Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter

I encourage you to visit my YouTube channel, until I get the Podcast feed up and running due to technical issues. The link for my YouTube Channel is: https://www.youtube.com/user/annsmusic1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

I reached out to todays special guest after reading the first book of her King of Realms series as part of the Hidden Gems ARC reader program. I fell in love with her dynamic characters and the fantasy world so much that I invited Brit Asher to share the story behind this series. Join us as we talk all things fantasy for middle grade readers and their families. Don’t forget to have your journal or notebook handy, because there are some golden nuggets about publishing and marketing you writers will want to take advantage of. Britt lives in the frigid wasteland known as Minnesota. While she hates the cold and snow, she appreciates the nice summers, the lack of lethal creepy crawlies, and the pretty forests and lakes. Outside of writing, she loves reading, high-speed walking, and high-speed walking while reading--yes, that’s a thing, and no, she hasn’t accidentally walked off a cliff (yet). One of her favorite places is Japan, where she lived for nearly three years and ate far too many sweet potatoes. Britt’s featured book is King of Realms. Varric has two weeks left to live. That’s the least of his problems. Twelve-year-old Varric wants nothing more than to save his mom’s life. After all, it’s his fault she’s dying. But when he breaks into a castle to steal a magical relic that might save her, the relic is stolen right out from under his nose. Even worse, he’s arrested for the theft. Unless he can find and return the missing relic within two weeks, he’ll be executed by a magical explosive on his wrist. As if that weren’t bad enough, Varric discovers that the relic is actually a key to an ancient prison containing a malicious and powerful creature. Varric’s quest to save himself and his mom turns into a race to keep the prison locked and save all of humanity from destruction. Purchase link: https://books2read.com/kingofrealms/ Connect with Britt at the following links: https://brittasher.com https://www.facebook.com/brittasherwrites/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34374119.Britt_Asher https://www.amazon.com/author/brittasher   Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

In today’s episode, my special guest describes the tool he created to teach children and adults to love one another as God loves us. Be journal to have your journal handy as you listen to this interesting conversation, because he shares a unique approach to outlining your book for plotters and plantsers alike. Paul Zolman is the international bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies me to speak about love? My childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside me, I searched for and eventually created a method that transformed my life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became my preferred love style, only because of the regularity. I could almost count on it. It was consistent. I came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, I knew that was a twisted belief. I wanted a better life for myself, which is why I created a paradigm shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped me move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. I hope you join me. Connect with Paul at the following links: http://www.roleoflove.com/  https://facebook.com/roleoflovedice https://instagram.com/roleoflovedice/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/roleoflovedice https://pinterest.com/roleoflovedice https://tiktok.com/@roleoflovedice https://twitter.com/roleoflovedice https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kniwkoHIW9EA5Ojv7NuLA Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

My special guest Shelly Mack and I talk about the intricacies of worldbuilding in today’s episode. Sometimes worldbuilding can be difficult, yet it’s also fun to write, once you find fellow writers and editors to support you and give you feedback to help you find the joy of writing fantasy. Join our conversation and bring along your journal to capture any golden nuggets along the way. Shelly Mack is an author of children’s books, including picture books and young adult fiction. From a toddler through to adulthood, books have been a permanent part of her day-to-day life. Her children and faith inspired her writing. Shelly wants to keep books alive in a world that needs escapism and wishes to bring joy to her readers through her books. As well as writing, she runs a ‘Meet the Author’ programme on Instagram, which has been a great addition to her author career. Shelly is a full-time writer living in Scotland with her husband, two girls and two cats. Shelly’s latest novel is entitled Landis. A world consumed by secrets. A group of friends with gifts they've yet to contol A luring darkness that will choose one to do its bidding. A visionary prince & a vengeful princess are divided by an impenetrable barrier. Benjamin must harness his newfound power to prevent Alunattra from piercing her way back through—lest she return to avenge & reclaim her throne. Welcome to Landis. Get ready to believe. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6NRB55L?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_7X5BRKTC5H6HE634BYG1 Connect with Shelly at the following link: https://linktr.ee/Shellymack Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Heidi Gray McGill is back with a brand new novel. This isn’t her true debut, because she’s self-published several books in her author career. However, A Deeper Love is her first traditionally published book with Celebrate Lit Publishing. Join us as we talk about her writing journey thus far, and her experience as a hybrid author. Heidi infuses God’s love into her award-winning Christian fiction works. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into an awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi’s masterfully written words reach deep into the reader’s heart and offer healing through God’s Word. McGill lives in a small town south of Charlotte, NC, with her husband of over thirty years. When not writing, Heidi loves playing with her grandsons, cooking, winning games, and exploring the world through books. Join Heidi on her latest adventures by visiting the blog on her website at https://heidigraymcgill.com/. Heidi’s latest novel is entitled A Deeper Love. I get paid to do my dream job, usually by wealthy men who thrive on adventure. But when their adrenaline rush is gone and vacation is over, I’m still here, on a tropical island, with people who mostly leave me alone. Except for this guy. Seriously, Dan is the last man I want to get involved with. If he got Decompression Illness, the doctors would likely call it Mercedes Bends. He’s privileged and entitled and would never leave his city life behind for the challenges of living on a remote Island. Don’t get me wrong—he’s prime shark bait, but I’m not ready to fall deeply in love with someone who won’t stay. There’s no such thing as “going too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLJ2CSNV?&linkCode=sl1&tag=authorheidigr-20&linkId=0aab96dd35dd9bae0eb2a9ac33ee36c5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Connect with Heidi at the following links: https://heidigraymcgill.com/ https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1 https://heidigraymcgill.com/free_book/ https://heidigraymcgill.com/blog/   Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

