Thriving Authors Podcast

Thriving Authors Podcast

By Dallas WoodburnArtsBooks
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Thriving Authors Podcast episodes

  • Episode 88: Interview with Melinda Rangel

    In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I spoke with published author, professor, and former client Melinda Rangel. She is the author of Iron Sharpens Iron: Daily Proverbs for Today's Martial Artist. And she has so much wisdom and inspiration to share with you!

    If you’ve ever felt like your life is too busy to commit the time to writing a book, or thought, “Who cares what I have to say?” then you want to listen to this episode!

    We chatted about:

    • What inspired Melinda to return to writing and finish her book after a 14 year hiatus.
    • Where she found the confidence to use her own voice and overcome imposter syndrome.
    • How scheduling and accountability were two of her keys to success – allowing her to work full-time and get her PhD while she was finishing her book!
    • About Melinda:

      Melinda Rangel is the author of Iron Sharpens Iron: Daily Proverbs for Today's Martial Artist. She has her PhD and is a professor at Tabor College, as well as director of their MBA program. Together with her husband Chris, Melinda has owned and operated Ultimate Martial Arts since 1994 when they started a school in the basement of their home. From one boy who needed to be rescued from bullying to hundreds who have learned Biblical truths in their martial arts training, Iron Sharpens Iron shares inspiring stories of their journey.

      32 min
    • Episode 87: Lessons from My Biggest Launch Yet

      In today’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I would love to invite you to celebrate with me!! Last month marked my biggest launch yet for my book coaching program Thriving Authors Academy, and it inspired me to reflect on the lessons I learned… which are not only applicable to entrepreneurship, but to book launches and pitching agents and chasing after any big dream you are holding in your heart!

      Including:

      • What to do when you feel like you need to do all the things, every day, all at once.
      • What happens when you keep the faith and keep your mindset strong.
      • How to set the right size goal - one that is a stretch but still feels possible.
      • Why it’s important to keep going even when it feels like no one is watching or following you.
      • So whether you are launching a program, launching your book, or doing your query process you’ll find some action steps that you can take, too.

        37 min
      • Episode 86: Interview with Elaine Aldrete

        In today’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I spoke with my dear friend and former client Elaine Clark Aldrete. She’s the founder of Teaching Life Choices Inc & author of the debut middle-grade novel G-R-E-E-N-E.

        It was such an interesting conversation that included:

        • How a rumor at her grandson’s high school inspired her to write her novel.
        • What her writing process looked like on a daily basis.
        • The differences between writing a children's book and then tackling a full-length novel that's much longer and includes many different characters.
        • She also shared what it was like being part of my Thriving Authors program and being part of a community of other writers who are also working on books!

          About Elaine:

          Elaine Clark Aldrete was born in New Hampshire, lived for many years in California, and currently resides in Arizona. A dedicated mother, wife, businessperson, and instructor, she served as a board director for the nonprofits Diabetes Explorer Educational Foundation, Inc. and Grants to You. In 2012, Elaine founded Teaching Life Choices, Inc., a nonprofit devoted to captivating and engaging the minds of children to learn, have fun and make good life choices. To learn more, go to http://www.teachinglifechoices.org. She is the author of a children’s book, Does Diabetes Mean You Die? And the middle-grade novel G-R-E-E-N-E.

          35 min
        • Episode 85: Cultivating Gratitude in My Writing Life

          In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I share three stories from my own writing life of ways that gratitude has helped me.

          Gratitude has been the number one thing that has helped me sustain my writing career! Leaning into gratitude in all different seasons has brought feelings of purpose, contentment, excitement and joy. From my journey I’m sharing:

          • How a gratitude practice I began back in high school was the seed that began my podcast
          • The ways gratitude allowed me to shift my mindset and perspective
          • What allowed me to manifest my childhood dream
          • The importance of figuring out the essential gratitude you have for your writing project
          • Tune into this week’s episode to hear ways you can incorporate gratitude into your writing and life, wherever you are along the journey.

            And just in time for the holiday season, join me the week of November 14th for a FREE 5-day challenge that will center your writing practice in gratitude + kindness… just in time for the holiday season! Sign up at https://bit.ly/writingwithgratitude.

            24 min
          • Episode 84: Interview with Carol van den Hende

            In today’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I got to chat with my friend Carol van den Hende, author of the award-winning Goodbye, Orchid series and acclaimed public speaker.

            She has such wonderful advice for writers at all stages of our careers – whether it's with actually penning our books or marketing our books or spreading the word about them.

            We also talked about:

            • The process of writing a prequel and how her second book came to be
            • The key to managing self-expectations
            • How to persevere through the tough parts of your writing project
            • I know you will come away from this conversation with some wonderful gems from Carol!

              About Carol:

              Carol van den Hende is the award-winning author of the Goodbye, Orchid series, a public speaker, and MBA with 20+ years’ experience in marketing, strategy and insights. Plus, she works in chocolate (there’s no ‘sweeter’ job!) Carol is passionate about simplifying marketing concepts into actionable steps for publishing success. She’s keynoted and presented at conferences like Writer’s Digest, IBPA, NJ-SCBWI, International Women’s Writing Guild, Rutgers Writers’ Conference, Sisters-in-Crime and Women Who Write. She’s also a regular contributor to DIYMFA, where she pens the Author Marketing Toolkit column.

