Ngozi shares the story that shaped why she does this work: her grandfather, a chef whose recipes and stories died with him because he never wrote them down. She uses his story to make the case that legacy isn't about money or a name on a building. It's a recipe, a survival story, a marriage, the quieter things that only live in memory unless someone writes them down. She speaks directly to midlife women sitting on a story, a memoir idea, or a children's book concept, and makes the case that the story doesn't need to be dramatic to matter. It needs to be honest.

Key Takeaways

• Legacy is often small and personal, not big and public. A recipe or a story can matter more than money or property.
• Memory fades and gets passed down secondhand until it barely resembles the truth. Writing it down is the only way to keep it real.
• A book doesn't need to be 300 pages or take five years. Even a short collection of stories or recipes can become a family's most treasured object.
• You don't need a dramatic story to write a powerful book. You need an honest one.
• The women most likely to sit on their story are the ones who assume it's "just their life," not a book. That instinct is worth questioning.

Notable Quote

"You have the chance my grandfather never had. You have the chance to write it down while you still can."

I have a simple tool that gives you everything you need for your journey into publishing a book: https://stan.store/ngoziedema/p/your-first-book-starts-here

Who This Episode Is For

Midlife women who have a book, memoir, or story idea sitting in a notebook or a notes app, and who keep telling themselves it isn't unique or dramatic enough to be worth writing.

And if you want more, join my commnity. I am currently welcoming more women to create as many success stories as we can.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Many women believe they have nothing worth writing about.

The truth?

Your greatest qualification isn't a degree.

It's what you've lived through.

In this episode you'll discover why your hardest seasons may actually be the research for the book someone else desperately needs.

You'll Learn

•  Why midlife women make exceptional authors 
•  The difference between information and wisdom 
•  How lived experience becomes valuable teaching 
•  Why your struggles weren't wasted 
•  How books become the foundation for businesses and personal brands 
•  The first mindset shift every aspiring author needs 

Who This Episode Is For

•  Women over 40 
•  Aspiring memoir writers 
•  Future children's book authors 
•  Women with life stories worth sharing 
•  Coaches and educators 
•  Anyone who wants to leave a legacy through a book

Memorable Quotes

• "We didn't buy our stories. We lived them."
• "Your life has been the first draft all along."
• "Information tells people what to do. Wisdom tells them what actually works."
• "Your experience isn't your limitation. It's your qualification."
• "You've already done the hard part. Now let's build something with it."

Resources

If you're ready to write your first book, start here.

 From Idea to Published

 Book Breakthrough Session

 Midlife Author Community click below

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

What do you do in a season of grief or other diffifult times? How I kept my business going after losing my dad. It is okay to just breathe, pause nonessentials and be human.

What happens to your business when life completely falls apart?

A few weeks ago I lost my dad.

In this deeply personal video, I share what grief has taught me about productivity, running a business during difficult seasons, and why the 80/20 Principle became more than a business strategy, it became a survival strategy.

If you're an entrepreneur, creator, writer, or anyone trying to keep moving while carrying a heavy heart, I hope this reminds you that you don't have to do everything.

You'll learn:

✔ How I decided what work could wait
 ✔ Why I focused on just ONE social media platform
 ✔ How the 80/20 Rule helped me protect my energy
 ✔ Why slowing down isn't giving up
 ✔ How to keep making progress during grief, burnout, or overwhelming life seasons

Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, caring for aging parents, raising children, or simply overwhelmed by life, this video is for you.

Remember:

Progress is still possible. One faithful step at a time.

And before I finally say goodbye I am excited to tell you that my new book in the freddy adventure series is finally ready for you!

Freddy and the Digital Forest is now available for preorder on Amazon!

This story is close to my heart. It comes from my own struggles keeping my children safe online. The internet is fun. It can also pose real threats to vulnerable children.

This story, and the worksheets that come with it, are what you need to have internet safety conversations with your little one. Not a lecture. A story they will actually want to hear.

👉 Head over to Amazon to place your order: 

https://www.amazon.ca/Freddy-Digital-Forest-Adventures-Book-ebook/dp/B0H8QS7SQ8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=T0JEC89HIIT1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vuUSJi58T31RHysqFad0bOJwb5MKS07CReFFXtY9ezQ.LJd975RRO15v6xGM2Bnj3YVSxQaOF0mG_4pk5IlX8ao&dib_tag=se&keywords=FREDDY+AND+DIGITAL+FOREST&qid=1785114072&sprefix=freddy+and+digital+forest%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-1

If keeping our children safe online matters to you too, I'd love for you to like, comment, and subscribe. I can't wait for to hear your review of Freddy and the digital forest

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Many aspiring authors dream of publishing a book, but what does it take to build a lasting writing career?

