This week, Sharissa Bradley talks with illustrator Anna Leitensdorfer about the art of creating maps, characters, and illustrations for authors. Anna shares her collaborative process, what to know before commissioning an artist, and how to avoid scams in the illustration industry.

What We Cover:

• Anna's journey from animation to book illustration
• Why fantasy maps and character art matter for authors
• Detailed steps in Anna's onboarding & revision process
• When to commission maps in your publishing timeline
• Red flags to watch for in illustrator hiring
• How to spot AI-generated art vs. authentic illustration
• Encouragement for authors facing fear & self-doubt

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro 00:39 - From animation to book illustration 02:00 - Fantasy maps, character art & scene painting 03:42 - Anna's onboarding process for maps 06:34 - From sketches to final product 09:00 - Revision process & collaboration 13:00 - Deliverables & file packages 14:42 - Timeline: when to reach out & how long maps take 17:09 - What to ask an illustrator (and what to know first) 19:46 - Project timelines for complex maps 20:43 - Red flags in the industry 23:00 - How to spot AI art vs. authentic illustration 29:02 - Encouragement for authors on the fence 30:19 - Where to find Anna online

💜 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring female authors every week!

Helpful Links:

• Website: annaleitensdorfer.com
• Instagram: @Valkyrie_Hero
• TikTok: @Valkyrie_Hero

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/s7xJmITs5bA

This week, Sharissa Bradley talks with author and marketing coach Monica Miller about how authors can build their brand, clarify their message, and market their books without burning out. Monica shares her early writing journey, her onboarding process with clients, and the red flags to watch for when hiring a coach.

What We Cover:

• Monica's path from writer to coach
• Why marketing starts at the very beginning of your book
• How to make your online presence as engaging as your book
• Red flags when hiring a marketing coach
• Why sustainable growth matters more than quick wins
• Encouragement for authors facing doubt or writer's block

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro 00:40 - From childhood dream to published author & coach 02:40 - Why authors struggle with messaging online 05:29 - When to start marketing (hint: earlier than you think) 07:00 - How to build buzz before launch 09:33 - Monica's onboarding process with authors 12:33 - Questions authors should ask before working with her 14:51 - Red flags in the marketing industry 17:37 - Building long-term loyal fans vs. short-term numbers 18:12 - Inspiration for stuck or blocked writers 19:50 - Where to find Monica & her services

Helpful Links:

• Website: monicawrites.com
• Books: monicawrites.com/author
• Facebook: Monica Lynn
• Free Call: monicawrites.com/calendar

💜 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring female authors every week!

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/8UUfs3h9wOA

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley talks with memoirist Jo Ann Fawcett about her journey of writing through trauma, healing toxic patterns, and breaking generational cycles. Jo Ann shares her experiences with self-publishing, vulnerability, and how writing has become part of her magical practice.

opens up about vulnerability, support systems, and why it's never too late to rewrite your life.

You'll discover: ✅ How Jo Ann turned trauma into powerful memoirs ✅ Why writing became a magical tool for her healing ✅ The role of support networks, family, and lineage in her books ✅ Her experience with both hybrid and self-publishing ✅ The mantra she lives by: It's never too late to change

👉 Connect with Jo Ann: Website & Books: joannfawcett.com Sign up for Jo Ann's Newsletter: via her website Email Jo Ann directly: through joannfawcett.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/jo.ann.fawcett.author/

Facebook

Jo Ann Fawcett and Jo Ann Fawcett, Author

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro 00:26 - How Jo Ann started writing 01:00 - From UFO circuit to memoir writing 02:32 - Writing as healing through toxic marriages 03:29 - Legacy stories from her grandmother 04:00 - Facing vulnerability & imposter syndrome 05:34 - Support systems & validation 06:00 - Writing as magic: classes & meditation 07:23 - Messages from the Grandmothers 08:22 - Supporting others through peer mentoring 09:22 - Creating her own imprint: Dragon Hill Books 11:00 - Publishing lessons & learning curves 11:32 - Vulnerability in publishing her story 12:42 - Releasing shame through transparency 13:49 - Message of hope: "You can be okay too" 14:11 - Jo Ann's mantra: It's never too late to make a change 15:07 - Where to find Jo Ann & her books

💜 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring female authors every week!

