WriterFest with Ami McConnell

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I get welcome my friend Mary O’Donohue into the studio. In addition to being a #1 bestselling parenting book author, Mary has worked for decades on such high profile shows as The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, The Kelly Pickler Show, and many, many more. Writers, when it comes to media pitches, this show featuring Mary O'Donohue is one you're not going to want to miss.

“WriterFest is a transformational experience. I cannot recommend it enough You have to come.” -Mary O’Donohue

Mary O’Donohue is a Media Coach for Authors, a #1 Bestselling Parenting Author, and a former Post Producer for The Oprah Winfrey Show who has worked in high-profile media for decades including years on The Today Show and NBC Nightly News. As the founder of Authors In Media, Mary teaches women nonfiction authors how to get publicity (without a publicist) and turn media interviews into valuable marketing assets. Join Mary’s community at maryodonohue.com or reach out to her at [email protected].

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, I got to talk with the amazing Michelle Williams, the Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, musical theater performer, tv personality, and author of the new book, Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours. I love Michelle’s candor and her words of healing and wisdom for writers—and anyone on a creative journey. We talk about all kinds of things:

On this episode of The WriterFest Podcast, I talk with Laura Lea Bryant, author of The LauraLea Balanced Cookbook and Simply Laura Lea—thoughtful, well-written, gorgeous, and dare I say compassionate books for home cooks. (I’ve read both cover to cover—so, so good!) Laura Lea has a unique approach to cooking that I fell in love with when I bought her first book at Parnassus years ago. I get to talk with her about her journey as a person and a writer. This is one you won’t want to miss.

We also discuss:

Laura Lea is a Certified Health-Supportive and Holistic Chef based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her books The Laura Lea Balanced Cookbook, Simply Laura Lea, and her popular website, LLBalanced.com, dispel myths about healthy eating and guide people toward a vibrant, engaged relationship with food. In addition to regular television appearances, her writing and recipes have appeared in MindBodyGreen, Shape Magazine, Food Republic, and Southern Living, among others. Visit Laura Lea at LLBalanced.com for a steady supply of new recipes.

On this episode, I got to talk with novelist Kristy Cambron and literary agent, Rachelle Gardner. I talk with this dynamic duo about Kristi’s new novel, The Paris Dressmaker. We talk about how they work together and how they met. We dig into their sources of creativity, plus they share the how and why of being jazzed about great fiction. Along the way, we also talk about:

Podcasts to check out:

Kristy Cambron is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where art, history, and faith intersect. She's a Christy Award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling novels, THE BUTTERFLY AND THE VIOLIN and THE PARIS DRESSMAKER

Rachelle Gardner. Gardner Literary is a full-service agency representing diverse authors at the crossroads of faith and culture. We partner with writers of both fiction and nonfiction in a customized approach to a rewarding publishing journey

Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of sixteen novels and podcast host. She is the recipient of The Christy Award—A 2019 Winner "Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2020 and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year for 2019.

In this episode, Ami and Patti talk about:

“With a belief that the power of story changes us and moves us, Patti’s historical fiction, SURVIVING SAVANNAH, WILD SWAN, and BECOMING MRS. LEWIS explores the untold stories of the past that affect us now.” (writing as Patti Callahan)

SURVIVING SAVANNAH, a new historical fiction, based on the true story of the Steamship Pulaski wreck, known as "The Titanic of the South" was released March 9, 2021.

The new podcast series, "The Untold Story Behind Surviving Savannah" is an in-depth exploration into the fascinating stories explored in her novel, Surviving Savannah. The podcast series (03/21) includes interviews with some of the foremost experts on the myth and lore of Savannah, shipwreck treasure hunting, the hidden stories in museums, and the astounding real-life family story that inspired the novel. Trailer and Episodes One-Six, available now.

WILD SWAN, a novella following the fiery life of one of history’s greatest heroines and the mother of modern nursing: Florence Nightingale by Patti Callahan was released December 2020, as an Audible Original performed by the award-winning narrator, Cynthia Erivo.

BECOMING MRS. LEWIS—The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis was released in an expanded edition, March 2020.  The author is also the host of the popular seven-part original “Behind the Scenes of Becoming Mrs. Lewis Podcast Series”—the podcast audiobook collection including bonus material was released in January 2020.

On this episode of WriterFest Podcast, we catch up with USA Bestseller Jenny Hale about praised by Oprah Magazine, Southern Living, Publishers Weekly and how it feels to land at #1 with her latest release. Since she writes what’s commonly referred to as “beach reads,” it’s funny that when we interviewed her, she was literally at the beach…

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. The Beach House, released in 2021 sailed to number three on the Amazon Kindle Chart and it hit number one in the categories Contemporary Romance, Women’s Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, and Romance. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies. She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and both Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now” as well as “Beach Reads Perfect for Summer 2020.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Michael Aulisio is Vice President and Publisher of Harper Celebrate, the gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus.  Michael also serves as Publisher of the New York Times bestselling Jesus Calling brand.  Previously, he was Vice President of Marketing for two gift and two children’s imprints at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Michael worked in pharmaceuticals, higher education, and as an on-air country music DJ.  He received his undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Scranton and his Masters of Business Administration in Finance from Lipscomb University.

