In this moving and motivational episode, Sharissa Bradley interviews B.L. Mostyn, epic fantasy author of Heroes of Another Age. B.L. shares how a lifelong love of storytelling—and a world she’s been developing since she was thirteen—finally became her debut novel, published in 2025.

Together, they explore the courage it takes to publish your first book, how motherhood shaped her creative drive, and why fear doesn’t go away—you just learn to move forward with it. She also opens up about building her series (9 books total!), the challenges of social media, and how she keeps her creative fire going with a full-time job and two children.

Whether you're at the beginning of your writing journey or stuck in fear after publishing, this episode is packed with encouragement, real talk, and fantasy author magic.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] B.L. Mostyn’s writing journey—from 10-year-old storyteller to debut author
• [00:02:00] Why she chose self-publishing after discovering it wasn’t “vanity” anymore
• [00:03:05] Planning a 9-book fantasy series, starting with a prequel
• [00:03:45] Facing fear and self-doubt even after hitting publish
• [00:05:20] Gaining courage through motherhood and purpose
• [00:06:15] Her mission: to help readers escape and heal through epic stories
• [00:07:45] Struggles with social media and visibility after launch
• [00:08:30] How word-of-mouth and authenticity drive her passion
• [00:10:35] Balancing motherhood, full-time work, and writing goals
• [00:11:45] A sneak peek at the world of Heroes of Another Age
• [00:13:30] Archetypes, reluctant heroes, and the fantasy themes that matter
• [00:15:30] Encouragement for authors starting small and building over time
• [00:16:40] Where to find her books, newsletter, and connect

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: www.blmostyn.com
• Book: Heroes of Another Age available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple Books, and more
• Instagram: @blmostyn

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/Xk1CQJU01TM

Episode Summary: She’s back! In this special follow-up episode, Sharissa reconnects with Paula Banks, founder of EION Books and author of multiple award-winning children’s books. Since her first interview with Project Seed Money just 15 months ago, Paula’s journey has skyrocketed—from self-publishing her debut to launching her own publishing company, developing school programs, and mentoring new authors.

Paula shares the inspiring story of how her mission to bring diverse children’s books into the world led to creating resources, platforms, and visibility for underrepresented stories. She opens up about imposter syndrome, faith, and what it takes to keep going when no one sees your vision but you. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible in a short amount of time with clarity, heart, and purpose—this episode will show you.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] Recapping the past 15 months—from 1 book to 5, plus workbooks and workshops
• [00:02:30] Building Bright Beginnings and Diverse Book Hub
• [00:03:30] Starting EION Books and helping her first authors publish
• [00:04:30] Why representation drives everything she does
• [00:05:45] Creating space for kids to see themselves—and use their voices
• [00:06:30] Building programs that help children become published authors
• [00:08:00] How kids respond to seeing themselves in her stories
• [00:09:15] The science behind early visual learning and why diversity in books matters
• [00:10:10] Creating "Books by Me" and inspiring kids to write early
• [00:11:00] Why she was nervous to call herself a publisher—and why she does it anyway
• [00:12:30] Current services and support offered by EION Books
• [00:13:00] Her advice to women who are just starting and can’t yet see what’s coming
• [00:14:00] On faith, fear, and showing up even when you're unsure
• [00:15:00] Where to follow Paula and learn more

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: www.eionbooks.com
• Instagram:
• @authorpaulabanks
• @litkidscreate
• @eionbooks

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/OpOueFlfPfA

In this powerful and practical episode, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with publisher and author Deborah Kevin, founder of Highlander Press. Deborah shares her personal journey from author to publisher, her experience rescuing authors from damaging vanity press contracts, and her mission to help women publish with confidence, clarity, and integrity.

They dive deep into the publishing landscape, comparing traditional, self, hybrid, and vanity publishing models—offering red flags, green flags, and contract tips to help authors protect their rights. Deborah also shares how Highlander Press educates authors from manuscript to marketing, and how she found the courage to publish her own book after years of helping others.

Whether you’re a first-time author or ready to relaunch a manuscript the right way, this episode is filled with wisdom, strategy, and heart.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] Deborah’s journey: from Stanford writing program to hybrid publisher
• [00:02:45] Helping early clients recover from vanity publishing mistakes
• [00:04:30] Explaining vanity presses, hybrid publishers, and the red flags in between
• [00:06:45] Understanding rights, royalties, and why contracts matter
• [00:10:35] Green flags to look for in a publishing partnership
• [00:11:33] What onboarding with Highlander Press looks like—from submission to publication
• [00:13:00] Education-first publishing: how authors are guided through every step
• [00:15:00] Post-launch support and building long-term author success
• [00:16:00] When to submit and what makes a good first draft
• [00:17:00] Deborah’s own publishing journey and the fears she faced writing Shelf Life
• [00:20:00] Encouragement for women struggling to finish or share their books
• [00:21:00] The brownie metaphor you won’t forget (why you must share your story)

Resources Mentioned:

• Website: www.highlanderpressbooks.com
• LinkedIn: Deborah Kevin + Highlander Press
• Deborah’s Book: Shelf Life: A Field Guide to Long-Term Author Success

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/zeQPmFkLPlM

In this incredibly insightful episode, editor and author Hannah de Keijzer joins host Sharissa Bradley to demystify the editing process and help writers navigate one of the most misunderstood parts of the publishing journey.

