Turning an idea into a book isn’t just about having something to say. It’s about how you say it, how you shape it, and who helps you along the way.

Charlie Levin recently caught up with Sarah Escobar and Corinne Murray, co-authors of Work Then Place: Navigating Modern Work and Where It Happens. Their approach to writing and publishing offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring a dense, idea-rich book to life and to write with a partner. If you’re writing nonfiction or building a thought-leadership project of your own, their experience offers more than just advice. It’s a working model.

From Bullet Points to Blueprint

The first version of Work Then Place wasn’t a book at all. It was 30 pages of bullet points, created by Sarah during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she was working at Netflix and witnessing massive shifts in workplace strategy. She knew her insights had long-term value, so she wrote them down. But the result, by her own admission, wasn’t “real readable.”

This is something many nonfiction writers face. Deep expertise doesn’t automatically translate into accessible content. Sarah had the material, but not yet the format. It wasn’t until she partnered with Corinne that the raw ideas began to evolve into something that could meet readers where they are.

Finding the Right Co-Pilot

Corinne came into the project with her own experience in global workplace transformation and an eye for story and clarity. Sarah had the substance. Corinne brought the shape. Together, they turned technical insights into a compelling narrative.

They treated co-authorship as a strategic move. Corinne didn’t just contribute to the book. She helped transform its rhythm, tone, and accessibility. This kind of partnership, built on complementary strengths, shifted the project from “informational” to “impactful.”

Design Comes Before Drafts

Instead of jumping into more writing, Sarah and Corinne stepped back to figure out what the book actually needed to be. They took a focused retreat to Joshua Tree: just the two of them, a house, and all their raw content, cut into strips of paper. They laid everything out, reshuffled the pieces, and physically mapped out the flow of the book.

That work resulted in the framework behind Work Then Place, including its core acronym and structure. Only after this design session did they return to the writing process with clarity and direction.

Taking the time to design early on helped them avoid getting lost later.

Knowing What You Don’t Know

Sarah and Corinne were workplace strategy experts, but publishing was new territory. They quickly realized how much they didn’t know. Formatting for Amazon, using IngramSpark, understanding the editing process, making the content readable to non-experts—none of it was obvious.

That’s when they brought in Holly Hudson, an experienced book coach. Holly helped them clarify their voice, simplify the structure, and keep the book grounded in a reader-first perspective. She also introduced them to their publisher, Munn Avenue Press. Corinne admitted the editing process was far more intense than expected, but also essential to the quality of the final product.

Professional support was not an optional add-on. It was part of the foundation.

Publishing Is the Middle, Not the End

After the book was released, Sarah and Corinne kept going. Because they had trimmed so much content to keep the book tight and readable, they’re now developing a companion workbook. It includes tools, exercises, and frameworks that help readers take action on what they’ve learned.

This follow-up isn’t just bonus content. It’s a pathway to deepen impact, sustain momentum, and reach more people over time.

Final Thoughts

What Sarah and Corinne built with Work Then Place wasn’t just a book. It was a strategic, structured process. And for any author, especially those writing about complex or technical subjects, that process matters just as much as the product.

Clear planning, thoughtful collaboration, early support, and a roadmap for what comes next. These elements are what make a book work not just in terms of publishing, but in terms of real impact.

At Munn Avenue Press, we support authors who think big and build wisely.

📘 Where to Find the Book

Available now at:

* Amazon

* Barnes & Noble

* Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores)

If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

🎧 Listen to the episode now on Munn Avenue Muse.👉 Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Welcome back to Munn Avenue Muse, the corner where storytelling meets memory, and where writing becomes a tool for truth, legacy, and connection.

In our latest podcast episode, Charlie Levin spoke with Robert Merrick Fuller, author of the quietly powerful memoir A Horsedrawn Sicklebar Cutter. What started as a conversation about his book unfolded into something much larger, a moving reflection on how personal storytelling preserves the past, strengthens our legacy, and honors the rhythms of life that still echo through us.