In this episode, my special guest and I talk about his children’s picture book series and how his marketing team helped him self-publish his books. Join us as we talk about how his children’s book series entertains kids and inspires parents to dig deeper for answers to their children’s burning questions Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a reputation in cutting edge marketing. A renowned expert in the field, Emanuel specializes in branding, advertising, and day to day operations at his digital agency, Strategic eMarketing. His passion lies in helping companies achieve business success from the bottom to the top. Emanuel's unique approach to marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals. Emanuel enjoys learning his craft and implementing new techniques and theories for his clients, not only in his home state of Oregon, but around the world. Together with his hand selected staff, Emanuel creates opportunities while solving challenges in the ever-changing digital landscape. He is a firm believer in using his personal experiences to help others and this dedication continues to impress. Not to be outdone on the digital battlefields, Emanuel is an avid outdoorsman. He feels connected to the planet wandering the towering forests or absorbing the energy pouring in from the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering those special wild places translates to his writings. The freedom and joy in exploring the natural world is a welcome addition to his life. Emanual’s children’s picture book series is entitled Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree. Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree is a truly lyrical and spirited tale that takes children on a beautiful tour of nature, coupled with vibrant illustrations and impactful storytelling that shows the unbreakable bond between nature and the creatures who live within its glory.  Each book ships with a pack of Douglas Fir Seeds that can be planted. Each book comes packaged with the gift of Douglas fir tree seeds and planting instructions; a list of organizations that readers can explore supporting in their efforts to leave the world a better place than they found it; and a personal note from the author, Emanuel Rose, to guide your experience of this beautiful children’s book about nature. Purchase link: https://emanuelrose.com/product/wenaha-henry-childrens-book-about-nature-seeds-to-a-tree/ Connect with Emanual at the following links: https://emanuelrose.com/ https://www.facebook.com/StrategicEmarketing https://www.instagram.com/strategice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/ https://www.pinterest.com/semarketing/ https://twitter.com/Strategic_E https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTi_Fzh3kaCZGSMUMQUBgWA Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Don’t let your limitations or disability keep you from doing the work God has called you to do. That’s what my special guest and I talk about in today’s episode. Beca Wierwille discuss how she has learned to write in spite of her disability. She also shares her writing process and tips for writers as an editor and as an editor. In spite of technical issues at the end, I recommend having a journal handy as you tune into this conversation, because there are a lot of golden nuggets  to put in your writer’s toolbox. Becca Wierwille writes stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family. Road Trip Rescue is Becca's debut novel. Visit her online at beccawierwille.com or follow her on social media @beccawierwille. Sign up for her email newsletter to receive free resources and monthly encouragement. Becca’s debut middle grade novel is entitled Road Trip Rescue. Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people. After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared. When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home. Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-Rescue-Becca-Wierwille-ebook/dp/B0CCWV1SS4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35UXM9PA7UTF0&keywords=road+trip+rescue+becca+wierwille&qid=1697126267&sprefix=road+trip+rescue%2Caps%2C356&sr=8-1 Connect with Becca at the following links: https://beccawierwille.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beccawierwille/ https://www.facebook.com/beccawierwille Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Nathaniel A. Turner is a breath of fresh air. As one of the most entertaining and captivating Renaissance people of our day, he's sought after by organizations and individuals worldwide to share the tools, techniques, and strategies to live life in the present with joy on purpose. The Humanitarian Propulsion Engineer, College & Career Readiness Strategist, TED Speaker, and author's work includes the books: Raising Supaman, Stop the Bus, It's A Jungle Out There, Journey Forward, and The Amazing World of STEM. Nate shares an audio version of his unique style of envisioning and manifesting the best version of himself across numerous social media platforms. Everything Nate shares today was proofed and measured for nearly thirty years, beginning with endeavoring to give an unborn child a life better than he had. Successfully designing his child's life backward, he discovered that the process now known as 'The Life Template,' which includes a suite of academic and social tools, techniques, and strategies, might be helpful for others. It's worth noting that Turner's son not only met Harvard's admission benchmarks (i.e., test scores in the top 1%, 33 college credits by his junior year, proficiency in four languages, left home after his junior year to play soccer in Brazil, and started a foundation to address teen homelessness); he eviscerated the profiled criterion by his sixteenth birthday. Nate's son met the rigorous educational requirements of the top colleges and universities without means of wealth, privilege, legacy status, fraud, bribery, cheating, Affirmative Action, or Adobe Photoshop. His son earned acceptance to twenty-seven of America's best undergraduate colleges and universities, Ph.D. fellowships to seven of America's best engineering graduate schools, and MBA offers from four of America's top business schools. Today, Turner's son holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Furthermore, Turner's son is a first-year MBA student at NYU's Stern School of Business. Turner's 'Life Template' helped his son receive more than a million dollars in free education. Today, Nate teaches businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and families how to achieve any goal or objective, like being college and career ready through backward design. Nate's life mission is simple. First, he wants us to consider who we are and whether we are now who we want to be when we are no more. Second, he wants us all to embrace our responsibility to leave the planet better than it was when we arrived by helping, serving, and making sure all who encounter us know their lives matter. You can purchase Nate’s books at the following links: Homes for All (The Amazing World of Stem): Turner-Bandele, Naeem K, Turner, Nathaniel A, Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266688: Amazon.com: Books The Amazing World of STEM: Turner, Nathaniel A, Turner-Bandele, Naeem K, Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266602: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989587924?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NW52RBPN4Z1QSWGMQZKW Connect with Nate at the following links: https://www.nathanielaturner.com/ https://speakerhub.com/speaker/nathaniel-turner https://www.facebook.com/RaisingSupaman  https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielaturner/ https://twitter.com/NateATurner https://www.youtube.com/c/Raisingsupaman --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

I’ve got another book launch to celebrate with another debut author for you. If you love clean, young adult, sweet romantic suspense with a paranormal flare, I have just the book for you. In today’s episode Louise Davis and I talk about her writing process,  and publishing her first book. Louise Davis is a powerful, up-and-coming, young adult author who has an innate ability to instantly draw readers into her stories with her dramatic realism. By combining a commercial and accessible writing style with highly-riveting and twisting plotlines, Louise’s novels are truly unique works of literary art. Her recent book, Haunted by You, artistically showcases her wide-range of writing skills weaving in romance, mystery, and suspense all in one thrilling book. She has always loved reading books to her children and received a bachelor’s degree with a focus in creative writing to write her own books, including her children’s book, Grandpa’s Boots. It is through Louise’s profound character development and realistic storylines that she’s able to not only entertain her readers, but also teach them valuable life lessons in the process. When Louise is not sharing her love for writing with the world, she loves to read, go on adventures and spend her time with her five boys, husband, and various animals on their peaceful 3-acre ranch-style home in Idaho. Louise’s debut novel is entitled Haunted By You Set against the backdrop of charming Charleston and Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Haunted by You is the story of two seemingly opposite, yet romantically bound teens—Genevieve and Steve—whose worlds collide when dark secrets of the past come back to haunt them. Haunted by You takes readers on a unique and entertaining psychological journey through whirlwind romance, real-life ghost stories, haunted pasts, deceit, and heartache to reveal just how important cherishing life’s small moments really is. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-You-Louise-Davis/dp/1636981720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IFMRLOMZINYZ&keywords=Haunted+by+You+by+Louise+Davis&qid=1697729807&sprefix=haunted+by+you+by+louise+davis%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1 Connect with Louise at the following links: https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/ https://www.facebook.com/louisedavisbooks/ https://www.instagram.com/louisedavisbooks/ Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

If you love young adult thrillers with a hint of sweet romance and some speculative fiction elements thrown in, I have just the conversation for you. Today, Angelique Burrell and I discuss her debut YA thriller. We talk about her writing process, her submission and querying process and she shares a few tips she’s learned along the way. With an English teacher as a father and a librarian as a mother, it's no surprise that Angelique grew up loving to read. Now, she teaches high school English and creative writing in a suburb of Chicago, working to bring her love of reading and writing to high school students. She is blessed to have a supportive husband, daughter, and son, who don't mind her binge writing, an extended family who always encourage her creativity. Angelique and her husband Walt love their home in Illinois, but their hearts are forever hiking in Lake Tahoe, California. Angelique’s debut novel is entitled A Mark in the road. Every tire track tells a story. At least that's what accident experts say. And there's no better expert than eighteen-year-old Mason. Mason dreads the skid marks left by braking tires. Every mark - every near miss, dead animal, injured person - plays like a soundless documentary in his mind. When Mason's on-again-off-again crush Addie begs him to drive cross-country to help her move, he must face what he thought was his greatest fear - the open road. But a tire mark left near a missing woman's car on the Loneliest Road in America changes everything. ​As Mason searches for clues, he and Addie drive closer to trouble and risk losing everything. Can his strange gift finally serve a purpose? Can he race against the clock and drive 2,000 miles before the skid mark disappears Purchase links: Anderson's Bookshop: https://www.andersonsbookshop.com/book/9781957656199 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Road-Angelique-Burrell/dp/1957656190 Connect with Angelique at the following links: Website: https://www.angeliqueburrell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aburrellauthor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aburrellauthor Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

I love to celebrate new book launches and champion the Celebrate Lit Publishing authors who’s work I’ve edited. Today’s episode is no exception! Join my special guest and me as we talk about her writing journey and celebrate her brand new novella. Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith series, Gardens in Time series, and Room for Love in the Suamalie Islands series. She enjoys researching and studying history. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and young. Promise Me Christmas is a Christmas novella, companion to Revolutionary Faith Series, 1784 Charleston, SC Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD4524R?crid=13Z6KSZ1AHDWG&keywords=promise+me+christmas&qid=1688802633&sprefix=promise+me+christma,aps,1631&sr=8-9&linkCode=sl1&tag=celelit-20&linkId=d1389c405b2ed09385eacf7f2deed398&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl   Connect with Marguerite at the following links: Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/gF-3I1 Website/Blog: https://www.margueritemartingray.com BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marguerite-martin-gray Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1408197086342364 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margueritemgray   Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

In today’s episode, my special guest and I talk about his writing and publishing journey. College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven multicultural/multilingual books (65 e-books—reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal). Raised in San Jose, California, he has lived abroad, earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western novel, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand loves volleyball and singing (in rock bands or choirs). His Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, biographies, Spanish/bilingual books, wordless and STEM books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. See: Amazon, Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Follett, Ingram, Target, Walmart, and PremioBooks.com Connect with Karl at the following links: https://premiobooks.com/book-author-visits https://www.facebook.com/KarlBeckstrand.AuthorSpeaker https://www.instagram.com/karlbeckstrand/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlbeckstrand/ https://www.pinterest.com/karlbx/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnBDasodvKjUEC_0X4yLpFg https://twitter.com/PremioBooks Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Today’s episode is a special one for two reasons. My special guest is not only a children’s book author, she’s a teen author with a birthday coming up in two weeks. Shanti Hershenson’s first two novellas were published when she was in the sixth grade, although her writing journey started long before then. Ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles, and eventually, turned into captivating tales. She lives in California with her parents, sister, and furry friends. Besides writing, she enjoys skateboarding, Beyblading, free-running, falconry, and of course, reading. She writes in a variety of genres, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction, although she mostly sticks to Sci-Fi. She advocates for anti-bullying, and you may find her at open mic-nights, performing her spoken word poem Needles & Thorns, which is about the struggle of bullying in middle schools. Shanti’s featured book is entitled: Helipads in Heaven. World-renowned author Dillon Hershkop has everything she wants in life, but getting there hasn’t been easy. Now thirty years old, she has achieved almost everything she dreamed of as a young girl: A dazzling career, a devoted fan base, and a picture-perfect family—but despite all of this, she is also painstakingly bored.That is why, when Dillon receives the opportunity to become the test subject for a time-traveling experiment hosted by JPL’s brand new Center for Experimental Science, she seizes the opportunity to explore La Cañada—and the places she grew up around—without any immediate reservations. In exchange, she can write a brand new memoir both about time travel and the nearly forgotten experiences that shaped her into the talented woman she is today. That is, if she returns.Dillon is soon thrown head-first as an adult spectator into the complicated world of her ten-year-old self—fondly nicknamed Goose—from her love of helicopters, writing, and all things Elton John, to her unreceptive fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Vincent, her sourly judgemental classmates, and the missed opportunities of a fourth-grade writer with a smothered voice.As she observes the childhood she does not entirely remember, she begins to realize that there are reasons for the holes in her memories—things she must not remember, because if she does, it may become impossible to stand back and watch the oil of her bottled-up trauma be poured into a fire from a distance. And if she goes against the direct orders of the laboratory, the effects of tampering with a nearly unknown science may permanently disrupt the fabrics of time, space, and Dillon’s existence.From the teenage author of You Won’t Know Her Name, Helipads in Heaven is a deep and heartwarming adventure of time travel, childhood ambitions, and at the core, a love letter to unique children and those who dare to dream. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Helipads-Heaven-Shanti-Hershenson-ebook/dp/B0C97X49B6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E564HUJXFRRD&keywords=Helipads+in+Heaven+by+Shanti+Hershenson&qid=1696259960&sprefix=helipads+in+heaven+by+shanti+hershenson%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1 Connect with Shanti at the following links: https://www.shantihershenson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shantihershenson/?hl=en https://www.pinterest.com/shantihershenson/ https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites https://twitter.com/ShantiHersh --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

My special guest and I have a fun and exciting conversation about our love of writing children’s books. Even though today’s episode is audio only for the most part, I get so excited to show off a new toy I made, that I forget that I don’t have my camera on, and turn it on for a brief second.so if you’re listening on YouTube, please disregard my split second video shot. For those of you listening, I’ll share the picture of the crocheted ice cream I talked about as part of the show notes blogpost on my site. TONYA DUNCAN ELLIS is author of the award-winning, 13-book, SOPHIE WASHINGTON children’s chapter series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024). She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City and for SCBWI Houston and Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she holds a BA degree in French from Centre College of Kentucky and an MBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Tonya is represented by Sara Megibow of kt Literary. She lives in Houston, Texas and is married with three children. There are 13 books in the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter series geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. African American preteen Sophie Washington and her friends deal with common tween issues like fighting off bullies, squabbling with siblings, managing social media and video games, getting schoolwork done, fitting in, and puppy love, with a Texas-twist. Sophie lives in the suburbs of Houston, Texas and sees alligators on neighborhood bike rides, goes muttin’ bustin’ at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and experiences flooding and hurricanes, which makes for all kinds of exciting adventures. Books in the Sophie Washington series include Sophie Washington: Queen of the Bee, Sophie Washington: The Snitch, Sophie Washington: Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie, Sophie Washington: The Gamer, Sophie Washington: Hurricane, Sophie Washington: Mission: Costa Rica, Sophie Washington: Secret Santa, Sophie Washington: Code One, Sophie Washington: Mismatch, Sophie Washington: My BFF, Sophie Washington: Class Retreat, Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day, and Sophie Washington: Treasure Beach.  Connect with Tonya at the following links: Website: www.tonyaduncanellis.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyaellisbooks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonyaellisbooks/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tonyaellisbooks     Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

The only way to move forward in God’s calling for your life is by faith. That’s what Austin moore and I talk about in this week’s episode, as we celebrate his debut novel. Austin Moore is a lead pastor who lives with his wife and four children in Southeast Georgia. He has spent most of his life in full-time church ministry while writing worship music. His ministry experience and a newfound passion have led him to creative writing to tell the story of God’s life-changing power in a new way. Austin’s debut novel is entitled Forward by Fire. All is lost as James’ car hurtles upside down through the air… …until he invokes the name of God. He wakes up in a bizarre new world, but is it a dream? A delusion? The afterlife? His estranged daughter Mary appears in the haze of the forest, but she’s apprehended by a strange dark force and taken away. James feels just as powerless to reach her as always. Whether this world is real or not, he’s got to try to find her, and his only hope is a map with mind-bending supernatural power. Can a man who’s never believed in the unseen step into the unknown? Would he relive the pain of the past and face a mysterious evil to save Mary and fix what’s broken between them? “What kind of father wouldn’t try?” James is no man of faith, but faith is the only way forward… …and souls are on the line. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Forward-Fire-Austin-Moore-ebook/dp/B0C6H4VF1C?ref_=ast_author_mpb&_encoding=UTF8&tag=revaustinmoor-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c03b8f56fb9b44fd7fae49bec8944ce3&camp=1789&creative=9325 Connect with Austin at the following links: https://austinmoore.net/ https://www.facebook.com/austinmoorebooks https://www.instagram.com/rev.austinmoore Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

What types of books do you write? Does your author platform align with your writing? That’s what I’ll be talking about in this weeks episode. I also share some changes coming to the podcast and my YouTube channel and give you some encouragement and prayers to help you move forward with streamlining your platform and becoming an expert in the gifts God has given you in your calling to write. Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

What would you do if you crossed paths with a service dog handler? In today’s episode, Joan Patterson and I discuss the different between a service dog and a guide dog. We discuss her latest book and her writing. Sit back and enjoy our inspiring and informative conversation. Career educator, author, and speaker Joan Patterson received a Bachelor of Science in education and business and an associate degree in Bible from Liberty University. More than three decades of multiple sclerosis (MS) have confined Joan to a wheelchair, from which she communicates passionately the life lessons God has taught her through service dog companions Faith and Giles. Joan has spoken to churches, women’s groups, children’s groups, civic groups, schools, nursing homes and professional groups. Joan’s memoire is entitled: A Matter of Faith, Surviving Life’s Crises with Four Wheels, Four Paws, and a Loving God.   In this unique memoir, Joan Patterson chronicles her experiences as the human half of an extraordinary homosapien -canine partnership. Adventures ranging from quirky, hilarious, poignant, challenging, but never dull offer fresh perspective on how to survive life’s relentless crises and develop a closer relationship with God. Joan’s hope and prayer in introducing readers to her delightful, devoted canine partner is that each will walk away from these pages with renewed faith and a deeper understanding of a loving heavenly Father who is always there to help his children in time of need. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=a+matter+of+faith+joan+patterson&crid=TSNQ5LALAV5K&sprefix=a+matter+of+faith%2Caps%2C97&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_4_17 Visit Joan’s website at: https://joanpatterson.org/ Listen to Joan’s interview with Patti Shene on her radio show called Step Into the Light by clicking the following link and clicking the play button on the first episode: https://pattishene.com/stepintothelightradioshow Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Here’s a sneak peek at the fourth annual WWJ writing conference which was streamed live on YouTube on Saturday August 19, 2023. My presentation is entitled Connect your Craft with your Writing. If you enjoy this presentation, click the play list link below to see the rest of the conference. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

Seeking first the kingdom of God is important if we want to align with God and follow His plan for our lives., I encourage you to surround yourself with a team of prayer warriors. The passages of scripture I reference throughout today’s episode include: John 15:4–5; Matthew 6:33; and Matthew 6:5–12. I read these verses from the King James Version of the Bible. My challenge to you is this: Seak first the Kingdom of God, invite your family, friends, church members, email subscribers and people in your writing community to be a member of your prayer team, according to God’s will, and pray for one another. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. If you missed the Writing Warriors for Jesus 4th annual writing conference, you can watch the replays here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message

In this return episode from my short hiatus, I share my takeaways and some exciting updates that I received while attending the write His answer virtual writing conference. Stick around to the end, because I encourage you, dear listeners and viewers, to attend a conference either by paying for it yourself, or applying for Cecil Murphy  scholarships whenever possible. Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook. The Write His Answer virtual writers conference kicks off tomorrow August 9th, and runs through Saturday August 12. There’s still time to register if you wish to attend live, and scholarships are available. To learn more and register for this fabulous lineup of workshops, continuing sessions, learning labs, roundtable discussions, breakouts and more, visit the Write His Answer conference website at: https://colorado.writehisanswer.com Mark your calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time after the live event by visiting: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inspirational-journeys/message