Hannah shares practical tips, red flags to watch for, and the importance of asking the right questions before hiring an editor. As both a seasoned developmental and line editor—and the author of a brilliant book about editing—she offers an inside look at how writers can make smarter, more confident decisions.

They also talk about coaching, timelines, building your support system, and how to know when your manuscript is ready for editing. This episode is a must-listen for any nonfiction writer wondering what to do next with their draft—or how to start one.

Timestamps:

• [00:01:00] Hannah’s background: from publishing assistant to professional editor and coach
• [00:03:00] Why she wrote a book about editing—and how it unexpectedly turned into a full-length project
• [00:05:30] How she chose her own editor and why “vibe” matters
• [00:07:00] Key questions writers should ask before hiring an editor
• [00:10:35] Red flags to watch out for (cheap pricing, overreliance on AI, lack of experience)
• [00:14:00] What types of nonfiction she specializes in—and why she doesn’t take memoirs
• [00:15:00] Coaching vs. editing: when to reach out and how she supports authors at every stage
• [00:17:00] Ideal timelines for developmental, line editing, and publication planning
• [00:20:10] Encouragement for writers who feel stuck, afraid, or overwhelmed

Resources Mentioned:

• Hannah’s website: www.hannahdk.com
• Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-de-keijzer-40532311/

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/5PKdXRN0nKA

In this powerful and heart-centered episode, Sharissa Bradley interviews J.K. Enfield—indie author, speaker, and creator of the Pages to Platform coaching program. Under her pen name, J.K. Enfield shares her deeply personal story of loss and how writing her first nonfiction book helped her transform pain into purpose.

They talk about the emotional vulnerability of publishing a true story, how to face fear while honoring others involved, and why Jamie believes every author needs to learn how to speak about their work—not just write it. If you’re sitting on a story that feels too heavy to tell, this episode will remind you that you're not alone—and that your voice matters.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] Jamie’s lifelong love of writing—and how grief brought her back to it
• [00:03:00] How she transitioned from fiction and poetry to nonfiction
• [00:04:00] The emotional process of writing about her brother’s suicide
• [00:05:45] The fears she faced about how her book would be received
• [00:06:30] What gave her the final push to publish
• [00:08:30] The difference between writing nonfiction and the vulnerability of fiction
• [00:10:40] How she helps authors go from “pages to platform” through coaching
• [00:12:15] Why sharing your story out loud is essential—not just putting it on the page
• [00:13:30] Advice for writers struggling with procrastination, fear, and imposter syndrome
• [00:16:30] Where to find her book and connect with her online

Resources & Links:

J.K. Enfield Book: 

From VIP to RIP: A Sister's Search for Answers Through a Misunderstood Brain

Website: https://pagestoplatform.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pagestoplatform

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagestoplatform

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@j.k..enfield

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-enfield-bizmom/

Substack: https://substack.com/@mymessydesk 

Books: https://publishedbyjkenfield.com/

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/dVKrjF6fWiU

In this heartfelt conversation, Sharissa Bradley interviews indie author J.A. Forde, who shares her journey from bookish Instagram follower and beta reader to multi-book fiction author with a growing readership. J.A. dives into how she started writing during the pandemic, the vulnerability of publishing her first book, and how community, both online and offline, has kept her going through imposter syndrome and creative doubt.

J.A. reflects on what it’s like writing fiction set in faraway places, how pressure shifted between books one and two, and what advice she gives aspiring writers who are scared to start. This episode is an inspiring and relatable reminder that you don’t need to be “born a writer” to become one.

In this episode, we discuss:

• [00:00:50] How J.A. went from avid reader to author

• [00:02:00] Falling in love with indie books through Instagram and ARC teams

• [00:03:00] Shifting from nonfiction reading to fiction writing

• [00:04:00] Setting her books in Australia and Tahoe, and the research involved

• [00:05:45] Reader reactions—and the pressure to publish faster

• [00:07:00] Facing imposter syndrome and publishing vulnerability

• [00:09:10] The unexpected difficulty of writing book two

• [00:11:00] The power of messy drafts and trusting the process

• [00:12:00] Finding her passion and purpose through writing

• [00:13:00] Building a writing community on Instagram and Voxer

• [00:15:44] Encouragement for writers stuck at the start

• [00:18:00] Where to find J.A. online, sign up for her newsletter, and shop her book merch

Resources & Links:

• Website: www.authorjaforde.com

• Instagram: @the.sah.author.mom

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Author-JA-Forde/61562177669250/#

• Newsletter subscription https://authorjaforde.substack.com/subscribe

• Shop Book Merch: Available via website & newsletter

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/OGJbXE4MwVM

Audiobooks are one of the fastest-growing book formats—and if you’re planning to produce one, this interview is your roadmap. Sharissa sits down with Mary Catherine Jones, executive producer of The Audiobook Experience, to unpack exactly what goes into creating a professional audiobook.