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/Bdx_Tfrtev8

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley talks with Judy Mohr, astrophysicist turned author, editor, and writing coach. Judy shares her journey into fiction and nonfiction writing, the struggles of vulnerability, and why every author needs to learn the power of saying no.

What We Cover:

• From theater kid to scientist to author
• Writing as escape from academia
• Unlearning sterile writing & finding her voice
• Facing fear, validation, and self-doubt
• Building a supportive writing network
• The messy middle of publishing
• Starting an editing & coaching business
• Helping older writers avoid scams online
• Knowing your niche as an editor
• Advice for new writers: learn to say no

👉 Connect with Judy: Website: judylmohr.com Socials: @JudyLMohr (same handle everywhere!)

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro 01:00 - From theater kid to writer 02:00 - Astrophysics, vivid dreams & fiction as an escape 03:37 - Switching from scientific writing to storytelling 05:25 - Fiction vs nonfiction: finding her voice 05:53 - Facing vulnerability & self-doubt 07:47 - The importance of a support network 09:41 - Family not understanding the writing obsession 11:00 - Publication day: why it feels like a non-event 12:09 - Starting editing services & coaching 13:54 - Developmental editing & working with writers 15:00 - Helping older writers navigate the internet safely 16:30 - Fiction preference & niche focus 18:22 - Where to find Judy online 19:04 - Biggest advice for writers: learn to say no

💜 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring female authors every week!

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/3ce7qEIzE6Q

This week, Sharissa Bradley sits down with Annie Toro Lopez — food writer, teacher, and gluten-free cookbook author — to talk about turning a celiac diagnosis into a gift for others, and how writing memoir on Substack helped her find freedom in her authentic voice.

📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro 01:17 - Annie's lifelong identity as a writer 03:27 - Wearing many hats & nonfiction focus 04:50 - Discovering Substack & writing memoirs 07:48 - Vulnerability in cookbooks vs. memoirs 09:47 - Loss, celiac diagnosis & building connection 14:00 - Starting the Denver Area Women's Network 15:00 - Why her cookbook focuses on real food, not just baking 17:00 - Speaking with the National Celiac Foundation 19:00 - Behind the scenes of cookbook testing & design 22:00 - Making recipes simple for beginners 23:00 - Her first cookbook & legacy of green chili 24:01 - Where to find Annie's books 25:32 - Encouragement for writers: "Keep writing. Don't stop."

👉 Connect with Annie: Website & Cookbooks: https://highprairiepress.org/

Substack: Chronicling the Human Condition

Facebook: @AnnieToroLopez

TikTok: @AnnieToroLopez

Amazon: Search Annie Toro Lopez

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/nuDGnL4CYBE

In this episode, Sharissa Bradley talks with author and travel entrepreneur Tiffany Heard about creating unique interactive activity and coloring books that celebrate African heritage and HBCU culture. Tiffany shares how she overcame fear, marketed her books creatively, and turned her publishing success into speaking gigs and school presentations.

What We Cover:

• [00:44] Rediscovering her love of writing
• [02:00] Why she started with travel-inspired content
• [03:38] Purpose behind Hues of Africa & Hues of HBCUs
• [04:54] Overcoming fear with a non-traditional book format
• [05:38] Lessons learned from first book to second
• [07:00] Broadening her audience reach
• [08:55] Imposter syndrome & charging your worth
• [12:29] Doing it afraid & showing up in every space
• [14:55] Marketing tips for authors
• [17:00] Creative conversation starters
• [18:19] Coaching self-published authors
• [19:58] Where to find Tiffany & her books
• [21:00] Integrating books into travel business

Helpful Links:

• Website & Books: huesofafrica.com
• Instagram: @hues_of_africa
• Travel IG: @SweetTiffys
• YouTube: Where in the Heard is Tiffany

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/iZt9FTEuxlA

This week, Sharissa Bradley sits down with PR coach Lilian Sue to talk about building a publicity strategy that actually works for authors. Lilian shares how to overcome fear of visibility, what to have in place before you launch, and the red flags to watch for when hiring PR help.