On this episode, I talk with publisher Michael Aulisio about his career background and what energizes him in his current role. I love that he shares his best advice for writers. We also discuss:

In this episode, I talk with Kelly McDaniel, author and licensed professional counselor. Her fantastic new nonfiction book is Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance.

As serious as her topic is, our conversation is sure to make listeners smile.

What makes it especially fun is that Kelly and I are joined in conversation with her writer friend, Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Relational Recovery Michelle Mays. Michelle is the author of The Aftermath of Betrayal and When It All Breaks Bad: Ten Things to Do (and not do) After Betrayal. Michelle and Kelly give listeners a little insight into the author’s journey—and share insights about writing backed by science that might just knock your socks off.

We also talk about:

https://kellymcdanieltherapy.com

https://partnerhope.com/about/

Kelly McDaniel, LPC, NCC, CSAT is a licensed professional counselor and author who specializes in treating women who experience addictive relational patterns. A pioneer in her field, McDaniel is the first clinician to name Mother Hunger as an attachment injury and explore the repercussions of bonding to an emotionally compromised mother. Kelly teaches workshops and speaks to audiences nationwide about Mother Hunger. She is a frequent podcast guest and her groundbreaking work is being used at several treatment centers around the country.

Michelle Mays LPC, CSAT-S

Founder and Clinical Director of the Center for Relational Recovery located in Leesburg Virginia outside of Washington DC, Michelle Mays LPC, CSAT-S has over 20 years’ experience in providing individual, couples and group therapy to those struggling with sexual addiction, betrayal trauma, childhood trauma and relationship issues.

Michelle is the founder of PartnerHope, offering an online transformational program for betrayed partners.  She is also the creator of the Relational Recovery Disclosure Prep Model and provides resources, training and support to therapists to help them deepen their skill set around facilitating disclosures.

Michelle is the author of the books The Aftermath of Betrayal and When It All Breaks Bad: Ten Things to Do (and not do) After Betrayal.

Michelle is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and Supervisor trained under Dr. Patrick Carnes. She is also trained in Post Induction Therapy by Pia Mellody for the treatment of relational trauma and is in the process of completing her certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in both Virginia and Washington DC.

On this episode of the WriterFest Podcast, Ami talks with RJ Witherow and Elyse Adler, the events team at Parnassus Books in Nashville, the “Greatest Independent Bookstore on the Planet” about, the history of this Nashville hotspot, favorite reads, shopping local, and more including:

Their recommendations:

https://www.parnassusbooks.net

Elyse Adler:

Elyse is a native New Yorker. She has an undergraduate degree in Music from Syracuse University and a Masters in Information Science from Vanderbilt University.

She has an undergraduate degree in Music from Syracuse University and a Masters in Information Science from Vanderbilt University.She moved to Nashville in 1981 and worked for Nashville Public Library where she retired as Assistant Director of Education and Literacy in 2020. Since then, Elyse has worked for Parnassus Books as Director of Events which offers an opportunity to be creative, work with publishers and authors, cultivate partnerships in the community, and further the mission of a great independent bookstore!

Elyse is as passionate about her personal life as she is about her work life. She’s raised two extraordinary young men, loves to hike, served as a member of the Executive Board of the Directors of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, the Frist Educational Council, Nashville After Zone Alliance Leadership Council, and worked with Big Brother Big Sisters of Nashville.

RJ Witherow:

River James Witherow was born and raised in Tennessee, where they attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and received a degree in Fine Art. They worked a multitude of retail, tourism, and bookstore jobs before finding a home at Parnassus Books, where they currently work as the Events Manager. RJ also has a passion for children’s bookselling and writes reviews of children’s and Young Adult books for Bookpage. RJ spends their spare time writing, hanging out with their dog, and trying to find the best-iced coffee in Nashville.

In this episode of WriterFest Podcast, Ami talks with Andrea Williams, author and journalist. Andrea worked in marketing and development for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, before turning to writing full-time. She’s the author of Baseball’s Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues and co-author of We Are Family with LeBron James. Andrea lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and their four children.

Andrea William’s latest book is:

Baseball's Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues (MacMillan, 2021)

For fans of Hidden Figures and Steve Sheinkin's Undefeated, this is the powerful true story of Effa Manley, the first and only woman inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“A smart and determined woman becomes an unlikely influence in baseball’s Negro Leagues . . . A fascinating contribution to baseball and racial history.” —Kirkus Reviews

Buy here: https://www.amazon.com/Baseballs-Leading-Lady-Manley-Leagues-ebook/dp/B07ZBW3MQK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=baseball%27s+leading+lady&qid=1628530710&sr=8-1

Also discussed on the show: