• Erick is stepping away for some time. His mom just got diagnosed with cancer, so he wants to spend more time and bandwidth on her. And I'm moving to Costa Rica this month! In 2 1/2 weeks, so it is cray-cray over here.

Fresh new episodes will arrive in February (with a little bit of a revamp) and a special series on getting back to your writing or creative practice after grief, loss, addiction, or big life stress, but do look for some bonus episodes from the road.

• Went to Breitenbush, Portland (Powell's), Seattle, Write in the Harbor writing conference in Gig Harbor, WA (*heart*), sold a car, rented the house, cancelling services, buying foreign auto insurance, washing ten years of dirt off of all the things we stored outside, tricking out the FJ Cruiser for the drive, buying special dog beds and storage for the vehicle, inspection and minor repairs today. Movers on Monday. Cleaners on Thursday. Walk on bark and blinds for upstairs, too. Saying Goodbyes.
• crossing the border at Tijuana, driving thru Baja California, taking ferry to Mazatlan; spending some time in Oaxaca with a friend

• What are you reading?

• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee) (resource tip)***
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Follow my drive to Costa Rica on Instagram! #puravidabound

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Flawed Female Leads with guest Heather Snodgrass

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (2 presentations to prep for)
• feeling some feelings lately about the finality of the move and the recognition of Last Times I Will See/Do ...
• (Erick):
• running google ads and qualifying potential clients
• polishing stories up for omnibus edition
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished: None of This is True (Lisa Jewell)
• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make Something (Amie McNee)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick:
• • Summer of Night (Dan Simmons)
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters (gn)
• Batman: The Long Halloween (gn)
• Flash Fiction America: 73 Very Short Stories

Heather: authorheathersnodgrass.com

• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Hi! My name is Heather Snodgrass. I have always had a love for novels, movies, and the creative arts. I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2007 as an actor and have pursued different avenues to bring stories to life.

I currently live with my husband, JD, and dogs, in Colorado, but I have lived in many places and I enjoy traveling. I also enjoy playing video games and gardening. Like Ariana, I have a playlist for everything I do and I love to have people make me a playlist about themselves when they meet. I am more than happy to share mine with anyone interested.

Unapologetic female leads:

In a time when we're drawn to flawed characters; the Real is coming through.

Personal growth journey

Tips for writing strong women without bashing men:

Draw from personal experience, and talk to men and women

Is a women punished more than a man for doing things?

Ask a societal question and asking the character

What makes a human strong?

A Love Letter to Reading

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

How POV Affects Your Story

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (2 presentations to prep for)
• feeling some feelings lately about the finality of the move and the recognition of Last Times I Will See/Do ...
• Also having some "Get over it" feelings about not showing up online. I used to show up more in pictures and words on social media and blogged (wrote a lot of personal essays), and since I've become a published author
• (Erick):
• running google ads and qualifying potential clients
• polishing stories up for omnibus edition
• Ghost Story Weekend (Newport)
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished: The Witch of Willow Sound
• Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick:
• • Summer of Night (Dan Simmons)
• My Favorite Thing is Monsters (gn)

• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

1. POV = promise: what intimacy, information, and bias will the reader get? • 1st = interiority + voice; close 3rd = balance of interior/exterior; omniscient = scope + theme.
2. The camera test: what can the narrator see/know/believe in this scene? • Ban anything they couldn't realistically perceive; use misbeliefs to create tension.
3. Distance is a dial, not a switch: • Zoom in (sensory, thought-beat, micro-movements) for emotion; zoom out (summary, context) for pace/theme.
4. POV shifts = scene breaks + reason: • Change only to add net new conflict, clue, or consequence. Track continuity of diction and metaphor.
5. Try this: rewrite a 200-word scene in 1st, close 3rd, and omniscient. • Ask: which version delivers the most tension, clarity, and theme resonance?

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Main Topic: Finding Voice and Author Identity Through Social Media, with guest Anne Abel.

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price.) Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up
• (Erick):
• running google ads and qualifying potential clients
• polishing stories up for omnibus edition
• Anne: book launch
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished:
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick:
• Down the River Unto the Sea (Walter Moseley)
• Summer of Night (Dan Simmons)
• Anne's Read: YellowFace, Entitlement (Aman)
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Anne's IG page: instagram.com/annesimaabel

1. Memoir and social media are the same to me in terms of what I'm posting; openly share about mental health (that how I began); by sharing stories and share hope

Shorter the better (video on IG and TikTok). 3 minutes max.

