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Send us Fan Mail Every journey through a male-dominated field has its challenges. For women in STEM, those challenges often feel both personal and universal. In my latest conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, I sit down with Meleah Ashford—author of Fiercely Feminine—as she opens up about her mission: helping women not only enter, but stay and thrive in STEM careers without losing their sense of self. Here is what her story, process, and insights teach us about strength, authenticity, and the power of asking for help. Timestamp: 00:00 Interview with Malia Ashford 05:50 Struggles of writing a book 08:24 Facing imposter syndrome while writing 09:53 Turning off the editor brain 13:40 Helpful feedback from editors 17:43 Recognizing challenges for women in STEM 20:10 Bringing empathy into STEM fields 25:39 Supporting women's unique expression 29:06 Women leaving STEM fields 32:05 Launching and promoting a book 34:05 Taking Your Time with Promotion 39:22 Closing gratitude and encouragement 40:22 Describing music sounds Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Writing a book isn’t a linear journey. It’s filled with ups and downs, moments of clarity, creative blocks, and the ever-present question: Am I hitting the mark? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, you’re not alone.  What transforms a collection of words into a compelling book isn’t the complexity of your knowledge or eloquence—it’s your ability to distill your message, deliver a clear promise, and deeply understand whom you’re writing for. In this post, inspired by the Authors Who Lead podcast, I’ll unpack these pillars to help you craft a book that truly connects with readers. Timestamp: 00:00 Emphasizing the book's core message 03:39 Simplifying the core message 06:48 Identifying your ideal reader 12:02 Editing for Audience Engagement 15:15 Finding Your Book's Core Message Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Every writer, whether penning a memoir or crafting a screenplay, seeks that elusive “voice”—the authentic expression of who they are and the stories only they can tell. On this episode of Authors Who Lead, screenwriter and coach Brooks Elms shared an illuminating process for tapping into this unique creative DNA by simply starting with a list of your favorite films. What unfolded in our conversation was more than a coaching exercise; it was an exploration of how those stories we love most hold a mirror to our deepest values, anxieties, and dreams. If you’re looking for a practical yet profound way to connect with your storytelling core, these lessons are for you. Timestamp: 00:00 Journey from teaching to writing 04:27 Discussing Our Favorite Films 07:16 Feeling invisible growing up 11:51 Discussing the impact of The Matrix 15:23 Discussing the Lord of the Rings adaptation 16:42 Starting out in Hollywood 21:52 Writing from personal experience 23:32 Discussing creative decision-making 28:30 Evaluating screenplay effectiveness 31:56 The power of subtle storytelling 33:43 Tips for aspiring screenwriters 36:21 Writing a story in one sentence Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail What if your book idea is not something you need to search for outside yourself? In this solo episode, Azul shares how a recent conversation with screenwriter and writing coach Brooks Elms helped him see something surprising. A simple list of favorite movies became a mirror for the deeper themes, questions, and patterns that have shaped him as a writer, teacher, and book coach. This episode is an invitation to look at your own life differently. The stories you love, the questions you keep asking, the work you have done, the struggles you have faced, and the things you notice that others miss may all be pointing toward the book inside you. Azul explores why your book is not just a topic. It is a way of seeing the world. And when you begin to trust your viewpoint, your message becomes clearer. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your favorite stories may reveal what you care about mostHow life patterns can point toward your deeper messageWhy your viewpoint matters more than more informationHow to begin noticing the clues your book may already be giving youWhy clarity starts with understanding who you are writing for and why your message mattersYour book may already be speaking. This episode will help you listen.Timestamp: 00:00 | A conversation that sparked a deeper question 03:00 | Your favorite stories may be clues 06:00 | Why life patterns matter when writing a book 10:00 | A book idea is not just a topic 13:00 | Questions to help you find your message 16:00 | Why people come to write a book 19:00 | Your viewpoint matters 22:00 | Clarity comes from message, reader, and perspective 25:00 | Your book may already be speaking Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail It’s not every day that a bestselling author invites you into the secret world behind their creative process. In this episode, I sit down with April Henry, acclaimed writer of thirty-two mysteries and thrillers, to discuss how she crafts her gripping stories—making them both intricately plotted and beautifully accessible. Here, we dive into the wisdom and practical strategies April shared about writing, resilience, and reaching all readers. Timestamp: 00:00 Finding Inspiration for Story Ideas 03:34 Blending Plotting with Pantsing 09:12 Tessa's DNA discovery and implications 12:56 Ensuring accuracy in medical details 15:20 Overcoming writing roadblocks 20:04 Persistence leads to publishing success 23:10 Writing books with teen protagonists 24:43 Making books exciting for readers 30:18 Starting a New Book 33:05 Writing through challenges and goals 37:03 Editing and revising chapters 40:21 Collaborating with an editor 43:23 Finding writing community and resources 47:44 Concerns about book censorship 48:55 Where to find April's work Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail At the heart of every aspiring author's journey, before outlines are made or words are penned, a gnawing question lingers: Am I enough? On this solo episode of Authors Who Lead, I cut through the noise of writing tips and publishing strategies to spotlight this deeply personal challenge. Drawing on over a decade of coaching writers, I reveal that the greatest barrier to writing isn’t a lack of ideas or technical skill—it’s self-worth. Timestamp: 00:00 Common doubts before writing a book 04:11 Embracing your unique perspective 09:06 The unpredictability of bestsellers 10:34 Confronting book writing fears Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Whether you’ve dreamed of being an author for decades or you’re just starting to put pen to paper, there’s one constant truth: writing—and finishing—a book is no small feat. On this episode of the Authors Who Lead podcast, I want to dive into the hidden obstacles that prevent most aspiring writers from becoming published authors. Drawing from my own journey (including a 24-year gap between my writing dreams and writing reality!), I lay out three major reasons books go unfinished—and what, exactly, you can do about it. Timestamp: 00:00 Why your book won’t succeed 05:10 Discovering a teaching career 07:12 Struggling with writing a manuscript 11:32 The impact of a book 14:00 Letting go of writing perfection 18:02 Understanding intrusive thoughts 20:12 Encouragement to subscribe and review Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Publishing a book is often seen as a milestone—a badge of honor for accomplished leaders and coaches. But as I reveal in my conversation on the Authors Who Lead podcast, writing a book does more than boost your authority. It can crystallize your message, become a launching pad for new opportunities, and ultimately serve as a powerful legacy that outlives you. Timestamp: 00:00 Discussing Mark's leadership book 06:01 Impact of publishing a book 07:02 Seeking publishing validation 12:54 Writing process and early feedback 14:11 Discovering my writing passion 17:00 Discovering the TED Talk idea 22:36 Turning book into Kindle edition 25:07 Crafting a clear book message 28:27 Writing my first book 32:40 Choosing between fame and fortune 33:51 Using visual models for writing Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Writing a memoir is never an easy feat—especially when the story being told explores the deeply personal terrain of trauma, healing, and the reclamation of one’s agency. In this episode of the "Authors Who Lead" podcast, I sit down with Chelsey Valeri—licensed clinical social worker, trauma therapist, and debut memoirist—as she offers an honest glimpse into how she crafted her book, Healed Enough. Through our conversation, you'll get a multidimensional understanding of complex trauma—from both clinical and lived perspectives—and what it takes to turn such experiences into a story that resonates. Timestamp: 00:00 Deciding to write a memoir 05:12 Complex PTSD not in DSM 07:08 Understanding trauma's impact on mental health 10:29 Discussing personal healing journey 14:45 Feeling vulnerable but understood 19:34 Writing during health challenges 21:29 Navigating a patriarchal society 26:06 Healing Foundation and trauma care 29:12 Editing process for publishing 33:12 Discussing book feedback and approach 37:18 Writing a clinician's hand guide 39:40 Challenges in trauma therapy training 43:36 Discussing a valuable trauma book Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail For many of you, the journey from idea to manuscript can feel daunting and filled with self-doubt. In this heartfelt solo episode, I share personal insights and experiences from a life devoted to writing, coaching, and the pursuit of dreams. This post explores key takeaways from the episode, offering