid to begin, this conversation will encourage you to take the next faithful step.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why God sometimes gives us the vision long before the timing
• How fiction can carry healing beneath the surface of a story
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing the title "author"
• The role of forgiveness in the creative process
• Why creativity is often an act of worship and obedience
• How God uses our stories to bless others long before we understand the impact

After you listen, visit My Friend Writes on Substack to read Rose's exclusive companion essay, where she shares even more about the journey behind Prophecy Changer and what writing this story taught her about trusting God.

How does writing a book change the person who writes it?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with Australian relationship coach, speaker, and author Alfina Lafaro to explore the unexpected transformation that happens after you finally say yes to your story.

Alfina shares the journey behind Love Deliberately: How to Be Less Shit at Relationships, revealing why writing the book became an act of keeping a promise to herself. Together, Kim and Alfina talk honestly about self-doubt, publishing fears, marketing a first book, family reactions, finding your authentic voice, and why becoming an author often changes your identity long before it changes your career.

They also discuss the courage it takes to share personal stories, the importance of accountability while writing, and how the most meaningful relationship you'll ever build is the one you have with yourself.

Whether you're dreaming of writing your first book, struggling to call yourself an author, or wondering if your story is worth telling, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and a reminder that your words may change you before they ever change someone else.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why writing a book is an act of self-trust
• How publishing changes your identity as much as your career
• Why accountability matters more than motivation
• The surprising emotional challenges that come after publication
• How healthy relationships begin with the relationship you have with yourself
• Why every writer needs other writers

If you've ever wondered whether your story is worth writing, I hope you'll listen to this conversation.

Then I'd love to hear from you...

What's one promise you've been putting off making to yourself?

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, then check up Alfina's follow-up post and links at My Friend Writes on Substack

If you're enjoying My Friend Writes, would you take a minute to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another writer? Every share helps another story find its way into the world.

What happens when the book you’re meant to write is born out of betrayal, heartbreak, and a healing journey you never would have chosen?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with author, retired marriage and family therapist, and speaker Linda J. MacDonald to talk about her newest book, Redeeming the Post-Affair Divorce. Together, they explore the deeply personal story behind Linda’s writing life, the painful experiences that shaped both of her books, and the long road from private journal entries to public ministry.

Linda shares how years of counseling couples through infidelity eventually collided with her own story of betrayal and unwanted divorce, and how that experience became the foundation for the book she wished she could have found during her own darkest season. She reflects on the impact of shame, trauma, spiritual confusion, and abandonment—and the intentional healing that helped her rebuild a life marked by faith, love, and hope.

As a therapist, writer, wife, mother, grandmother, and survivor of profound relational loss, Linda offers a perspective that is both deeply compassionate and hard-won. Her story is one of redemption, but not in a tidy or simplistic way. It’s a story about sitting with grief, untangling false guilt, learning to write from scars instead of wounds, and discovering that God can redeem even the chapters we never would have chosen for ourselves.

This conversation is about much more than writing a book. It’s about healing after betrayal, the courage to tell the truth, the role of writing in making sense of pain, and the quiet faithfulness of using your story to help someone else feel less alone.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters, struggled through divorce, infidelity, or abandonment, or felt the pull to write about a painful season you’re still trying to understand, this episode will meet you with tenderness and hope.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• How Linda’s work as a marriage and family therapist shaped both of her books

• Why betrayal and unwanted divorce became the story she eventually had to tell

• What it means to write from scars instead of wounds

• How journaling, therapy, and faith helped her process trauma and grief

• Why shame is such a powerful force in post-affair divorce—and how to begin lifting it

• The healing role of beta readers, community, and outside feedback in the writing process

• How writing helped Linda see her own story more clearly and bring long-held pain full circle

• Why your story still matters, even if someone else has already written on a similar subject

Linda’s book, Redeeming the Post-Affair Divorce, is available now, and in this episode she shares the heart behind it with honesty, wisdom, and extraordinary compassion.

After you listen, be sure to visit my website or subscribe to my Substack for show notes, links, and resources connected to today’s conversation.

Subscribe to My Friend Writes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode.

What happens when a family's ordinary life is interrupted by trauma?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with author Bonnie McDonald to discuss her upcoming book, Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma. Together they explore the life-altering events that inspired the book, the long road from calling to completion, and the surprising ways God uses our hardest seasons to help others heal.

Bonnie shares the story of her son's cardiac arrest, the emotional challenges of writing about family, and the powerful metaphor that became the framework for her book. As a longtime youth director, realtor, wife, mother, and grandmother, Bonnie offers a perspective grounded in faith, practical wisdom, and hope.

This conversation is about far more than writing a book. It is about obedience, resilience, protecting your peace, finding your voice, and trusting God with the assignments He places before you.

If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, struggled through a season of loss or trauma, or felt God nudging you toward something you aren't quite sure you're capable of doing, this episode will encourage you.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• How trauma reshapes both life and faith
• Why Bonnie waited years before writing her story
• The unexpected "divine download" that transformed her manuscript
• The importance of protecting your peace as a writer
• Why community matters for authors
• What resilience looks like after life's hardest moments
• How God uses our stories to help others heal

Bonnie's book, Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma, releases June 18.

After you listen, I hope you'll take a few minutes to read Bonnie's companion essay on my website or Substack. In it, she reflects on what it means to make room for God in the middle of an often chaotic world. She shares the daily rhythms that help her stay connected to Him, why she leaves her phone behind more often than she picks it up, and how protecting her peace has become an act of faithfulness.

You'll also find show notes, links, and resources from today's conversation.

Subscribe to My Friend Writes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode.

What happens when a lifelong introvert decides to share his stories with the world?

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with first-time author Scott Shafer, whose book Still Learning How to Adult was released in May 2026. Together, they explore the surprising journey from retirement to publication, the courage required to be seen, and why writing can become one of the most transformative practices of a person's life.

Scott shares how decades spent working in the insurance industry shaped his empathy, why he began writing simply to remember everyday moments, and what happened when friends and family encouraged him to turn those stories into a book. He opens up about living as an introvert, facing the fear of criticism, navigating self-doubt, and discovering that people are often far kinder than we imagine.

Whether you've dreamed of writing a book, are navigating retirement and a new season of life, or simply need encouragement to start creating something meaningful, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to be an expert to begin. You simply have to start.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why writing can be one of the most powerful forms of self-discovery
• How retirement opened the door to creativity and personal growth
• The surprising connection between journaling and confidence
• Why waiting to feel "ready" keeps so many people from writing
• How sharing your story can encourage others in ways you'll never expect
• The value of writing what you know and trusting your own voice

If you've ever felt the nudge to write, this episode may be exactly the encouragement you need.

If you've been waiting for the right time to write, let this be your reminder that writing begins long before publication. It begins with paying attention. Open a page today and write one paragraph about something you don't want to forget. Then come tell us what happened when you started.

Read more from Scott and find out how to connect with him at

https://www.kimmosimanwellness.com/my_friendwrites/2026/6/10/still-learning-how-to-adult

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim sits down with author, columnist, and storyteller Janet Hart Leonard to discuss the life-changing power of writing, faith, forgiveness, and sharing your story.

For more than 20 years, Janet has written a weekly newspaper column that has encouraged readers through life's joys, disappointments, detours, and unexpected blessings. Together, Kim and Janet explore what happens when we finally stop trying to earn approval, learn to trust God's leading, and embrace the wisdom gained through life's hardest seasons.

In this conversation, you'll hear about:

• Writing through divorce, financial hardship, and personal reinvention
• Discovering purpose in unexpected places
• The healing power of journaling and storytelling
• Why your words matter, even when you feel unqualified
• Building meaningful community as a writer
• Learning to love the woman you've become
• The importance of faith during life's disappointments and detours
• Why it's never too late to write your story

Whether you're a writer, a woman navigating a new season of life, or someone wondering if your story matters, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and hope.

Connect with Janet Hart Leonard through her books When the Heart Speaks and From the Heart and follow her ongoing writing journey.

Read a follow-up piece and discover more about Janet at https://www.kimmosimanwellness.com/my_friendwrites/2026/6/3/from-the-hart