Innovation and Hope TED Talk, social media opened up my world (origin story, transformation, be proud of); ideas: say YES; do your best

Reels, hook, social media isn't writing -- talk about what excites you instead of focusing on writer's block.

Just do your best.

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

• (Valerie): launching my four-month book coaching container Aligned Author TODAY. The price is drastically cut this week (it's $667 off the regular price, and for 24 hours only starting now, the paid in full price -- with an extra whole month of coaching for free and ANOTHER LIVE discount on top-- is $1333 for FIVE months of coaching. The price will never be this low again. There is also a monthly payment option. Go to valerieihsan.com/alignedauthor for all the details. The replay to last night's masterclass The Alchemy of Memory is up for another 24 hours, and then it goes away, along with the LIVE Launch price.
• Aligned Author officially starts on Wednesday, October 22nd, so the special Launch price will be in affect only until then.
• Secret podcast is in the works (it's actually a secret memoir). Working on two at the same time (in true Generator, Aries, Futurist fashion): Pura Vida Bound project chronicling our move to Costa Rica (never written a live memoir before), and this secret one that I'm not ready to talk about.
• getting rid of furniture and starting to paint inside this week; Ali's been working on touching up the paint outside and painting the fascia boards for under the new gutters. Hired the shipping company, our shipping pickup date is December 15 (a Monday), and then we'll leave after that.
• Getting ready for our going away party, doubling as Rental Ready date.
• Write in the Harbor conference is coming up (still need to rental a place for that!)
• (Erick):
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Just finished:
• Sounds Like Love (Ashley Poston)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick: Voice of the Fire (Alan Moore)
• Lost in the Dark (Brad Weismann) Gettysburg: The Last Invasion
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

Free masterclass: The Alchemy of Memory — Writing the Hybrid Memoir (Wed, Oct 8, 2025). Learn to braid personal narrative with research, family history, and big ideas—plus structures, privacy choices, and momentum tools. Includes a short meditation + oracle card pull. Save your seat → valerieihsan.com/hybrid

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): planning my free masterclass on hybrid memoir writing for October 8th.
• (Erick): booked all the conferences for the rest of the year; new ghostwriting ads; working on new series of stories;
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• (need recommendations for audio books)
• Just finished: The Seven Miracles of Beatrix Holland (Rachael Herron)
• Sounds Like Love (Ashley Poston)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick: Voice of the Fire (Alan Moore)
• Lost in the Dark (Brad Weismann) Gettysburg: The Last Invasion
• gaming books (DnD campaign)
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Mindset as a customer vs the provider: Customer: 1. Know what you need 2. Know where you are in process 3. Know how you are talking to 4. Have willingness to learn what I don't know; Provider: 1. Identify what client needs 2. Can I provide that 3. Build rapport 4. Where does the job fit in the calendar? 5. Signing the contract

Hiring and Firing (+ screening process): start with identifying what the client needs. (Receiving 5 or 6 emails a week.) Screen out those that don't have an idea of what they want, unrealistic expectations (always unhappy with results); build relationships/collaborations; sub-contractor contracts because too many anchor projects; referral service/hub -- writer running a writing business; Know what you are willing to do

Red Flags: need too much education around industry (pie in the sky expectations); respect and value for the work/time/energy; wants something that you don't know how to do or don't want to offer (do you need the $, try it and see if you like it);

Forecasting Jobs: anchor jobs and satellite jobs

Ideal Client: temperament, communication, adaptability, rapport (educated about writing a plus), open to suggestions, know what they want

And don't forget:

Free masterclass: The Alchemy of Memory — Writing the Hybrid Memoir (Wed, Oct 8, 2025). Learn to braid personal narrative with research, family history, and big ideas—plus structures, privacy choices, and momentum tools. Includes a short meditation + oracle card pull. Save your seat → valerieihsan.com/hybrid

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link

Main Topic: "Intentionality in Writing: Hendrika de Vries on Resistance, Feminism, and Telling the Truth"

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

***

Free masterclass: The Alchemy of Memory — Writing the Hybrid Memoir (Wed, Oct 8, 2025). Learn to braid personal narrative with research, family history, and big ideas—plus structures, privacy choices, and momentum tools. Includes a short meditation + oracle card pull. Save your seat → valerieihsan.com/hybrid

***

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): prepping for yard sale; planning my free masterclass on hybrid memoir writing for October 8th.
• (Erick): Southwest Writers Conference speaking gig last weekend, working on new conference pitches; (What can I create new for them?); new Google ads running right now for ghostwriting and editing
• (Henrika): Santa Barbara writing community; Chicago Lit Festival (met with other She Writes Press writers)
• What are you reading?

