From courtroom to bestseller list to TV screen — Kathleen Barber’s journey is the definition of trusting the process.

From a surprise Reese Witherspoon call to adapting Truth Be Told for TV, Kathleen shares what it really takes to build a career as an author, navigate adaptation, and keep creating through every season.

We talk about Truth Be Told being adapted by Hello Sunshine and starring Oscar winner, Octavia Spencer, Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear and Anne Hathaway’s involvement, and Emily Henry’s Happy Place and Patrick Schwarzenegger’s casting. 

Kathleen also opens up about what it really means to balance writing, publishing, book coaching, and the pressure that comes with each new release.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a book breaks out in a big way, this one’s for you.

#bookstagram #amwriting #authorlife #writingcommunity #podcastclip #booktoscreen #femaleauthors 

How do you turn newsroom instincts into actionable audience insights? In this episode, we sit down with the Head of What’s On at Reach PLC (the UK’s largest news publisher) to uncover the editorial secrets behind growing massive, highly engaged audiences.

With 16 years of journalism experience, managing a team of 30 across 37 regional news brands, Emily reveals what it takes to build content that truly connects. Whether you are an author, creator, or media professional, you will learn how to blend a sharp nose for storytelling with data-driven SEO and analytics expertise to scale your reach.

Main topics include:

• The role of books in fostering empathy and mental well-being in today's digital-heavy world
• How authors can develop their unique voice and build a genuine platform
• The importance of trust and relationship-building in the attention economy
• Strategies for shifting readers to subscription models and cultivating engaged communities
• The impact of evolving media formats, including TikTok and newsletters, on book promotion
• Challenges and opportunities in book coverage and publishing trends
• Personal insights on success, diversity, and boldness in media leadership

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction to Emily Heward's background and expertise

00:23 - The significance of books in today’s crowded attention economy 01:04 - The value of storytelling and empathy through reading

01:38 - Advice for authors on building their authentic voice

02:20 - How to connect with readers through genuine content

03:16 - Finding your voice: the importance of authenticity vs. emulation 04:12 - Using data and instincts to refine content strategies

05:06 - When to pivot in content creation based on engagement

06:18 - Building a public persona versus letting the work speak

07:43 - The importance of trust and human connection in media

08:38 - The challenge of short attention spans and building engaged communities

09:42 - Moving from platform renting to building a loyal following

10:10 - How strong opinions and newsletters can support subscription growth 1

2:11 - The current state and evolution of book coverage in media

13:49 - Innovative formats like serialized stories and niche newsletters 15:16 - The impact of media restructuring and the rise of niche publishing 17:23 - Rapid fire questions - personal reading preferences

20:42 - Reflection on rewriting assumptions about publishing success

21:34 - Emily's experiences with women in leadership roles

23:07 - The importance of diversity in storytelling and media

24:08 - Notable book coverage: investigative journalism

26:02 - Trend ideas for future books based on current social media debates

27:18 - Emily’s advice for aspiring authors: be bold and proactive

28:41 - Final words and encouragement to take opportunities boldly

If you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review!

#ContentStrategy #AudienceGrowth #EditorialLeadership #Journalism #SEO #DigitalMedia #Storytelling #ReachPLC #MediaTrends #AuthorTips

Building a social media platform as a writer? Writer & editor, Abbie Gatherum, has you covered!

Ever wondered what it really takes to grow a loyal community of readers and writers?

Abbie explains that authenticity is the secret sauce — showing up as yourself, sharing your experience, even your struggles, creates genuine connections.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about being real and relatable. That’s what draws people in and keeps them coming back.

Abbie shares her process, failures and wins, and helps others see they’re not alone in this journey. When you just show up like a best friend — no hype, just honesty — you build a community that feels like home.

We also talk the Sad Romance genre - what is it, and why you'll be obsessed!

Would you start sharing more of your real writer life? Drop your thoughts below!

#AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #BuildYourBrand #SadRomanceVibes #AuthenticContent

Turner Gable Kahn discusses her debut novel, 'The Dirty Version,' and shares insights into the literary romance genre, querying experience, traditional publishing, book marketing, and post-publication experiences.

We chat about unexpected experiences, Turner's next novel, and her nomination for the Romance Novel of the Year award, as well as advice for aspiring authors.

Takeaways

• Insights into the literary romance genre
• Challenges and experiences in traditional publishing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Book Nominations
• 05:57 Writing Process and Marketing Challenges
• 11:53 Publishing Journey and NetGalley Experience
• 18:03 Unexpected Experiences and Reading Recommendations
• 23:53 Highs and Lows of Being Published
• 30:01 Reflections and Parting Advice