What We Cover:

• [00:00] Intro & Lilian's approach to PR coaching
• [02:00] Why mindset matters as much as strategy
• [05:00] Helping authors make informed PR decisions
• [06:00] The importance of your author ecosystem
• [07:47] Ending the gatekeeping culture in PR
• [10:00] Why authors can't hide behind their books
• [14:28] When to start thinking about PR
• [18:32] Red flags when hiring a PR coach/publicist
• [23:30] Questions every author should ask before hiring
• [28:18] Encouragement for authors afraid to start writing
• [31:44] How to connect with Lilian & her book

Helpful Links:

• Instagram: @liliansueprcoach
• Facebook Group: Booked, Featured, and Paid — Join here
• Website & Book: inretrospectwritingservices.com/books
• Free 5-Day PR Challenge: inretrospectwritingservices.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/beK-Du4lZOY

This week, Sharissa Bradley talks with Pamela Buehl — retired teacher, lifelong poet, and self-published author — about how she turned a childhood passion into a book she shares with children and families.

What We Cover:

• [00:00] Intro & Pamela's writing roots
• [00:39] Pen pals with her Nana & early poetry
• [01:55] Her children's poetry book — why she wrote it & how she illustrated it
• [03:00] Facing self-doubt & finding confidence
• [05:17] Choosing self-publishing & what she learned
• [06:18] Exploring memoirs & telling hard stories
• [07:47] The power of writing communities
• [09:47] Writing as daily healing
• [10:31] Pamela's top advice for new female authors
• [12:12] Where to get her book (signed copies via IG: @Buehlpamela)

Helpful Links:

• Get Pamela's book signed: DM @Buehlpamela
• Available on Amazon — search Pamela Buehl
• MM Publications: Annual Women's Anthology

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/NEn_2tB0epc

Thinking about turning your book into an audiobook? In this episode, professional audiobook narrator Charlotte Chiew breaks down the process for indie authors. From how much it costs to how long it takes, Charlotte shares what to expect and how to make sure your voice and vision are honored in audio.

Whether you're wondering when to reach out, how to find the right narrator, or if you can sell audiobooks on your own website—Charlotte brings clarity and encouragement.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Charlotte Chiew & how she started narrating audiobooks 02:00 – What authors get wrong about audiobook production 04:00 – What you should ask before hiring a narrator 06:00 – Red flags & why fit matters more than price 08:00 – Charlotte's genre specialties (YA, MG, children's) 10:00 – What she offers: narration, editing, uploading help 11:00 – Her idea for a collaborative author-narrator mini-audio project 12:00 – When to reach out & how to prepare 14:00 – How long audiobook production really takes 16:00 – Final encouragement for indie authors

🔗 Find Charlotte: https://www.charlottechiew.com 📧 Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-chiew-the-abc-voiceover-girl/

🎤 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/Wmwg_ajH3hc

What should authors look for in a publishing partner—and what red flags should they avoid? In this episode, Sharissa interviews Alexa Nazzaro, founder of Aaxel Author Group and a featured service provider in the Project Seed Money directory.

Alexa brings years of experience as both a writer and publishing assistant to the conversation. She shares how her company supports indie authors at every step of the journey—from editing and book design to publishing logistics and launch strategy. Most importantly, Alexa gives a clear and compassionate breakdown of what authors need to know before outsourcing their publishing.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and intro to Alexa 01:15 – Her journey from writer to publishing assistant 03:45 – Aaxel's offerings: editing, design, production, marketing 06:00 – Critical questions authors should ask before hiring 09:40 – What publishing scams look like and how to avoid them 11:25 – How she helps authors feel heard and supported 14:10 – Mindset and fears in the publishing process 16:05 – Alexa's advice for new authors: trust your instincts, do your homework

Connect with Alexa and the Aaxel Author Group:

Website: https://aaxelauthorgroup.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanazzaro/

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/-hNYo7v8HvM