both encouragement and practical wisdom for anyone standing at the threshold of their own writing journey. Timestamp: 00:00 Deciding to write a book 03:38 Pursuing travel through writing 07:23 Importance of finishing your book 11:55 Writing and living in Spain Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Behind every aspiring author I meet is a burning question: “Does what I have to say really matter?” I want to shine a light on this today, urging you to look beyond the mechanics of writing and toward the deeper reason you write at all. Writing a book is about so much more than perfect prose or bestseller status—it’s about sharing your unique message, stepping into leadership, and leaving a mark on the world that only you can. Timestamp: 00:00 Discussing the book's narrative style 04:02 Navigating medical language barriers 09:24 Beginning memoir research process 11:02 Crafting an engaging memoir narrative 14:52 Balancing honesty in writing 18:58 The impact of Blue Fairy 19:56 Reader feedback on helpful book details 23:06 Teaching 12-year-olds memoir 28:10 Discussing future writing ideas 30:26 Starting to write a novel 36:19 Dealing with a friend's grief 39:03 Writing a fictionalized series 41:04 Preview of her art journal 44:14 Advocating for your message Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail Behind every aspiring author I meet is a burning question: “Does what I have to say really matter?” I want to shine a light on this today, urging you to look beyond the mechanics of writing and toward the deeper reason you write at all. Writing a book is about so much more than perfect prose or bestseller status—it’s about sharing your unique message, stepping into leadership, and leaving a mark on the world that only you can. Timestamp: 00:00 Seeking significance through writing 04:34 Message beneath the words 09:31 Small ideas spark big impact 10:54 Small ideas, big impact Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail I often feel we take communication for granted, assuming it’s just about relaying information. Yet, in my latest conversation, I sat down with Sage Hobbs—author of Naked Communication—to explore how communication rooted in authenticity and curiosity can radically alter our relationships at work, at home, and within ourselves. Our talk was a candid look at what it really takes to write a book, launch it (twice), and confront your own vulnerabilities. Timestamp: 00:00 Writing to connect authentically 05:28 Reflections on teaching and growth 08:18 Writing reveals self-discovery 11:30 Loss, reflection, and renewal 14:01 Reflections on growth and change 17:02 Curiosity can transform the world 22:17 Facing fear through writing 24:13 Merging grief and professional growth 28:57 Connection over job titles 30:13 Who is this not for? 33:56 Connecting with the author Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Samantha Sweetwater to discuss how her book True Human: Reimagining Ourselves at the End of Our World evolved from scattered ideas into a cohesive manuscript through patience, humility, and honesty. We explore what it means to write during a time of ecological, technological, and cultural transformation—and why authorship requires more than inspiration. Samantha shares the four-year journey of shaping her ideas, letting go of what didn’t belong, and allowing the book to mature into its final form. Timestamp: 00:00 Reimagining humanity in the Anthropocene 04:10 Writing to reveal oneself 08:56 Guide to radical civilizational transition 10:13 Responses to the personal transformation chapter 13:24 Navigating a transcontextual crisis 16:34 Patience nurtures ideas into form 20:49 Why this book resonates 24:56 AI cover art collaboration 29:09 Authors’ long-term success plan 32:35 Regenerative devotion and resilience 35:01 Books thrive through community 38:03 True Human: the author journey Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage

Send us Fan Mail If you’re waiting for a surge of confidence before you start writing your book, you’re not alone. I’ve spent years hosting the Authors Who Lead Podcast, talking with authors at every stage of the journey, and one belief comes up again and again: “I just need a little more confidence before I begin.” Here’s the truth I’ve learned—confidence rarely shows up first. Action does. And waiting for confidence is often the very thing keeping us stuck. Timestamp: 00:00 Confidence comes through action 05:14 Embracing change and self-expression 08:13 Take action, publish your book 10:47 Purpose drives creation Full show notes COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 📚 Write and Publish your book 🤫 Secret Podcast: Born to Write, Scared to Start ⭐ You're Allowed to Write This Book CONNECT 📷 Instagram 🎬 TikTok 👫🏻 Facebook 💼 LinkedIn 🐦‍⬛ Twitter 🤝🏻 Apply to be a Guest LEAVE A REVIEW ✍🏻 Review on Apple Podcasts ✍️ Review on Spotify 🖱️ Episode Webpage