The TufFish Show

Welcome back Wayne Applewhite to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This fun conversation with my co-author and friend, Wayne Applewhite, is a wonderful way to celebrate the release of our audiobook! We narrated our book, You Know it’s a Verb, Right?, and it was a wonderful experience for us. In this chat, we talked about what it was like to narrate our book, how we planned and prepped, and how the imperfect recordings were handled for a seamless and engaging experience for our listeners. Wayne Applewhite is a lifelong learner. His leadership practices started in high school as he witnessed firsthand that leadership was something more than what met the naked eye. Using his curious and ever asking observational notions, Wayne knew early on that leadership was more - much more - than being in charge by title only. Wayne was co-founder of a leadership development firm, Just Leadership, LLC, and holds a Doctor of Management degree.  He has an eclectic experience base that he brings to the community and to the nation at large.  Wayne has over thirty-five years of diverse and challenging leadership experiences, coupled with a solid foundation of continuing education. He has held challenging positions such as Associate Professor (Boston University), Director of Graduate Military Programs (Boston University, Metropolitan College), Associate Dean, Instructor, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, Outside Director, Thought Leader, Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Officer in Charge, Commander, and COO. In each of those leadership positions, Wayne continued to build his leadership skillset as he also pursued formal and informal education. Most recently, he is the co-host of 27 Minutes with Sheila and Wayne!, a podcast focused on providing tips on being a better "you" while at work, play or life with a mission to change the world “One verb at a time!”  Wayne’s latest book, You Know it’s a Verb, Right?, co-authored with Jennifer Milius, is about leadership. However, if you ask him, his greatest joy and accomplishment, is being a husband and a dad Visit https://mindsyncing.com/ Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/You-Know-its-Verb-Right-ebook/dp/B08RLQ6WF4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Welcome Elena Paige to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This fun conversation with Elena Paige demonstrates the power of transformation a  book can have. Writing a book can be an intuitive process for many authors and feel like digging into more layers, so Elena shares how this happens for her. Whether it's the characters, the reader, or the author, Elena shares how transformation is possible for each in a fictional book.  Elena Paige is a middle-grade author with a background in counseling psychology. She loves creating stories which inspire and transform young readers - either through empowering them, entertaining them, or encouraging them to be more creative and imaginative. Her books, while being filled with magic and wonder, have real life characters with real life issues - like fitting in, trusting yourself, dealing with inner conflict and more! Her greatest value in life is CREATIVITY - nurturing it, enhancing it and using it! She loves encouraging children to believe in themselves and accept their own way of creating, even if it's outside the box. The most amazing creatives of our time rarely fitted in! Her absolute favorite book as a child was No Flying in the House. She always knew magic was real, but when all attempts to bring her favorite teddy to life failed, she adopted a dog instead. Her Moodle dog, named Lucky, is always by her side when she writes. On Sunday mornings you can find her hiding under her bed covers reading, while her children are wondering where their favorite book has disappeared. Visit - ElenaPaige.com Book purchase links for the first book in every series: Evie Everyday Witch (Secret Magic) The Magicians' Convention The Splendid Secrets of 66 Lilly Pilly Lane Lolli and the Lollipop (Meditation Adventures for Kids) Taki & Toula Time Travelers (Hercules Finds His Courage) I Love Being Free (Happy Heart Rhymes)

Welcome Debbie Weiss to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This powerful conversation with Debbie Weiss demonstrates the parallels between writing a book, healing through loss, and embarking on your second act. Debbie shares that as she set out to write her memoir, she learned when it was time to make big changes so that she had a strong story to tell. She also shared ways that she's leveraged the themes within her memoir to promote her book, which are great tips for any genre. Debbie Weiss is a former attorney who earned her MFA in creative nonfiction from Saint Mary’s College of California in 2020. Weiss’s essays have been published in The New York Times's “Modern Love” column, HuffPost, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, Elle Décor, and Reader’s Digest, among other publications. She lives in Benicia, CA with her second life partner, Randal. Visit - https://debbieweissauthor.com/ Book purchase link: Available As Is

Welcome Jessica Booth to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This fabulous conversation with Jessica shows that disrupting the market to create books that bring in multiple elements you love will enhance your setting, character development, and plot. Leveraging her experience with professional writing and editing, Jessica shares so much wisdom with self-editing and tips for researching, so that you strengthen your story and have a better draft to give your editor, and ultimately a wonderful book for your readers. Jessica Booth earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and professional writing before making a career in journalism and as a magazine editor-in-chief. Jessica has always dreamt of writing a book, and her love for novels spurred her into becoming an avid bookstagrammer. She grew up in North Louisiana, but now resides in Southwestern Ohio with her husband, pack of rowdy children, and a couple of hounds. They love to spend their time visiting independent bookstores, or outside watching the kids dig up worms and transforming piles of sticks into castles. Visit - https://jessicaboothauthor.com/ Book purchase link: A Match Made in Autumn 

Welcome Stella Wilde to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Two of the most powerful things that writing, and being creative, does is that it allows for self-expression and self-exploration, and this conversation with Stella Wilde shows this in multiple ways. Your writing has the ability to help you get to know yourself, figure out your gifts and how to express them, and get honest with yourself for what you need to make your goals and dreams happen. Sometimes it's about immersing yourself in the process and sometimes it's about taking a step back, so if you're in need of some inspiration, let Stella's wisdom offer you that nudge to get you back into the flow. Stella Wilde is a cosmic pathfinder, intuitive advisor, and manifestation mentor. She believes that Astrology and Tarot are essential tools for self-discovery and for navigating life's possibilities and complexities. Since she could hold a pencil, writing has been her first love, and she pursued her passion by earning an MA and MFA in Creative Writing. Visit - https://stellawilde.com Book purchase link: 2023 Lucky Stars

Welcome Annie Cathryn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This fun conversation with Annie Cathryn shows that when you have the willingness to expand your circle and explore your curiosities, sweet results happen. By expanding her circle, Annie shares how she navigated incorporating feedback, determining the sub-genre for her book, and the importance of having the right people on your team. By leveraging her journalism background and a desire to include her love of chocolate, Annie shares tips on how to create a believable experience for the reader when you need to learn more about your character's profession. Annie Cathryn has always dreamed of becoming an author and lives by the motto, “Creating is Living.” The Friendship Breakup is her debut book baby, born out of love.  When not writing or reading, she’s organizing her personal library collection by color and discovering delectable chocolate. She earned a journalism degree and a master’s in communications from Marquette University, and lives in Chicagoland with her husband, daughter, and two fur babies. Visit - https://anniecathryn.com/ Book purchase link: The Friendship Breakup 

Welcome Kacey Rayburn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Have you ever questioned why something happened or why you had certain experiences, only to realize in hindsight how all the dots were connected and leading you to where you are now? This powerful conversation with Kacey Rayburn demonstrates this and shows how beauty can come from unexpected places and inspire our writing, if we so choose to see it.  Kacey Rayburn grew up in the Appalachian Mountains. Born into a family of granny witches and gravediggers, she enjoys long walks in the cemetery. She has a sweet fang for chai tea, mermaids, and folk horror. Visit: https://www.kaceyrayburn.com Book: Sing Our Bones Eternal

Welcome Barbara Davis to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation with Barbara Davis is perfect if you're doubting whether or not you have what it takes to get your book into the world. She shares the importance of finding and having supportive relationships, setting healthy boundaries to thrive as an author, and trusting in yourself, including to takes steps of faith but also to be messy and willing to fall down.  After years in the jewelry business, Barbara finally surrendered to the muse, leaving the corporate world in order to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. She was born in New Jersey, has lived in Charleston, Raleigh, and Dover, New Hampshire, and has recently moved back to Florida to be close to her first love--Mickey Mouse. When she's not writing, Barbara is a voracious reader, foodie, and lover of music, a rabid football fan, and a devoted Florida Gator. She also enjoys traveling with the hubby Tom, who over the years has learned much more about publishing and the craft of writing than he ever wanted to know. Visit - https://barbaradavis-author.com Book purchase link: The Keeper of Happy Endings Link to all of Barbara's books

Welcome Dallas Woodburn to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Finding your voice as a writer is a process that develops and evolves as you move along this path of being an author, and this incredible conversation with Dallas Woodburn demonstrates how it's something that grows with each paragraph, chapter and book. As a multi-genre author, Dallas shares so much wisdom about finding and staying true to your voice, even when you're writing and promoting books that are in multiple genres.  Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning writer of fiction, nonfiction, and plays; an in-demand book coach; and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. She has helped dozens of women around the world write and publish the books inside their hearts to grow their businesses, grow their impact, and grow their legacies. Dallas’s debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was a #1 New Release on Amazon, a Featured Bestseller on Apple Books, and the Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. She is also the author of the YA novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life and the short story collections Woman, Running Late, in a Dress and How to Make Paper When the World is Ending. Her novel Before & After You & Me and nonfiction book 1,001 Ways to be Kind are both forthcoming in 2023. Dallas lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area in a comfortably messy house with overflowing bookshelves. Visit - www.DallasWoodburn.com Book purchase links: How to Make Paper When the World is Ending Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life The Best Week That Never Happened

Welcome Cynthia James to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This powerful conversation with Cynthia James is a perfect reminder that your work, your message, your voice, your book is needed and to keep showing up so that it does. Cynthia is shares ways to overcome imposter syndrome so that you don't deprive people of your wisdom. And even if you feel resistance coming up with "your wisdom" I invite you to pause, stay open, and listen to the wisdom from Cynthia to help you dig deeper and create a book you are excited to get into the world. Cynthia James is a transformational coach and inspirational leader, guiding people to make changes at a deep level for lasting healing. Cynthia excels as a speaker, coach, singer, and multiple award-winning author of What Will Set You Free and Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence and #1 Amazon Bestseller for I Choose Me: The Art of Being a Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work. Her newest book, Does My Voice Matter, released on September 27, 2022. Cynthia James embodies the quote “I am not what I have done. I am what I have become;” and, she leads others to do the same. Her own life was transformed as she transcended a violent and abusive childhood. Through education and personal healing, she created the foundation for all her programs. Her work in self-care strategies and emotional integration support leaders, women and organizations internationally. Visit - www.cynthiajames.net Book purchase link: Does My Voice Matter

Welcome Gloria Coppola to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. When your writing seems to be blocked or that inner critic says who you are to write this book, let this powerful conversation with Gloria Coppola help you to reconnect, find the joy, and even go deeper with your writing. Perfectionism can be a joy and dream killer, and when it comes up, it can cause you to question yourself and doubt your inner wisdom. So when you need a cheerleader in your corner or a reminder of what's possible for you, let Gloria's joy and wisdom comfort and encourage you to keep going and get your voice into the world. Gloria Coppola, visionary, best selling and award-winning author and educator, international professional life coach, specializes in helping others find their true purpose. She enjoys engaging others to live their soul-driven life and empowering them personally and professionally. Offering soul purpose consultations, which are life changing and publishing services that help writers reach their audience through conscious connections. When Gloria isn't writing or coaching you will find her traveling and offering annual writing retreats to unlock your imagination. Visit - www.ppp-publishing.com and www.gloriacoppola.com Book purchase link: Too Many Goodbyes

Welcome Sandra Young to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Creating the emotional tug within fiction is so important because as a writer, you want to immerse the reader into the story, and that's the theme of this conversation with Sandra Young. We touched on ways to include show vs tell, tips to develop setting, tips for character development as well as how to weave in other hobbies and passions into your writing.  Sandra L. Young’s passion for vintage fashion inspired her to write her debut novel, Divine Vintage, published this February with The Wild Rose Press. She’s researched and gathered a large, impressive vintage collection spanning the late 1800s to 1990s, wearing pieces onstage through years of performing in singing groups and community theater. Her website at SandraYoungAuthor.com features a few of her fun garments that are included in the book. Visit - SandraYoungAuthor.com  Book purchase link: Divine Vintage

Welcome Jen Craven to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Something that copywriting and book writing have in common is storytelling, and Jen Craven beautifully demonstrates how this can come together through emotional connection. This conversation is packed full of tips for character development, especially when handling multiple points of view, and structuring your story.  Jen Craven is the author of upmarket women's fiction, where one decision changes everything. The author of two historical fiction novels, Best Years of your Life is her debut contemporary work. She writes from northwestern Pennsylvania, where she lives with her family. Visit - www.jencraven.com Book purchase link - Best Years of your Life 

Welcome Uma Girish to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation with Uma Girish dives deep into letting your 3 am WHY be your portal to purpose. When you allow your writing, your creativity to shift into this perspective, you'll be able to deal with perfectionism and tend to overwhelming emotions that may come up as you set out to get your book into the world.  Uma Girish is a Spiritual Mentor, Human Design Guide, and Award-Winning Author. She mentors her clients to find and live a life of purpose through the lens of Human Design by addressing their emotional wounds caused by loss, generational trauma, or other forms of grief that have not been honored. Visit - https://umagirish.com Book purchase links: Understanding Death: 10 Ways to Inner Peace for the Grieving Losing Amma, Finding Home: A Memoir About Love, Loss and Life's Detours Lessons From Grace: What A Bay Taught Me About Living and Loving

Welcome Lindsay Ward to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Working through change was the overall theme of this fascinating conversation with Lindsay! From starting as an illustrator, then becoming a writer, Lindsay shares her process and transition as well as knowing when it's ok to change agents. And the most important part of all of these shifts, she is that she maintained her creative integrity.  Lindsay Ward is the author and illustrator of over two dozen picture books for kids. She is also the founder of Critter Lit, a free critique service for up-and-coming authors and illustrators. Lindsay lives in Peninsula, Ohio with her family. Visit her online at lindsaymward.com or follow her on twitter @lindsaymward. Visit - lindsaymward.com Book purchase links for all of Lindsay's books

Welcome J.H. Dahler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Getting that first draft out of your head and down on paper or screen can be especially challenging, so use this conversation with Jodie to help you get through the messy middle. Jodie shared how she worked with alpha and beta readers, came through how she structured her book and the world within it, and the lessons she is applying to help her write book two of the series in less time that the first book. As any author knows, as you move closer to getting the book published, another journey begins - marketing - and Jodie shared some tips for using Tiktok.   J. H. Dahler is the author of The Forest Girl, her debut fantasy novel. After eighteen years as a librarian, she waved goodbye to spend more time with family and focus on writing her epic fantasy series. Hiking and traveling are at the top of her to-do list, especially to ancient ruins and stunning landscapes, but she’s also dedicated to the cozy life: curling up with a good book and snuggling her two dogs. Jodie lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland, with her son and husband. Visit - www.jhdahler.com Book purchase link - The Forest Girl 

Welcome back Alexa Bigwarfe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This extra special episode is packed full of so much wisdom from the incredible Alexa Bigwarfe. Alexa's first fiction novel, 4 Days in Paris, releases December 6, under her pen name Lexi Haddock, and I couldn't wait to have her back on the show! In our previous chat, we talked about finding your target readers and the publishing space, this time we talked about her transition to becoming a published fiction author. If you are considering a pen name or working through your first fiction novel, then let episode be a resource to help you grow as a writer, both in the craft and in the business. Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. She is also the founder and host of the Women in Publishing Summit and owns two hybrid publishing houses, Kat Biggie Press and Purple Butterfly Press. Alexa is publishing her first fiction novel, 4 Days in Paris, under her pen name, Lexi Haddock. Visit - https://lexihaddock.com/ Book purchase link - 4 Days in Paris

Get a cup of your favorite drink and raise it to celebrate with host Jen Milius as this week is the 100th episode of The TufFish Show, which feature authors from different genres and businesses, but they all have one thing in common – they had a message or story they wanted to tell and courageously got out of their own way and made it happen. This show will inspire you to do the same because when you hear someone else’s story, you get the guidance and encouragement to keep going and get your book out in the world, too.  It has been such an incredible journey so far, so it felt like a solo episode would be the perfect way to celebrate this first of many big milestones! As much as Jen loves interviewing her guests, this solo episode was also fun to create because it was a different way to give back and share why she's so passionate about this community and this show. During this episode, you'll also hear a little behind the scenes, get tips for how to be a guest on a podcast, and get a pep talk to encourage you to keep going. Jen is a big believer that if you have a story or book that’s in your heart to write, then there’s someone else out there who needs to read it. And once that book is published, you have to keep going and put yourself out there to share it. SHOW LINKS Learn more about working with Jen  Get started with Shine as a Podcast Guest course

Welcome Joyana Peters to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation is jammed packed with so much goodness about self-publishing your book! Joyana leveraged "field trips" for research as well as her writing critique group to write her first book. She shared so many nuggets on how she incorporated the feedback and book research such that each round of writing and edits got stronger.  Choosing to self-publish her books, Joyana shared various tips on how she did this so that she produced and marketed high-quality books. Joyana Peters is the Indie author of the award winning novel, The Girl in the Triangle. The Girl in the Triangle won a number of awards in 2021- including the IBPA's Ben Franklin Award for best historical fiction and the Book Excellence Award for best multicultural fiction. Joyana is also building up a self-publishing coaching business to empower other authors with the joy and autonomy of the process. Visit - https://joyanapeters.com/ Book purchase links: https://books2read.com/TheGirlintheTriangle https://books2read.com/SaintPetersburg

Welcome Misty Black to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Misty had a goal for her business to write and publish 20 books while keeping each book intentional and created out of love. In doing so, she developed several different series, each with their own look and feel, that enabled her to have multi-book launches within a year. She also made sure her fictional stories had non-fiction discussion topics, so that her young readers could have their own experiences after each book. Misty Black is a children's book author, a mother of three, a decent cook, and a terrible singer who enjoys annoying her teenagers by singing at the top of her lungs. She is a 12-times bestselling, award-winning, author of 22 children's books and is working on 117 more, but who's counting? Misty is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and board game enthusiast. Her business experience and mad Monopoly skills have helped her sell over 90,000 copies in 3 years, and she enjoys teaching others about the craft. And as a special thank you to our listeners, Misty has created a special coupon code for you to get $20 off for the Get It Written Workshop! To take advantage of this generous offer, visit https://www.mistyblackauthor.com/get-it-written-about, then use 20DISCOUNT and you'll get the workshop for $37. Visit - mistyblackauthor.com Book purchase links: Bubble Head, It's Time for Bed! Grandmas Are for Love Clutz the Cat Can Do Hard things Get It Published Program - https://www.mistyblackauthor.com/get-it-published-about

Welcome Alyssa Dver to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. As you pursue your goal of being an author and running an author business, there will be times when you face one of the three Fs - fear of failure, fear of rejection, or fear of regret. Yet what's important is what you do next when you recognize it's happening, and this conversation with Alyssa is full of so much wisdom to not only understand what's happening, but how to move through it successfully.  Confidence Crusader, Neuro Nerd and Success Equalizer, Alyssa leads the American Confidence Institute, that has empowered over 350,000 people at organizations including the US Air Force, US Tennis Association, Spotify, Wayfair, Panera, Amazon, Dell, Staples, UPenn’s Innovation Center and dozens more. Supporting her mission to bring more confidence to the world, Alyssa is the Confidence Educator for IT Cosmetics, a global L’Oréal brand. She’s a 2-time TEDx speaker, hosts the podcast Real Confidence and contributes to Thrive Global and many other online media. Her 7th book, Confidence is a Choice: Real Science. Superhero Impact., was recognized by the International Book Awards and endorsed by experts at Harvard Medical School, Wharton’s Neuroscience Center, MIT’s Trust Center, Yale’s Office of Diversity, UC Berkeley Executive Education, and other top academic and business leaders. With a commitment to make workplace diversity, equity and inclusion a reality, Alyssa founded and chairs the ERG Leadership Alliance, the largest association training employee group leaders, executive sponsors and allies. In 2021, Alyssa received a Stevie award for Achievement in Thought Leadership. What fuels her confidence? Her unusually patient husband, 2 very tall sons, and their quirky, but really cute, rescue pooch. Visit - www.AmericanConfidenceInstitute.com Book purchase links: Alyssa Dver's books 

Welcome Sivan Hong to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. During this inspiring conversation, Sivan shares how she created a children's book series that focuses on inspirational social stories to help young children learn how to work through and overcome challenges. Sivan shared her process from concept through illustration and the loving and purposeful choices she made to ensure she made her books accessible to all types of learners. Sivan authors and illustrates the best-selling children’s book series The Super Fun Day Books, including Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween, George J. and the Miserable Monday, Emily D. and the Fearful First Day and Avery G. and the Scary End of School. Her inspiring books focus on neurodiverse children, who overcome their challenges with perseverance and bravery. Sivan also serves as a Trustee on the Boards of the Rita Allen Foundation, Multicultural Children’s Book Day and the ASPCA. When she’s not working, Sivan enjoys being a wife to her lovely husband and a mother to their two wonderful children. They have a dog and cat and live in Connecticut. Visit - sivanhong.com Book purchase links: Benny J. and the Horrible Halloween  George J. and the Miserable Monday  Emily D. and the Fearful First Day  Avery G. and the Scary End of School 

Welcome Tara Alemany to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What do you want to accomplish with your book? As an author? These are questions that Tara Alemany shared insights to during this powerful conversation. Tara offered three foundational keys to consider when writing your book as well as two exercises to help you become more intentional with your author business and reach (or get closer to) those big goals you have. Tara Alemany is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, business consultant and publisher, as well as a recovering serial entrepreneur and host of the Publish with Purpose virtual summit. Her boutique publishing company, Emerald Lake Books, which she co-owns with her best friend, Mark Gerber, specializes in working with positive people to create high-quality books designed to achieve the author’s goals. In her spare time, Tara serves as a facilitator for the Independent Book Publishers Association’s member roundtables. She is also a winemaker, a military Mom to 2 young adults (one of each), and is owned by a black cat. Visit - emeraldlakebooks.com | tararalemany.com | emeraldlakebooks.com/summit2022 Book purchase links: The Best is Yet to Come Publish with Purpose

Welcome A.M. McPherson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation with A.M. McPherson is full of goodness from structuring a book and a series to weaving in themes important to you and being willing to make changes that help you to own the story you want to create. One of the big themes in our conversation is about giving yourself permission to let you and have fun, and as an example, A.M. shares why she change her first book's cover, even though she loved the original design.  A.M. McPherson is a self-published author who needs more naps in her life. She graduated from Kent State University with her Associates of Arts degree where she studied many things, including writing. She enjoys a good cup of tea while she writes (though some dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either). Superheroes, Scooby-Doo, and Gilmore Girls are a few of her favorite things. She also loves to hike with her family, watch way too many YouTube videos, and be creative whenever possible. Visit www.ammcpherson.com Book purchase link: The Guardian's Daughter

Welcome Danica Davidson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. When you want to be known as an author, but not for any one specific genre, it can be difficult to break out of the first genre that was published, yet this conversation with Danica demonstrates it is possible by letting her creativity, curiosity and desire to reach young readers be the drivers. She also shared valuable tips for tackling difficult topics while making it age appropriate. Danica Davidson is the author of 18 books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her books range from serious nonfiction (I Will Protect You) to action/adventure science fiction (her two Minecrafter series) to manga how to draw books (including the world's first book on manga chalk art) and comics. In 2018, she was the main speaker at an education event in Brussels for members of the European Union, where she talked about how her books can empower kids. Visit - www.danicadavidson.com Book purchase link: I Will Protect You

Welcome Michael Webb to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. If you're wondering how to effectively organize your fantasy world so that there's consistency in a trilogy or how to position your book effectively, then let this conversation with Michael Webb be a resource. Michael started his writing journey with a chapter that he wanted to try for himself, which lead to a trilogy and over 40,000 copies sold. He shared so many valuable nuggets that can reach not only into fantasy but other genres too.  Michael Webb is a young-adult fantasy author who lives in Dallas, GA in the United States. He only recently took up writing and fell in love with it. The Shadow Knights Trilogy is his debut series, and it has already sold over 40,000 copies. He's looking forward to writing more soon. Visit - www.michaelwebbnovels.com Book purchase link - The Shadow Knights Trilogy

Welcome Jennie Nash to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. The business side of being an author can feel like a daunting undertaking, but when you're serious about being a published author, the details of remembering the publishing world is a business matter. Jennie's experience as a writer and time at Random House helped her to not just learn the business, but also coach and develop book coaches. This episode is full of goodness as you look at being in the author business, including how to know if you need a book coach and when. Jennie Nash is the author of 11 books in 3 genres, including Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book: Plan and Pitch Your Idea and Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out. She is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company that certifies book coaches so they can support writers as they do their best work. Visit her at authoraccelerator.com Visit Jennie at authoraccelerator.com if you’re interested in hiring a coach; at bookcoaches.com if you’re interested in becoming a coach; and at jennienash.com for all other inquiries. Book purchase links: Fiction Blueprint: Blueprint for a Book: Build Your Novel from the Inside Out Nonfiction Blueprint: Blueprint for a Nonfiction Book: Plan and Pitch Your Idea Book coaching book: Read Books All Day & Get Paid For It

Welcome Cassie Sanchez to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What started out as a mission to find her purpose and a challenge from her son to write a book, Cassie Sanchez proves that when you trust your nudges and bring your real self to your work, joy and growth follow. Cassie shares how working backwards enabled her to develop the fantasy world, even though it felt counterintuitive at the time. She also shares some wonderful tips on building your author presence, especially before the book is published. Growing up, Cassie Sanchez always wanted superpowers and to be a warrior princess fighting alongside unlikely heroes. Suffice it to say, she lost herself in books, from fantasy to sci-fi to a suspenseful romance. Currently, Cassie lives in the southwest with her husband, Louie, while pestering her two adult men-children. She can usually be found drinking too much coffee while working in her office with her dogs, Gunner and Bullet, warming her feet. When she isn’t writing about magic and sword fights, she enjoys golf, spending time with friends, or partaking in a satisfying nap. Visit - https://www.cassiesanchez.com Book purchase link: https://amzn.to/2Y9kIWr