Mary Catherine has worked with dozens of authors to bring their books to life through audio. Whether you’re narrating your own memoir or hiring a voice actor for your novel, she shares everything you need to know to get your project off the ground—and avoid costly mistakes.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] What an author should know before reaching out to an audiobook producer
• [00:02:30] Who should narrate your book—and when to hire a professional voice actor
• [00:03:40] Production timelines, pricing by the “finished hour,” and how to calculate cost
• [00:05:00] Planning your launch and why authors should think months ahead
• [00:07:50] What makes scheduling so complex—and why early planning saves you stress
• [00:10:00] Why you should submit your audiobook at least 4 weeks before your launch date
• [00:12:00] Essential author prep: covers, ISBNs, distribution accounts, narrator guidelines
• [00:16:00] Special considerations for memoirs, fantasy fiction, and books with hard-to-pronounce names
• [00:18:30] How to handle charts, graphs, and supplemental material in nonfiction audiobooks
• [00:20:00] Red flags when hiring producers or studios—and how to know they’re not audiobook-ready
• [00:23:00] The difference between music studios and audiobook studios (it matters!)
• [00:26:00] Why studio environment impacts your voice—and how to choose a space that supports you
• [00:28:00] Why you must require audition samples using your own book's words
• [00:31:00] Encouragement for first-time audiobook authors and Mary Catherine’s love for memoirs

Ways to connect with Mary Catherine Jones:

Website: https://voiceoververmont.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaudiobookexperience/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycatherinecarletonjones/

You can also find her in the Project Seed Money Directory: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

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/jAG97a0r7pc

Guest: Brooke Black

Host: Sharissa Bradley

In this eye-opening conversation, editor and founder of Black Bear Communications, Brooke Black, shares her unique approach to editing and author support. Brooke has built an empowering space for writers through her editing business and the Hive Collective—a collaborative author support community offering editing, coaching, marketing, and more.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] Brooke’s journey from English major to grant editor to business owner
• [00:04:06] When authors should reach out to an editor (hint: it’s earlier than you think!)
• [00:06:00] Overview of the Hive Collective and its fully customizable support system
• [00:09:00] How a Zoom support group created unexpected community for older authors
• [00:12:00] Language shifts that foster collaboration, not competition, in publishing
• [00:14:00] Red flags to watch out for when hiring an editor
• [00:18:45] The most important questions to ask during your first call with an editor
• [00:22:00] Brooke’s heartfelt encouragement for anyone afraid to begin their writing journey

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about the Hive Collective at blackbearcomms.net
• Contact Brooke directly: [email protected]
• Follow Brooke on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbearcomms
• Brooke on the Project Seed Money Directory: https://projectseedmoney.com/directory/

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/6wlGYpf_6og

Guest: Erika Steeves

Host: Sharissa Bradley

Episode Summary: In this industry-deep dive, editor Erika Steeves joins Sharissa to demystify the editing process for authors at every stage. From booking timelines and payment standards to red flags to avoid, Erika shares expert advice to help you navigate the editing journey with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, we cover:

• [00:01:00] How to approach an editor and what to expect from the initial onboarding process
• [00:04:30] Editing timelines by service type: copyediting, developmental, and proofreading
• [00:07:20] What happens between first and second passes and ideal author turnaround time
• [00:09:00] How Erika manages her editing workload and why she only takes 1–2 projects at a time
• [00:11:00] Questions every author should ask before signing with an editor
• [00:13:00] Red flags to look for: rushed timelines, no contract, prices too low to be true
• [00:17:00] Payment terms: what’s standard and what’s a red flag
• [00:20:00] When is your manuscript ready for editing? How to prepare for professional services
• [00:22:00] Erika’s words of encouragement to writers afraid of the editing process

Resources Mentioned:

• Erika’s Website: www.erikasteeves.com
• Instagram: @erika.steeves.edits
• Project Seed Money Community: https://www.projectseedmoney.com
• Watch on youtube: https://youtu.be/liJMx67ePtI

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/

Host: Sharissa Bradley

Guest: Heather Wilde of Hezzie Mae Books

In this soul-deep episode of Project Seed Money, we sit down with Heather Wilde, publisher and author of Tumbled, to explore how writing her memoir became one of the most powerful healing experiences of her life.

Heather shares how she felt called to write her story after a lifetime of holding it in—and how every edit, every paragraph, helped her release something she didn’t even know she was carrying. From the moment she enrolled in a writing program to the first time she held her book in her hands, Heather’s story is a masterclass in what it means to reclaim your voice.

In this episode, we cover:

• The exact moment Heather knew it was time to write her book
• How writing helped her move trauma out of her body
• What it felt like to publish her story for the world to read
• Her message to women who feel afraid to share their truth

Connect with Heather: 

Website: www.HezzieMae.com

Books: https://hezziemae.com/books/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.wilde.1975

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathernwilde/

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/v5qMo8iYJ8U