Whether you’re writing a memoir, capturing family history, or simply exploring what it means to write honestly, this episode is a deep well of inspiration. Below are the key takeaways for every writer interested in memoir writing, sensory storytelling, and legacy preservation.

1. Start With the Senses: Why Memory Needs Sound

If you’re looking for powerful memoir writing tips, start here: ground your story in a sensory anchor. For Robert, it was the sound of a classic sicklebar cutter pulled by draft horses, a rhythmic, oscillating pulse unlike the modern, steady hum of a tractor.

This sound, woven into his earliest memories in Lowell, Massachusetts, became the heartbeat of his book. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s resonance. As shared during the conversation, that kind of oscillation, like breath, like a heartbeat, stays with us because it lives in the body.

Memoir tip: Find that one resonant detail that evokes time and place viscerally. Whether it’s a smell, a texture, or a sound, let it lead your reader into the world you’re remembering.

2. Memoir as Personal Truth and Historical Record

Robert’s story is deeply personal, but it also spans history from Mayflower ancestry to the post-war changes in American farming. He grew up in a 150-year-old farmhouse as the sixth generation of Fullers. And yet, he admitted: “I wish I had asked my grandfather more.”

This tension between what we know and what we’ll never know is part of why writing a memoir matters. Memoir isn’t just personal reflection; it’s a record for those who come after us.

But let’s be clear: it’s not history alone that gives memoir power. It’s honesty. Robert spent three years deciding what to include, what to hold back, and how to tell the truth about his life, including his father’s struggles and his own adult experiences.

He leaned on Barbara Kingsolver’s advice:

“Close the door and write as if no one were looking over your shoulder... Figure out what you want to say. That’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”

And that’s where legacy writing begins, not in telling everything, but in telling what is true to you.

3. Read to Write: Finding Your Own Road to Felicity

Robert offered one of the simplest but most powerful pieces of advice for memoirists: read widely.He was particularly moved by How to Say Babylon by Sophia Sinclair, a story vastly different from his own, yet equally rooted in determination and voice. Inspired by Sinclair’s poetic honesty, Robert included five original poems in his memoir.

The takeaway? You don’t need to read stories like your own, just stories that ring true. As Robert says, every life has its own road to felicity (his word for bliss, purpose, contentment). Writing helps us trace that road, even if we’re still walking it.

4. Writing With Time in Mind: Memoir as a Legacy Act

Toward the end of our conversation, Robert shared something that many writers hold silently: he’s living with Stage 4 cancer. And yet, his outlook is anything but grim.

He sees his memoir as part of a larger legacy, an act of documentation, intention, and care. He’s planning his own obituary, building his own coffin, choosing green burial over gravestone, and even leaving behind memorial benches. Why? “So I don’t leave it all to somebody else.”

He and his wife are also paying forward, supporting students in Ghana through the Wells Mountain Initiative. Writing, legacy, service, for Robert, they’re all part of the same story.

And he’s not done yet. He’s already envisioning three more books: one about his 40 years in the culinary world, one on his motorcycle life, and one chronicling his decades of travel with his wife.

Final Thoughts: Write the Story Only You Can Tell

Robert Merrick Fuller’s A Horsedrawn Sicklebar Cutter is more than a memoir; it’s a reminder that our memories matter, our voices carry, and our legacies are still being written.

If you’re an author working on your own memoir, or a reader seeking stories rooted in honesty and heart, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. You’ll find insights not just into how to write but why we write at all.

📘 Where to Find the Book

Available now at:

* Amazon

* Barnes & Noble

* Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores)

If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

🎧 Listen to the episode now on Munn Avenue Muse.👉 Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

When you think of scientists or tech experts, you might picture complicated data or dire predictions. But Peter Solomon, scientist, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of 100 Years to Exctinction, brings a refreshingly human approach to the future of technology.

