Maile and I talk about what it's like to be married for 22 years and the impact that our relationship has had on our writing and creativity. 

To find out more about the writing classes we offer, head over to thestoriesbetweenus.com

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Today we chat with industry expert Jane Friedman about the mistakes beginning writers make, how to decide whether or not to self-publish, and the one thing she encourages new writers to do. Jane is one of the most helpful people I know in the writing world; talking with her was an absolute delight. 

If you've been with us since the beginning, you know that Maile finished writing her first novel three years ago and has been querying agents off and on ever since. Well, this summer she signed with agent...but much about her mindset changed in the meantime. Today we are talking patience, surrender, and a willingness to keep writing. 

We talk with Heather Thompson Day about that season all creatives go through, when it just feels like it's not our turn. Everyone around us is succeeding and moving forward while we wait on the sidelines for our chance to get in the game. Heather's wisdom is beautiful and exciting. 

Today we have a wonderful conversation with author and editor Jennifer Dukes Lee. She shares her greatest disappointment as a writer, what she’s proudest of, and what she means by growing slow.

Check out her new book, Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us for a small amount per month over at our Patreon page.

I had to work hard at helping Maile keep it together for this episode, since we were talking with one of her favorite writers, the famous Carola Dunn, author of the Daisy Dalrymple murder mystery series. Carola talks about how she got into writing, why she retired, and what it is about writing books that is particularly rewarding. 

Donate $5 a month to help support The Stories Between Us! You can do that over at patreon.com/shawnsmucker 

Today, author Courtney Ellis talks to us about the realization that her family had lost their sense of playfulness, and then shares what they did to get it back again. 

Courtney's new book: Happy Now

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Jon Acuff, best-selling author of the new book Soundtracks, joins us today to talk about the things we believe about ourselves, the practices that have led him to where he is today, and when he realized creativity had the power to change his life. 

Jon's new book Soundtracks. Personality Isn't Permanent Help us keep the lights on here at The Stories Between Us and support the work we do through Patreon!

Today we talk about the release of Shawn's latest book, The Weight of Memory, and why he no longer expects to get taken straight to the top of the mountain. Maile is more into the Ecclesiastical side of things--what's bringing meaning to her life these days?

New book: The Weight of Memory New classes: The Stories Between Us A Twitter Addict Realizes She Needs Rehab Please consider supporting this podcast through Patreon!

We wrap up season four with a conversation about the sacrifices a writing life demands...or tries to demand. What are we giving up? What are we willing to give up? When is it not worth it? We also preview the new season starting this summer, and there's a lot to look forward to!