• Valerie:
• Unstuck (Rachael Herron) (need recommendations for audio books)
• Just finished:
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman;
• Erick: Voice of the Fire (Alan Moore)
• Lost in the Dark (Brad Weismann) Gettysburg: The Last Invasion
• (Hendrika): Swimming Pretty (history of aquatic swimming by Vicki Valosik); Why We Swim (Bonnie Tsui) (how we lose our differences); Black Cake (Charmaine Wilkerson)(protagonist is a swimmer)
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

Hendrika is a retired family therapist, a teacher, and a writer, chronicling her life experiences with oppression and resistance in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, migration, competitive swimming, and misogyny in 1950s Australia. A fierce feminist and activist, de Vries infuses her writing with historical depth and personal perspective on challenges facing women and anyone deemed other. She is the author of When a Toy Dog Became a Wolf and the Moon Broke Curfew, award-winning memoir of her WWII childhood. Her writing has also appeared in The New York Times and the LA Times. She lives in Santa Barbara, CA. Find out more about her at www.agirlfromamsterdam.com.

2019 Mary Sarton Women's Book Award winner

2019 Nautilus Award for Memoir and Personal Journey winner

Non-fiction Author Association Gold

2020 Eric Hoffer First Horizon and Culture award winner

2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist - Memoirs

2021 NYC Big Book Awards winner - Memoir and Young Adult Non-fiction

Intentionality in Writing: Hendrika de Vries on Resistance, Feminism, and Telling the Truth

Valerie's notes:

1. They aren't just our stories. How have other people done this? How our story relates to the human story. Allowed the little girl to have a voice. How to structure to allow the reader relate to inner experience.
2. intuitive writer, start with notes, jot down memories, voice arrives (I was walking; I was unhappy, how does this relate); authentic voice is how it starts, gradually themes show up. Layers.
3. Differences between essay and memoir (angry vs what is the story here)
4. learn life-saving: look at the risks, sometimes when you try to save someone, they'll try to drown you.
5. face life as an athlete, commitment and dedication, couldn't translate to writing process (haha), grab time, 11-2 magic time to write, set aside time a few times a week to write (let the story come); think about it while swimming and walking;
6. risk life to follow values but measuring the risk;
7. "truth-telling is activist resistance" (Bruce Lipton); The Year of Living Kindly (Donna Cameron)

my childhood experiences were psychological examples of resistance: how do we move through difficult times; is memoir self-indulgent? 2017 saw Neo-nazis walking in Virginia then knew others needed to hear about my story because I didn't think this could ever happen again; themes/resistance/loss/what sustains us? How do we create these turning points? How do these define us?

Focus on the human resistance (victimhood wasn't allowed); find the good moments; pacing in the story (and our lives) mixing the trauma with tenderness and humor. Find the light in the moments.

Don't do it alone. Writers conferences and being with other writers. Share stories and being in community, stimulates our writing, not being afraid to share. Find your community.

Robert Jay Lifton: "Surviving Our Catastrophes"

Henrik's first memoir: When a Toy Dog Became a Wolf and the Moon Broke Curfew (also available in audio now)

"Open Turns: From Dutch Girl to New Australian"

Hendrika de Vries | September 2, 2025 | She Writes Press | Memoir

Paperback | 978-1647429508 | $17.99

Ebook | 978-1647429515 | $12.99

And don't forget:

Free masterclass: The Alchemy of Memory — Writing the Hybrid Memoir (Wed, Oct 8, 2025). Learn to braid personal narrative with research, family history, and big ideas—plus structures, privacy choices, and momentum tools. Includes a short meditation + oracle card pull. Save your seat → valerieihsan.com/hybrid

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Tools:

ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)

🎙️ The Art of Starting Over: Getting Back Into Your Writing Flow 📅 Recorded on September 3, 2025 🎧 Hosted by Valerie Ihsan & Erick Mertz

Welcome back, Writers and Crafters! In this soul-nourishing episode, Valerie and Erick explore what it really takes to return to your writing routine after a break. Whether you've been away for weeks or months, we offer compassionate strategies, creative rituals, and mindset shifts to help you gently restart your writing life—without falling into guilt, shame, or perfectionism.