              26 min
            • Episode 83: Desire & Surrender

              In today’s solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I get vulnerable and share a couple stories from my personal life – and how they relate to the writing process.

              Specifically, we are talking about the complicated balance between desire and surrender.

              This idea of:

              • Surrendering what you cannot control while feeling empowered to take brave action around what you CAN control.
              • Giving yourself permission and allowing yourself to dream big dreams.
              • Being bold and vulnerable and recognizing the desires that you have around your book, your writing, and your life as a whole.
              • You can have gratitude AND a desire for more! So listen in as I share straight from my heart to yours. Then give yourself permission to admit to your own dreams and desires.

                29 min
              • Episode 82: Interview with Brad Graft

                In today’s episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m sharing a fascinating conversation I had with Brad Graft, the author of the Brotherhood of the Mamluks trilogy.

                If you’re interested in history, or in writing and plotting out a trilogy, I know you’ll take a lot of gems from what he shares about:

                • How his research led him to travel to remote places around the world
                • His process of writing his trilogy
                • How he felt called to write about this topic
                • The mystery and the magic inherent in the creative process, along with the practical routines of writing a novel or a series
                • And more!
                • About Brad:

                  Brad Graft is a businessman who runs a national chain with his partners. A former U.S. Marine officer who served in Somalia, he helped develop a military program that assists wounded servicemen and families of the fallen. He continues to steer fundraising for charities serving this cause. An avid fly fisherman and hunter, for decades he has pursued game fish in remote places around the world. Also a history buff, his research on the Brotherhood of the Mamluks series took him to the Middle and Far East, where he studied Medieval-era routes and fortresses and trekked the Mongolian steppe on horseback, learning the ways of native hunters and nomadic herders.

                  29 min
                • Episode 81: Transitioning into your Writing Time

                  I have a brand new solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast coming at you today, where we talk about ways to transition in and out of your writing time.

                  My 3-year-old has a hard time with transitions – getting in and out of her car seat, stopping play to come up for dinner, going from inside to outside, etc – and it struck me that transitions can be tough for all of us.

                  Transitions are emotional and uncertain. We don’t know what is waiting for us on the other side. So resistance, fears and doubts often pop up around transition.

                  Transitioning into our writing time – or, more specifically, the discomfort of this transition – is often what holds us back from hitting our writing goals. It is so common to feel that discomfort and give up for the day. When really, what you might need is to build in some simple transitional cues for yourself to help you ease into the creative process.

                  I’ve got lots of ideas for you on the podcast this week! Plus a free checklist you can download for an inspiring writing session. Download it here!

                  24 min
                • Episode 80: Interview with Brianna Wilkerson

                  I have a special episode for you today of the Thriving Authors Podcast where I sat down with my dear friend & client Brianna Wilkerson @madewellwomen to chat about her experience being part of Thriving Authors Academy!

                  • What does it take to bring a book from idea or concept, to rough draft, to edited manuscript that is ready for readers?
                  • How do you know if you are ready to invest the time and energy into writing your book? What if you’re not sure that you’re “worth” it?
                  • Why is it so important to have support through the book-writing process?
                  • Bri and I spoke about her journey writing and editing her forthcoming nonfiction book. Bri has this radiant energy and beautiful wisdom that is such a gift to everyone around her.

                    Especially if you are struggling with mindset blocks around writing your book or doubts about whether the investment will be worth it, you don't want to miss this conversation. <3

                    ​​About Brianna:

                    Brianna Wilkerson is a Holistic Health and Life Coach, Essential Oils Advocate with doTERRA, podcast host, wife and momma, matcha tea lover, and at-home crossfitter. She helps women find peace with food, create healthy habits, and use natural essential oil-based products so they can feel better, have more energy, and take care of themselves and those they love.

                    25 min
                  • Episode 79: All About Thriving Authors Academy

                    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m answering all of your questions about Thriving Authors Academy, my signature six-month small-group book mentorship program.

                    I’m overjoyed that I get to be a coach for people and get to lead this amazing program! So I wanted to share a little bit more about it with you and answer questions like:

                    • What makes Thriving Authors Academy special?
                    • What makes this program different from other programs out there?
                    • How do I know if it's a good fit for me and for my book?
                    • How do I know this investment is going to be worth it?
                    • Tune into this week’s episode to hear the nuts and bolts of this program so that you can decide if it’s a good fit for you.

                      And if you’re interested in joining us, I would love to have you! We begin October 8. Apply & find more info at www.ThrivingAuthorsAcademy.com.

                      37 min

                    About Thriving Authors Podcast

                    From the publisher's feed

                    Welcome to the Thriving Authors Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of what it takes to get your dream book out of your heart, onto the page and into the world, connecting with a wide audience of…