The Stories Between Us

Why would a New York Times best-selling author wait nine years to release his next title? Today we talk about that with Ira Wagler, also discussing the difficulty in writing about the people you love, why he enjoys his day job (which isn't writing), and why Maile wasn't invited back to his famous summer barbecues. 

You can check out Ira's new book, Broken Roads, HERE.

What happens if you don't have encouraging voices around you? How can we be the source of encouragement for ourselves? How can we stay positive when the creative journey gets tough? Shawn and Maile talk about this and dig into the story behind Shawn's upcoming book, These Nameless Things, and its 10-year path to publication.

What happens if you don't have encouraging voices around you? How can we be the source of encouragement for ourselves? How can we stay positive when the creative journey gets tough? Shawn and Maile talk about this and dig into the story behind Shawn's upcoming book, These Nameless Things, and its 10-year path to publication. 

Today we talk with children's author Cory Leonardo about her decision to never take a writing class in college, her long journey to publication, and why she kept going.

Today we talk with children's author Cory Leonardo about her decision to never take a writing class in college, her long journey to publication, and why she kept going. 

Today we're talking about what everyone creative person needs. We also dive into the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd drafts, and update each other on where we're currently at in our own writing. Shawn talks about the book launch group for his upcoming release...which you can join here: https://bit.ly/2SDBZkA

Bonus material includes the sound of guinea pigs cheering in the background.

Today we're talking about what everyone creative person needs. We also dive into the difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd drafts, and update each other on where we're currently at in our own writing. Shawn talks about the book launch group for his upcoming release...which you can join here: https://bit.ly/2SDBZkA

Bonus material includes the sound of guinea pigs cheering in the background. 

Bryan Allain joins us today on the podcast and interrogates Maile. What are her hangups with self-publishing? Why does she care so much about what the traditional gatekeepers think? And what is she going to do with these novels she has spent so much time working on?

Bryan Allain left a 15-year career as a Chemical Engineer to pursue his passion of writing, speaking, and helping brands share their message. He's since helped YouTube stars, platinum selling bands, book publishers, and golf clubs promote the things they are passionate about.

Shawn talks about his favorite book on writing and how it first came into his possession. Maile talks about, in Anne Lamott's words, at first believing minor repairs are needed on her novel, looking out the window, and realizing that actually the wrecking ball had arrived.

They both discuss how, at the end of the day, the actual creating is the thing--not the publishing or the reviews or the awards. Not the rejection or the critics or the disappointments. The writing is what we always come back to.