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I sit down with award-winning international bestselling author and ghostwriter Lana Mcara, whose books have sold more than one million copies worldwide.

Lana shares what separates hobby writers from career authors, how the publishing industry has changed over the years, and why building real-world connections may be more important than chasing social media algorithms.

Whether you're writing your first children's book, memoir, novel, or nonfiction book, this conversation will help you think beyond publishing one book and start building a long-term author career. 

What We Discussed:

•  What the writing landscape looks like today
•  How authors can stand out in a marketplace flooded with books
•  The mindset shift from writer to career author
• Why your book should be treated like a business
• The importance of building a body of work
•  Traditional publishing vs self-publishing
•  Alternative publishing models beyond Amazon
•  Why community and networking matter for authors
•  The qualities every successful author needs
•  Advice for writers facing rejection from publishers

Memorable Quote

"Writing a book is one step, but building a writing career requires intention, strategy, and support."

Connect with Lana McAra

Visit Lana's websites:

• Lana McAra Official Website https://www.lanamcara.com/media
• https://www.vendelapublishing.com/

About Your Host

I'm Ngozi Edema, productivity coach, children's book author, and host of the Minute Mastery Podcast. I help midlife women stop procrastinating, create more time, and finally write and publish the children's book they've been carrying in their hearts for years.

Join the Midlife Book Launch Lab

If you've been saying "one day I'll write my book," this is your invitation to make one day become today.

One hour a day. One book in 90 days.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Have you been carrying a children's book idea in your heart for months, years, or even decades?

If your story is still sitting in a notebook, living in your head, or waiting for the "right time," you're not alone.

In this episode, Ngozi Edema shares a heartfelt conversation for midlife women who dream of writing a children's book but haven't taken the next step.

The truth is, you are not lazy.

Most aspiring authors are juggling careers, families, responsibilities, and countless demands on their time. The challenge isn't a lack of desire. It's often a lack of time, clarity, and confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why waiting for a large block of free time keeps your book stuck
• How to find time to write even during a busy season of life
• Why clarity is more important than motivation
• The questions every children's book author must answer before writing
• How fear of failure quietly prevents many women from publishing
• Why your first book doesn't need to be perfect
• The simple next step that can move your idea forward today

Memorable Quote:

"Your book does not need to be perfect. It needs to exist."

Resources Mentioned:

• Children's Book Idea Audit
• Midlife Book Launch Lab

Connect with Ngozi Edema:

Children's Book Author Coach
Time Management Coach
Host of The Minute Mastery Podcast

Helping midlife women finally write and publish the children's book they've been carrying for years.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who has a story waiting to be written

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Finishing a book is a huge accomplishment.

But for many aspiring authors, reaching the end of the manuscript creates a new question:

"What do I do next?"

In this episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi Edema shares the five essential steps that take you from finished manuscript to published author.

We save time when we are clear about next steps!

Drawing from her own experience as a children's book author and coach, Ngozi breaks down the publishing process into simple, practical steps any author can follow.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

•  Why your manuscript needs a resting period 
•  The four levels of editing every author should understand 
•  Why professional editing matters, especially for writers whose first language is not English 
•  How to create a book cover that attracts readers 
•  What makes an effective book description 
•  Self-publishing versus traditional publishing 
•  How to prepare for a successful launch 
•  Common mistakes first-time authors make 

Key Takeaway

Writing the book is not the finish line.

It is the beginning of the publishing journey.

Take the next step, then the next one after that.

Your readers are waiting.

Connect with Ngozi

Helping midlife women finally write and publish the children's book they've carried for years.

Book a Children's Book Breakthrough Session, https://ngoziedema.store/shop/16c00448-fefa-4f84-bb1b-f03c640a0122

Join the Midlife Book Launch Lab community. Check out link below

Visit: https://www.ngoziedema.com/

Memorable Quote:

"The world doesn't need another unfinished manuscript sitting in a drawer. It needs your story."

Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another aspiring author who needs encouragement today.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

What separates women who achieve their goals from those who don't?

According to Debbie DiMaggio, it comes down to three things: clarity, community, and action.

In this inspiring conversation, Debbie shares lessons from her career, her experience as a six-time author, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate major life transitions.

