The WriterFest podcast is back! Today, I speak with Lauren Thoman, an incredible author based in Nashville, TN.  Lauren shares her journey of writing, which includes navigating publishing challenges, including managing rejection. She talks about he birth of her debut novel, I’ll Stop the World, coming through perseverance and her love of the 80s. Lauren and I also discuss the importance of networking and diversifying creative endeavors.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Lauren Thoman now lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two children, in a chaotic household that includes a fluctuating number of rescue and foster dogs, and a somewhat alarming quantity of fish. 

Her speculative mystery I’ll Stop the World was selected by six-time Emmy nominee Mindy Kaling as the first debut novel to be released under her eponymous imprint, Mindy’s Book Studio.  I’ll Stop the World was published on April 1, 2023.

Prior to publishing her debut novel, Lauren’s pop culture writing appeared in numerous online outlets including Parade, Vulture, and Collider. When she's not writing, she's probably on the hunt for tacos or coffee, poking around her flowerbeds, or buried underneath a pile of dogs.

Learn more about Lauren Thoman: https://www.laurenthomanwrites.com/

Learn more about WriterFest Nashville: https://www.writerfestnashville.com/

Learn more about Ami McConnell: https://www.amimcconnell.com/

Today in the WriterFest studio, I have the privilege of talking to Becca Stevens, author, speaker, social entrepreneur, priest, and president of Thistle Farms. Becca has been featured on PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, CNN, and ABC World News, has been honored as a CNN Hero and White House Champion of Change, and has led hundreds of important conversations across the country. Her new book, Practically Divine, is a love letter to her mother and the key sayings she has taught her, as well as a lesson on how to unpack the old voices in our heads. Becca and I talked about writing, service, Thistle Farms, creativity, and Nashville, so you won’t want to miss this episode!

Becca Stevens is an author of numerous books, a priest, social entrepreneur, speaker, founder of ten nonprofit justice initiatives, and president of Thistle Farms. In 2000, Becca was named Nashvillian of the Year, and in 2013 she was inducted into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame. Nationally, Becca received the White House Champion of Change award in 2011, and in 2016 was named CNN Top Hero of the Year. Becca has authored over thirteen books, and continues to pursue her writing career as a way to tell the stories of the women she has encountered through Thistle Farms and her work in ministry. She and her husband, Grammy-winning country artist Marcus Hummon, have three children.

On this episode of the Writer Fest podcast, I got the chance to sit down with Austin Fish, producer extraordinaire, and Tom Douglas, award-winning singer-songwriter. Austin is not only Tom’s son-in-law, but also an artist manager and producer in the Nashville area, most recently producing Tom’s new movie for Paramount+, “Love, Tom.” Tom Douglas is an award-winning country songwriter who has written for Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban, to name a few. Tom has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and several Grammy nominations. His new film, “Love, Tom,” explores the journey of a songwriter and Tom’s letter to the future songwriters in the coming generation. Join us as we talk about all things songwriting, Nashville, creativity, and production!

Today, my friends Josh and Jessica are joining me in the WriterFest podcast studio. Josh Inocalla is a Nashville-based writer, actor, and comedian from Vancouver, British Columbia. He’s written a number of projects for the stage and screen, and he’s frequently on stage in Nashville. He’ll be performing in the Actors Bridge Theater’s production of Tiny Beautiful Things. Jessica Anderson is also a Nashville-based actor, comedian, and writer. Together with Josh, she wrote and acted in the online comedy series Oil and Martyr, which cracked me up; you guys have to check that out. Jessica also serves as administrator for the Nashville Corey Parker Acting Workshop, and she’s writing her first feature-length film, alongside a couple of other creative writing partners. Comedy lovers, writers, and actors will benefit greatly from this episode!

Josh Inocalla is an actor, comedian, and writer in Nashville. He is the co-writer and co-star of Oil & Martyr, creator, and writer of Love and Board Games, and can be found on various Nashville stages doing standup, improv, or acting in plays (catch him in Tiny Beautiful Things at the Actors Bridge Studio from 4/7-10 and 4/14-16!). Jessica Anderson is an actress, comedian, and writer in Nashville. She is the co-writer and co-star of Oil & Martyr, has acted in several credits, and can be seen around Nashville doing stand-up and improv or at the Corey Parker acting workshop. She is currently working on her first feature film.

On this episode of the WriterFest podcast, I spoke with my friend Paige Allen, the director of IngramSpark, the self-publishing division of the Ingram Content Group. Paige is a Nashville native who has worked as COO of the Horton Group, a web design, and digital marketing agency, as well as the senior manager of digital content and international communications for the customer service division at Asurion. Paige is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to self-publishing and independent authors and not only provides us with a breakdown of Ingram’s history but also gives valuable advice for authors looking for publishing resources. She even gave some brilliant book and music recommendations! Authors and readers alike will not want to miss this episode!