Welcome Anastasia Zadeik to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Feedback can be a scary thing as you shift from writing for yourself to writing for an audience, so if the idea of putting yourself out there is uncomfortable no matter if it's your first time or hundredth, let Anastasia's guidance and wisdom help you reframe and shift your perspective. Anastasia shared different techniques, including the four words she uses that helped herself to stay open to feedback, even when the self-protective side or imposter syndrome wanted to intervene.  Anastasia Zadeik is an author, editor, and storyteller. Dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to the page, stage, and screen, she serves as Director of Operations for the San Diego Writers Festival and sits on the board of the literary non-profit So Say We All. She regularly performs in narrative non-fiction showcases, and her work has appeared in The San Diego Decameron Project, writeordietribe.com, and Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir. She lives in San Diego with her husband and their empty-nest rescue dog, Charlie. Her first novel, Blurred Fates, released on August 2, 2022. Visit - www.anastasiazadeik.com Book purchase link: Blurred Fates

Welcome Emma G. Rose to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This incredible conversation with Emma demonstrates the healing power of writing for the author and readers. Emma creatively combines young adult fantasy and world building techniques with her desire to write about difficult topics and weave in responsible mental health messages. By leveraging the space fiction creates, she is able to use characters and plot devices to help readers have conversations beyond the books.  Emma G. Rose is a Maine author, podcast host, and publisher. She intended to become an intrepid girl reporter like Nellie Bly. Then she spent a Christmas Eve standing on a riverbank waiting for rescue divers to pull a body from the water. That's when she stopped waiting and wandered off to explore the world instead. Somewhere out there she discovered indie publishing, which allowed her to publish a book a year since 2019. Now, she hosts the Indie Book Talk podcast, where she and co-host Shelley Shearer explore the expanding universe of indie books. Visit www.emmagauthor.com Book purchase links: Nothing's Ever Lost Near-Life Experience Assembling Ella

Welcome Sandee Sgarlata to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation with Sandee Sgarlata was powerful! I mean - I had goosebumps! Sandee demonstrated the importance and power being sharing your story. By opening up with others, she not only helped them, but herself too. And as you know, when you feel writer's block creeping in (or pulling up a seat and taking over), finding a way through that can be challenging. However, Sandee shared so much wisdom about how to move through as well as four key things to tell yourself, so you can keep moving forward. Sandee Sgarlata is a two-time award winning author, certified life coach since 2004, public speaker, retired U.S. national and international figure skating coach, gold medalist in ice dancing, and has spent the past 20 years helping people create lasting changes in their lives. Due to several tragedies that deeply affected her, along with hitting rock bottom with drug abuse in 1990, she has spent the last 30 years in her own quest to find and maintain a sense of peace and happiness, especially during times of stress and chaos. Sandee’s recent best-selling book, Happiness Solved: Climbing One Hundred Steps, is a self-improvement book, part memoir, and workbook. She is also the host of the Happiness Solved Podcast which is ranked #10 out of the top 80 happiness podcasts. Sandee’s coaching practice offers group coaching programs, online courses, and one-on-one coaching for elite athletes and corporate leadership. Visit - https://www.sandeesgarlata.com or https://www.happinesssolved.com Book purchase link: Happiness Solved: Climbing One Hundred Steps

Welcome Tracey Enerson Wood to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. During our conversation, Tracey shared how she steps through her process to uncover the story she wants to tell. Tracey shared so many nuggets on the power of world building and how it not only immerses the reader into the story through setting, but also strengthens character development.  Tracey Enerson Wood has always had a writing bug. While working as a Registered Nurse, starting her own Interior Design company, raising two children, and bouncing around the world as a military wife, she indulged in her passion as a playwright, screenwriter and novelist. She now focuses on historical fiction, telling the stories of amazing women whose stories have been lost to time, and honoring military heroes, with books that tell their stories and inspire others. Visit - https://traceyenersonwood/ Book purchase links: The War Nurse The Engineer’s Wife Life Hacks for Military Spouses Homefront Cooking: Recipes, Wit, and Wisdom from American Veterans and Their Loved Ones

Welcome Anne Marie Bennett to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Combining her love of writing, using her imagination and educational background, Anne Marie believes in the power of teaching and finding your purpose. When she felt the nudge to write and publish fiction, she followed it and built a beautiful community too. Anne Marie shared so much wisdom to incorporate into your writing and marketing efforts as an author. Anne Marie Bennett is the author of multiple works of fiction and nonfiction. Her previous novel, Dragonflies at Night, is the winner of the Pencraft Award for Literary Excellence and the Reader's Favorite Book Awards Honorable Mention. She lives in eastern Massachusetts with her big-hearted, silver-haired, number-oriented husband, one beloved adolescent feline, and a treasury of birds, squirrels and chipmunks who keep them all entertained. Frequent stays in coastal Maine continue to inspire her writing. Visit - https://annemariebennett.com Book purchase links for Anne Marie Bennett

Welcome Meg Nocero to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. One of the big themes I've heard as a podcast host and developmental editor is dealing with blocks. Whether it's a closed door or overcoming imposter syndrome to find and use your voice, so you can trust yourself to align to your purpose and write the story you want - or need - to tell. And this powerful conversation with Meg tackles this very theme. Meg shares how she leveraged her legal background as the transitions her career and life have taken to help her write, not one, not two, but three books, and one of which is her memoir. If you are feeling blocked along your writing/author journey, then be sure to listen to what Meg offers in this episode. Meg Nocero, is an attorney, TEDx inspirational speaker, a certified happiness coach, and award-winning author of three books: The Magical Guide to Bliss, Sparkle & Shine, and Butterfly Awakens: A Memoir of Transformation Through Grief. Meg appeared on stage in Miami with Oprah, on CNN Español, and BookCon live. She hosts a Youtube/podcast show called Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary People and an IG Live called Amazing Authors. Since she resigned from her career as a federal immigration prosecutor, she founded Butterflies & Bliss LLC and S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to young innovative leaders in her community. S.H.I.N.E. was just recognized as a winner in the Education, Arts & Culture, Networking, and Community Organization category of the Inaugural Anthem Awards—a national awards program that celebrates purpose and mission-driven work. Visit - www.megnocero.com Book purchase links: Butterfly Awakens  The Magical Guide to Bliss Sparkle & Shine

Welcome Lisa Stringfellow to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation with Lisa is packed with wisdom on receiving feedback and working through revisions as you bring your book idea to ready to go manuscript. Lisa also shared key tips for researching and pitching agents, so be sure to get your pen and paper ready as you listen. Lisa Stringfellow writes middle grade fiction and has a not-so-secret fondness for fantasy with a dark twist. Her debut fantasy A Comb of Wishes is published by HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books and was released on February 8, 2022. It was selected as an ABA Indie Introduce title for Winter/Spring 2022 and an Indie Next Kids' title for March/April 2022. Lisa received the inaugural Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Manuscript Award in 2019 for the novel manuscript. Her work often reflects her West Indian and Black southern heritage. Lisa is a middle school teacher and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her children and two bossy cats. Visit https://lisastringfellow.com Book purchase link: A Comb of Wishes

Welcome Merle Saferstein to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation is a powerful reminder to any writer that your work matters. Merle and I talked about leaving a legacy, sifting through material to determine what belongs in your book and what doesn't and why, and how sharing your shadow side can help your readers feel seen and less alone. Merle R. Saferstein is an educator, speaker, and author. She has been journaling for 48 years and has amassed a collection of 380 journals, the majority of which are the basis for her legacy journal Living and Leaving My Legacy, vol 1. After twenty-six years as a Holocaust educator where she worked with hundreds of Holocaust survivors helping them to leave their legacy, she retired and created Living and Leaving Your Legacy®. Through classes, workshops, and lectures, she has guided thousands of people in sacred legacy work, writing for wellness, and journaling. Her short story collection, Room 732, pays homage to the historic Hollywood Beach Hotel. Merle lives in Miami, Florida with her husband of fifty-five years and has two children and two grandchildren. Visit - www.merlersaferstein.com Book purchase link: Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vol 1

Welcome Eileen Cook to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Eileen and I had a powerful and in depth conversation all about the craft of writing. Leveraging her psychology background, we talked about why people, thus characters, do what they do and how you can get to really know your characters, so that your writing draws in your reader. Setting and plot are key, so we covered these tenets and how they blend together. Eileen Cook is a multi-published, award winning author with her novels appearing in nine languages. Her books have been optioned for film and TV. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. She’s an instructor/mentor with The Creative Academy and Simon Fraser University Writer’s Studio Program where she loves helping other writers find their unique story to tell. Visit - https://eileencook.com Book purchase links for all of Eileen's fiction and non-fiction titles

Welcome Sita Romero to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Sita and I had a wonderful conversation about how to finish writing your book. Getting started can be easy and so much fun when you're inspired and the ideas seem to flow, and when you're approaching the finish line, you see the light at the end of the tunnel and that helps carry you through. It's working through the murky middle that is the challenge, and Sita shared so much wisdom on how to work through the middle, finish your first draft, and how to refine and improve that draft into a manuscript. Sita Romero received her MFA in creative writing from Queens University of Charlotte. Her work has been published in print and online literary journals. Before writing full-time, Sita worked in women’s health for 15 years. She grew up in Florida and now lives in Virginia. Her debut upmarket contemporary fiction novel, Words We Cannot Say, released April 19, 2022. Visit - https://sitaromero.com/ Book purchase link: Words We Cannot Say

Welcome Laurie James to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Laurie will tell you that her book "found her" and in doing so, she trusted and followed her inner knowing, and found the "universal story" so her readers could see themselves. Laurie and I talked about ways to allow for self-care as well as the writing journey she went on to bring this book to life, including when to hold on and when to let go. Although not all books have a subtitle, Laurie's does and she shared how this came to be too.  Laurie James is a mother, caregiver, divorcée, turned author and transformative coach. Laurie’s book, Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is about her eight year journey when she is sent down an unwanted path after her mother has a heart attack and her husband’s lawyer delivers some shocking news. Sandwiched between caring for her parents, managing caregivers, raising four daughters, and trying to understand her husband’s choices, she is faced with reevaluating everything she thought she knew as she tries to keep her family together. Laurie is a free spirit, lover of nature, skiing and sailing. You can often find her walking by the beach or playing in mountains with her adopted husky, Lu. For more information on Laurie and her book, please visit www.laurieejames.com. Visit - www.laurieejames.com Book purchase link: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go 

Welcome Pat Black-Gould to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This is a deep and powerful conversation! Pat shares how she leveraged her theatre and psychology backgrounds as well as working with writing critique groups to ensure the setting, character development and dialogue all came together in this poignant and powerful story so that she could connect with both children and adults.  Pat Black-Gould is a clinical psychologist and an author. Her short stories have appeared in literary journals and anthologies. Her children's book, The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey, is scheduled for publication on June 14th, 2022. She and co-author, Steve Hardiman, are currently writing a coming-of-age story based in the Vietnam era. Visit - https://patblackgould.com/ Book purchase link: The Crystal Beads, Lalka's Journey

Welcome Sandi Schwartz to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This is the perfect conversation to listen to if you're writing non-fiction for both children and adults. Sandi's excitement for what happens after you get your manuscript written is contagious! We talked about writing for both target audiences, and to top it off, Sandi shared some wonderful publishing and marketing tips. Sandi Schwartz is the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project; author of the parenting book Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer; co-author of the children’s book Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness; and journalist specializing in parenting, environmental, and wellness topics. Her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Yahoo!, Good Housekeeping, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Scary Mommy, and more. She has two school-aged children with whom she enjoys sharing ecohappiness adventures. Visit https://ecohappinessproject.com Book purchase link: Finding Ecohappiness: Fun Nature Activities to Help Your Kids Feel Happier and Calmer

Welcome Christina Dankert to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Christina shared so many tips for bringing her children's picture book to life including how she made sure her book would relate to both adults, the customer, and children, the client. One of the steps for a published book is editing, and Christina shared why she chose to work with editor before she started pitching for publication.  Christina Dankert is a second-grade teacher and children's book author. She believes it is through children's literature and by reading to the children in our lives that we can change the world. Visit https://christinadankert.com Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/the-kindness-machine/9781955119092

Welcome Leslie Rasmussen to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Leveraging her sit-com screenwriting talents for witty dialogue, Leslie shares some fabulous nuggets on how to use dialogue to create relatable characters. From considering POV to using index cards, Leslie shared so much wisdom that you can incorporate into your writing. Leslie A. Rasmussen is the award-winning author of the novel, After Happily Ever After. She was born and raised in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA. She went on to write television comedies for Gerald McRaney, Burt Reynolds, Roseanne Barr, Norm McDonald, Drew Carey, as well as The Wild Thornberrys and Sweet Valley High. Recently, she’s written over twenty essays for Huffington Post, and has spoken on panels discussing empowering women in midlife. Leslie is a member of The Writers Guild of America, as well as Women In Film and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Visit https://www.lesliearasmussen.com Book purchase link: After Happily Ever After

Welcome Libby Fischer Hellman to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Libby and I had a fascinating conversation about writing in multiple genres and building suspense in each. Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, you can leverage suspense to create a satisfying experience for your reader, and this episode will help get those juices flowing. Libby Fischer Hellmann left a career in broadcast news in Washington, DC and moved to Chicago a long time ago, where she, naturally, began to write gritty crime fiction. She soon began writing historical fiction as well. Sixteen novels and twenty-five short stories later, she claims they’ll take her out of the Windy City feet first. She has been nominated for many awards in the mystery and crime writing community and has even won a few. She has been a finalist twice for the Anthony and four times for Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year. She has also been nominated for the Agatha, the Shamus, the Daphne, and she won the The Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year in 2021. In the past she has won the IPPY, Foreword Magazine’s Indie Awards, and the Readers Choice Award multiple times. Libby also hosts Second Sunday Books, a monthly podcast where she interviews bestselling and emerging authors.  Visit http://libbyhellmann.com Book purchase links: https://www.amazon.com/Libby-Fischer-Hellmann/e/B001HMMDZU

Welcome Maggie Smith to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Resilience and reinvention are key themes that Maggie shared during our conversation. She explained the importance of having a strong concept for your book, especially as you develop your characters, go through the editing process, and choose the best publishing path for you and your book. In a career that’s included work as a journalist, a psychologist, and the founder of a national art consulting company, Maggie Smith now adds novelist to her resume with the publication of her debut, Truth and Other Lies. In addition to her writing, Maggie hosts the weekly podcast Hear Us Roar, where she interviews debut authors about their novel and their path to publication and blogs monthly for Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. A board member of the Chicago Writer’s Association, she’s Managing Editor of their Write City Magazine, and coordinator of Book Nook, which highlights Chicago-area independent bookstores. Visit https://maggiesmithwriter.com Book purchase link: Truth and Other Lies

Welcome Karen A. Chase to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Karen's path leveraged her photography, marketing and writing background such that she published her own books in different genres as well as helped other authors build and establish their businesses. She shared so many nuggets to help authors embrace their role as a business owner and leader. What a fabulous conversation about being in the author business! Karen A. Chase is an independent author and a Daughter of the American Revolution with the Commonwealth Chapter in Virginia. Her first novel, Carrying Independence, book one of the 3-part Founding-Documents Series, is historical fiction about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It was a nominee for the 2020 Library of Virginia Literary Awards, and was awarded #12 of the 100 Best Indie Books of 2019. Her first book, Bonjour 40: A Paris Travel Log, garnered seven independent publishing awards, and in 2021 she released a new short food-themed story (with recipes), Mary Angela’s Kitchen. Originally from Canada, Karen is now chasing histories from Richmond, VA. Visit http://KarenAChase.com Book purchase link: All Book Buying Links: http://karenachase.com/books or signed copies: https://karenachase.square.site/

Welcome Lorraine Hawley to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Lorraine Hawley writes stories about tweens, teens, and fantastical worlds. While she has attempted to write non-magical stories, her characters refuse to stay reality grounded, leaping off the pages to fly. So she gave up trying to be what she is not. Lorraine is a fantasy writer who hopes to share magic with the world. Lorraine and I talked about how to find your writing community, including a writing critique partner. We also talked in depth about character development and point of view, especially for characters with sensory sensitivities. Visit https://lorrainehawley.com/ Book purchase link - Curious World of Dandy-Lion

Welcome Sonja F. Blanco to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Sonja and I had a fun conversation that touched on several facets of writing, including structuring your book, point of view, character development, especially villains or antagonists. We talked about how to clear "monkey brain" so that the story can come through you and turn the image in your mind into words on the page. Sonja F. Blanco grew up in New England where she ran barefoot through the woods, chased lightning bugs, and tapped maple trees for syrup. Having an ancestor who was hung as a witch, Sonja is naturally drawn to all things magical and fantastical—trees and cemeteries in particular. Witty comics easily amuse her, as do heavily jowled Hell Hounds that talk in their sleep. She writes fantasy as if it were real, because believing makes it so. Visit https://sonjafblanco.com Book purchase link: Witch of Ware Woods Witch of Ware Woods - Flood & Fire: This prequel novella is exclusive to Sonja's tribe; sign up for the download and newsletter at: https://sonjafblanco.com/f2

Welcome Emily Myers to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. When your book really feels like a combination of two different genres, what do you do? Emily's answer is to blend them by letting the story become what it's meant to be. This conversation is packed with how she navigated romance and thriller with her first two books, including character development and setting. We also switched gears a bit and Emily shared some great insights for authors building their brands in social media. Emily is the author of two romantic thrillers, The Truth About Unspeakable Things and Bound by the Unspeakable, the second of which will launch this summer. Emily is a story teller at heart and is excited to branch into other niches of the romance and mystery and thriller genres after the launch of her second book. In addition to writing, Emily loves dreaming up fun marketing campaigns for her books and encouraging other aspiring authors to follow their dream and publish their first book. Visit www.emilyamyers.com Book purchase links:  The Truth About Unspeakable Things and Bound by the Unspeakable 

Welcome Natasha Carlow to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This is a powerful conversation you won't want to miss! Natasha opens up and shares how leaning into your why and your vulnerability create powerful stories for children and adults alike. Her mission to share a message of kindness is a theme that shines in her books. Natasha shares in detail how she went about the research for her most recent picture book in order to reach and touch the hearts of a community so dear to her heart. Natasha Carlow is an Itinerant Counsellor and author residing in the sunny twin Island state of Trinidad and Tobago. She is the mother of two rainbow babies and writes about grief and loss and parenting after loss. She is a contributing writer at Pregnancy After Loss Support and has been featured in Her View From Home Magazine. She is the author of Happy Tears and Rainbow Babies and Mike Nero and The Superhero School. Visit www.Natashacarlow.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Natasha-Melissa-Carlow/e/B07R2FG8HP%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Welcome Deborah Shepherd to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Deborah and I talked about her journey to bring her first book to life. After writing the first draft, she put it away for 30 years before revisiting and reworking it until she resubmitted it for publication. Deb demonstrates how finding the right communities to nurture your craft and drawing from your own experiences enables your storytelling to touch hearts and readers.  Deborah K. Shepherd came to writing later in life, after retiring from her position as director of a domestic violence resource center. She holds a BFA in drama from the University of Arizona, and an MSW from the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. She is the mother of two adult children, the grandmother of two, and lives with one husband and two rescue dogs on the coast of Maine, where she spends her non-writing time in the garden or with a stack of books. Visit https://deborahshepherdwrites.com Book purchase link: So Happy Together 

Welcome Densie Webb to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Densie's approach to "go against the grain" and served her well and such, she shared tips and ideas to help writers come through their path to write their book as "there is no right way." We talked through the editing process, including when you might want to switch points of view (POV) to strengthen your story. Densie Webb (not Denise) has spent a long career as a freelance nonfiction writer and editor, specializing in health and nutrition, and has published several books on the topic. She grew up in Louisiana, spent 13 years in New York City, and settled in Austin, TX. She is an avid walker (not of the dead variety, though she adores zombies, vampires and apocalyptic stories), drinks too much coffee, and has a small “devil dog” that keeps her on her toes. Visit http://www.densiewebb.com Book purchase link: When Robins Appear

Welcome Julie Valerie to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Julie shared nugget after nugget including how to work through the structure of your book, the difference between the book theme and its message, story having energy as well as how to get to the end of the first draft.  So much goodness, you won't want to miss it! Julie Valerie married her college sweetheart, and they live in Virginia with their four children and two English Labradors. She is the bestselling author of Holly Banks Full of Angst and The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks, Books 1 & 2 in the Village of Primm series, both with Lake Union Publishing. Learn more about Julie and subscribe to her newsletter at julievalerie.com. Visit julievalerie.com Book purchase links -  Holly Banks Full of Angst and The Peculiar Fate of Holly Banks Available in paperback, ebook, and audio (Audible, MP3 + CD) wherever books are sold. Also available in libraries. 

Welcome Michelle Mazur to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This powerful conversation with Dr. Michelle demonstrated the importance of positioning and messaging your book, whether it's fiction or non-fiction, especially since "publishing is the start of a marathon." We also talked about when it's time to create a new edition for your previously published book and how to determine when something should be included in a book versus a different format, like a podcast or blog. Michelle Mazur is a messaging expert who works with brilliant business owners who are shaking things up but having trouble talking about it. She combines the tools of successful social movements with the qualitative research skills she earned in her Communications Ph.D. to help them craft their powerful, captivating message. Visit www.drmichellemazur.com Book purchase link: 3 Word Rebellion 

Welcome Jenn Bouchard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. By seeking spaces where she could listen to published authors share their stories and tips, Jenn leveraged what she learned to help create write, publish and promote her first novel that includes a love of food and coastal Maine. Jenn shared some creative ways for cultivating her brand's awareness, which is so important as an author and running a business. Jenn Bouchard's debut novel First Course was published in 2021 by TouchPoint Press. Her short stories have appeared in the Bookends Review, Litbreak Magazine, the Penmen Review, and the Little Patuxent Review. A high school social studies teacher of 22 years, she lives in the Boston suburbs with her husband and two children. Visit www.jennbouchard.com Book purchase links: Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/books/first-course/9781952816499 Amazon (US): https://amzn.to/3CP19BO Book Depository (worldwide): https://tidd.ly/3kt1Iu3

Welcome Stacey Aaronson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This episode is full of so much wisdom as Stacey shares what happens when she followed her inner knowing on a soul level to write her memoir. During our conversation, Stacey shared the importance of relevance and structure, especially as it relates to memoir. We also talked about beta readers and some tips for how to vet, so it's a good fit for all of you. As a lifelong grammar nerd and lover of books, Stacey Aaronson has been in her element for the last ten years: building books for her author clients as a ghostwriter, editor, cover designer, layout artist, and publishing partner within her business The Book Doctor Is In. She finally fulfilled her own dream of becoming a published author when her memoir, Raising, and Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother, was released in June 2021. Stacey lives a quiet, creative life on an island in Washington state with her partner of 22 years, their Maine Coon kitty, and a delightful plethora of deer, birds, and squirrels.  Visit www.staceyaaronson.com Book purchase link: Signed books (my website): www.staceyaaronson.com Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Losing-Remarkable-Teenage-Mother/dp/1736460501 IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781736460511

Welcome Meredith Stoddard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Meredith shared so much goodness about things to think about when writing a series as well as techniques she uses to ensure each book aligns to its theme while strengthening the series. She also shared some tips for balancing her time and energy between writing and promoting her series.  Meredith R. Stoddard writes folklore-inspired fiction from her writing shed in Virginia. She studied literature and folklore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. before working as a corporate trainer and instructional designer. Her love of storytelling is inspired by years spent listening to stories at her grandmother's kitchen table. She also advocates for the preservation of traditional fiber arts and the Scottish Gaelic language. Visit http://www.meredithstoddard.com/ Book purchase links: The River Maiden Cauldron Thrice To Thine Nothing Good Gets Away

Welcome Ellen Goodwin to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Permission to be brave and how energy patterns impact our work as writers were key nuggets from this wonderful interview with Ellen. She shared her insights for the cause of procrastination as well as different methods to overcome it when we face it. As writers, sometimes one of the hardest things to do is turn a blank page with a blinking cursor into a draft, and the wisdom Ellen shares in this episode are gold to get unstuck and writing again. Ellen Goodwin is a productivity consultant, TEDx speaker, and author who uses neuroscience-based principles to enable individuals and businesses to overcome all types of procrastination, be more focused and manage their energy instead of their time to be more efficient effective with their lives. Ellen believes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to productivity, which is why she advocates for experimentation to find the tools and techniques that will work seamlessly with your life and your business, no matter what you want to accomplish. She is the author of DONE: How To Work When No One Is Watching and the co-host of The Faster, Easier, Better Show podcast. Visit https://ellengoodwin.com Book purchase link: DONE: How To Work When No One Is Watching

Welcome Mary Helen Sheriff to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Mary's experience showed how embracing change is so vital as an author. With her debut novel, she changed genres, POVs and character leads, yet each change made her writing, thus her book, stronger. She shared how she navigated these changes as well as the community she's created that's all about books and travel. Mary Helen Sheriff is the author of the award-winning southern women’s fiction, Boop and Eve’s Road Trip. She serves as the CEO of Bookish Road Trip and a blogger at “...the gift of story.” After 14 years teaching elementary school, middle school, college, and professionals, Mary has taken a break from the classroom to focus on writing. She has an MFA from Hollins University, an MA from Old Dominion University, and a BA from UVA. She lives in Henrico County, Virginia with her two children, two cats, and one husband. Visit maryhelensheriff.com Book purchase links: Print book: https://bookshop.org/a/22556/9781631527630 (or any online book retailer) ebook: https://books2read.com/boopandeve

Welcome Linda Rosen to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. From leveraging a writer's workshop, to working with a book coach, to forging new networks, Linda demonstrates over and over again the power of connection, community and relationships as a writer. The insights she shared showed how creativity in all its forms help you go from concept to a manuscript ready for publishing. Linda Rosen's books are set in the "not-to-distant past" and examine how women reinvent themselves despite obstacles thrown their way. A central theme is that blood is not all that makes a family - and they always feature a piece of jewelry! Her debut novel, The Disharmony of Silence, released one week before Covid shut the world down and her sophomore novel, Sisters of the Vine, published one year later. Linda is a snowbird living half the year in New Jersey, with her husband, and when she has to swap sandals for shoes and socks, they head to Florida. Visit www.linda-rosen.com Book purchase links: The Disharmony of Silence and Sisters of the Vine

Welcome C. D'Angelo to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Following your voice and focusing on the next step versus the whole staircase was the theme of this conversation with the amazing C D'Angelo. She shared nuggets for bringing a book to life by working with a community, whether it's an editor or two or a supportive group of fellow authors, as well as the importance of having a brand as an author. C. D’Angelo is an Italian American author living in Winter Garden, Florida with her husband. She has been a psychotherapist for twenty years and began writing in 2013 to add to her many hobbies (playing ukulele, drawing, painting, crocheting, cross stitching, sewing, and any other craft available to try!). Soon writing became more than a hobby and now her passions and life experiences have made their way into her relatable stories of the Italian culture in women's fiction. The Difference is her debut novel, and more stories are on the way. Visit www.cdangeloauthor.com Book purchase link: The Difference

Welcome Michelle Cox to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. A few of the nuggets Michelle shared during our chat included: tips for historical fiction research and balancing information overload, the audiobook process she followed as well as things to think about when deciding a publishing path. Michelle Cox is the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series as well as “Novel Notes of Local Lore,” a weekly blog dedicated to Chicago’s forgotten residents. Her books have won over 50 international awards and have been praised by Kirkus, Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Foreword, Elle, Redbook, Brit&Co., POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, and many others. Unbeknownst to most, Michelle hoards board games she doesn’t have time to play and is, not surprisingly, addicted to period dramas and big band music. Also marmalade. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, and one naughty Goldendoodle and is hard at work on her latest novel. Visit https://michellecoxauthor.com/ Book purchase links: A Girl Like You A Ring of Truth A Promise Given A Veil Removed A Child Lost

Welcome Ryan Dalton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Ryan and I talked in depth about the querying process and success tips for working with beta readers. He also shared how music plays a part in his writing process.  Ryan Dalton spends his time thinking up stories when he's not wearing a cape and fighting crime. He's a singer, a voiceover artist, a pretty decent amateur chef, and a lover of all things geek. Ryan lives in an invisible spaceship that's currently hovering St. Louis, Missouri. Visit https://www.ryandaltonwrites.com Book purchase link: The Last Adventure

Welcome Saralyn Richard to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. "Stories are magnets" is one of the many wisdom nuggets Saralyn shared. Leveraging empathy, life experiences and observation, Saralyn explains how every book is a mystery or puzzle, no matter the genre during our conversation. She also talked about her latest book (and first thriller) launching early 2022. Award-winning and best-selling author, Saralyn Richard was born with a pen in her hand and ink in her veins. A former educator, she loves connecting with readers. Her humor- and romance-tinged mysteries and children's book pull back the curtain on people in settings as diverse as elite country manor houses and disadvantaged urban high schools. A member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America, Saralyn teaches creative writing and literature at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and continues to write mysteries. Her favorite thing about being an author is interacting with readers like you. Visit http://saralynrichard.com Book purchase links: A Murder of Principal Bad Blood Sisters

Welcome Judith Keim to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Judith's tips for writing book series and handling multi-book launches were some of the fantastic nuggets she shared during our conversation. We also talked about things to consider when participating in a book anthology. So much goodness shared! Judith Keim is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love. She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Winston and Wally, and other members of her family. Visit https://judithkeim.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FTHWKYK/

Welcome Melissa Face to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Melissa and I talked about when it's ok to call yourself a writer, putting yourself out there, and the importance of a positive supportive community. Whether it's a writing critique group or one you cultivate between family and friends, that encouragement along with self-care are so important to taking care of yourself, and as a result, your writing. She also shared a book that she's read three times because it's been that instrumental in her writing journey. Melissa Face is the author of I Love You More Than Coffee, an essay collection for parents who love coffee a lot and their kids...a little more. Her essays and articles have appeared in Richmond Family Magazine, Tidewater Family Magazine, Scary Mommy, and twenty-five volumes of Chicken Soup for the Soul. She lives in Prince George and teaches world literature at the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology. Read more at melissaface.com. Visit https://melissaface.com/ Book purchase link: I Love You More Than Coffee

Welcome Alexa Bigwarfe to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What a fabulous conversation with Alexa! What started with the desire to move through grief from the loss of her daughter to following her ability to solve puzzles, Alexa has published several books, started her own publishing company, and is the host for a successful virtual multi-day publishing event and all with the goal to serve others. During our chat, Alexa shared invaluable tips for thinking through publishing routes, target audience/readers, and the power of relationships.  Alexa Bigwarfe is a USA Today best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Write|Publish|Sell, a company dedicated to helping authors professionally self-publish and market their books. Her courses and training focus on author platform growth and creative ways to market books, especially for those who know nothing about marketing. She is also the founder and host of the Women in Publishing Summit and owns two hybrid publishing houses, Kat Biggie Press and Purple Butterfly Press. Visit http://writepublishsell.com/ Book purchase link: Alexa's books

Welcome Susan Wilking Horan to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Susan shared how having different writing goals helped her create the various books she's authored, including serving those who have been diagnosed with cancer or who love someone who has. We also talked about how to move through writer's block through simple changes and leveraging neuroplasticity. Such a powerful conversation!  Susan Wilking Horan is a survivor of 3 different cancers, wellness advocate, lawyer, and speaker. She also has authored seven books and contributed to the ever-popular Chicken Soup for the Soul. She has also had the pleasure of working alongside her husband for many years at the family business, classic cartoon powerhouse Fleischer Studios. Find Susan at http://www.susanwilkinghoran.com Visit http://www.susanwilkinghoran.com Book purchase link: Betty Boop's Guide to a Bold and Balanced Life: Fun, Fierce, and Fabulous Advice Inspired by the Animated Icon

Welcome Diane Barnes to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Diane and I share a background in journalism, and it was so cool to see how she leveraged hers throughout her path as an author. Diane shared so many nuggets as she talked about her writing process as well as the querying process.  Diane Barnes is the author of More Than, Waiting for Ethan, and Mixed Signals. She is also a marketing and corporate communication writer in the health care industry. When she’s not writing, she’s at the gym, running or playing tennis, trying to burn off the ridiculous amounts of chocolate and ice cream she eats. She and her husband Steven live in Massachusetts and dream of moving to Turks and Caicos – at least for the winter months. Visit https://www.dianembarnes.com Book purchase links: MORE THAN Waiting for Ethan Mixed Signals

Welcome Barbara Conrey to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Barbara and I talked about how when you're an author, you're also running a business. This mindset shift is so important because it requires something different from you and requires you to put yourself out there. Barbara shares wisdom for how to go about this shift and frames it as though it's a marathon, not a sprint. She also shares how she took challenging emotions of anger and grief and channeled them into her first book that centers around a young child with glioblastoma. Barbara Conrey is the USA Today Bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye. Barbara worked in the health care industry for many years before opting for early retirement, which lasted all of three months. She then accepted a position in finance, for which she had absolutely no background. Four years later, she decided to write a book. But not about finance. Travel is a passion, along with reading, writing, hiking, and exploring antique shops. Barbara’s greatest passion is Miss Molly, her rescue beagle. There are stories to be told about beagles, and Barbara incorporates some of those stories into her books. Barbara lives in Central Pennsylvania, close to family and friends, and of course. Miss Molly. Visit https://www.barbaraconreyauthor.com Book purchase link: Nowhere Near Goodbye 

Welcome Lainey Cameron to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Lainey shared one wisdom bomb after another as we talked about imposter syndrome, second book syndrome, and the importance of staying open to all paths for publishing.  Lainey Cameron is a digital nomad and author of women’s fiction. A recovering tech industry executive, her 11-time award-winning novel, The Exit Strategy, was inspired by a decade of being the only woman in the corporate boardroom. It’s been called a “rallying call for women to believe in themselves and join together” and tells the story of a Silicon Valley investor who first meets her husband’s mistress across the negotiating table. A digital nomad—meaning she picks locations around the world to live (and write) for months at a time—Lainey is an avid instagrammer. She’s the founder and host of The Best of Women’s Fiction podcast, proud member and volunteer with Women’s Fiction Writers Association, believes community makes the author's life worthwhile, and is on a mission to obliterate the term aspiring writer. Originally from Scotland, Lainey has a soft spot for kilts and good malt whisky. Visit https://www.laineycameron.com Book purchase link: The Exit Strategy

Welcome Jodi Meltzer to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Jodi's ability to blend writing pieces that connect with adults as well as books that connect with children is a true gift. During our conversation we talked about this, divine breadcrumbs, honoring your authentic self, some of the key elements to writing for children and so much more.  Jodi Meltzer is a multi-award-winning children’s book author who has also written extensively about grief, divorce, and parenting for various publications, including HuffPost, The Mighty, Scary Mommy, and Thrive Global. Before motherhood, she was an accomplished anchor/ reporter who covered everyone from Hillary Clinton to The Goo Goo Dolls. She transitioned to mommy blogger in 2010―the year her baby boy swallowed her whole. She escapes his grips with sarcasm, bold coffee, and ’80s music/movie binges with her rescue dog curled up on her lap. A Boston native, she recently relocated to Tampa in search of more sunshine, literally and figuratively. To learn more about Jodi and her books, Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are and When You Lived in My Belly, visit jodimeltzer.com. Visit www.jodimeltzer.com Book purchase link: Goodnight Star, Whoever You Are

Welcome Antoinette Truglio Martin to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. During our conversation, Antoinette shared so many nuggets such as writing a book you want to keep talking about after it's published, leveraging your listening skills to help your writing, and tips for world building. Antoinette Truglio Martin is a speech therapist and special education teacher by training but really wants to be a writer when she grows up. She has been collecting and writing stories forever. Over the years, Antoinette had been a regular columnist in local periodicals and had several essays featured in newsletters and literary reviews. Antoinette's popular children’s picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup was published in 1993 (Albert Whitman Co.). Antoinette’s memoir, Hug Everyone You Know: A Year of Community, Courage, and Cancer (She Writes Press 2017), chronicles her first year battling breast cancer as a wimpy patient. Becoming America’s Stories (Red Penguin Books) a middle-grade historical fiction series, debut in 2020. The award-winning first book, The Heart of Bakers and Artists, takes place in 1911 and follows nine-year-old Lily Taglia, an American-born child of Sicilian immigrants, coming of age in a crowded New York City three-room Lower East Side tenement. The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers picks up where The Heart of Bakers and Artists leaves off. Lily, her family and friends reach for their dreams as new Americans. Read Becoming America’s Food Stories where there are always good stories around good food. Antoinette proudly holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Literature from Stony Brook/Southampton University (2016). Be sure to stop by her website and blog, Stories Served Around The Table at https://antoinettetrugliomartin.com/ to read about past and present family adventures, book happenings, and life musings. Visit www.storiesserved.com Book purchase links: The Heart of Bakers and Artists  The Dreams of Singers and Sluggers  Becoming America's Food Stories  Hug Everyone You Know 

Welcome Heidi Torres to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Heidi and I had a great conversation where she talked about having a message to share and leveraging your team. She also talked about incorporating personal stories into her book and how to discern which ones to include or not. Heidi Torres built connections at an early age when she studied at twelve schools and lived in three countries. She pursued a fifteen-year career in sales and progressively led and developed sales teams that spanned three states. After a promotion to Human Resources Supervisor, she began overseeing the HR needs of over 200 employees. Torres then earned a BBA in HR Management from Texas Woman’s University, became a SHRM-Certified Professional, and landed positions as an HR Generalist and a Talent Acquisition Manager through networking. She serves on the DallasHR Board, attends the MBA program at West Texas A&M University, and is the author of The CEOs of Networking. When not working, Torres volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and enjoys spending time with her husband, rescue cats, and ducks.  Visit http://www.hrheidi.com Book purchase link: The CEOs of Networking

Welcome Mallory Howell to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Mallory and I talked about bringing a vision - a book - to life and how family inspired both of her children's books.  Mallory Howell is a wife, mother, stepmother, author, and former teacher. She was born and raised in East Tennessee and still resides there with her family. She stepped away from the classroom after the birth of her second son in November 2018 and now stays home with her two boys. She enjoys family camping trips, gardening, reading, cooking, and writing. Mallory published her first children's book, Soda Pop Drop, in 2018 and her newest book, The Little Ninja That Could: Conquer Kindergarten, in August 2020. Visit: http://www.authormalloryhowell.com Book purchase links: The Little Ninja That Could Conquer Kindergarten Soda Pop Drop

Welcome Mary Ann Tippett to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Mary Ann shared so many nuggets during this powerful conversation about overcoming "Who am I" as so many authors face when following their hearts as they write their first, next or current book. We also talked about the power of focus and to use it to help you go from a blank page to a first draft. Mary Ann Tippett writes uplifting fiction from her home in Ottawa. She has a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Indiana University. After writing and publishing novels she wrote in 3 days, such as Clara & Pig, Finding Clara, and Pairs With Pinot, she published her first non-fiction guide on writing, How To Write A Novel In 3 Days: The Zone Method. Visit https://maryanntippett.ca/ Book purchase links: Write A Novel In 3 Days: The Zone Method Finding Clara The Shape of Us Pairs With Pinot Clara & Pig

Welcome Julie Reisler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This conversation was powerful! We talked about the importance of following that inner nudge, even when doubt creeps in and you question if you're the right person to write this book, and so much more.  Julie is a Master Transformation Coach, Author, multi-time TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, and Georgetown University Faculty. On her podcast, The You-est You, she has featured esteemed guests such as New York Times bestselling author, Marci Shimoff; the President and CEO of HeartMath Inc., Dr. Debbie Rozman; and world-renowned mediation teacher psychologist, Tara Brach. Julie has been featured in Forbes, MindBodyGreen, The Chopra Center, and Thrive Global. She is the author of the Get a PhD in YOU book series and is the creator of many courses and meditations on the popular mindfulness app, Insight Timer. At Georgetown University, she serves as faculty in the Health & Wellness Coaching program. Through her practice, she offers private 1:1 coaching, group coaching, online courses, and a membership group, Sacredology®. To learn more about Julie and her offerings, you can check out her website  https://www.juliereisler.com Book purchase: Get a PhD in YOU: A Course in Miraculous Self-Discovery Free e-book version: https://www.juliereisler.com/freebook

Welcome Namaine Coombs to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.  Namaine unleashes so many nuggets in our conversation, including how working through attachments of approval and achievement was necessary to unleash his success and how a solo international trip sparked the journey to write his first book.  Namaine Coombs is a certified professional life coach and an established financial professional that inspires people to unleash success in their personal and professional lives. He evokes awareness and helps us address subconscious limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors through his writings, speaking engagements, social media presence, and personal coaching. He is the author of Unleash Intentional Success: Change Your Mindset. Change Your Actions. Change Your Life.  Visit https://www.namainecoombs.com  Book purchase link: Unleash Intentional Success: Change Your Mindset. Change Your Actions. Change Your Life. 

Welcome Debbie Monteggia to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more Debbie Monteggia is passionate about expressing her true voice through poetry. She hopes that by reading her poetry, others will be encouraged to find and listen to their own true voice. Throughout her journey in life Debbie has recognized the depth, diversity and power of emotions. She understands how important it is to honor all emotions and not to suppress or ignore the more challenging or fearful ones. These emotions are the ones that will transition readers into their joy once they move through them. All of our experiences are necessary to get through our life lessons. This is how Tears of Change was born. Her opening poem ‘Honor your Tears’ takes readers through the beauty of this conversion. Her poetry started from her tears of sadness and despair and moved her through writing about her tears of joy, grace and gratitude, and most of all, finding God’s love. Debbie Monteggia lives in Mesa, AZ with her husband and two dogs. She works in the design industry as an interior designer. She enjoys bicycling, walking and playing pickleball. Debbie is very dedicated to giving back and will allocate a percentage of her book sales to a basic needs charity. Debbie also sells individual poems from the book that can be overlaid over a favorite framed picture of a friend or family member. You can view and purchase these poems, and discover more about Debbie, at TearsofChangePoetry.com. Visit www.TearsofChangePoetry.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Tears-Change-Reflections-Quotes-Meaningful/dp/1098011767

Welcome Hillary Lee to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more.  Hillary and I had a lovely conversation about how her debut picture book started as a poem that was created out of love for her children. Hillary shared so many nuggets about the illustration process, and we also talked about author brand awareness and running an author business. Hillary Lee is a newly published children’s book author with her debut book, Oh, The Way I Love You, released in 2020. In addition to writing, Hillary truly enjoys her career in orthopedic surgery as a physician assistant. She is also the owner of a small business, Baby Books & Mama Looks, which allows buyers to purchase a children’s book paired with apparel for mamas and littles. She is married with two young children and feels so blessed to be inspired by her family daily.  Visit www.babybooksandmamalooks.com  Book purchase links: Oh, The Way I Love You For personalized inscription copies: www.babybooksandmamalooks.com  

Welcome Steven Joseph to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Get ready to laugh throughout this conversation all around writing to become an expert, and Steven wrote about crankiness! Steven demonstrates different ways to connect with his readers, whether it's grown-ups or children, so each audience can enjoy the stories and message in relatable and fun ways. Steven Joseph is an attorney, professional negotiator, humorist, and marathon runner. He is the author of The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrsnkaTsuris, A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The CrankaTsuris Method, and Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles, and Lots and Lots of Noodles!! Visit https://www.StevenJosephAuthor.com Book purchase links For Kids - The Last Surviving Dinosaur: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Surviving-Dinosaur-TyrantoCrankaTsuris/dp/1643071572 Grownup Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Grownup-Guide-Effective-Crankiness-Crankatsuris/dp/1480893811/ref=nodl_

Welcome Diane Grimard Wilson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Diane's courage to share her experience with a brain injury demonstrates the underlying the driver for why she writes. We talked in depth about her writing and editing process to bring forth her memoir. Diane Grimard Wilson is a Chicago peak performance coach, licensed clinical professional counselor and has board certification as a fellow in neurofeedback. Her clients include physicians, leaders, executives and creatives. Diane is host of the Genius: Sciencing Our Human Potential podcast where she interviews leaders and other personalities for their human stories on resilience, change, and coping with the global pandemic. She recently released her second book, Brain Dance: My Journey with Invisible Illness, Second Chances, and the Wonders of Applied Neuroscience, which hit best-selling status in the first week. Visit: www.GrimardWilson.com  www.GeniusPodcast.Us  www.BrainDanceBook.com Book purchase links:  https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Dance-Journey-Invisible-Neuroscience-ebook/dp/B093CKZ8N8/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=brain+dance+diane+wilson&qid=1626972442&sr=8-3 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brain-dance-diane-grimard-wilson/1139316992

Welcome Meg Dendler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. The power of the draft is at the crux of this incredible conversation with Meg! Allowing space in between writing and editing, working with beta readers and critique groups, self-editing and working with your editor are all key elements that we talk through in depth to take your first draft and get it to the best version possible for publication. Meg also shares valuable insights for how to work through the editing process as well as tips for writing children's and sci-fi books. Meg has been writing since the early 1990s and has over 100 articles published. She has won multiple awards for her Cats in the Mirror series about alien rescue cats, based on her own household of kooky felines. Her fairy tale book, Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess, won Best Juvenile Book of 2018 from the Oklahoma Writers' Federation. Meg's newest science fiction novel, The Tigran Chronicles, delves into how humans treat animals and tiger conservation. Meg also freelances as an editor and proofreader. Visit https://megdendler.com Book purchase links: Why Kimba Saved The World, https://www.amazon.com/Kimba-Saved-World-Cats-Mirror-ebook/dp/B00BB2S7AG Vacation Hiro, https://www.amazon.com/Vacation-Hiro-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B00FGX6C5S Miss Fatty Cat's Revenge, https://www.amazon.com/Miss-Fatty-Cats-Revenge-Mirror-ebook/dp/B00KZ1YF5K Slinky Steps Out, https://www.amazon.com/Slinky-Steps-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B01DB65ER8 Kimba's Christmas, https://www.amazon.com/Kimbas-Christmas-Cats-Mirror-Book-ebook/dp/B07T31TPM9 Max's Wild Night, https://www.amazon.com/Maxs-Wild-Night-Meg-Dendler-ebook/dp/B00W8FOKS8 Dottie's Daring Day, https://www.amazon.com/Dotties-Daring-Day-Meg-Dendler-ebook/dp/B01MS4CZM3 Bianca: The Brave Frail and Delicate Princess, https://www.amazon.com/Bianca-Brave-Frail-Delicate-Princess-ebook/dp/B075KQ8FQ7 The Tigran Chronicles, https://www.amazon.com/Tigran-Chronicles-Meg-Dendler-

Welcome Jennifer Swanson to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What a fun and fascinating conversation with Jennifer about writing STEAM middle grade books! Leveraging her background and passion for writing, Jennifer makes it her goal to ensure physics, engineering and math are fun and easy to understand. We talked in depth about blending what you know with what you like to write and what you can sell, which includes understanding your target reader and being willing to change point of view. Science Rocks! And so do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the award-winning author of over 45 nonfiction books for children. Using her background in science and history that she received from the U.S. Naval Academy, and her M.S. in Education, Jennifer excels at taking complex facts and making them accessible, compelling, and humorous for young readers, Jennifer's passion for science resonates in in all her books but especially, Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact and Beastly Bionics, which both received Florida Book Awards and NSTA BEST STEM book awards. Her Save the Crash-test Dummies book received an NSTA BEST STEM Award and a Parent’s Choice GOLD Award. Jennifer has been a featured speaker at the Tucson Book Festival, National NSTA conferences, the Highlights Foundation, the World Science Festival (twice), the Atlanta Science Festival (twice) and the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival in 2019. You can find Jennifer through her website www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com. Visit https://www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com Book purchase link for The Secret Science of Sports: Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Behind Every Grand Slam, Triple Axel, and Penalty Kick https://www.blackdogandleventhal.com/titles/jennifer-swanson/the-secret-science-of-sports/9780762473038/

Welcome to The TufFish Show, which feature authors from different genres and businesses, but they all have one thing in common – they had a message or story they wanted to tell and courageously got out of their own way and made it happen. This show will inspire you to do the same because when you hear someone else’s story, you get the guidance and encouragement to keep going and get your book out in the world, too.  Sometimes we have this idea in our minds of what the writing process is suppose to look like and one of those preconceptions is that the idea flows and we have a pretty good first draft as a result. We might even have set ourselves up for loftier expectations by thinking we should have a complete and perfect version right out of the gates. In this encouraging solo episode, Jen talks about the power of the draft and reframing how to view having them. To learn more about the TufFish and Jen, visit https://www.jennifermilius.com

Welcome Shayla Raquel to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What a fabulous and fun conversation with Shayla! We covered writing in multiple genres, how to handle negative book reviews, overcoming imposter syndrome as a writer, author branding and so much more. An expert editor, best-selling author, and book marketer, Shayla Raquel works one-on-one with writers every day and specializes in self-publishing. She is the author of the Pre-Publishing Checklist, “The Rotting,” The Suicide Tree, The 10 Commandments of Author Branding, and All the Things I Should’ve Told You. In her not-so-free time, she acts as organizer for the Yukon Writers’ Society and studies all things true crime. Visit https://shaylaraquel.com/ Book purchase links: Short story "The Rotting" in anthology (2018): https://shaylaraquel.com/shiversinthenight The Suicide Tree (2018): https://shaylaraquel.com/thesuicidetree The 10 Commandments of Author Branding (2019): https://shaylaraquel.com/10commandments All the Things I Should've Told You (2021): https://shaylaraquel.com/allthethingsishouldvetoldyou Savage Indulgence (coming fall 2021)

Welcome Vilayvanh Bender to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. What started as a way to share her culture and childhood experiences with her children blossomed into a children's book that could reach more children. Vanh's efforts to write a book that helps to normalize different food was strengthened by working with a talented illustrator and incorporating feedback from beta readers. She offers great insights for why school visits are so valuable as well as ways to make them engaging for children. Vilayvanh Bender immigrated to America with her family as a young Vietnam War refugee. Entering the United States without speaking English, her first goal was to become fluent in this new language. Cultural preservation, acceptance and not giving up on one’s dreams is very important to Vilayvanh. She is also a private practice Registered Dietitian based in Corona, California working with children and families. Vilayvanh lives with her husband and two girls. Visit www.mommyeatsfriedgrasshoppers.com Book purchase link for Mommy Eats Fried Grasshoppers: https://www.amazon.com/Mommy-Fried-Grasshoppers-Vilayvanh-Bender/dp/0989885038

Welcome Johanna Halley and Janae Seabloom from Hannah Bloom Books to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. These childhood friends tag-teamed and brought their childhood dream of publishing a children's book, yet the original idea was put on hold to bring a second book into the world first. By playing off of each others' strengths and embracing change to switch gears, Johanna and Janae understood their debut book had a specific season and followed the flow. Johanna and Janae demonstrate the beauty and power when two talented individuals come together and co-author and market a book.  Johanna Halley and Janae Seabloom are childhood friends, preschool co-teachers, and moms doing life together. They draw from both their experience in the classroom and life at home. They hope to create picture books that both children and adults love, and encourage early readers and pre-readers to gain confidence in literacy. Visit https://www.hannahbloombooks.com Book purchase links:  A Day to Stay Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735868205 A Day to Stay Home/Un día para quesarse en casa https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735868213

Welcome Grace Sammon to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Grace shared so much goodness in this conversation from how to write with the "end in mind", working with editors and beta readers, and developing characters. To create an authentic feeling within the story, Grace shared some key tips for how to go about researching your book and what to do when you have too much information. Then once you have your book, you need to talk about it, so Grace shared key tips for how to be a podcast guest. Grace Sammon is an educator, entrepreneur, and author. She has created four companies and written four books. Her debut novel, The Eves, is the story of lives lived well and lives in transition. It is a story about leaving your mark in the world at any age. Grace is committed to volunteering and enjoys tennis and pickle ball. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her husband and a small herd of imaginary llamas. Visit www.gracesammon.net Book purchase link: https://bit.ly/THEEVES

The TufFish Show is a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. This week's solo episode, host Jen Milius talks about what story are you telling, and more importantly what are you believing. You are a gifted storyteller - your words can transport your reader to new worlds, new adventures, new ways of thinking, and even new mindset shifts for themselves and what they believe is possible. Your words are powerful for them, but also for you. So use this episode as a reminder to make sure the story you're telling and believing are supportive and encouraging about you.

Welcome Heather Legge to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Following her curiosity that initially started as market research for her business, Heather shared how she followed one breadcrumb after another to create her book. She worked with a book coach to help her find her voice, overcome writer's block and determine a publishing path. Heather Legge is the founder of Envision Success, Inc and author of Lead With Moxie. Since starting her firm in 2006, Heather has worked with hundreds of clients on strategic leadership, communication skills and productivity behaviors.   Heather is a “recovering perfectionist,” data nerd, red wine lover, scuba diver, and has a love/hate relationship with running(!).   Visit https://www.envisionsuccessinc.com/about/heather-legge/ Book purchase links for Lead with Moxie: Details and signed copies: https://www.envisionsuccessinc.com/lead-with-moxie/ On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z1DNCWS

Welcome Valerie James Abbott to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Giving herself permission to shift points of view and shift genres is what helped Valerie fully embrace her storytelling capabilities and create a children's book that honors all family members when a sibling is deaf or hard of hearing.  Valerie shared how she and her illustrator worked together to create realistic illustrations as well as tips on how she is marketing her book. Valerie James Abbott is an active parent-advocate and champion for early hearing detection and intervention and parent-to-parent support organizations in Virginia. She has served on the board of Virginia Hands & Voices, is the first parent co-chair of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee, and has received the Governor’s Award for Civilian Excellence for Virginia Fire Safety, spearheading special programming for families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Valerie is a guest blogger for the Center for Family Involvement and has published several articles online and in print about raising a child with a disability that have gained nationwide attention. Padapillo is her first book. Visit https://www.valeriejamesabbott.com/ Book link: https://www.amazon.com/Padapillo-Valerie-Abbott/dp/1950306801

Welcome Stacy Fisher to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Self-care is a vital part of being a writer and running a business, and Stacy shared so much wisdom about how cathartic writing was for her as she wrote her memoir, then later designed a planner that supported the life you want to create. Stacy shared valuable insights for things to consider when writing memoir, so that you honor yourself, those who are in your story, and your readers. Stacy Fisher is a registered dietitian, self-care & resilience coach, health & travel writer, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Stacy has worked in private practice, in medical facilities, and with large companies such as Dell, Boeing, and Nike. As the founder of LivingUpp, Stacy uses a unique self-care framework to help people move forward from anything. Visit https://www.LivingUpp.com Book purchase links:  Go: One Woman. One Van. A New Beginning  The Lifestyle Design Planner 

Welcome Amanda Malek-Ahmadi to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more. Amanda's passion for dance and all things creative shined through this fabulous conversation. We talked in depth about the steps Amanda took to bring her idea for a children's book to publication, including how she ensured the accuracy of dance within her book. Amanda Malek-Ahmadi lives with her husband, three sons, daughter, and two dogs in Arizona. When she’s not writing or having adventures with her family, Amanda teaches dance and performs with WNDC, a Professional Contemporary Dance Company. Amanda began her dance training when she was five-years-old and taught her first classes at age seventeen. She holds an Elementary Education Degree with a Dance Minor from the University of Arizona. Visit https://www.authormamanda.com Book purchase link for 10 Ballet Dancers

Welcome Julie Schooler to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Visit https://www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish to learn more Multi-genre author Julie Schooler and I had a fabulous conversation that straddled both children's books and non-fiction personal development. Julie shared how she found the illustrator for her children's book as well as how her own daughter inspired her non-fiction book. She shared her writing and editing process for non-fiction and how to work with beta readers. Julie Schooler is an author of 10 self-help and parenting books and mama of 2 beautiful tiny humans. She wants you to rediscover YOUR sparkle so she's on a mission to help busy people have all the love, energy, and fun they deserve without the guilt or overwhelm. Julie lives with her family in New Zealand, a small, magnificent country at the bottom of the world, where you may find her trying to bake the world’s best chocolate brownie. Visit https://www.julieschooler.com Rediscover Your Sparkle Book link: https://books2read.com/rediscoveryoursparkle

Welcome Stephanie BwaBwa to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Stephanie and I had a fabulous and fun conversation about how faith is at the center of her love of writing and storytelling. Stephanie's love of writing about angels and the supernatural has strengthened her ability to develop complex characters and create worlds within her novels. By starting with the character, Stephanie offered one wisdom bomb after another for how to effectively world build, macro and micro, within your book. Stephanie BwaBwa is the Jesus-centered, YA Fantasy Author and Entrepreneur, creator of fantasy world Elledelle, and Co-Host of the Indie Author Lifestyle Show, who’s enjoying building a legacy through the lens of story.  BwaBwa began her journey to publishing in 2013. In 2016, her fantasy world, Elledelle, was born. In 2017 she published her first two books. Since then she’s gone on to write and publish fantasy novels centered about black angels in a supernatural world that are captivating readers all around the world. As the CEO and Founder of Bwabs Collective LLC, BwaBwa has focused her zone of genius on teaching unconventional principles to writers who like to meticulously plot, research, and organize their way through crafting their stories while also having an incredible amount of fun.  Stephanie BwaBwa has authored YA Fantasy series: The Seraphim Resistance Prequels, and is an avid reader of fantasy and fiction. Jesus is her Lord, Disney+ is her safe place, she dreams of being a monkey mama and she’s always penning a new story in Elledelle. You can usually catch her going for a walk through a park, or simply binging Disney+ with too many snacks. Get in contact with Stephanie directly at: stephaniebwabwa.com. Visit stephaniebwabwa.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-BwaBwa/e/B073ZKDPLT

Welcome Daniele Lanzarotta to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Daniele and I talked about getting inspiration, developing characters, and how it takes a village to bring a book to life. Daniele Lanzarotta is the author of young adult and new adult paranormal/fantasy/contemporary novels, including The Sinners Series, Academy of the Fallen Series, Life Interrupted and more.  Daniele is the CEO & Founder of Elysian Nightfall Studios – audio & video post-production, brand development and screenwriting services company. She is also the A/V Director and partner at The Audio Flow, and a Board Member with Youth in the Booth.  Writing and working with audiobooks and TV/Film is her passion. She has undergraduate studies in Digital Cinematography, a MBA with focus in marketing - specializing in brand development, and Certification in Media Communications.  In addition to having worked on post-production for several audiobooks in diverse genres, she has also worked on Virginia based short films as the 2nd Assistant Director and Still Photographer.  She enjoys watching hockey, playing Rock Band/Guitar Hero, traveling, and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and the family dog. Visit http://www.danilanzarotta.com/ or https://www.elysiannightfallstudios.com/ Book purchase links for The Sinners series, Academy of the Fallen series, Life Interrupted and more

Welcome Daniella Rushton to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Daniella and I talked about how she found her way to create her first book and series. We talked about how her faith guided her writing and creativity as well as how important it is to work with others to bring your book to life.  Daniella Marie Rushton is British, born 1973. Wife to Nicholas and Mother to Bertie. Over the course of several summers whilst vacationing with her family, in the delightful desert sun of the Coachella valley, California, she formulated the concept of The Panther Tales.  Her son challenged her to channel her renowned imagination into writing a book series. The Panther Tales was born and The Watchers and The Gifted Ones is the first book of the series.  Living a thoroughly creative life, Daniella busies herself with not only the ongoing series of The Panther Tales, her dog Walter and her family and friends. She is also an advocate in the Christian faith, believing in oneself, finding and using ones ‘Gifts’ in life. Visit http://www.thepanthertales.com/ Book purchase link: The Watchers and The Gifted Ones from The Panther Tales

Welcome Andy Slinger to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Andy shared so many nuggets about writing for middle grade readers including structuring the book and understanding the target reader. We talked about imposter syndrome and the importance of building your platform as an author. Andy is a single dad of identical twins and a middle grade writer. He's from North West England and works as a retail manager day to day. He writes in a humorous, fun and exciting style whilst addressing hard hitting topics in his books. Visit https://www.andyslinger.com Book purchase links for The Super Twins Amazon Amazon UK

Welcome Natalie Sisson to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Natalie and I talked in depth about the journey a book not only take the reader on, but also the writer because it's an opportunity to share your "special sauce." A book can be part of a business' eco-system, and Natalie demonstrates this throughout this powerful conversation with each of the books she's authored. Natalie Sisson is a New Zealand entrepreneur, bestselling author, speaker, host of the ‘Untapped’ podcast, and lover of handstands and dogs. She’s passionate about helping women entrepreneurs leverage their unique set of skills, knowledge, and experience to get paid to be them, and make an income and impact they desire, simply by being them. https://nataliesisson.com Book: Suck It Up, Princess 

Welcome Jacob Hess to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Jacob shared so many nuggets centered around telling the story you want to tell. He shared how he created a framework for creativity that helped his self-editing process before he worked with his editor as well as create the world within the story and structure the book. There is one True Story that all other stories echo, one Story that captures everything that it means to be human and showcases the greatest beauty ever seen: the gospel of God's grace in Christ Jesus. It is Jacob’s passion to retell this Story in everything he does. Jacob grew up in Oregon and became a Christian at a young age. God has continued to display His faithfulness to Jacob throughout his life; a journey deeper and deeper into grace. Jacob received a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and moved to Seattle Washington where he works as a minister in the local church.  Jacob’s years in school grew his passion for writing and reading, but he has always had a love for stories, whether they're told with pen and page or the rhythms and rhymes of song. He agrees with J. R. R. Tolkien when he writes, “the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story, has always been boiling, and to it have continually been added new bits, dainty and undainty," (On-Fairy-Stories, p. 45). As humans we simply cannot seem to escape a need to tell stories, a desire to reach beyond ourselves and connect to the deeper truths of who we are and what it means to live a life of meaning. Our stories inspire us, convict us, and encourage us as we struggle through a world not as it should be. This is what Jacob seeks for his stories to do. He wants to tell new stories built on the tried and true pillars of tales centuries old, stories that connect to our deepest longings and speak to our greatest fears. But most of all he wants to echo the greatest story ever told, the One True Story to which all other stories point: the gospel of God's grace in Christ Jesus.  https://www.jacobehess.com/ Book: The Bright Abyss

Welcome Sana Fayyaz to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Sana talked about the importance of letting your imperfect voice out being willing to share it, despite your inner critic's protests. She shares how working with others helped her with blindspots, which was a significant part of her writing and editing process. Sana Fayyaz is a creative who loves being a student of life and enjoys the beauty of a beginner’s mind. She took root in the crowded streets of Pakistan, sprouted in the concrete jungles of New York and bloomed in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Sana, known as the Sacred Keeper of Memories, relishes in gathering meaningful moments through writing as a way to connect with humans and build bridges across chasms. Currently residing in suburban NY with her husband and three daughters, Sana is just a furry pet away from living the white picket fence American dream. Visit http://sanafayyaz.com Book purchase link: Chai Chats: Personal Essays to Fill your Cup https://www.amazon.com/Chai-Chats-Personal-Essays-Fill-ebook/dp/B08R9GSQQT

Welcome Michael O'Brien to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Michael and I talked about the importance of believing in your voice and the impact your ripple can have. We talked in depth about writing memoir and being clear about your target readers as well as overcoming as Michael puts it, "post traumatic 7th grade English disorder." Michael O'Brien is the Chief Shift Officer at Peloton Executive Coaching and serves on The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association Global Board. As a coach, speaker, and best-selling author, he helps leaders build resilience and prevents bad moments from turning into a bad day. He has shared his personal transformational Last Bad Day story and leadership advice on the TEDx stage, with Fortune 500 companies, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Real Simple, ABC, and NBC.  Visit www.michaelobrienshift.com Book - Shift: Creating Better Tomorrows: Winning at Work and in Life

Welcome Julie Gorges to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Julie shared so much wisdom about remembering your "why" when you face imposter syndrome, rejection letters and navigate your publishing path. We also talked in depth about her memoir and how that book took shape. Julie A. Gorges is an award-winning author of five books available on Amazon, a blogger at www.babyboomerbliss.net, and a freelance writer with hundreds of articles and short stories published in national and regional magazines. In addition, she won three journalism awards as a newspaper reporter.  Julie’s latest book, Ten Secrets to Losing Weight After 50, received a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite and her book, I’m Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia, based on her caregiving experiences for her mother who had Lew Body dementia, won grand prize from Royal Dragonfly. Julie lives in Southern California with her husband. She has two grown sons and four grandchildren. Her other passions, aside from writing, are traveling and sailing. If you’d like more information about Julie, please visit her author’s website at www.juliegorges.com or her blog at https://babyboomerbliss.net/, Books: Ten Secrets to Losing Weight After 50 I'm Your Daughter, Julie: Caring for a Parent with Dementia Just Call Me Goody-Two-Shoes  Time to Cast Away Residential Steel Design and Construction

Welcome Kathy Perry to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Kathy shared how getting your books leveled for reading enables libraries and schools to provide better guidance for children that matches their reading level. We also talked about leveraging themes within books as well as building characters and vocabulary lists. After the passing of her parents, Kathy Perry evaluated what she was doing with her life and her contribution to others. She’s always had a heart for teaching kids. Kathy has been a classroom teacher, a homeschool mom, a tutor, and a substitute over many years. Now, she’s written, illustrated, and published the Bandana Acres series of Early Reader Chapter Books with solid moral lessons that fill a genre gap between picture and chapter books. Fellow teachers say, “Great! Keep it up. We need more of these.” As a twelve year-old, Kathy identified with a fictional orphaned girl and was so impressed with her cleverness and honesty that Kathy wanted to be like her. It was this story that inspired Kathy to write Emeline - A Journey, a story that will educate, encourage, and inspire your tween or teen to find their way as a confident young adult. Visit  https://www.kathyjperry.com Book purchase link Kathy’s website:  https://kathyjperry.com/chickadee-words-store/emeline-a-journey

Welcome Matt Juhl to The TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Matt and I talked in depth about creating and developing complex characters and strong dialogue as well as striking the balance between show vs tell, so that readers feel connected to the characters and want to keep reading. Matt Juhl is an award-winning contemporary romance author. Having interacted with clients and colleagues in the financial industry for the past twenty years, he has gained a deep understanding of relationships and where people's passions lie. Using that knowledge and his affinity for storytelling, Matt published his award-winning debut novel, The Straight Crimes. When not absorbed in his writing, he enjoys vacationing at the beach, relaxing in his hot tub, and otherwise spends too much time on Instagram. Matt resides in Fort Worth, Texas, with his family and is currently working on his next book. Visit https://linktr.ee/author.mattjuhl Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493513257/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_8z7bGb5PHVK97

Welcome Cat Michaels to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Cat and I talked about the business of being an author, especially as you consider co-authoring a book, and honoring your path that supports your message with creativity and service. She also shared some valuable tips for working with beta readers. Award-winning author Cat Michaels started writing stories in fourth grade and hasn’t stopped since.  Her books for young and reluctant readers have been recognized for excellence in writing children’s literature with three Purple Dragonfly Awards, a first-place honor from the Children’s Literary Classics Book Awards, and a silver medal by the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards. Her last chapter book, Sweet T and the Turtle Team, also won the Wind Dancer Films competition and was considered for adaptation to movies or TV. Cat earned an M.S. degree in special education from the University of Kansas and held her first teaching positions near Kansas City, supporting children with learning disabilities. After a career in the classroom, she studied for a certificate in organizational development from National Training Labs and managed communications and training programs for a global high-tech firm in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. Before becoming an authorpreneur in 2013, Cat’s final 9-5 role brought her professional life full circle as a writing coach at a community college. Cat and her family live outside Raleigh, North Carolina, where she creates a fairy garden for neighborhood children, enjoys photography, works out most days, and writes. Visit www.catmichaelswriter.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXRS98Z/

Welcome Dr. Cynthia Miller to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. What an incredible conversation with Dr. Cynthia! Her memoir was years in the making, but to get to her published book, she had to overcome imposter syndrome, work through difficult trauma and loss, as well as determine what stories should be shared or not. Dr. Cynthia Miller, visionary and pathfinder, has a Ph.D. in Cellular Transformation and the Psychology of Change. She guides people into the unknown, from the remote wilderness, the psyche, and vast terrain of cellular consciousness into multiple dimensions, all to uncover the truth of who they are. For decades she has transformed her own life and the lives of her clients. Her map, CM2=E, is a revolutionary model for Conscious Multidimensional Evolution that can shift the global framework from fear and suffering into safety, inner fulfillment, and love. Dr. Cynthia is the author of Unseen Connections: A Memoir from Pain and Violence to Joy, The Art of Radical Gratitude, and I Am Worthy. Visit https://www.drcynthiamiller.com/ Book purchase link for Unseen Connections: https://www.amazon.com/Unseen-Connections-Memoir-Pain-Violence-ebook/dp/B08TPRQNFK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Welcome Caleb Ortega to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Caleb shared so much goodness as we talked about his writing process and how it takes a village to bring your book to life. He talked about world building as well as the editing process and working with his editor and beta readers. Caleb Ortega is a combat veteran, avid world traveler, and author of The Writer and the Throne, which is book 1 from the Warfare of the Gods series. He is a student of historical/cultural ethics and morals. He enjoys painting, mindless action movies, and losing fairly consistently in chess. Visit Caleb at Ctortega.com Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MQ8TM91/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_rFOaGbKP5V9ME

Welcome Abbie Pierce to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. During my chat with Abbie, we talked about the beauty of using fiction to share what you may be working through - to share how to go through change. Abbie talked about her writing process which includes how to structure a book, tips for self-editing, overcoming writer's block and the power of a community. Abbie Pierce is an Author, Coach, Fire-Starter, an Ally, and is Always up to Something! Abbie says that people rationalise and don’t start their best work or quit when they encounter The Resistance. Through 1:1 personal coaching and mentoring, Abbie wants to help people make the creative change they seek. Being a veteran, she is for the crazy misfits who get a thrill out of winging it but want to turn pro. Abbie believes in building safe spaces for people to navigate the awkward moments of learning together, so that we can master the fear and practice the tenacity for sharing our creativity with the world. It’s why Abbie also co-founded a veterans networking group, to help each other build our networks and create our opportunities. Abbie side gigs as an author of fiction novels and blogging at Evoenix:Edits, a weekly insight into the Practice of Leadership and helping others and honing your Real Skills. Visit https://evoenix.com/ Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R21ZHHD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Welcome Rosie Russell to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. This chat is full of goodness as Rosie shares the process she and her co-author went through to create their first book together, including setting up the business elements, storyboarding the concept, and the writing process itself. Rosie Russell is currently the author and illustrator of nine books for young readers. After studies in early childhood education, she taught in elementary and middle schools for fifteen years. She enjoys sharing her books with students and encouraging them to write and illustrate their own stories. Rosie now writes and illustrates full time in her Kansas City, Missouri, hometown. As an avid reader, baseball fan and crafter, her greatest joy comes from spending time with family and friends. Visit Rosie's website: www.booksbyrose.com Book purchase link for Just Between Sam and Me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXRS98Z/

Welcome Jed Doherty to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Jed's passion to serve children has been the driver for all that he's done. During our chat, Jed shared the process he went through to take his children's book idea to an actual book. He shared what it was like working with an illustrator and tips for strengthening a story that's for children. Jed Doherty is a husband, father, former licensed, certified social worker, award winning children’s author, professional magician and the host of the Reading With Your Kids Podcast. After working in the juvenile justice system for close to a decade Jed left the traditional field of human services to serve humans magic and laughter from the stage. Since that time he has brought a magical message of caring and community to millions of hearts throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. In 2015 Jed, also known as Jedlie, wrote and published The Great Maritini, a magical retelling of the Story of the Good Samaritan. That book was named one of the top 7 books that teach kids kindness by ChildrensPublishing.com and received Story Monster Approval.  In 2017 Jedlie launched the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to inspire families to grow closer by reading more together. And not just with our young kids. The show does this by interviewing authors of all genres of children’s literature. Past guests include LeVar Burton, Brad Meltzer, Kate DiCamillo and Jennifer Milius. Since its debut the podcast has been downloaded to over 180 countries on every continent in the world, including Antarctica, and was nominated for the iHeartRadio Best Kids and Family Podcast award. The show will be publishing its 1,000th episode on March 26, 2021. Visit https://readingwithyourkids.com/ Book purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Maritini-Jedlie-ebook/dp/B01N5Y1606

Welcome Dr. Wayne Applewhite to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Wayne shared wisdom about co-authoring a book and taking the idea from conception all the way to a published book, including receiving rejection and criticism and how to bounce back. Wayne was a co-founder of a leadership development firm and holds a Doctor of Management Degree.  He has an eclectic experience base that he brings to the community and to the nation at large.  He has over thirty-five years of diverse and challenging followership and leadership experiences, coupled with a solid foundation of continuing education. He has held challenging positions such as Associate Professor (Boston University), Director of Graduate Military Programs (Boston University, Metropolitan College), Associate Dean, Instructor, Lecturer, Adjunct Professor, Outside Director, Thought Leader, Non-commissioned Officer in Charge, Officer in Charge, Commander, and COO. In each of those leadership positions, Wayne continued to build his leadership skillset as he also pursued formal and informal education. Wayne taught Leadership and Organizational Behavior at the graduate level for over 12 years, helped develop leadership skillsets for many individuals and organizations around the nation, and hosted a podcast for a year and a half called Affect! through BlogTalkRadio (just to name a few of his accomplishments). The podcast was an intellectual incubator where guests and callers had the opportunity to exchange ideas, concepts, and thoughts in hopes of influencing and motivating others to action in a positive way; and as you can imagine, all of the topics were leadership related.  What is he doing now you might ask? Wayne co-authored You Know it’s a Verb, Right? that is a new discussion with bold, yet simple and timeless concepts of leadership and will launch February 2021. Wayne is so excited about this new book on leadership and cannot wait to share it with you face-to-face, virtually, or any other creative way imaginable! As a matter of fact, Wayne is hosting a discussion group in Facebook to talk about leadership, and he would love to have you join.  To learn more about Wayne, his new book and be part of the discussion, visit his website mindsyncing.com. With all that being said, if you ask Wayne, his greatest joy and accomplishments are being a husband and a dad! Visit http://www.mindsyncing.com Book link: You Know it's a Verb, Right?

Book signings and other events are a great way for authors to meet readers! Whether you host and arrange your own event or are able to attend one hosted by someone else, this episode will help you have a successful experience and be ready for more! To learn more about TufFish and be part of the next author conversation, visit www.jennifermilius.com/tuffish

Welcome Dianne Karg Baron to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Dianne's obsession with wire began over 25 years ago when she made a pendant out of a little piece of beach glass she found while walking near her home. Since then, she has bent, linked, twisted, woven, hammered, fused, crocheted and knitted her way through many kilograms of metal. One thing you'll notice about Dianne right away is that she has an infectious passion about wire working, and pays meticulous attention to detail. She has written and published over 80 tutorials, courses and videos on wire working and chain making. Her most recent release is the RAW Design Challenge Plan(ner), which helps creatives like you set and track goals that are Realistic, Achievable and Work with your Life.  Her goal is to help make wire working accessible for you: whether you're a raw newbie, or have many years on the tools, there's something for everyone! Visit Dianne at www.thetaoofwire.com and www.diannekargbaron.com The RAW Design Challenge Plan(ner) is available now: https://www.thetaoofwire.com/rawplanner2021

Welcome Carmela Dutra to the TufFish Show, a place to help writers and aspiring authors get out of their own way to leave a legacy by telling the stories they want to share through writing their own books and confidently sharing them with others. The writing process can be tough and the business side can feel scary, but TufFish makes both feel smoother and achievable. Carmela shared wisdom about following your instincts through your publishing path, even if that means saying "No." She also talk about how to move through receiving rejections and criticism to get where you want to go as well as how she shifted her writing between different genres. Carmela is an award-winning storyteller, illustrator, wife, and mother from San Jose, California. Her book series Little Katie introduces the whimsical world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics for kids. Her other series, The Adventures of Lorenzo, the Bear