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

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