Paige Allen has been the director of IngramSpark since 2020. Before working at Ingram, Paige was the Chief Operating Officer of the Horton Group, a Senior Manager at Asurion, and a Digital Project Management Lead at Lonely Planet. Paige has worked in the digital marketing space for over a decade and is now helping authors and publishers reach their audiences through IngramSpark’s online tools and self-publishing program. Paige has a BA in Public Policy Studies and Political Science from Vanderbilt University attended Owen Graduate School of Management’s Accelerator Program for Business Sales and Marketing and participated in Harvard Business School’s Summer Venture and Management program.

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I sat down with two fascinating friends and writers, Andrew Greer and Cindy Morgan. Andrew and Cindy are writing partners who have spoken at the WriterFest conference before, as well as do their own solo work. Andrew is a singer/songwriter, producer, author, and television/podcast host known for his folk-gospel discography and multiple co-anchored podcasts. Cindy is a singer/songwriter, two-time Grammy award nominee, author, and co-founder of the Hymns for Hunger charity tour. The three of us talked about songwriting, creative entrepreneurship, discipline, documentaries, and our current go-to books and songs. From song to film, this episode has something for everyone!

On this episode of the WriterFest podcast, I got the chance to talk to Cory Verner, founder of ONE Audiobooks, a Christian audio content company. Cory started in the industry in 2003 when audiobooks were 90% cassettes, and has seen audiobooks grow to 15% of sales since then. I met Cory when I recorded the audio for my book Faithful Daughter, and became so fascinated with his work that I had to have him on the show. Today we talk about the business of the audiobook industry, Christian publishing, the growth of audio, Cory’s Nashville favorites, and the comparisons of songwriting and book writing. For those interested in this side of the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Cory Verner began in the audiobook industry in 2003 when cassettes were 90% of the market. In 2004, Cory founded ChristianAudio, a niche audiobook publisher that focused on Christian content. In 2005 Cory and his wife began Verity Audio Productions, which works with major publishing houses and Christian companies to produce hundreds of titles per year under Verity and ONE Audiobooks. Cory is based in San Diego, California and has been involved in over 3000 productions.

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I got the chance to sit down with Troy Tomlinson, a dear friend, and WriterFest speaker. Troy is the Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and has worked with artists including Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert, Kelsey Ballerini, Darius Rucker, John Pardi, Brett Eldredge, Josh Osborne, and Tom Douglas. Today Troy and I dive into the parallels between music and book publishing, what it is like being a creative in Nashville, and insight on how to write well and in the present moment. For songwriters and authors alike, this is not an episode you want to miss!

Troy Tomlinson is a businessman and music publisher known for his work with Nashville writers and artists. As CEO of Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville, Troy was the first person to run a major music publishing company in Nashville. Before working with Universal, Troy was the Executive Vice President of Acuff-Rose Music Publishing, and is credited with discovering Kenney Chesney. Troy has been honored by the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation with their Keystone Award, Belmont University’s Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence, and the Nashville Inspiration Award.

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I sat down with Keel Hunt, an author, reporter, Washington correspondent, and editorial writer based here in Nashville. Keel has worked for USA Today, The Tennessean, as special assistant to former Governor Lamar Alexander, and has published three books, The Coup, Crossing the Aisle, and Family Business. Today Keel and I talked about his newest book, his history as a writer, Ingram Content Group, and the creative community here in Nashville. This is a great episode for anyone interested in the publishing business!

Keel Hunt is an author, newspaper columnist, and keen observer of political and cultural change based in Nashville, Tennessee. Keel has worked for The Tennessean, USA Today, was a Washington correspondent reporter, and has authored three books. Keel also started The Strategy Group, a Nashville public relations firm that represents HCA, the Frist Foundation, First Tennessee Bank, and Vanderbilt University. His latest book, The Family Business, discusses Ingram Content Group as a media company and publishing mogul.

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I get to talk with my fabulous friend Margaret Riley King. Margaret Riley King is a powerhouse. She’s a partner and literary agent in WME’s global book division representing a roster of bestselling and award-winning authors. She’s used to being behind the scenes, but I’m going to brag on her: during her 13 years at WME, she’s built a specialty in the representation of influential women’s voices, including Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, Sue Monk Kidd, Chloe Benjamin, Dani Shapiro, Jeannette Walls, and many others. I loved working with her when I was behind the editorial desk and I’m so excited to introduce you to her here because she has such wisdom and insight to share with us writers! Get ready to take notes, friends.