The Minute Mastery

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.

I don't know about you, but for me, it doesn't take much to feel my day with activities. Busy but still wonder where your time went?

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I break down a simple yet powerful tool that can completely change how you manage your day: a time audit.

A time audit is a fancy way of saying: pay attention to how you actually spend your time.

And when you do that, everything shifts.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in a cycle of busyness without real progress, this episode will give you a practical, step-by-step system to help you regain control of your time and start living more intentionally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

•  What a time audit really is (and why it works) 
•  Why you feel busy but not productive 
•  How to track your time without overwhelm 
•  The hidden “time leaks” stealing your day 
•  How to make small changes that create big results 
•  How to move from reactive living to intentional planning 

Key Takeaway

It’s not about having more time.
 It’s about understanding how you’re using the time you already have.

When you start tracking your time, you stop reacting to your day,
 and start designing it.

Want Support With This?

If you’re ready to go beyond just tracking your time and actually use it to create something meaningful, you don’t have to do it alone.

Inside my community, I help busy women:

•  Find hidden time in their day 
•  Stay consistent (even with a full schedule) 
•  Build routines that actually work 
•  Finally write and publish their children’s books 

Book a Clarity Call or Join the Community:

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.

If you’ve ever thought writing your book was the hard part, think again.

In this episode,  audiobook narrartor, Liza Jacob and I explores what comes after writing. How about turning your book into an audiobook?

Because here’s the truth: writing is only half the story. The real question is what’s next? We break down everything first-time authors need to know about audiobooks, from narration choices to costs, and even whether AI can replace human voice.

If you are a midlife woman working on your children’s book (or thinking about it), this episode will open your eyes to a powerful way to expand your reach and impact. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

•  What an audiobook really is in today’s publishing world
•  Why children’s book authors should consider audiobooks
•  What you’re missing if you skip audio entirely
• Should you narrate your own book or hire a professional?
• The real difference between AI narration and human narration
•  What makes listeners finish an audiobook
• How much a “good” audiobook actually costs
•  Common mistakes first-time authors make (and how to avoid them)
•  How to choose the right narrator for your story

Key Takeaways

1.  Writing your book is just the beginning, audio can expand your impact
2. Audiobooks are especially powerful for children and busy families 
3. Narrating your own book is not always the best choice
4.  AI narration is growing, but it still lacks emotional depth 
5.  A well-produced audiobook can elevate your brand and author experience 
6.  You can repurpose your audiobook for school visits, social media, and marketing

Memorable Quote

“Your story deserves to be heard, literally.”

About the Guest Liza Jacob

Liza Jacob is a professional audiobook narrator who brings stories to life through performance, tone, and emotional depth. She helps authors create engaging, high-quality audiobooks that truly connect with listeners.

 Ready to Publish Your Book?

If you’re a midlife woman ready to finally write and publish your children’s book, I can help you do it step by step.
 

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.

Busy vs Productive? If you’re juggling multiple ideas, responsibilities, and creative dreams, but feel like time is never enough, welcome to my world. This episode was prepared with you in mind.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with productivity coach Emily Guerra to explore what it truly means to be productive without burning out. We discussed the difference between being busy and making meaningful progress, and how to align your time and energy to create what matters most.

As someone passionate about helping women 40+ write and publish their first children’s book, this conversation is especially important. Because productivity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, sustainably.

What We Covered:

•  Why being busy is not the same as being productive
•  What mindful productivity really means 
•  How to avoid burnout while still making progress
•  The importance of energy management (not just time management)
•  How to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own path 
•  Simple tools to help creative women move forward consistently
•  How to overcome writer’s block and creative fatigue
•  What sustainable productivity looks like in real life 

Key Takeaways

•  Productivity should be personal, and what works for someone else may not work for you 
•  Progress matters more than perfection or constant activity 
•  Your energy is just as important as your time
•  Taking a break is not giving up, it’s realigning
•  Sustainable productivity means you can still enjoy your life outside of work

Practical Tools Mentioned

•  Tracking your energy patterns
•  Scheduling creative work during high-energy periods
•  Taking intentional breaks (walks, movement, resets) 
•  Focusing on one meaningful project at a time
•  Reframing productivity from “doing more” to “making progress”

Connect with Emily Guerra

•  Website: theproductivityflow.com 
•  Free resources, coaching, and community available on her platform

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.

Do you feel like you don’t have time to write your children’s book?

You’re not alone. I felt that way too! I was wrong and you might be wrong too.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, I break down a simple, realistic system to help you finally write your children’s book, even if you’re balancing family, work, and everything in between.

Because the truth is:
You don’t need more time. You need a better plan

I’ll walk you through how to write your book using as little as 30 minutes a day, and show you exactly how to structure your time so your story goes from idea to finished book.

•  Why “I don’t have time” is often just an assumption 
•  How much time it actually takes to write a children’s book 
•  A simple 30-minute daily writing system 
•  How to stay consistent, even with a busy life 
•  The biggest mistake that keeps aspiring authors stuck 
•  3 realistic timelines to finish your book (from 3 to 8 months)

• You don’t need hours of free time, you need consistency
• A children’s book can be written in small, daily sessions
•  Your timeline may change, but your goal doesn’t have to
•  Done is better than perfect, every single time

1.  Shrink the goal (focus on one page at a time) 
2.  Use protected time blocks 
3.  Remove decision fatigue (pre-decide your story) 
4.  Capture ideas everywhere 
5.  Write in scenes, not in order 
6.  Blend writing into your daily life 
7.  Follow a simple weekly plan 
8.  Kill perfectionism early 
9.  Use accountability to stay consistent 
10.  Anchor your work to your WHY

You have options based on your schedule:

• 1 hour/day (5 days/week) → Finish in ~90 days 
• 30 minutes/day → Finish in 5–6 months 
• 2 hours/week → Finish in 7–8 months 

The key is not time, it’s structure.

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.