With experience in both science and storytelling, Solomon helps readers make sense of overwhelming topics like AI ethics, climate change, and genetic engineering. His motivation is deeply personal:

“I have 12 grandkids,” Solomon says. “And I worry about their future.”

Whether you are an author, an entrepreneur, or simply a curious reader, his insights show how stories can help us understand and shape the future.

1. Every Breakthrough Comes With a Shadow

After decades developing new technologies, Solomon now asks a different question: what is the cost?

“Every great advancement,” he says, “comes with a terrible downside.”

He shares five examples that show how progress often brings risk:

* Fossil Fuels sparked the Industrial Revolution, but now drive climate change

* Nuclear Power provided clean energy, but also produced atomic bombs

* The Internet connected the world, but enabled widespread misinformation

* Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers massive potential but creates serious ethical concerns

* Genetic Engineering may revolutionize medicine, but carries unpredictable consequences

Solomon is not anti-technology. He simply believes in asking hard questions early.

2. You Are Made of Stardust (and Maybe a T-Rex)

One of Solomon’s greatest talents is making science feel magical. In his educational project, The Stardust Mystery, he tells kids:

“You are made of stardust that was once in a T-Rex and Albert Einstein.”

It sounds like science fiction, but it is real. The atoms in your body were created in ancient stars and have traveled through time via plants, animals, and ecosystems.

It serves as a beautiful reminder of our profound connection to the universe and to one another.

3. Digital Immortality Is Already Happening

In Solomon’s upcoming novel, a tech billionaire gives his own eulogy after digitally uploading his consciousness into a robot body.

This may sound like a futuristic fantasy, but the groundwork already exists. Some companies are building “afterlife avatars,” and AI tools can simulate a person’s voice and personality after just a few hours of interaction.

As the line between human and machine blurs, Solomon poses a profound question: what happens when technology captures us more effectively than we capture ourselves?

4. Want to Make an Impact? Start With a Story

If you want to change the world, Solomon has one clear message: do it through fiction.

“We need to motivate everyone. And I think the best way to do that is with a novel.”

While facts appeal to logic, stories reach the heart. A well-told narrative can spark empathy, curiosity, and real change.

Whether you are writing about climate change, AI, or any global issue, Solomon believes that storytelling is your strongest tool.

The Future Begins With the Stories We Tell

Peter Solomon shows that understanding the future does not require advanced degrees. What it really takes is curiosity, courage, and a powerful story.

By grounding science in narrative, he helps readers move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.

So ask yourself: What kind of future are you writing?

If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

When you picture a Marine with seven combat tours, the image that comes to mind is probably rigid command and barked orders. Yet, retired Marine Scott Stalker, author of Left of Leadership, has built his entire philosophy around something different: preparation, humility, and care for people.

His story is filled with lessons that reach far beyond the military. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, writing a book, or just navigating everyday challenges, his approach is practical, human, and surprisingly relatable.

1. Growth Often Starts at Rock Bottom

Stalker’s career didn’t begin with glory. In fact, at Marine Corps intelligence school, he finished “dead last.” One superior told him bluntly that he wouldn’t last more than four years. That failure could have ended his career, but instead it became the turning point.

“If I wanted to do more, I had to become more. And that meant preparation.”

It’s a reminder that our most painful setbacks often provide the soil where real growth begins. Failure doesn’t have to define you. It can shape you into someone stronger, more disciplined, and more ready for what comes next.

2. Success Is Determined Before the Big Moment

In the military, most people think of the “boom”—the moment of battle, the high-stakes decision. But Stalker argues that outcomes are decided long before then. That’s why he called his book Left of Leadership.

“The best time to prepare for Monday is Sunday night.”

Success, he explains, happens in the unglamorous prep: double-checking gear, running through scenarios, asking hard questions in advance. The same is true in daily life. What looks like quick, decisive action in the moment is really the result of preparation that no one else sees.