Key Takeaways:

•  Get clear on one goal before chasing many
•  Believe in the goal before you see the evidence
•  Share your dreams with supportive people
•  Find mentors who have already achieved what you want
•  Stop trying to do everything alone
•  Action creates momentum and confidence
•  Community accelerates success

Memorable Quote:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

This episode is especially valuable for midlife women, aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to stop overthinking and start moving toward their goals.

And while you are here, I am inviting to join my community of women who want to write their children's book. If you have an idea and you want to try it out, please book a clarity call: 

https://ngoziedema.store/shop/16c00448-fefa-4f84-bb1b-f03c640a0122

Connect with Debbi Dimaggio 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHLHWSNL?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzdebbidim-20&creativeASIN=B0GHLHWSNL&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1E90I1I2LV8LZ&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin and on 

linkedin:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHLHWSNL?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzdebbidim-20&creativeASIN=B0GHLHWSNL&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1E90I1I2LV8LZ&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Have you ever felt stuck between having a dream and actually taking action on it?

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi shares a personal story from when she first moved to England and accidentally got on the wrong train while navigating the London Underground with her two young children.

What started as a confusing travel experience became a powerful life lesson about asking for help, finding the right community, and giving yourself deadlines that create momentum.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why asking the right questions can save you years of frustration
• The power of supportive communities and accountability
• Why deadlines help dreams move from “someday” to reality
• How fear keeps many women stuck in overthinking
• Why it is never too late to change direction
• Small practical steps to finally move forward on your goals

This episode is especially for midlife women, aspiring authors, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone carrying a dream they have delayed for too long.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.
You just need the courage to take the next step.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review.

And if you are a woman who has always wanted to write a children’s book, join the Midlife Book Launch Lab community where we help women finally move from idea to published book.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Why do so many smart, capable women still feel stuck, second-guess themselves, and wait until they feel “ready” before pursuing their dreams?

In this powerful episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi Edema sits down with Dr. Heidi Heron, clinical psychologist, author, master coach, and internationally recognized NLP trainer, to explore the hidden emotional patterns that quietly shape our confidence, decisions, and ability to move forward.

Together, they discussed how childhood beliefs, fear of failure, perfectionism, external validation, and self-doubt can keep women stuck for years, even when they are highly intelligent and deeply capable.

This conversation is especially important for women over 40 who dream of writing and publishing a children’s book but struggle with procrastination, fear, or feeling “not good enough.”

Dr. Heidi explains why confidence is not something you are born with, but something you build through awareness, action, and self-belief.

If you’ve been delaying your dream, overthinking your next step, or waiting for permission to start, this episode will encourage you to move forward anyway.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

•  Why smart women still struggle with self-doubt 
•  How childhood experiences shape adult confidence 
•  The hidden patterns that keep people stuck 
•  Fear of failure vs fear of success 
•  The difference between confidence and competence 
•  Why perfectionism keeps women from finishing projects 
•  How to stop focusing on what you don’t want 
•  Small mindset shifts that help you build momentum 
•  Why confidence grows through action, not waiting

Dr. Heidi Heron is a clinical psychologist, author, master coach, and internationally recognized trainer in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). Her work helps people discover the unconscious emotional patterns that hold them back so they can live more authentically and confidently.

 You can reach her through her website, https://www.heidiheron.com/

Ready to Write Your Children’s Book?

If you are a woman over 40 who is ready to stop saying “someday” and finally publish your children’s book, join the Midlife Book Launch Lab, a supportive community designed to help you go from idea to published book in 90 days. See below:

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Welcome back to the podcast!

In today’s episode, we are talking directly to illustrators and creatives who have spent years bringing other people’s stories to life but secretly dream of creating their own children’s book.

Many illustrators believe writing is the hard part. But the truth is, you already have one of the biggest advantages a storyteller can have: vision.

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Why illustrators are already ahead in the storytelling journey 
•  The emotional shift from illustrator to storyteller 
•  Why children’s books do NOT need complicated writing 
•  How illustrations already carry much of the story 
•  The danger of perfectionism for creatives 
•  A simple exercise to help you start writing immediately

Simple Writing Exercise Shared in This Episode:

1.  What is happening here? 
2.  What is the character feeling? 
3.  What happens next? 

Then write ONE sentence for each illustration.

Remember:
 Children’s books are built on simple, emotional, guided moments, not perfection.

If you are an illustrator who has been waiting for the “right time” to write your story, consider this your sign to begin.

Connect with Ngozi Edema:

•  Website: Ngozi Edema ngoziedema.com 
  
  
•  Subscribe for more content on writing, publishing, creativity, and productivity for women 40+.

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.