✨ Main Topic: "The Art of Starting Over: Getting Back Into Your Writing Flow" 🔥 Key themes: creative rhythm, return rituals, reframing productivity, embodied discipline, and more.

Segment 1: Author Updates & Announcements

• Valerie shares updates from the road: memory-making, travel, and rental-ready logistics

• Plans for a free masterclass on hybrid memoirs coming in October 🎉

• Erick's gearing up for speaking at a writing conference and Ghost Story Weekend in Newport with Wordcrafters

• Running ads, finishing client work, and preparing for a busy season

• 📚 What We're Reading:

  • Valerie:

    • • Creative Act (Rick Rubin)
      • High Hopes by Anne Abel (coming to the podcast in October!)

    • In progress: Four Thousand Weeks (Oliver Burkeman), The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz), The Teller of Small Fortunes (Julie Leong)

  • Erick:

    • • About Grace (Anthony Doerr)

Segment 2: Resources, Tips & Tidbits

• 🔍 Tidbit of the week: Umarell — an Italian word for retired men who watch construction sites 👀

• Bonus tips for mindset shifts and productivity hacks

Segment 3: Main Topic - The Art of Starting Over

• Restate your writing goal: has it changed or evolved?

• Rebuild with rhythm, not rigidity

• Try a "return ritual": a gentle Artist's Way-style reentry (oracle cards, candles, morning pages, or altar time)

• Give it time:

  • 3 days to wrap your mind around restarting

  • 3 weeks to settle into a new rhythm

• Replace guilt with grace. You're not behind—you're beginning again.

💚 Get 48% off your first subscription of Magic Mind (mental performance + sleep shot) Claim it here → magicmind.com/VALERIE20 Use code VALERIE20 at checkout #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

🧠 Writing Tools We Love: 👉 ProWriting Aid (affiliate link) Perfect for editing and polishing your writing with AI-backed insights.

🎉 Support the podcast and get writing resources, books, and exclusive coaching content: 🖋️ Valerie's Patreon → patreon.com/valerieihsan 📖 Erick's Patreon → patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

💬 Want to work with Valerie 1:1? Schedule a free consultation: valerieihsan.com

📲 Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan 📲 Erick's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Main Topic: How to Write a Book That Grows Your Business and Honors Your Spirit (Help soul-led entrepreneurs see how writing a book can amplify their work without losing authenticity or feeling salesy.)

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20

Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): I've been getting a lot of hits from the universe in the form of repeated messaging that I need to triple down on the the learning in public. I just can't wait until my life and mission statement is perfect before I show up online with a lesson neatly tied with a bow. First, that just prevents me from posting anything. Second, I'm hearing a lot lately that people aren't looking for gurus anymore. They don't want perfection. They can't relate to that. They want to watch the messy middle, and when I heard that (again), the realization hit. I write memoirs about how I got through something and what I learned along the way. I read memoirs so that I can see how they got through something. I want to be inspired by watching (reading) them pull themselves out of the mire and accomplish something difficult, because I want to do that too. "We just want to see real women figuring it out." (Tatyana Gosh)
• So, I'm going to start really showing up online with the messiness of humanity, and without the lessons already learned. My goal is everyday on IG. A reel, post, or story. Preferably multiples.
• • I met with colleague yesterday, another coach, and she said something that I immediately wrote down: If I show up imperfect, that doesn't mean bad. I've been so focused on trying to rewrite my limiting belief around perfection = professional, that I didn't take it a step further. Why do I think that if I'm imperfect, I'm bad? Side note: "Who doesn't like a badass woman?" (Tatyana Gosh)
• (Erick):

• What are you reading?

• Valerie: Just finished: The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About (Mel Robbins)
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October).
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong
• Erick: Devil in a Blue Dress (Walter Mosely); Hap and Leonard (stories) (Joe Lansdale)
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

The problem with traditional "business book" advice

• Focused on funnels, not fulfillment
• Often strips the soul from the message
• Too rigid for creative, intuitive entrepreneurs
• "If the book reads like a sales page, it's probably not honoring the deeper mission."

What it really means to write a soul-aligned book that supports your business

• The book becomes a bridge between your inner truth and outer impact
• Writing from your why positions you as an authority with depth—not just expertise
• "People buy from those they connect with. Your book is a bridge, not a billboard."