3. Stress Is a Gift

Most of us treat stress as the enemy. Stalker flips that view on its head. As a former powerlifter, he compares stress to weight on a barbell. You only grow stronger by adding more.

“Stress is a gift. Without it, there’s no growth. No adaptation, no improvement.”

He even described writing his book as a form of chosen stress. It was hard, uncomfortable, and demanding, but that pressure forged new strength. Instead of running from stress, Stalker suggests leaning into it in measured ways, using it as training for the unexpected challenges to come.

4. Trust and Love Outperform Authority

Rank may keep order in the military, but Stalker insists real leadership has nothing to do with titles. It’s about trust—and, perhaps surprisingly, about love.

“People aren’t going to follow you just because you bark orders. They’ll follow you because you inspire them… because you genuinely love them.”

True influence comes from building relationships, showing care, and investing in people. Teams, families, and communities thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued. Authority might demand compliance, but trust creates loyalty.

5. Be the Original You

In a world full of comparisons, Stalker offers one of his simplest but most powerful pieces of advice: authenticity beats imitation.

“Don’t try to be the next David Goggins, the next Jocko Willink… Don’t try to be the next Scott Stalker. Be the original you.”

He never set out to write the next bestselling military memoir. He wrote his book because he had a message he believed in. That same mindset applies anywhere… at work, in creative projects, or in daily life. Your experience, your voice, and your perspective are your greatest assets.

Prequel to Success

Scott Stalker’s lessons remind us that leadership isn’t about the dramatic moment or the title you hold. It’s about what happens beforehand… the preparation, the resilience, the willingness to embrace stress, and the authenticity to lead with care.

These are not just military lessons. They’re lessons for anyone who wants to grow, to influence others, or to succeed in the work that matters most.

So the real question becomes: What preparation are you doing today that will serve as the prequel to your next success story?

📚 Left of Leadership is available now wherever books are sold.🎧 Hear the full conversation with Scott Stalker on The Munn Avenue Muse podcast.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Welcome to a special episode of Munn Avenue Muse, featuring Charlie Levin’s conversation with the incredible Kiki Keating, founder of The Kiki Network, a global PR firm, and former Director of Public Relations at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. Kiki brings over 15 years of experience building reputations and helping authors achieve their publishing dreams, from her time at Tuck School of Business (1998-2013) to her current work with The Kiki Network.

For independent authors navigating the complex world of publishing, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Kiki reveals how to take your book from an initial idea to a market-ready success, offering guidance on finding ghostwriters, securing professional editors, and choosing between traditional, agented, or hybrid publishing routes.

Crucially, Kiki emphasizes the power of strategic publicity and media relations. Learn why you need to start building buzz 3 to 4 months before your book launch, lining up interviews and speaking events to ensure maximum impact during release week and beyond. She'll share how to cultivate your social media presence and grow your audience long before your book hits the shelves, a non-negotiable step as modern publishers increasingly look for authors with built-in platforms. As many traditional "big five" publishers no longer invest heavily in marketing unless you're a high-profile author, developing your own platform is more vital than ever.

Discover the inspiring story behind 'Better Angels,' a project Kiki helped bring to life for Congressman Michael McCall and Sadie Keller, demonstrating how books can truly make a difference, reaching beyond bestseller lists into the hands of those who need them most by distributing copies to children's hospitals. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for authors to connect with readers – from engaging email campaigns like "Who wants to be murdered in my next book?" to direct correspondence – and the often-overlooked joy of research that can enrich your writing process.

Whether you're struggling to find time to write, as Kiki herself managed a demanding schedule with young children, looking to decode Amazon's algorithms for better sales, or simply want to elevate your book's visibility, Kiki's wisdom is invaluable. Tune in to arm yourself with the essential PR and marketing strategies every independent author needs for a successful and impactful publishing journey.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Welcome back to the Munn Avenue Muse, the place where books and the people behind them come alive. We’re closing in on 30 podcast episodes (wild, right?), and this one is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought about turning real-life chaos into something meaningful on the page.

Charlie Levin welcomes Amy Lamb, a certified health and wellness coach, and her mom, Shirley Lamb. Together, they turned a medical nightmare into a book that’s already changing lives: My Health Journal.

This isn’t just another guided journal. It’s the book they wish they’d had years ago, a lifeline born out of nearly four years of the wrong treatment.

When “Trust the Doctors” Went Wrong

About six years ago, Shirley started noticing muscle weakness. After countless tests, she was diagnosed with a serious condition and endured monthly treatments for almost four years.

But here’s the plot twist: she never had the illness.

When Shirley and her husband moved to North Carolina, a new doctor pushed for second opinions. The truth came out: the diagnosis was wrong, the treatments were unnecessary, and the toll on Shirley’s health was devastating. We’re talking strokes, seizures, and heart problems, events that suspiciously lined up with the treatments themselves.

The most chilling part? If she hadn’t moved, she’d still be hooked up to the wrong IV, paying the price for someone else’s error.

That realization lit a fire under Amy and Shirley. If the medical system wasn’t going to connect the dots, they needed a way to do it themselves. And that spark became My Health Journal.

Turning Pain into Purpose

When Amy read aloud from the book’s intro during our podcast, it stopped us in our tracks:

“We lost nearly four years to the wrong treatment, but that misdiagnosis gave us freedom. It gave our family clarity. And it let us finally focus on what truly mattered, helping Mom feel better and regain control of her health.”

That’s the heart of My Health Journal. It’s not a fluffy gratitude diary. It’s a serious tool for anyone trying to piece together their health story when doctors, specialists, and apps aren’t talking to each other.

Think of it as your personal evidence log. A place to track symptoms, diet, stress, meds, social connections, and even gratitude (because mindset matters). With two pages per day plus monthly reflections, it doubles the depth of most wellness journals. And yes, it sneaks in tips and quotes to keep you inspired on the days when health feels like a battle.

Author Takeaways: Turning Notes Into Narratives

Amy and Shirley’s advice?

* Write everything down. Don’t trust your memory.

* Ask questions (even the ones that make doctors uncomfortable).

* Get second and third opinions.

* Look for patterns. Food, stress, sleep, and social life are all connected.

* And Amy’s favorite practice is gratitude: each journal page begins with “I am grateful for…”

Here’s the meta piece for authors: this book started as notes. Just raw, messy, frustrating notes scribbled during a medical crisis. And when the dust settled, those notes became the blueprint for a book that can help thousands of families. Proof that your journal might be your next manuscript.

Behind the Scenes of Publishing

Amy admits she never thought she’d write a book. But once the idea clicked, the process moved fast. With Munn Avenue Press guiding the way (editing, cover design, distribution), what started as scattered pages turned into a polished, professional book.

Her family even voted on cover designs, making it a creative and surprisingly fun process. Lesson for authors: involve your people. It makes the book journey richer.

What’s Next for My Health Journal

Amy’s mission now is getting the journal into the hands of people who need it most especially those battling chronic illness. She’s also exploring a digital edition with app features, blending old-school note-taking with modern tech.

And here’s how dedicated she is: she literally carries copies in her backpack, ready to hand one to a doctor at any appointment. Here’s an author who believes in her work.

🎧 Listen, Learn, and Maybe… Write

You can catch the full interview with Amy and Shirley on the Munn Avenue Muse Podcast. It’s equal parts heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.

👉 Grab your copy of My Health Journal (fulfilled by Ingram, so it’ll hit your mailbox in about a week).

And if you’re an author? Pay attention to how Amy and Shirley took pain and turned it into purpose. Sometimes the hardest stories make the most powerful books.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

What if the history you thought you knew was only part of the story? For Tom Mauser, that question wasn’t just curiosity. It was a mission. His bestselling Civil War novel This Leavened Land: A Novel of the Civil War in East Tennessee started as one story, became another, and took ten years to bring to life.

Charlie sat down with Tom on The Munn Avenue Muse podcast to talk about the spark, the detours, and the lessons every writer can take from a journey like his.

A Childhood Fascination That Never Let Go

Tom’s love of the Civil War began at age ten with a single book: Heroes in Blue and Gray. That early spark quietly shaped his reading, his studies, and eventually, his writing life.

Years later, while researching a completely different novel, he uncovered a real-life tragedy in Eastern Tennessee: the 1864 murder of Union soldiers by civilians. The event, hidden in the footnotes of history, became the beating heart of his book.

Letting the Story Surprise You

Tom didn’t map every plot point in advance. Instead, he let the narrative evolve and allowed unexpected characters to walk onto the page.

One of the biggest? Jedediah Whitson. A free African-American cooper, Jedediah emerges as the loyal, grounded friend of protagonist James Meacham. He wasn’t part of the original plan. In fact, Tom says Jedediah “just appeared one day” while writing a scene, his voice and personality already fully formed. Rather than push him aside to stick to the plan, Tom listened. Jedediah stayed, and he became a key emotional anchor in the story.

For writers, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best moments on the page happen when you stop forcing the story into a box. When a character or subplot shows up uninvited but feels authentic, it can be a signal you’ve tapped into something true.

Writing That Sounds Like the 1860s

For Tom, historical accuracy went way beyond getting the clothes, weapons, or dates right. He ensured the voices of his characters sounded like they could have been heard in 1860s Eastern Tennessee. To achieve that, he dove deep into digitized letters, journals, and memoirs from the period. He read until the cadence of the sentences, the choice of words, and even the humor matched the era.

This meant learning how someone from the mountains might speak differently than someone from the lowlands, how formal writing and everyday conversation contrasted, and how the concerns of the time shaped the way people expressed themselves.

The result? Characters that felt so alive to him that, as Tom puts it, “the characters just kept on talking.” That immersion allowed their authentic voices to guide the dialogue and help drive the scenes forward.

Ten Years, Countless Drafts, One Finished Book

This Leavened Land wasn’t written in a hurry. The process stretched over more than a decade, marked by “fits and starts,” rewrites, and life’s unexpected detours. Along the way, Tom faced a battle with cancer and navigated the global challenges of COVID, both of which put his work on hold more than once.

But through every pause and restart, he kept coming back to the story. And when he finally held the finished copy in his hands, Tom described the moment as “almost surreal.” It was the kind of quiet triumph that reminds us perseverance might be the most valuable writing tool of all because it’s what gets you to the last page.

Why This Story Resonates Now

The San Francisco Book Review praised This Leavened Land for offering “a fresh look at the Civil War.” But Tom’s work is as much about the present as the past. It wrestles with loyalty, division, and freedom.

For readers, it’s a compelling way to learn history. For writers, it’s a blueprint for research-driven storytelling that still feels alive. And for anyone curious about how the past shapes us, it’s a reminder that history’s heartbeat is never far from our own.

📚 This Leavened Land is available now wherever books are sold.🎧 Hear the full conversation with Tom Mauser on The Munn Avenue Muse podcast.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Why do people write memoirs?

It’s a question we’ve explored with many authors and the answers are never quite the same. For some, it’s about legacy, passing down stories to future generations. For others, it’s about unpacking trauma, making sense of life’s hardest moments. Some write for pure entertainment, others to settle unfinished business with themselves.

Recently, we sat down with Rob Tonkin, author of the boldly titled A*****e: A Memoir, and his answer struck a deeper chord. For Rob, writing wasn’t just about telling a story; it was about reclaiming his story and rewriting the narrative he’d been living.

From Unfiltered Reflection to Radical Honesty

Rob doesn’t shy away from the title. In fact, he embraces it. Why A*****e? Because, as Rob says, it wasn’t just about how others saw him… it was about how he had come to see himself.

His story unfolds from early childhood neglect and career encounters with difficult personalities including moments of abuse to an unflinching realization that he himself had become part of that cycle. As he puts it, “I was definitely that guy for people who worked for me.”

But Rob’s book is more than an airing of grievances or a highlight reel of bad behavior. It’s a raw, often funny, ultimately redemptive account of self-awareness and growth. A story of realizing your own flaws, facing them head-on, and deciding to write a better next chapter.

The Reluctant Memoirist

Like many of our favorite authors, Rob didn’t plan to write a memoir. It started in bits and pieces notes to himself, reflections in therapy, emails to friends. His early writing days came from crafting catchy one-liners as a radio DJ and condensed talking points in corporate presentations.

But as friends read his raw reflections, one thing kept coming back: “You need to write this book.”

And so he did. Slowly. Painfully. Draft after draft. Three and a half years of wrestling with the question every author faces: Is this done?

His breakthrough moment came with advice from his sister, a professional artist: “Nothing is ever totally finished. You just decide when to stop.” And with that, Rob hit send.

Storytelling That Doesn’t Stop at the Last Page

Rob’s writing journey didn’t end with the book. Like many modern authors, he took to Substack, launching his weekly newsletter Opinions Matter, where he shares everything from media reviews to random curiosities and reflections on life after A*****e.

It’s a reminder that writing doesn’t end with the finished book. It’s an ongoing conversation about showing up, being honest, stirring things up when needed, and making people laugh or think in ways they didn’t expect.

Why You Should Care

Rob’s story is personal, but it’s also universal. We’ve all had chapters we’d rather not re-read. We’ve all been affected by the actions of others, and at times, by our own less-than-best moments. What Rob reminds us is that owning your story can be the first step in changing it.

For readers, his memoir offers entertainment, brutal honesty, and more than a few laugh-out-loud lines. For aspiring writers, it’s a blueprint on writing without filters and daring to tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable.

For anyone feeling stuck in a life story they didn’t sign up for? It’s a nudge that it’s never too late to rewrite your own narrative.

You can find A*****e: A Memoir on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.And catch Rob’s weekly Opinions Matter newsletter on Substack at RobTonkin.com.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

Thanks for reading The Munn Avenue Muse ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Welcome back to the Munn Avenue Muse! Today’s episode features a conversation that’s equal parts heart, craft, and future-thinking. Our guest is Daniel Greenberg educator, ecovillage pioneer, and the voice behind Charlie Levin’s Not So Dead audiobook series.

What does a globe-trotting climate advocate have in common with a career in narration and storytelling? As it turns out: everything. Daniel’s path is a testament to the unexpected ways that passion, reinvention, and purpose intersect.

From Global Sustainability to the Studio

Before he ever stepped into the world of voice work, Daniel spent decades immersed in intentional communities and climate education. He co-founded Gaia Education, served as president of the Global Ecovillage Network, and lived in more than 150 ecovillages around the world from Scotland to South India.

His work centered on helping people imagine and build better systems: more sustainable, more collaborative, more human.

That same spirit led him into audiobook narration through what he calls “the side door.” With no formal experience but a deep love of reading to his daughters, Daniel threw himself into a Groupon course and started auditioning. One of those auditions landed with Charlie. Fast-forward to today: he’s narrated over 25 audiobooks, including the entire Not So Dead series.

Voice, Character, and Empathy

What makes Daniel’s narration stand out is more than a good voice. It’s his approach. In Charlie’s series alone, he had to bring to life nearly 30 distinct characters, spanning genders, generations, and accents. His ability to read with empathy, interpret context, and subtly shift tone without distraction is what keeps listeners engaged and coming back for more.

There’s one moment, in particular, that stood out: a scene about Alzheimer’s in Book Three. Daniel’s own mother has Alzheimer’s, and the emotion in his voice during that chapter added an undeniable layer of depth. Charlie called it “amazing” and it’s easy to see why.

The Audiobook Boom & the Human Touch

The timing couldn’t be better. Audiobooks are growing 20% annually far outpacing print or ebooks and Daniel’s story offers a real-world look at what it takes to meet that demand. From mastering production standards to developing a unique vocal fingerprint, he’s carved out a niche without ever following a traditional path.

Of course, no conversation about narration is complete without touching on AI. While Daniel sees a future where AI replaces many human narrators, he and Charlie both agree: fiction requires empathy. It’s that human dimension, the feeling behind the words that AI still can’t replicate.

Imagination as Legacy

Now based in Ann Arbor (when he’s not in India, Mozambique, or Paris), Daniel’s next act involves writing a sci-fi novel about a mission to Mars gone wrong and the awakening of Gaia. The goal? To offer a compelling, optimistic blueprint for how humanity might move forward.

He also teaches digital storytelling workshops, helping people use voice, images, and video to tell stories of transformation, both real and imagined. “The future is imagining us,” he says. “We get to live into that.”

Listen to Daniel’s full episode on the Munn Avenue Muse podcast, available on Substack, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. And subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of creativity, reinvention, and publishing.

If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com

Welcome back to the Munn Avenue Muse! Today, we're spotlighting a conversation that’s a masterclass in niche positioning, strategic growth, and the underrated power of authorship. Our guest is Emil Abedian, founder and CEO of Council CPAs, and author of the recently released book, Counsel to Counsel.

You might be wondering what does a CPA have to do with book publishing and strategic storytelling? As it turns out, a lot. Emil’s journey is a powerful example of how writing a book and serving a specific audience can fuel both credibility and explosive growth.

From Broad Services to a Laser-Focused Niche

Emil didn’t set out to specialize in serving law firms. But over time, a pattern emerged: solo and small firm lawyers were drowning in operational overload. They weren’t just seeking someone to file taxes, they needed a strategic partner who understood the unique, behind-the-scenes challenges of their industry, from trust accounting compliance to quarterly planning and growth metrics.

Most CPA firms weren’t meeting those needs. Emil saw the gap and built his firm to fill it.

Over the past two decades, Emil has worked with hundreds of law firms. That focus allowed him and his team to go deep instead of broad. The result? Better results, stronger relationships, and a thriving business built on word-of-mouth and thought leadership.

Why He Wrote the Book

His book, Counsel to Counsel, was born out of that same intention: to educate, empower, and connect with his ideal clients. But it’s more than just a lead magnet. Emil describes it as the book he wished someone had handed him when he was starting out.

Within its pages, Emil shares the “millions of mistakes” he made, as well as the frameworks that now help his clients avoid them. And while it’s written for lawyers, the advice is highly relevant for anyone running a small-to-mid-sized service-based business, such as doctors, architects, consultants, and yes, CPAs.

He emphasizes the unique power of a book over traditional marketing. Unlike a blog or newsletter, a book creates instant credibility. It also becomes a lasting resource for clients and a way to scale his voice and expertise beyond the limitations of time or geography.

What Writing Taught Him

Perhaps most important, Emil says the writing process itself made him a better thinker, leader, and teacher. With the help of book coach Holly Hudson, he brought his expertise to life through storytelling, not jargon. The result? A book that’s not just informative, but human. Honest. Relatable.

And that’s exactly the kind of content that connects.

Bigger Takeaway: Structure for Freedom

Emil’s larger message resonates far beyond the legal or accounting world. Building a business with the right structure isn’t about working less. It’s about working on the things that matter. It's about creating space to focus on the strategic parts of your business, while outsourcing the rest.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the weeds or unsure how to scale, Counsel to Counsel offers a refreshing, down-to-earth roadmap.

Counsel to Counsel is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

🎧 Listen to Emil’s full episode on the Munn Avenue Muse podcast available on Substack, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. And be sure to subscribe for more inspiring author journeys, real-world business wisdom, and publishing insights from the team at Munn Avenue Press.

If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com