Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer

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Where I’ve Been

2023-08-2311:51

It’s been more than two years since I last posted an episode to this show. Here’s a little update about where I’ve been and what I’m doing now.

Josh Harris on publishing regret and how to keep writing

2021-09-1639:47

Have you ever voiced an idea or opinion, and then wished you could take it back?As people who like sharing our stories with the world, we've likely all said or written something that we wish we hadn't. Our opinion changed, or we realized how we negatively influenced others. When this happens, it's tempting to wonder if sharing our stories is worth it in the long run. If you're familiar with Josh Harris, you might know him as the author of 1997 book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, or its sequel...

Thad Cockrell: When is my Big Break?

2021-09-0948:301

Have you ever asked, "When is my big break?"Thad has been a musician for years, and he was about to move on in his life when he got a call from Jimmy Fallon. This episode Thad shares how he, an artist who was about to stop making music, got onto Jimmy Fallon, the Today Show, and spoke to millions with his music. Art transforms us, and it transforms others. It is worth your effort, even when you think no one is listening. Thad's story on Rolling Stone Website: thisisthad.com MusicYouTube

Caroline Cook: When is Your Window to Write?

2021-09-0243:05

When is the right time to publish?And, can a “normal” (and busy) person like me actually write a book? Writer, speaker, teacher Caroline Cook has always seen herself as a writer, but the time was never quite right. Caroline is a regular person, with a job and with kids and with lots of responsibilities on her plate. Now, as her kids start leaving the nest, she has found an opportunity to share a message that’s been on her heart for a long time. Caroline is taking her shot, and so ca...

Memoir: How to write about the people who hurt you

2021-08-2628:191

Everyone has that one person (or people) in their lives: the people who have made life difficult. They might be loved, hated, or just inconveniently around, and you might find it hard to write about them honestly. How do you write about the people who have hurt you?In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon covers:The narrative role of "villains" in your lifeLegal ramifications of writing about real-life peopleWhat gets in the way as we're writing about true storiesThree im...

Julie Broad on the surprising advantages of self publishing

2021-08-1942:011

If you're writing a book for the first time, chances are you're hoping to traditionally publish. What most first-time authors don't know is that there are several paths to publishing success out there, and self publishing is actually quite common (and can be quite profitable). In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon talks with Julie Broad, an Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, an International Book Award Winner, and founder of Book Launchers. They'll c...

Alexander Fields: Ask a literary agent

2021-08-1243:22

One of the top questions we get here at Find Your Voice is: "How do I find a literary agent?"On this episode, we talk with literary agent Alexander Fields about everything publishing related! Listen to learn:What a literary agent is and what they doWhat to do before reaching out to an agentHow to reach out to an agentWebsite: thebinderyagency.comPodcast: On PublishingLinks from the episode:Writer's Digest article: The Editor Behind the Curtainpublishersweekly.comwritersdigest.compublishersmar...

Meredith Heller: Poetry as a lifeline

2021-08-0539:57

What do you think of when you hear the word "poetry"? Maybe "difficult" or "boring"? But what about "lifeline"? Meredith Heller is a California-based poet, singer-songwriter, and author of Write a Poem, Save Your Life. But, more importantly, she was once a teen facing devastating life experiences, who found in writing a way through her pain. In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon and Meredith Heller cover:How poetry helps us makes sense of experienceWhere to start...

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

2021-07-2928:37

Not sure if you should self-publish or go for a traditional contract?Author and expert writing coach Allison Fallon debunks the myth that self-publishing is a B-level option. In this episode, she covers the major differences between the two most common publishing paths, highlights the strengths and drawbacks of each approach, and gives you the question which will help you choose a path forward.booklaunchers.com

Jill Phillips: how to turn memories into memoir

2021-07-2240:14

So many of us want to pass down family memories, so the next generation can know what it was like back then. But how do we transform our memories into one compelling story?Without having ever written a book before, Jill Phillips set out on just this task. She shares with us why she started writing, what the process was like for her, and how she came to finish a memoir she's proud to call her own.jmphillipsauthor.comBook: Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War London Through One Family'...

FYV Staff Picks: Summer Reads with Substance

2021-07-1532:22

We're all about summer beach reads—but we also know that not everyone is looking for light poolside distraction. For those of you wanting a book with more substance this summer, our FYV Director of Operations, Ashley Scoby, has five recommendations. Ashley's background in is journalism and sportswriting. She’s written about Olympic athletes, covered a Final Four, and traveled to France to write about the 2019 Women’s World Cup. But on this episode of FYV staff picks, the conve...