Ways your book can grow your business authentically

• Builds credibility + trust with aligned clients
• Deepens your brand story and your core message
• Expands your reach without burnout (your book travels when you can't)
• "You're not marketing. You're storytelling. And that's magnetic."

Let your business offer inform your book—not dictate it

• Use client patterns and questions to uncover themes
• Let your unique framework or transformation process shape the content (not just regurgitate)
• Bonus: You may create your next offer through writing the book
• Writing How-To Books (Three Story Method series)

Avoiding the trap of performance

• Write with your audience in mind, not for their approval
• Let go of "shoulds" and write from soul-led service
• •

Examples of what alignment looks like in practice

• Including rituals, reflections, or creative practices in your book
• Speaking directly to your dream client as if you're in sacred conversation

Closing encouragement:

• You don't have to choose between success and soul. Your book can hold both.
• The more you write from your essence, the more magnetic your business becomes

• "When you write to be liked, you dilute your magic."

Project Runway fails are usually because they didn't stay "true to themselves as a designer" and it show.

🌀 Listener Reflection Prompt:

"What message lives at the heart of your work—and how could your book become an offering of that message?"

🎯 Closing Thought:

"Your book can be a calling card and a calling. When you write from truth, your audience finds you."

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor

Patreons:

https://patreon.com/valerieihsan

https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries

Main Topic: From Reserved to Ravishing: Writing Spicy Scenes That Still Feel True to You (with guest HR Cole)

PATREON:

Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast.

Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations.

Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre.

Magic Mind Mental Performance Shot and Sleep Shot.

Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code

VALERIE20 at checkout

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Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates):

• (Valerie): no go on a workshop I pitched; working to get quotes for shipping companies (it's not as straight forward as I thought); thinking about content and documenting our trip and the prep of it (memoir)
• (Erick):

• What are you reading?

• Valerie: Just finished:
• Creative Act (Rick Rubin) and Anne Abel's new book High Hopes (out in September .. She'll be on the podcast again in October). The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About (Mel Robbins)
• (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong
• Erick: Devil in a Blue Dress (Walter Mosely); Hap and Leonard (stories) (Joe Lansdale)
• Hope (H.R. Cole): Into Thin Air (John Krakauer)
• Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits):

• Tidbit #1:
• Tidbit #2:

Segment 3 (Main Topic):

Notes:

H.R. Cole is a Pennsylvania native who completed her first (handwritten) fantasy novel at the age of twelve. She's remained an avid writer and has one published middle grade novel and a successful health journalism career. Cole lives with her husband, dogs, and cats in mountainous Upstate New York.

www.hrcole.com

http://www.instagram.com/hidden.gems.books

Plot where it goes, and the choreography of the scene, what are my non-negotiables? Use it showcase character traits that show up in intimate times. What do I want to portray in this scene?

1. Goal (character development) (ex: kindness? Make a list of how to showcase kindness.)

2. True to self

3. True to character (make a list of words that are appropriate)(Are they seasoned lovers or innocent?)

Fight scenes and sex scenes have some similarities.

Common mistakes: Boring, gloss over, not relevant

What makes a good sex scene?

Humanize the character

Describe details without words that shock you or take you out of the story. Natural. Aligned with personal experience.

Don't feel the speed bump going into the scene.

Follow the Golden Rules of writing just as you would in any other scene. Use the same language in the spicy scenes as the rest of the book.

Shorter sentences in action scenes. Sure. But use the same type of language.

Go through the process of char dev for a reason. Know your character. It pays off when you get to the more complicated scenes (fight, action, sex). Inherent traits. Did I stay true to this character? Did I learn something about a character? Nice place to set up the psychology of a character. Vulnerable scenes are where we learn about the character. Character insight no where else.

What about flashbacks in the scene? (Sentence of thought, convey emotions/doubt)

Getting feedback on spicy scenes: assess the comfort levels of critique partners, warn ahead of time, what's the best way to send this to you. Make it part of your group culture.

Romantasy (fantasy with a strong romantic plot); The Chalice and the Blade series (romantic fantasy)(instead of fantastical romance); tough marketing term because romantasy doesn't necessarily have an HEA.

Spice levels up front in marketing copy. Keywords: romantic fantasy

Be proud of your sex scenes. It's okay to explore it.

And don't forget:

Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you.

Get 48% off the Magic Mind :

https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout.

#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Find Us:

Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.)

Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor