🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley sits down with author Amy Friedl, creator of the Strong Girls Travel children's book series, to talk about leaving a 22-year teaching career, navigating self-doubt, and building a self-published book series that's now eight books strong.

Amy shares how she always dreamed of being in the book world — even calling publishers as a child — but didn't step fully into authorship until she left teaching for her mental health. She opens up about hiring a publishing coach, working with a brutally honest editor, building a repeatable system for releasing books, and learning to navigate vulnerability after publication.

With seven books in her national park-based Strong Girls Travel series (plus one standalone), Amy also discusses launch mistakes, file corrections, Ingram uploads, and why leaning on a team makes all the difference.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Website: stronggirlstravel.com
• Bookshop.org (for indie bookstore support)
• Amazon (ebooks via KDP)
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @StrongGirlsTravel

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing Amy Friedl 00:28 — Calling publishers as a child 01:51 — Leaving a 22-year teaching career 03:00 — Students helping build her first book 04:33 — Facing self-doubt (even now) 05:00 — Sending her manuscript to an editor 06:00 — Why editors make you better 07:00 — Women supporting women 08:44 — Hiring a publishing coach 09:00 — Publishing book one (Nov 2023) 09:26 — Releasing seven books in under two years 09:57 — Building a month-by-month production system 11:00 — Stumbling through book one 12:00 — Learning curve with book two 12:17 — Eight books total (seven in series) 12:40 — National park theme & gaining momentum 13:56 — Vulnerability after publishing 14:00 — Mistakes, re-uploads, and Ingram corrections 15:39 — Choosing growth over spiraling 16:33 — Owning your files & fixing mistakes 17:25 — Where to find Amy & her books 18:46 — Advice for authors on the fence

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lrP4GVq6piU

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley is joined by author J. M. Shaw for a candid conversation about writing for decades before publishing, receiving an autism and ADHD diagnosis later in life, and finding the courage to finally share her work with the world.

J. M. shares that she has been writing for over 35 years, mostly in private, never believing her work was good enough to be published. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019, she began to see writing as her lifelong special interest — and decided it was time to be brave.

She talks about the fear of sending her first manuscript to an editor, the mantra that helped her move forward, and how outside validation changed everything. Jennifer also shares why she turned down traditional publishing offers, chose the indie publishing route, and why retaining control of her work mattered deeply to her.

This episode explores vulnerability after publication, imposter syndrome, marketing reframed as visibility, and the importance of community, editors, and learning as you go.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• J.M. Shaw's website: www.jmshawauthor.com
• Goodreads (linked via website)
• Alexander Writing Society (Alberta, Canada)
• Canadian Guild of Editors

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing J.M. Shaw 00:27 — Writing for 35 years before publishing 00:49 — Autism & ADHD diagnosis as a turning point 01:27 — Sending the manuscript to an editor 01:49 — Fear, mantras, and stepping outside comfort zones 02:35 — Exploring agents and publishing offers 03:00 — Why J.M. chose indie publishing 03:32 — Vulnerability and negative reviews 04:02 — Jennifer's published works and current projects 04:18 — Where to find Jennifer and her books 04:52 — Advice for authors afraid to start 05:36 — Writing as a marathon, not a race 06:00 — Reframing marketing as "showing the world I exist" 06:53 — Learning from editors and other authors 07:52 — Finding editors and professional boundaries 08:26 — Writing communities and the Alexander Writing Society 09:12 — Closing

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms 📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zSKf0qMOmvM

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley is joined by author and educator Tara Hodgson for an honest conversation about writing stories that reflect what teens are experiencing today, navigating imposter syndrome, and choosing an indie publishing path.

Tara shares that she has always loved writing, filling notebooks with stories, thoughts, and feelings, but never truly believed becoming an author was possible. Life led her into teaching, and it wasn't until 2022 that a story connected to her work with students and her concerns about social media began demanding to be written.

She talks about how the entire story unfolded during a walk, how she wrote privately for a long time without telling anyone, and why the timing finally felt right. Tara also shares her experience working with Friesen Press, why she chose self-publishing, and what it felt like to release something so vulnerable into the world.

This episode explores self-doubt, vulnerability, fiction as a tool for empathy, and why writing stories that spark difficult but necessary conversations matters.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Instagram: @TaraHodgsonAuthor

• Website

  www.tarahodgson.ca

• Books available on:
  • Amazon (Canada & U.S.)
  • Indigo (Canada)
  • Barnes & Noble (U.S.)
• Local independent bookstores (rural Alberta, Canada)

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing Tara Hodgson 00:26 — Loving writing as a child but not seeing authorship as possible 01:00 — Teaching career and life unfolding 01:08 — The story that wouldn't leave her alone 01:57 — Writing that felt fluid when the timing was right 02:50 — Editing with a trusted friend 03:00 — Querying agents and choosing self-publishing 03:27 — Working with Friesen Press 04:08 — Feeling overwhelmed by the publishing process 04:19 — Imposter syndrome and self-doubt 05:12 — Learning to talk back to the inner critic 06:00 — Why self-doubt doesn't go away 07:06 — Vulnerability after publication 07:59 — Fiction and personal exposure 08:20 — Not being able to stop writing 09:06 — Writing for teens and difficult conversations 09:59 — Where to find Tara and her books 11:03 — Advice for writers who are afraid to start 11:52 — Closing

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pbpimcfcW9I

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley is joined by author and wellness practitioner Kristen Letendre for an honest conversation about writing through personal trauma, healing from the inside out, and using lived experience to support others.

Kristen shares that she has always loved writing and language, even while pursuing a career as a physician assistant. A pivotal moment in college — when an English professor told her she was "in the wrong field" — planted a seed she never forgot.

Her first book was written during a difficult divorce, while raising two children as a single mother. Writing became a way to process grief, loneliness, and emotional change, while also offering reassurance to readers that they were not alone. Her second book reflects the healing process that followed, focusing on how to reverse negative experiences and transform them into growth.

Kristen also discusses her work as a life coach, personal trainer, and functional nutrition counselor, and how her books support the holistic healing work she offers today.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Website: https://bi-coastalvitality.com/
• Instagram: @bi_coastalvitality
• Books on Amazon:
• Eye of the Ripple
• Divorced Inked Out
• Project Seed Money Directory (Kristen is a featured provider)

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing Kristen Letendre 00:25 — Always loving writing and language 01:00 — "You're in the wrong field" moment in college 01:26 — Writing through divorce 02:00 — Wanting readers to feel less alone 02:51 — Using writing as a healing tool 03:21 — Choosing self-publishing on Amazon 03:56 — Publishing a second book 04:11 — Emotional differences between book one and two 04:58 — Turning negative experiences into positives 05:17 — Books as a resource for life-coaching clients 05:58 — Supporting clients through holistic healing 06:00 — Medical background and why something felt missing 07:00 — Integrating nutrition, fitness, and life coaching 07:52 — Free consults and client onboarding 08:29 — Genetic testing, nutrition, and choice 09:00 — Healing at your own pace 09:57 — Where to find Kristen and her books 10:39 — Encouragement for writers on the fence 11:44 — Closing thoughts and gratitude

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/h7N4_STSm94

In this episode of Project Seed Money, Sharissa Bradley sits down with bestselling author Ann Charles to talk about her unconventional path to authorship, building a sustainable writing career, navigating self-doubt, and balancing creativity with family life. Ann shares how she moved from rejection to full-time self-publishing, why mixed-genre storytelling matters to her, and how reader relationships keep her going through every book.

Episode Highlights:

• Not growing up with dreams of becoming an author
• Writing her first romance novel by hand
• Rejection from traditional publishing and the rise of Kindle Unlimited
• Creating (and leaving) a small press
• Writing long novels while raising a family
• Managing self-doubt with every new book
• Publishing 39 books across multiple series

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 00:00:31 – Not always wanting to be an author
• 00:02:45 – Writing her first romance novel by hand
• 00:04:02 – Finding an agent and facing traditional publishing rejection
• 00:05:45 – Launching the Deadwood Mystery series via Kindle Unlimited
• 00:07:17 – Creating and leaving a small publishing imprint
• 00:09:00 – Setting boundaries between writing and family
• 00:10:31 – Experiencing self-doubt with every book
• 00:12:00 – How reader relationships fuel her creativity
• 00:14:06 – Publishing 39 books over 14 years
• 00:15:46 – Writing changes as you age
• 00:18:06 – Research, realism, and reader expectations
• 00:19:36 – Where to find Ann Charles
• 00:20:44 – Advice for writers who want to quit

Helpful Links:

• Ann Charles Website: https://anncharles.com
• Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g_3L3CCJ1oo

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley sits down with author Kim Lengling to talk about her unexpected path to writing, gathering and preserving stories, and creating anthologies centered on faith, hope, pets, and lived experience.

Kim shares that she did not grow up wanting to be an author. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, she spent years in administrative work before being encouraged by others to recognize her writing voice. Her early work began with interviewing veterans and sharing their stories in newspapers — including combat veterans and former prisoners of war — experiences that deeply shaped her as a writer and as a person.

She speaks openly about the emotional weight of holding space for those stories, navigating PTSD, and learning how to release what she carried. From there, Kim transitioned into anthologies, first contributing her own story for the first time, then going on to create and publish six anthologies of her own.

This conversation explores faith, empathy, persistence, self-publishing, and why getting stories into the hands of the people who need them matters more to Kim than sales numbers.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Website: https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com
• Podcast: Let Fear Bounce
• Anthologies:
• When Grace Found Me (Volumes 1–3)
• When Hope Found Me
• Pet-themed anthologies (benefiting a local no-kill shelter)
• Available on: Amazon

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing Kim Lengling 00:39 — Growing up without plans to be a writer 01:00 — Military service and life after the Air Force 01:45 — Discovering writing through interviewing veterans 02:45 — Being told "you're a writer" for the first time 03:35 — Holding space for veterans' stories 04:40 — Interviewing a POW and the impact of that story 05:20 — Writing with heart before skill 06:15 — Empathy, PTSD, and learning to release stories 08:29 — Stepping away from veteran interviews 08:54 — Sharing her own story for the first time 10:00 — Discovering the power of anthologies 12:30 — Creating faith-based anthologies during COVID 14:00 — Starting Page Turner Publishing 15:00 — Writing Nuggets of Hope 16:00 — Money, book sales, and reader messages 18:00 — Marketing, networking, and learning continuously 21:00 — Advice for writers feeling behind 22:00 — Writing a letter to your five-year-old self 24:15 — Where to find Kim and her work

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/11gwHge7St4

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley sits down with fantasy author K.T. Anglehart to talk about storytelling, self-publishing, community, and navigating self-doubt as a working writer.

K.T. shares how she always knew she would be a storyteller, even before she knew writing was the right medium. She talks about discovering early on that she loved storytelling—but not performing—and how that realization shaped her path as a writer. Influenced by magical and witchy stories like Harry Potter and Charmed, K.T. eventually committed to writing fantasy worlds of her own.

She walks through the catalyst that led to her first published book: a master's program in creative writing where her thesis became the foundation for her debut novel. From there, K.T. chose to self-publish, creating her own imprint, Magic Dwarf Press, and later taking full control of her publishing process.

This conversation also dives into the realities of self-doubt, the importance of routine, the power of publishing community, and why first drafts are supposed to be bad.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned

• Connect with K.T. on her website: https://www.ktanglehart.com
• Women in Publishing Summit: https://womeninpublishingsummit.com
• Instagram: @kt_anglehart
• Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo, and libraries (by request)

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing K.T. Anglehart 00:32 — Always being a storyteller 01:00 — Discovering writing over performing 01:29 — Magical influences and early inspiration 01:52 — Writing a book for her master's program 02:30 — Turning a thesis into a published novel 03:03 — Choosing to self-publish 03:27 — Creating Magic Dwarf Press 04:00 — Working with Women in Publishing Summit 05:04 — Why community matters 05:44 — Staying current with publishing changes 06:00 — Kindle Unlimited & library distribution tip 06:48 — Perfectionism and post-publication updates 07:50 — Control in self-publishing vs traditional 09:14 — Self-doubt as an author 10:00 — The role of support systems 11:38 — Routine as a creative tool 13:42 — Why first drafts are supposed to be bad 15:17 — Where to find K.T. and her books

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0xUQiwIWbb0

🎙️ Welcome back to the Project Seed Money Podcast!

In this episode, Sharissa sits down with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, an author and podcaster, to talk about how poetry, podcasting, and lived experience came together in her creative work.

Randi-Lee shares how she discovered poetry she had written more than ten years earlier and how finding those words led her to publish her first book. She also talks honestly about starting and stopping podcasts over the years before finally finding her lane with Write or Die, a podcast that now has over 300 episodes.

On Write or Die, Randi-Lee explores mental health topics through the lens of authors and creatives, creating space for conversations that are often avoided. In this interview, she shares that her inspiration to write more openly came from listening to her child talk about feeling different and her desire to normalize those conversations for other families.

She also discusses writing about her experience raising a child with autism, and how storytelling has helped her process, reflect, and connect with others navigating similar journeys.

This episode is an honest look at evolving creative paths, persistence, and using storytelling to make space for conversations that matter.

🔗 Connect with Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

🎙️ Podcast: Write or Die 📚 Books & writing: rbwriting.ca 📱 Social media: https://www.instagram.com/randileebowslaugh

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome to Project Seed Money 00:07 — Introducing Randi-Lee Bowslaugh 00:32 — Discovering poetry she wrote over a decade earlier 01:20 — Deciding to publish her poetry 02:15 — Starting and stopping podcasts over the years 03:10 — Finding her lane with Write or Die 04:10 — Reaching 300+ podcast episodes 05:05 — Exploring mental health through authors' perspectives 06:10 — Being inspired by her child's experiences 07:20 — Writing to normalize conversations about being "different" 08:25 — Writing about raising a child with autism 09:40 — Why these stories matter 10:45 — Where to find Randi-Lee and her work

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FNsRSKgqHIY

🎙️ Welcome back to Project Seed Money!

Today, Sharissa interviews Lynn Harris — author, comedian, entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Gold Comedy, a community and training hub for creatives who take comedy seriously.

Lynn has published multiple books, navigated traditional publishing before platforms existed, and later self-published when the landscape shifted. She also teaches humor writing and helps creatives develop TV and media concepts with authenticity and joy.

In this episode, she shares how publishing has changed over the decades, the empowering shift toward creative control, and the mindset she wants every woman writer to hold close: not everyone is your audience — and that's GOOD news.

🌐 Connect with Lynn

Website & Classes: www.lynnharris.net & www.goldcomedy.com

Books: https://www.lynnharris.net/writing/books/

Instagram: @goldcomedy & @lynnharris

⏱️ Timestamps

00:07 — Meet Lynn Harris

00:28 — She's always been pulled toward writing (fiction, journalism, comedy, books)

01:42 — Traditional publishing in the '90s & early success with first books

02:15 — Pre-self-publishing era: "there was no other option"

02:36 — Advice on rejection: you only miss the shots you don't take (Wayne Gretzky math!)

03:52 — Smaller, less crowded market = easier book deals back then

05:12 — How the publishing landscape has changed entirely since the 90s

06:00 — Early self-publishing felt like failure then — today it's empowerment

07:00 — Books as personal brand + entrepreneurial calling card

08:07 — Traditional publicity challenges vs. owning your process

09:35 — Why your book is not always the publisher's business model

10:03 — Her best advice: find the people who make you feel like YOU

11:14 — Where to find Lynn, Gold Comedy classes, humor writing coaching

💜 Subscribe & join us weekly as we amplify women in publishing!

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3oRLS7BCZCw

🎙️ Welcome back to Project Seed Money!

This week, Sharissa sits down with Cassandra "Cass" Medcalf, monster romance author, audiobook narrator, and champion of indie author community.

Cass shares her journey from creative teen writer to live sound engineer… to audiobook narrator… to published author inspired by her own clients. She discusses writing queer, complex love stories, navigating genre identity, and building supportive spaces for diverse storytelling. She also breaks down when authors should pursue audiobooks, how to vet narrators, and what red flags to watch out for.

If you've ever wondered about monster romance, LGBTQ+ representation in fiction, or making your audiobook dreams real, this episode will give you clarity and courage. 💪📚🎧

💬 Connect with Cassandra Medcalf

Website (books + narration): cassandramedcalf.com Audiobooks anywhere you listen search: "Cassandra Medcalf" Social: @CassandraMedcalfVO (Instagram + Facebook), @CassandraMedcalf (TikTok)

⏱️ Timestamps

00:07 — Meet Cass Medcalf

00:27 — Acting, creativity & early writing life

01:17 — Post-COVID shift from sound engineering to writing

02:30 — Inspired by indie authors she narrated for

03:23 — "When is this coming out?" → her first self-publish moment

03:52 — Indie author community support & friendships

04:55 — Online networking groups & conferences

05:45 — Genre, identity & finding the right audience

07:15 — Monster romance & the history of queerness in monsters

09:50 — Crafting complexity under the sea (Tiffany & Lillian!)

11:58 — Writing dark + humorous: organized chaos

17:00 — Audiobooks: When to invest + author expectations

18:20 — Audio is the fastest-growing publishing segment

19:00 — Audio success starts with ebook success

20:45 — Why fans should be asking for audio first

22:00 — How to vet narrators + budgeting for audio

28:59 — Major red flags when hiring narrators

37:40 — Where to find Cass's books & audiobooks

Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.

Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/

Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dtPjiFZjtYU