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In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Constance Lewis shares the story behind her children’s books and the personal experiences that inspired her to write them. Constance explains how she never originally planned to become an author. After contributing chapters to adult books about infertility and postpartum experiences, she had a dream that inspired her to write a children’s book. The idea for Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings came to her during meditation, and she wrote the first version in one night. The book was inspired by her son Miles, who experienced epilepsy. Constance wanted to create a way for children to communicate their feelings when they could not find the right words. Through colorful capes and tutus, children can show how they feel without having to explain everything verbally. Constance also discusses her collaboration with her husband, Andre, who helped develop the rhyming elements of the book. Together, they worked to make sure the language was simple enough for children between the ages of four and eight, while still keeping the story engaging and meaningful. The conversation also explores why emotions such as anger and sadness should not be treated as bad. Constance explains that the emotion itself is natural. What matters is helping children find healthy ways to express and process it. Parents can use simple tools such as crayons, pencils, paper, or color charts to help children communicate what is happening inside. Constance also shares what she learned while searching for an illustrator. She reviewed many portfolios, compared styles and pricing, and made sure she would have full ownership of the characters and images in the book. She also talks about working with a publishing coach and choosing self-publishing based on her family’s needs and goals. As she continues developing more children’s books, Constance is also exploring stories about different age groups, big emotions, parenting, and the reasons behind the way parents sometimes act. Key Takeaways: 🎨 Colors can help children express emotions when words are difficult to find.💛 Every emotion matters, including anger, sadness, fear, and frustration.🧠 Children need healthy ways to process emotions instead of being told to simply get over them.📚 Writing for children requires simple language that matches their age and literacy level.✍️ A book can begin with one idea, dream, or personal experience.🤝 Collaboration can help strengthen a story and bring different skills into the writing process.🖼️ Authors should carefully review an illustrator’s style, pricing, timeline, and ownership terms.📖 Publishing decisions should be based on the author’s goals, resources, and long-term plans.🌱 Writers should not wait for perfection before releasing their work.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children’s books can support not only young readers but also parents, teachers, and caregivers. Constance’s journey shows how a personal experience can become a creative tool that helps others. Her message is a reminder that children deserve the freedom to feel their emotions and the support to understand them. It also encourages authors to keep writing, seek help when needed, and allow their work to be imperfectly perfect. Connect with Constance Lewis: Website: Colorful Capes of FeelingsInstagram: @colorful.books_colorfulfeelingsbooksBooks: Miles and the Colorful Capes of Feelings and Mariah and the Colorful Tutus of FeelingsResources: Free teacher lesson plans, coloring pages, parent resources, and teacher resources are available on her website. Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInCaptivate: Authority On Demand Podcast #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #ConstanceLewis #ColorfulCapesOfFeelings #MilesAndTheColorfulCapesOfFeelings #MariahAndTheColorfulTutusOfFeelings #ChildrensBooks #EmotionalLearning #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, David McNally shares an inspiring conversation about purpose, aging, grief, writing, and the importance of continuing to make a difference. David is a Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author of five books. His latest book, If You’re Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished, challenges the idea that our best years are behind us. Instead, he encourages people to see aging as an opportunity to continue learning, growing, creating, and contributing. David explains how the loss of both of his wives influenced his latest book. During a time of grief, he came to understand that being alive means there is still work to do. For him, that work includes learning, growing, and helping others fulfill their own purpose. He also shares how his experience in Tanzania helped him rethink the role of older people in society. Rather than viewing them only as senior citizens, David believes they can become elders who use their wisdom to guide, encourage, and support younger generations. The conversation also explores David’s writing process, including the challenges of publishing his first book, handling rejection, asking for honest feedback, and continuing to improve his work. Key Takeaways: 🌱 Aging can be a new opportunity for purpose, learning, and growth.🔥 Your imagination and creative spirit can remain active at any age.💭 Grief and sadness are normal parts of life, even for positive people.📝 Writers should keep moving forward instead of judging themselves too early.📚 Honest feedback can help turn a good manuscript into a better book.✍️ Writing 300 words a day can help you make steady progress toward completing a book.🌍 Older people have valuable wisdom that can help guide and encourage younger generations.🚀 As long as you are alive, there is still more to learn, create, and contribute. David also talks about his upcoming audiobook, his YouTube channel, The Inspired Elder, and his future online course, Alive and Wise: The Joy of Being an Elder. This episode is a reminder that your mission does not end with age. Whether you are an author, speaker, professional, or simply someone looking for your next chapter, there is always room to grow and make your next years meaningful. Connect with David McNally: Website: davidmcnally.comEmail: [email protected]: If You’re Alive, Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInCaptivate: Authority On Demand Podcast #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #DavidMcNally #IfYoureAliveYourMissionOnEarthIsntFinished #TheInspiredElder #Purpose #AgingWithPurpose #PersonalGrowth #WritingAdvice #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview

Watch out for a podcast episode with Bruce W. Brackett this week on the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), hosted by Danielle Hutchinson. Bruce W. Brackett is a bestselling author, content creator, advocate, and speaker who turned his experiences with trauma, addiction, recovery, and healing into a message of positivity and empowerment. He is the author of How to Breathe While Suffocating and the upcoming book Show Up and Shimmy, which focuses on helping people recognize their worth, overcome self-sabotage, and live a more purposeful life. In this inspiring conversation, discover how to: Turn difficult life experiences into wisdom that can help others.Keep moving forward during the darkest and most challenging moments.Understand why rejection can be a redirection toward your goals.Use positivity and simple actions to get out of your own way.Recognize your worth and show up for your own potential.Learn how social media content creation influenced Bruce’s writing journey.Overcome writer’s block and keep writing, even when the words do not feel perfect. Bruce also shares how his personal memoir became a way to help readers feel seen and understood, while Show Up and Shimmy takes a more self-help approach focused on the reader and their own recovery and potential. His story is a powerful reminder to keep showing up, even after failure, rejection, or setbacks. Connect with Bruce W. Brackett: Website: Bruce W. Brackett Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInListen to the podcast: Authority On Demand Podcast #BruceWBrackett #HowToBreatheWhileSuffocating #ShowUpAndShimmy #Positivity #Recovery #PersonalGrowth #WritingJourney #AuthorityOnDemand #Podcast #OvercomingAdversity

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Sheekha Singh shares her journey as an author, podcaster, speaker, and tech leader and explains how her experiences with ambition and burnout inspired her latest book, Unburnable Ambition. Sheekha explains that she always enjoyed writing and speaking while growing up in India. After moving to the U.S. for her master’s degree, those interests took a back seat as she focused on building her career. Over time, she returned to writing and speaking, began speaking at technology conferences, started her own podcast, and eventually published her first book in 2021. Her latest book focuses on burnout among overachievers. She explains that she chose the title Unburnable Ambition because she wanted to show that being ambitious does not mean you have to give up your goals. After experiencing burnout herself while trying to manage many projects and responsibilities, she learned that it is possible to remain ambitious while also protecting your energy. Sheekha also shares some of the frameworks from the book, including the importance of protecting your energy, setting boundaries, changing your mindset around rest, and allowing yourself time away from work. She explains that rest does not need to be expensive or complicated. Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can give you time to recharge. The conversation also explores Sheekha’s writing process. She conducted extensive research before writing, created a mind map for the book, and eventually took a weekend writing retreat where she completed 10,000 words, which became about 80% of the book’s rough draft. She then dedicated time after dinner to editing and refining the manuscript. Sheekha explains how she combined personal experiences, science-backed research, and lessons from guests on her podcast to create a book that was both practical and relatable. She also wanted the book to be easy to read, so she carefully edited the content to make sure the ideas could be understood by readers from different backgrounds. The conversation also looks at her future as a writer. After focusing on technology and burnout, Sheekha is now preparing to explore fiction through a sci-fi romance novel. She shares how this new direction requires her to use more imagination and focus on feelings and emotions rather than only facts and research. For writers, Sheekha offers a simple reminder: if you have been putting off your book, it may be time to make it a priority. She encourages writers to set clear boundaries around their writing time and communicate those boundaries with the people around them. Key Takeaways: 🔋 Protecting your energy is important, especially when you are passionate about what you do. 🧘 Rest is necessary and does not have to involve expensive self-care activities. 🚧 Setting clear boundaries can help protect your personal and professional energy. 🎯 Being ambitious does not mean you have to give up your goals to avoid burnout. ✍️ Writers need to make their books a priority if they want to finish them. 📚 Research, personal experience, and storytelling can work together to create a stronger book. 🧠 Changing your mindset around rest can help you create healthier habits. ⏰ Dedicated writing and editing time can help turn an idea into a finished manuscript. 🌱 Do not keep putting off the project that matters to you. 🚀 Trying something new, such as moving from nonfiction into fiction, can open the door to another stage of your creative journey. Sheekha’s journey shows that ambition and well-being do not have to work against each other. By protecting your energy, setting boundaries, making time for your priorities, and allowing yourself to rest, you can continue pursuing your goals without letting burnout define your journey. Connect with Sheekha Singh: Website: SheekhaSingh.comInstagram: @sheekha_singh_writerPodcast: Rise and Tell with ShekhaBook: Unburnable AmbitionBooks and other work are available through Amazon and other book platforms. Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInCaptivate: Authority On Demand Podcast #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #SheekhaSingh #UnburnableAmbition #Burnout #WorkLifeBalance #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PersonalGrowth #PodcastInterview

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, formerly Authors On Mission Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Deborah Greenberg, who writes under the pen name Deven Greene, shares how her background in biochemistry and more than 20 years as a pathologist has influenced her career as a thriller writer. Writing as Deven Greene, she combines her medical and scientific knowledge with stories about subjects that may sound fictional but could potentially happen. She explains that she enjoys writing about what she knows while also researching topics that are outside her professional background. Her latest novel, Happy Sun Farm, takes place in rural Southern California and focuses on a farm that appears to be part of a larger agricultural business. As the story develops, the farm has a much more troubling purpose involving genetic engineering of crops. Deven shares how researching the book introduced her to areas of plant science that she had not previously studied. She also explains how research can lead to unexpected discoveries. While working on the book, she learned about plant pathogens such as Fusarium and even discovered information about small submarines used for drug trafficking. These random facts became examples of how writing can expand an author’s knowledge far beyond the original subject of a story. The conversation also explores The Organ Broker, another thriller that deals with the moral questions surrounding organ donation and the use of organs from executed prisoners. Deven explains how the story explores the possibility of people influencing the justice system in order to obtain organs. Deven also gives listeners a look into her writing process. She usually begins with research and develops a general story arc before writing. However, she does not follow a rigid outline because new ideas often appear once she starts putting the story on the page. When writing her rough draft, Deven has a structured routine of writing 1,100 words every day. At that pace, she can complete a draft in about three months. She then spends more time editing, reviewing the story with her husband as her first reader, and making sure scientific and medical information can be understood by readers without her background. Deven is also working on her next science-based thriller, Rhino Wars, which focuses on rhino poaching and the possibility of growing genuine rhino horns in a laboratory. Her research led her to unexpected information about the science, economics, and politics surrounding the subject. The conversation closes with practical advice for writers. Deven encourages authors to enjoy writing, avoid becoming discouraged, and remain skeptical when people approach them with offers to promote their books or turn their stories into films. She shares examples of scams she has encountered and reminds writers to check whether an offer is coming from a legitimate and reputable source. Key Takeaways: 🔬 Your professional background can give your fiction a strong foundation of knowledge and credibility. 📚 Research can help you understand unfamiliar subjects and uncover unexpected story ideas. 💡 Keep interesting facts and information because they may become useful in a future book. ✍️ A general outline can provide direction while still leaving room for new ideas during the writing process. 📝 Setting a daily word-count goal can help you complete a rough draft consistently. 🧠 Scientific and medical information should be explained in a way that everyday readers can understand. 🔎 Research does not always end before writing begins. New questions can require additional research as the story develops. 🌱 Writers can learn about subjects far outside their original area of expertise. ⚠️ Authors should be careful with unsolicited offers to promote their books or create film adaptations. 👀 Always check whether someone offering publishing, marketing, or promotional services is legitimate before engaging with them. ❤️ Writers should enjoy the process and avoid becoming too discouraged by the challenges of publishing. Deven’s journey shows how a writer can turn professional knowledge, curiosity, and research into compelling stories. Her approach also reminds authors that writing is not only about creating a story. It is also about learning, questioning, researching, and making complex ideas accessible to readers. Connect with Deven Greene: Website: DevenGreen.comBooks: Happy Sun Farm and The Organ BrokerUpcoming Book: Rhino Wars Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInCaptivate: Authority On Demand Podcast #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #DevenGreene #DeborahGreenberg #HappySunFarm #TheOrganBroker #RhinoWars #MedicalThriller #ScienceBasedThriller #WritingTips #AuthorJourney #PodcastInterview

Gary Barve joins Danielle Hutchinson on the Authority On Demand Podcast to talk about his journey from facing serious adversity earlier in life to building a public platform across writing, music, acting, comedy, entrepreneurship, speaking, and politics. Gary shares how his experience with depression shaped his perspective on resilience, faith, and perseverance. He also explains why he wrote One Nation Under God, how the book became part of his platform, and why his goal was to provide value to readers rather than simply gain popularity. The conversation also explores one of the biggest challenges that comes with building a personal brand: having many different interests and messages while still creating a clear and consistent identity. Key Takeaways: 💡 Your personal story can become an important part of your authority.📖 A book can give people a deeper way to understand your ideas, beliefs, and message.🎯 Find something you genuinely love doing because it is easier to stay committed to work that matters to you.💪 Challenges and opposition are part of pursuing a major goal.🚀 Do not give up simply because other people doubt your chances of success.🎤 Different platforms can help you reach different audiences while supporting the same overall message.🎲 Take calculated risks and be willing to step outside your comfort zone.🧭 A strong personal brand needs a clear message that can connect your different areas of work.🗣️ Communicate your accomplishments with confidence while focusing on the value you can provide to others.🙏 Gary also discusses the role that his Christian faith plays in his decisions, goals, and approach to success. From his book and music to his work in entertainment and his presidential campaign, Gary’s journey shows how one person can build a platform across multiple areas while continuing to pursue the goals they believe in. If you are working to build your own authority, clarify your message, or turn your ideas into a platform, this episode is worth a listen. Connect with Gary Barve: Book: One Nation Under God, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple BooksSearch online for “Gary Barve” to learn more about his work and platform. Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTubeFacebookInstagramLinkedInPodcast Feed #AuthorityOnDemand #GaryBarve #OneNationUnderGod #PersonalBranding #BuildingAuthority #Resilience #PersonalBrand #Leadership #Author #Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Brett Duncan explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way businesses and authors connect with their audiences online. Brett shares his journey from running an advertising agency and working with website video and testimonials to creating MobileWise AI, an AI-powered system designed to make websites more interactive and engaging. He explains how AI can act as a 24/7 sales and information resource, helping visitors find what they need, learn more about a product or service, and take the next step. The conversation also focuses on authors and how they can use AI to support their websites and book marketing. Brett explains that an author website can do more than simply display a book. With the right tools, it can provide information, share links, offer lead magnets, collect contact information, and help readers take action. Brett also discusses his book, The AI-Powered Business, which focuses on the challenges businesses face with website conversion and how AI can help address those challenges. He talks about the importance of understanding website analytics, capturing attention, and keeping online experiences simple and engaging. Key Takeaways: 🤖 AI can make websites more interactive and engaging for visitors. 📚 Authors can use AI to help readers find information, discover their books, and take the next step. 🎯 A website should have a clear purpose instead of overwhelming visitors with too much information. 📊 Understanding website analytics can help businesses see what is working and where improvements are needed. 💡 AI should be used as a tool to support people and businesses, not as a replacement for human creativity. 📱 Mobile experiences are an important part of how people interact with websites today. ⭐ Testimonials and reviews can help businesses build credibility and strengthen their online presence. Brett’s message is simple: give AI a chance, but use it in the right way. For authors, that means using technology to handle tasks, improve the reader experience, and support their marketing while keeping the human element at the center. Connect with Brett Duncan: Free Mobile Report Free AI Book Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Podcast: Authority On Demand Podcast #BrettDuncan #TheAIPoweredBusiness #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Authors #AuthorMarketing #BookMarketing #MobileWiseAI #WebsiteConversion #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #Podcast

What does it really take to build a successful career in sales? For Bryan Charleau, it goes far beyond closing deals and hitting quotas. After more than 10 years working across different industries, Bryan learned that becoming a true sales professional requires continuous learning, strong habits, mentorship, resilience, and the willingness to face rejection without taking it personally. In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast, hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Bryan talks about his book Pitching Sales: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Sales Professional and the lessons he wanted to pass on to people starting their careers in sales. He explains why moving between industries can help you develop a wider range of skills, how mentors helped shape his career, and why sales professionals need to focus on building a consistent process instead of relying on luck. Bryan also opens up about one of the biggest challenges in sales: hearing “no.” Rather than seeing rejection as a personal failure, he encourages new sales professionals to see each rejection as part of the learning process. Every call, objection, and difficult conversation can help build confidence and improve your approach. He also discusses the internal and external obstacles sales professionals face, how to recognize when a work environment may not be the right fit, and why changing industries can sometimes create new opportunities for growth. Most importantly, Bryan shares why mentorship should be about helping others first. His goal with Pitching Sales is to give new sales professionals the guidance and encouragement they need during those difficult first months and help them understand that they are not alone. Key Takeaways: 📌 Turn sales into a profession: Treat your career seriously by learning, asking questions, developing good habits, and continuously improving. 📌 Do not fear rejection: A “no” is not necessarily a rejection of you personally. Learning to handle rejection is an important part of becoming successful in sales. 📌 Focus on the process: Early in your career, the goal is not only to make a sale. Build a process that you can repeat consistently. 📌 Learn from different industries: Moving into new industries can expose you to new challenges, managers, techniques, and skills that can strengthen your overall sales ability. 📌 Know your internal obstacles: Before blaming your company, industry, or circumstances, take an honest look at your own mindset, habits, effort, and approach. 📌 Use mentorship to grow: Find people who can guide you, but also be willing to put in the work yourself. Mentorship works best when there is effort from both sides. 📌 Pay it forward: Help others because you genuinely want to help them. The benefits that come back to you should happen naturally, not be the reason you offer support. Bryan’s message is a reminder that success in sales is not built from one lucky call or one closed deal. It comes from developing the right mindset, learning from every experience, building strong habits, and continuing to help others along the way. Connect with Bryan Charleau: Website: PitchingSalesConsulting.comInstagram: @pitchingsalesBook: Pitching Sales: The Complete Guide to Becoming a Sales Professional, also available on Audible Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTubeFacebook: Authority On Demand on FacebookInstagram: Authority On Demand on InstagramLinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedInPodcast: Authority On Demand Podcast #BryanCharleau #PitchingSales #SalesProfessional #SalesTraining #SalesCareer #SalesMindset #SalesTips #Mentorship #OvercomingRejection #AuthorityOnDemand

In this episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), hosted by Danielle Hutchinson, Joni Marie Iraci shares the story behind Vatican Daughter and the experiences that shaped her journey as a writer. Joni has been writing in some form since she was young, but her path to becoming a published author took many turns. After working as a nurse and raising her children, she returned to school and eventually studied fiction at Columbia University. She shares how her experiences, education, and love of research helped shape her writing. Joni explains how the idea for Vatican Daughter first came to her while she was in Rome. The story was inspired by her experiences growing up in the Catholic Church, as well as her research into the historical kidnapping of Jewish children by the Vatican in the 19th century. She spent years developing the idea before writing the novel during the pandemic. The conversation also explores writing about trauma, the importance of giving characters a sense of survival and hope, and why Joni does not believe writers need to write every single day. She encourages writers to find their own process, trust their voice, and keep going even when life creates obstacles. Key Takeaways: ✍️ You do not have to write every day to be a writer. Find the process that works for you. 📚 Personal experiences can become the starting point for powerful fictional stories. 🔎 Research can add depth, credibility, and unexpected inspiration to your writing. ❤️ Stories about trauma can still leave readers with a sense of hope and survival. 🌱 A small idea can grow into an entire story when you give it time and attention. 🎯 Do not be afraid to revise, experiment, and find your own writing voice. 🚫 Authors should be careful with unsolicited marketing offers and potential scams. ⏰ It is never too late to pursue writing or return to a passion you have put aside. 💡 If you have a passion, take the first step and keep your eye on the goal. 📖 Reading and research can be an important part of developing as a writer. Joni’s journey is a powerful reminder that your age, obstacles, or past experiences do not have to stop you from pursuing your calling. Sometimes, all it takes is one big step, followed by many small ones. Connect with Joni Marie Iraci: Joni Marie Iraci’s Website Vatican Daughter is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers. Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Podcast: Authority On Demand Podcast #JoniMarieIraci #VaticanDaughter #Authors #WritingTips #WritingJourney #HistoricalFiction #ThrillerWriter #AuthorLife #BookWriting #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorsOnMission #Podcast

Chris Donaldson joins Danielle Hutchinson on the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast) to share the remarkable story behind Going the Wrong Way. At just 21, Chris left Belfast on a motorcycle with plans to travel to Australia. With political unrest changing his route, limited money, no GPS, and no easy way to know what was happening ahead, the journey took him through Africa, South America, the United States, and many other parts of the world. What began as a two or three month plan turned into an 18-month journey covering around 50,000 miles and 33 countries. Chris eventually returned home, started a business, got married, and continued with his life. But the journals and photographs from that journey stayed with him. Decades later, he returned to those memories and finally finished the book he had started years before. He even took his original motorcycle on a new journey and eventually made it to Australia, more than 40 years after he first set out to get there. Key Takeaways: 🏍️ A journey does not always go according to plan, and sometimes the unexpected path becomes the most meaningful one. 📖 You do not need to be a trained writer to have a story worth telling. A good story and the willingness to keep working on it can take you a long way. ✍️ Personal journals can become valuable material when writing a memoir or personal story. 📸 Photographs can help bring back memories, emotions, places, and experiences from many years ago. 🧠 Talking with people from your past can help unlock memories you may have forgotten. 🔄 Rewriting is an important part of the writing process. Chris went over his book many times to keep improving it. ⏸️ Taking a break does not mean giving up. Sometimes stepping away allows you to return with a clearer mind. 💪 Keep going even when writing feels difficult. Progress comes from continuing to come back to the work. 🌍 Life experience can give your writing depth, especially when you are telling a story you personally lived. ⏳ It is never too late to finish something you started. Chris returned to his story decades later and turned his old journals into a published book. Chris Donaldson’s story shows that the wrong direction can sometimes lead to the right destination. His journey is not only about traveling across countries on a motorcycle, but also about resilience, memory, writing, and finally giving yourself the chance to finish your story. Going the Wrong Way is available on Amazon. Connect with Chris Donaldson: Chris mentioned that his website and Facebook links would be provided after the interview. They were not included in the transcript. Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast Feed #ChrisDonaldson #GoingTheWrongWay #MotorcycleTravel #Memoir #TravelWriting #WritingTips #AuthorsOnMission #AuthorityOnDemand #Podcast #NeverTooLate

Raúl Sánchez joins Danielle Hutchinson on the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast) to talk about poetry, writing, community, and the many places where inspiration can be found. Raúl describes himself as a working poet who balanced engineering, field service, mentoring, volunteering, and writing. Throughout his travels, he carried a notebook and wrote down what he saw and experienced. Today, he continues to turn those observations, memories, and encounters into poetry. One of the most meaningful projects he created is a community poetry box. What began during COVID became a place where people could take a poem, leave a poem, exchange books, and share heartfelt notes. Raúl also runs Poetry in the Park, bringing writers, poets, and neighbors together to read, share, and connect. In the conversation, Raúl also talks about writing in both English and Spanish, using sound and voice when reading poetry, experimenting with concrete poems, and finding inspiration in people, nature, and everyday moments. Key Takeaways: 📝 Carry a notebook and write down anything that catches your attention. A small observation can become something much bigger. 🌎 Inspiration can come from anywhere, including travel, nature, people, weather, and everyday experiences. 🤝 Writing does not have to happen in isolation. Community and conversations with others can help writers grow. 📚 Poetry can create opportunities for people to connect, share their work, and support one another. 🇪🇸 Bilingual writing can require more than direct translation. The goal is to preserve the meaning, feeling, rhythm, and sound of the original. 🎙️ Reading poetry aloud can bring another layer to the words through voice, pauses, rhythm, and intonation. 👀 Pay attention to unusual or unexpected things around you. They may become the starting point for a poem or story. 🌱 A poem does not always need to be finished immediately. Let it sit, come back to it, and continue developing it. 🎨 Experiment with different forms of writing. Raúl discusses concrete poetry, where the shape of the poem represents the subject. ❤️ Writing can be a way to process what you carry inside and share something meaningful with others. 💡 Do not let your job, background, or circumstances convince you that you cannot write. With the right tools and support, you can develop your voice. Raúl’s approach to poetry is deeply connected to community. He does not simply write about what he sees. He shares it, listens to others, learns from them, and uses his writing to create connections. His message is simple but powerful: we all have something to give and something to share. Your voice matters, and there is always a way to start using it. Connect with Raúl Sánchez: Website: poetraulsanchez.com Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast Feed #RaulSanchez #Poetry #BilingualPoetry #PoetryWriting #WritingTips #CreativeWriting #WritingCommunity #AuthorsOnMission #AuthorityOnDemand #Podcast

On this inspiring episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with acclaimed author Stephanie Cowell, author of The Man in the Stone Cottage, for a fascinating conversation about imagination, historical fiction, and bringing the past vividly to life. Stephanie shares the inspiration behind her writing journey and what drew her to the world of the Brontë sisters, particularly Emily Brontë. She takes us behind the scenes of The Man in the Stone Cottage, a novel that explores Emily’s intense and mysterious relationship with a shepherd whose existence blurs the line between reality and imagination—and may have inspired the unforgettable character of Heathcliff. Stephanie explores: ✨ How historical research and imagination come together to create compelling fiction ✨ Why her characters can feel so real that they seem to take on lives of their own ✨ What she discovered while visiting Haworth and walking the Yorkshire moors ✨ How she humanized the Brontë sisters beyond their literary legacy ✨ The emotional experience of finishing a novel and saying goodbye to its world and characters ✨ Her thoughts on the upcoming Wuthering Heights movie adaptation Stephanie’s approach to storytelling is a powerful reminder that great writing isn’t simply about knowing the facts—it’s about finding the humanity, emotion, and imagination within them. 🎙️ Tune in to this inspiring conversation on the Authority On Demand Podcast and discover the story behind The Man in the Stone Cottage. Connect with Stephanie Cowell: Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.stephaniecowell.com/ Fb: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.cowell.14/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cowell.stephanie/ 🔗 Book Purchase: The Man in the Stone Cottage https://www.amazon.com/Man-Stone-Cottage-Stephanie-Cowell/dp/1646036247 Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast Feed #AuthorityOnDemand #AuthorityOnDemandPodcast #StephanieCowell #TheManInTheStoneCottage #EmilyBronte #BronteSisters #HistoricalFiction #WritingJourney #Authors #Storytelling #Podcast

On this inspiring episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with author Dianna Gunn to explore the creative journey behind Woman of Sorrow and Blood—from an unexpected $50–$150 pre-made cover to a standalone vampire tragedy. Dianna shares how stepping away from her epic fantasy Moonshadow series gave her a creative reset, while valuable editorial feedback helped strengthen the story’s pacing, romance, and emotional impact. Key Takeaways: Creative Spark: A pre-made cover inspired the story.Creative Reset: Horror gave Dianna space to step away from Moonshadow.Power of Feedback: Editors strengthened the story’s pacing and emotional impact.Smart Positioning: Clear genre marketing helps manage reader expectations. Sometimes, stepping away from the familiar is what allows your best ideas to emerge. Give yourself permission to explore, experiment, and grow—you never know where a creative detour may lead. 🎙️ Tune in to hear Dianna’s inspiring journey of creativity, reinvention, and storytelling. Author links https://authordiannagunn.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/diannalgunn.bsky.social Weeknight Writers links https://weeknightwriters.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/weeknightwriters.bsky.social Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast Feed #AuthorityOnDemand #DiannaGunn #DanielleHutchinson #WomanOfSorrowAndBlood #WritingInspiration #Authors #Storytelling #CreativeJourney

On this inspiring episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with author Connie Warden to explore how one unexpected road-rage moment became the catalyst for a three-year journey into mindfulness, compassion, and emotional awareness. Connie shares the story behind Speeding into Compassion, the power of “naming it” to process emotions instead of suppressing them, and valuable lessons from her writing journey—from embracing the “ugly first draft” to finding support through a book coach and writer’s group. Inspirational Takeaways: ✨ Difficult moments can become powerful opportunities for growth. ✨ Naming your emotions can help you process them instead of carrying them forward. ✨ You don’t need a perfect first draft—you simply need to begin. ✨ Vulnerability, humor, and honesty can turn personal experiences into meaningful connections. Sometimes, the moments we’re most embarrassed by can teach us the lessons we’re meant to share. Tune in and discover how one unexpected moment on the road led Connie Warden toward compassion, mindfulness, and a story worth telling. Explore More Connie Warden: Email: [email protected] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conniewarden/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniewarden/ Follow the Authority On Demand Podcast: YouTube: Authority On Demand on YouTube Facebook: Authority On Demand on Facebook Instagram: Authority On Demand on Instagram LinkedIn: Authority On Demand on LinkedIn Captivate: Authority On Demand Podcast Feed #AuthorityOnDemand #ConnieWarden #SpeedingIntoCompassion #AuthorityOnDemandPodcast #Mindfulness #Compassion #PersonalGrowth #WritingJourney #WritingTips #Inspiration

On this inspiring episode of the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast), host Danielle Hutchinson sits down with Tony Silard, author of Love and Suffering, to explore how our most difficult experiences can become powerful opportunities for growth, connection, and love. Tony shares his Love Progression Model, a four-stage journey through Acceptance, Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Love, and reveals how suffering can help us recognize what truly matters. Inspirational Takeaways: • Your pain can reveal what your heart truly values. • Acceptance can turn difficult moments into opportunities for growth. • Forgiveness can release resentment and create space for healing. • Gratitude can help transform hardship into a deeper appreciation for life. • Even suffering can become a pathway toward greater love, purpose, and connection. Sometimes, the experiences that challenge us most can also shape us most. Tune in and discover how life’s hardest moments can become stepping stones toward a more meaningful and loving life. 🔗 Explore More: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-silard-a305516/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony.silard.3 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony.silard/ 🔗 Book Purchase: Love and Suffering https://www.amazon.com/Love-Suffering-Emotional-Prevent-Experiencing/dp/0981785379 Dive into the journeys of standout experts exploring how their books and speaking platforms helped them carve out their own Category of One in the Authority On Demand Podcast (formerly Authors On Mission Podcast): YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@authorityondemand Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorityondemand/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authority_on_demand/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/authorityondemandcompany/ Captivate - https://feeds.captivate.fm/authorityondemand #AuthorityOnDemand #TonySilard #DanielleHutchinson #LoveAndSuffering #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Forgiveness #Gratitude #Resilience #Inspiration