Kirbee Miller on Writing While Balancing it All

2021-07-0847:00

If you've ever thought, "I want to write a book, but I'm not sure if I have time for it," then may we introduce you to Kirbee Miller.Kirbee Miller is a multi-passionate person: She's an entrepreneur, founder of KiNiMi Kitchen. She works in the corporate world, and she's intentional about working creativity into her life.Juggling relationships, responsibilities, and passions, we often make excuses about writing. We don't have time.This episodes challenges that belief and encourages you to keep...

Shari Medini: Writing a Book with Your Friend

2021-07-0142:43

So many people write to support their business and bolster their credibility. Sometimes, that book is a group project.Writing a book with another person: does it lighten the workload or create "too many cooks in the kitchen"?Shari Medini and Karissa Tunis are co-authors and co-owners of AdoreThemParenting.com. Between both mothers, they have six kids and plenty of work-from-home experience, which made the current shifts toward working from home something they could speak to parents about dire...

How to Overcome Writers Block and Other Secrets of the Creative Life

2021-06-2422:19

Have you ever started a creative project and somewhere along the way become ... stuck? Creative block is part of the process. And we're curious how everyone deals with it. This episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon asks, "What do you do when you get stuck in your writing or in life?" We get lots of different answers: everything from physical movement to letting distraction run its course, and Ally shares her own writer's block trick. If you're curious to hear more, check out Ally's...

Mary Marantz: How do I make my story interesting?

2021-06-1749:10

If you have a dream of writing a personal story, but worry that your story isn't interesting, this episode is for you.Author, podcaster, and public speaker Mary Marantz covers two insecurities that keep writers from getting started, how to write about complicated people in our stories, and how to make a personal story appeal to others. Keep listening until the end to hear Mary's publishing path: she gets specific about her journey finding an agent and putting together her book proposal....

Amy Young on the Gift of Burnout

2021-06-1047:34

So many of us are burnt out: but, for some of us, it's not our fault. We've been led to believe lies about what we need or what we should be — and it has us running in circles. Relationship coach and YouTuber Amy Young jumps on with Allison Fallon to discuss what keeps women restricted, and how to dismantle those lies and stand in your truth. amyyoungcoaching.cominstagram.com/amyyoungco youtube.com/channel

Seven Books Every Writer Should Own

2021-06-0325:23

What books should I read as a writer?As writers, we owe a lot to other writers: they are the people who inspired us in the first place, and they are the ones who keep us writing. Author and writing coach Allison Fallon shares seven books she returns to when she's stuck, needs perspective, or is looking for encouragement.If you're a writer (or want to be), your bookshelf might need these:1. Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters. John Steinbeck writing about his writing to his agent and ...

Enuma Okoro: Writing as Soul Care

2021-05-2745:05

If you've ever dreamt of having more than one writing desk, this episode is for you.Enuma Okoro is an award-winning author. Among many other places, her work has been featured in the NY Times and the Financial Times. On this episode, she shares her passion for the writing life and how the practice of writing is soul care. Listen for: what it means to be a writerwhat it's like to write in multiple genreshow "not writing" can actually help you writeenumaokoro.com

Laura Tremaine: what to do when you feel alone

2021-05-2044:53

If so many of us feel lonely, what keeps us from reaching out to other people? Laura Tremaine is host of the podcast 10 Things to Tell You and author of the book Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First.* With Allison Fallon, she discusses loneliness, moving to LA and the early days of blogging, and, most importantly, practical ways to connect with others. This episode will make you a better friend and communicator and leave you feeling a little less alone.@laura.tremaine@10thingstotellyou 10thingstot...

Katie Gustafson on how the Enneagram helps us rewrite our stories

2021-05-1341:35

You may have heard of the Enneagram: the personality typing system that we mention fairly frequently on this show. This episode, therapist and Enneagram coach Katie Gustafson gives an overview of the Enneagram and its connection to narrative.Katie says, "I believe your story is the most powerful tool you've got," and, with Allison Fallon, she discusses how this tool helps bring an editorial pen to our lives.katiegustafson.coinstagram.com/katieagustafsonlinkedin.com/in/kagustafsonfacebook.com/...

#box-pro-ellipsis-173971686626128{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer

Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer