Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer (Allison Fallon)
Explore every episode of Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Aug 2023 | Where I’ve Been | 00:11:51 | |
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. | |||
| 22 Jan 2020 | Podcast Introduction: Am I a Writer? | 00:14:56 | |
A practice of writing has more impact than you think . . . and you might be the one standing in your own way. Best-selling author and Find Your Voice founder Allison Fallon shares how she discovered the far-reaching influence of a writing practice and the story of when she first saw herself as a writer. | |||
| 23 Jan 2020 | Mary Hyatt on using your thoughts to your advantage: writing, hypnotherapy and more | 00:58:25 | |
For Mary Hyatt, Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly was a wake up call. What does it mean to live authentically? Now a guide for others on this journey, life coach and meditation teacher Mary Hyatt discusses practical steps to access your inner wisdom through writing, meditation, and small first steps towards a new story. More of Mary Hyatt: | |||
| 23 Jan 2020 | Book Review: A Story of Alcoholism, Pain, and Hope after Loss | 00:23:05 | |
Prepare to Publish alumni Brooke Johnson dives into a time in her life when she wasn't motivated to read—and the surprising book which brought her the words she needed to hear. | |||
| 10 Feb 2020 | Writing Prompt: What's a Favorite Photo that Exists of Yourself? | 00:08:10 | |
Can you name what you love about yourself? Writing empowers us to change what we see in the mirror. Get free writing prompts in your inbox: findyourvoice.com/prompts | |||
| 13 Feb 2020 | Caleb Campbell on leaving the NFL and finding the courage to start over | 00:44:59 | |
For Caleb Campbell, finding his voice meant leaving his career in the NFL to clean toilets in Canada. Now, Caleb is a professional speaker, life coach, and co-host of the podcast, Kara and Caleb: Live in the Questions Now, and he’s writing a book about his journey to accepting himself. Join us as we discuss writing, purpose, and what it means to start over, completely. | |||
| 17 Feb 2020 | Writing Prompt: Who are the five people in your life you spend the most time with? | 00:08:22 | |
Ever think about how the people around you shape your life? Write to find out why your life looks the way it does, and to identify where you'd like to make some changes. findyourvoice.com/prompts | |||
| 20 Feb 2020 | Emily P. Freeman on the art of writing, the business of publishing and if you can do both | 00:44:34 | |
One writers's journey from blogging to published author and teacher. Emily P. Freeman, writer, podcast host and speaker, talks about the art and business writing: the tension between them, the importance of knowing the difference, and the power of combining the two. | |||
| 24 Feb 2020 | Writing Prompt: Define success in your own terms | 00:10:51 | |
Write to reimagine what "success" might mean for you (and try this simple writing tip!). | |||
| 27 Feb 2020 | Book Review: What you learn when you choose your own adventure | 00:17:06 | |
Sometimes, we want to make life decisions which "break the mold." How do we find that confidence—and what happens when we take that leap of faith? Today's book recommendation is Elisabeth Eaves' Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents, a travel memoir, reviewed by Prepare to Publish alumni Emily Booth. Another travel memoir, Find Your Voice founder Allison Fallon's first book, Packing Light, also mentioned in this episode. | |||
| 02 Mar 2020 | Writing Prompt: What’s a fork in the road you’re facing right now? | 00:07:14 | |
Let’s talk about decision-making. What can we do to listen to our gut, prioritize what matters, and sort through the myriad of choices available to us instantly (seemingly from anywhere, on any device)? Mentioned in the episode: NY Times article: Do You Suffer from Decision Fatigue? | |||
| 05 Mar 2020 | Anne Bogel on writing, reading, and why books are here to stay | 00:38:07 | |
Anne Bogel, creator of The Modern Mrs. Darcy and podcast What Should I Read Next?, gets real about the wandering process of writing, what makes books different than other media, and why people still go to the library. Purchase her brand new book, Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life. | |||
| 09 Mar 2020 | Writing Prompt: What is your gut telling you to do right now? | 00:09:43 | |
It’s the age-old question: go with your head or your heart? In situations of love, work, and day-to-day life, we’re faced with this question all the time. Writing about it sheds light on the unexpected answer. | |||
| 12 Mar 2020 | Laura McKowen on sobriety, writing—and what it takes to heal | 00:42:42 | |
For Laura McKowen, writing, sobriety, and the life she always wanted are inextricably linked. Laura is a leading voice in the sobriety movement—she’s helped THOUSANDS on the road to healing through her writing, speaking and teaching, and especially through her newly released, thought-provoking memoir, We are the Luckiest. She opens up here on her own journey, and what role writing had along the way. “We Are the Luckiest is a masterpiece. It’s the truest, most generous, honest, and helpful sobriety memoir I’ve read. It’s going to save lives.” — Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Warrior: A Memior | |||
| 16 Mar 2020 | Writing Prompt: What are you anxious about right now? | 00:14:16 | |
Anxiety is an incredibly normal part of life—a natural, biological response to danger. But in times of crisis, how do we keep our anxiety from hurting us more than it helps? | |||
| 19 Mar 2020 | Book Review: Coming back to yourself in a time of stress | 00:16:37 | |
In the midst of kids going off to college and other chaos, Amy Brown read The Road Back to You—it turned out to be just what she needed to make personal changes, connect with others, and rediscover herself. | |||
| 23 Mar 2020 | Writing Prompt: A big fear comes true…and it turns out better than ever imagined | 00:12:26 | |
What do we do to cope with stress? Writing helps us see clearly how we are responding to a crisis, and empowers us to make choices about what’s helpful and what’s not. Take a moment this week to tune in to your own pain and fear and imagine a new way ending. | |||
| 26 Mar 2020 | Miles Adcox on Emotional Well-Being, Creativity and Why "Three Simple Steps" Can't Help You Change | 00:46:31 | |
Healing takes time—it’s true. And yet, there are still ways we can help ourselves heal (and make more progress than we ever thought imaginable). Miles Adcox is a speaker, podcast host, business leader, and coach. He’s also the CEO of Onsite an internationally-known emotional wellness center that delivers life-changing personal growth workshops, founder of Inspire Nashville, a regular guest presenter on the Dr. Phil Show and author. A leading voice in mental health, he speaks, here, on change, creativity and the writing process. | |||
| 30 Mar 2020 | Writing Prompt: What's one thing holding you back? How can you move past those limits? | 00:12:56 | |
People say that roadblocks can become opportunities. But how does that happen? It’s not a flip of a switch. This episode provides a case study on how an obstacle at Find Your Voice, through an intentional shift in perspective, became an opportunity. Now, it’s your turn. | |||
| 02 Apr 2020 | Laura Youngkin on creativity, collaboration and how writing makes us fearless | 00:41:18 | |
Writing can impact your personal and professional life in ways you might not expect. Laura Youngkin is an entertainment producer, writer, creative consultant, and former Disney Imagineerwork. She shares how the practice of writing impacts, shapes, and transforms her life. Ted Talk mentioned: Hardwired for story, Sarah-Jane “SJ” Murray, TEDxSanAntonio thebravemillennial.com | |||
| 06 Apr 2020 | Writing Prompt: Why are we so stressed out? | 00:12:18 | |
Writing helps us identify our coping mechanisms and honestly evaluate what helps and what absolutely does not (and Ally shares her number one stressor right now). Listen and write for 5-20 minutes. | |||
| 09 Apr 2020 | Book Review: What it takes to be the hero of our own stories | 00:18:46 | |
In Daring Greatly, Brené Brown says, “If you own the story, you get to write the ending.” What does it mean to “own” the story—and what is the cost of ignoring parts of ourselves? Book Review Book: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown | |||
| 13 Apr 2020 | Writing Prompt: What do you never want to change about yourself? | 00:09:51 | |
When it comes to self-improvement, it's easy to focus on what we want to change about ourselves. But what if we focused on our strengths? | |||
| 23 Apr 2020 | Donald Miller on four characters we play during crisis | 00:41:30 | |
Listen for two questions you need to ask to find your voice, Don's tips and tricks on writing, and how words can help you navigate times of crisis. | |||
| 16 Apr 2020 | Grant Baldwin on what speaking on stage can do for your writing | 00:34:17 | |
A speaking career helps anyone who wants to be an author, refine their ideas, understand their audience, or grow a platform. Grant Baldwin, author of The Successful Speaker and founder of The Speaker Lab, shows us where to start when it comes to public speaking, demystifies the illusive speaking circuit, and leads us through what speaking has to teach us about writing (and, as a bonus, gives speakers advice for this current pandemic). His book! The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform grantbaldwin.com | |||
| 20 Apr 2020 | Writing prompt: What's going really well for you right now? | 00:11:16 | |
This prompt helps us focus on the fact that we are co-creators of the positive (and there's a bonus writing tip!). | |||
| 27 Apr 2020 | Writing prompt: In what do you have unwavering faith? | 00:08:39 | |
This prompt is all about unpacking what we believe and why. Mary Oliver says it best in her poem "Angels." | |||
| 30 Apr 2020 | Book Review: Is justice served? | 00:14:23 | |
In Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson eloquently displays how unjust our criminal justice system is. Read his book to face the real stories of the people on Death Row, what got them there, and what one man did to try for justice. Book Review: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson The Equal Justice Initiative: eji.org | |||
| 07 May 2020 | Kim Gravel on hustle, surrender, and how to walk in your purpose | 00:42:50 | |
Kim Gravel is surrounded by hustle. She’s a TV personality, QVC host, hugely successful entrepreneur, business badass who built a multimillion dollar industry from scratch, beauty queen and pageant winner including a former Miss Georgia (one of the youngest Miss Georgia’s on record). But she’s also learned that finding your purpose is not in the hustle. Listen for insight on how to achieve your dreams, and, after all of her success and accomplishments, the message on this woman’s heart. | |||
| 14 May 2020 | Kirsten Powers on Vulnerability, Resistance and on Regretting what You Publish | 00:52:24 | |
If you’ve ever wondered if full-time, successful writers struggle with self-doubt or procrastination—or if they've ever wished they could take back what they printed—Kirsten Powers has your answer. Kirsten is a bestselling author, a columnist, and political analyst. She writes for USA today and is an on-air political analyst for CNN. In this episode, she talks about finding her voice, writing, and the self-discovery happening in her own life right now. Kirsten Powers' podcast: How to Do You Fiancé Robert Draper’s next book: To Start a War: How the Bush Administration Took America into Iraq The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer The Road Back to You by Ian Cron | |||
| 21 May 2020 | Book Review: How do we find healing right where we stand? | 00:20:22 | |
Leslie Marmon Silko’s book Ceremony not only displays the depth of creativity in Indigenous literature, it invites us all into a journey of reconciling ourselves, our past, and our future with the people around us. Listen to hear how this book impacted one reader's life, and then order a copy for yourself! | |||
| 28 May 2020 | Mike Pacchione on how to speak, write, and be yourself (with other people around) | 00:44:56 | |
Speaker and storytelling coach Mike Pacchione (miketalks.co) addresses the obstacles of “being yourself”—in life, on the stage, and on the page. While covering distinctions and similarities between speaking and writing, Mike provides practical steps for how to calm anxiety and how to design an engaging (and authentic) speech. Mentioned: Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling | |||
| 04 Jun 2020 | Lauren Kinney on choosing now to write your life | 00:35:28 | |
Ever wondered if you’re “too young” to write a book? (or too—anything! You fill in the blank!) At age 19, Lauren Kinney decided that the only “qualification” she needed was her own permission. With her first published book, Unshakeable: Overcoming Fear to Discover a Life of Freedom, out now, Kinney’s story shows us all that, if we’re making excuses not to write, we’re getting in our own way. | |||
| 11 Jun 2020 | Book Review: How the internet makes you a brand | 00:26:09 | |
It wasn’t that long ago the internet didn’t exist. Now, more than ever, who you are feels connected to how you present yourself online. Which brings up the question: How does the “real” you compare to the brand of yourself you put online? If you’ve ever thought about how the internet is changing the way we view ourselves, pick up Jia Tolentino’s Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion. | |||
| 25 Jun 2020 | Caitlin Crosby on embracing yourself (and your passions) through the chaos | 00:38:18 | |
Actress, singer, songwriter and entrepreneur Caitlin Crosby knows about creating something from scratch. But in the midst of responsibilities, projects, and the craziness of life, how do we find what’s important? This conversation leads us down a path of the challenges of business ownership, balancing work and family, discovering what’s really important to you, and of course Caitlin’s journey to include her entire life story in a book. Caitlin shares about the person behind the projects, and how she keeps embracing herself and what’s closest to her heart. Websites: thegivingkeys.com, caitlincrosby.com TED Talk about Giving Keys (1) Podcast: Real Good Company | |||
| 02 Jul 2020 | Amy Brown on building a life, career, and platform around your passions | 00:50:47 | |
Amy is a radio host on the Bobby Bones’ show, a mom of two adopted Haitian kids, and an entrepreneur several times over. While she has made a career out of speaking every morning, it wasn’t until recently that she embraced her passions. In this episode, she traces her evolution from “Radio Amy” to “Amy Brown,” a woman proud of who she is and unabashed about the projects which speak to her heart. Amy Brown defines “finding your voice” as “finding what you’re passionate about, finding what you believe in, finding what makes you whole, finding what makes you happy, and sharing that with others.” At 38, she’s embracing who she is at a whole new level. Podcast: 4 Things with Amy Brown radioamy.com | |||
| 18 Jun 2020 | Alex Beh on the courage to shut up and listen (and find your voice in the process) | 00:47:56 | |
Writing holds up a mirror... and we don’t always like what we see. In this episode, Hollywood producer and actor Alex Beh approaches the uncomfortable fact that writing reveals what’s inside—our biases, our addictions, and the ways we participate in objectifying systems. The good news? Writing doesn’t leave you there. Beh gets very honest about the entertainment industry, about his personal life, and about what writing has revealed for him. Whether you’re creating a screenplay or a book, writing exposes what’s below the surface and, potentially, can bring transformation. alexbeh.com | |||
| 09 Jul 2020 | Jenna Reiss on how to get unstuck (and what “breathwork” is) | 00:43:13 | |
What can we do when we feel “blocked” or “stuck”? Healer, writer and breathwork coach Jenna Reiss answers the question, “What is breathwork?” and dives into what to do when you feel unable to move forward—in our writing or in our lives. She’s also working on her first book, and she gets honest about her questions and fears as a first-time author with a book deal. | |||
| 16 Jul 2020 | Jonathan Merritt on audience, voice, and writing when you have critics | 00:50:33 | |
How can we, as writers, handle criticism (readers, trolls, and the inner critical voice)? Jonathan Merritt, award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and author of several critically-acclaimed books, has some thoughts on how to connect with an audience, how to connect with your own power as a writer, and how to deal with the voices of critics. Jonathan Merritt is one of America’s most trusted and popular writers on religion, culture, and politics. This episode is for anyone who wants to write publicly, or who wants a behind-the-scenes look at one writer’s life. jonathanmerritt.com | |||
| 23 Jul 2020 | Nicole Sachs on writing as a cure for chronic pain | 00:42:35 | |
Nicole Sachs LCSW, shares about her story of healing from chronic pain, how she helps clients through JournalSpeak, and what traditional medical practices completely overlook when it comes to curing your body. | |||
| 30 Jul 2020 | Allison Trowbridge on writing a book, building a company, and loving the journey | 00:48:57 | |
Allison Trowbridge, author and entrepreneur, is a woman full of goals and ambition. She has written books, argued with senators about the severity of human trafficking, studied at Oxford, traveled the world, and now she’s starting a company. The running thread? Good company along the way. As she dives into what it takes to write a book or pursue any creative project, her main advice remains: “Do something worth the journey.” | |||
| 06 Aug 2020 | Koula Callahan on the body, movement, and the truth of your story | 00:47:10 | |
Your body might know more about you than you realize. Yoga instructor and Storybrand expert Koula Callahan describes the body as a library full of rich data on our experiences, thoughts, emotions—and the truth about our stories. This interview covers:
Our favorite quote from Koula is when she says that it’s actually impossible to experience the truth of your story if you don’t incorporate the body.
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| 13 Aug 2020 | Taylor Tippett on travel, mental health, and getting in the driver’s seat of your own life | 00:43:09 | |
Taylor Tippett is a flight attendant for American Airlines who started her writing journey through a project called "Words from the Window Seat." Now, she regularly writes travel guides on her website atravelinlady.com, and she’s currently working on a book. In a frank conversation with Allison Fallon, Taylor shares on her mental health journey, what words and writing have meant for her, and what it’s like to be a first time author securing a book deal. Through it all, Taylor insists, we’re the only ones that can be held accountable for creating the life that we want. Her advice? Just do it. atravelinlady.com | |||
| 20 Aug 2020 | Sasha Tozzi on hypnotherapy, healing, and choosing your own beliefs | 00:54:12 | |
Sometimes, it feels like we can’t escape from the life cycle that we’re living. No matter how much we try, we end up with the same relationships, life circumstances, or unhealthy patterns. As someone who has walked the road to recovery, writer, healer, and coach Sasha Tozzi shares her perspective on hypnotherapy and how we truly own the power to “re-program” what we believe about ourselves. Recorded in the first month of the 2020 pandemic, Tozzi and Fallon also discuss how we can intentionally bring greater creativity and growth into a time of disappointment and restlessness. | |||
| 27 Aug 2020 | Amy Wolff on speaking, writing, and three words which started a movement | 00:49:09 | |
Ever said something like, “Other people are really good at this, and I shouldn’t be doing it because I am NOT.” Amy Wolff, executive coach, hears this all the time about public speaking. At Find Your Voice, we hear it all the time about writing. In this episode, Amy dives into how to speak and how, through three small words, she gained the attention of her neighbors, her state, Good Morning America, and, eventually, a publisher. Whether on stage or on a yard sign, Amy has built her life on the belief that your words matter, no matter who you are. | |||
| 03 Sep 2020 | Melody Miles on leaving behind busy and creating a life you love | 00:42:29 | |
Melody Miles is an infectious disease expert. For years, she worked to end malaria with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She “had it all” by most standards: a meaningful career, a marriage, a mortgage. But when she had panic attack at work, it was wake-up call that she was ignoring the most important person in her life—herself. She “had it all” by most standards: a meaningful career, a marriage, a mortgage. But when she had panic attack at work, it was wake-up call that she was ignoring the most important person in her life—herself. She turned to writing, she made some major life changes, and, most importantly, she turned towards herself for the first time. If you're exhausted, anxious, or wondering if there’s something more, if you’re scared to live the life you actually want to live, download Melody's Soulcation blueprint: melodymiles.com | |||
| 10 Sep 2020 | Robert Imbeault on how writing saved his life | 00:42:08 | |
After uncovering trauma from his childhood, Robert Imbeault was set on ending his own life. But first, he felt compelled to write a letter. What started as a “goodbye letter” to his family and friends ended up instead turning his perspective around--he was saved by the very words that were meant to be his last. | |||
| 17 Sep 2020 | Melissa Johnson on rewriting beauty | 00:37:42 | |
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| 24 Sep 2020 | Matthew Ford: Is everyone really a writer? | 00:49:07 | |
Maybe some people just don’t find value in writing. Or maybe not. Matthew Ford is not a writerly type. Founder and Executive Producer of an experiential marketing agency, he always had plenty to keep him busy with work and never felt the need to process through writing. But like many entrepreneurs, he felt locked in the exhaustion of a 80-hour work week and weighed down by the relentless pressure of leading a growing business. Then COVID hit, and he lost over a million dollars in business overnight. So he turned to the tool he hadn’t really given a fair chance. And what came of it turned his life in a whole new direction. | |||
| 01 Oct 2020 | Paria Hassouri: “My story was missing” | 00:42:47 | |
What do you do when no one else seems to understand the story you’re living? You write your story. And, in that process, you change yourself, your community, and make space for others who, like you, feel alone. Paria Hassouri is a pediatrician, Iranian-American, and mother of three. Her book Found in Transition details her journey as a mother as her teenage transgender daughter transitioned. On this episode, Hassouri shares her wisdom on identity, healing, motherhood, and our own capacity to evolve and to love. | |||
| 08 Oct 2020 | Hannah Brencher on writing as a full time job | 00:40:06 | |
So many of us write for ourselves, but we wonder, “Could this be my full time gig?” Author, TED speaker, blogger, and writing coach Hannah Brencher shares why (and how) she's made "writer" her professional title. She also reflects on her publishing experience: what she learned publishing her first book and all the ways she’s writing differently now. Most importantly, Brencher demystifies what it means to write professionally and encourages all writers to fall in love with the process.
IG: @hannahbrencher | |||
| 15 Oct 2020 | Brittany Ross: Did you feel empowered? | 00:44:27 | |
So often are we wonder, "Did I do it the 'right way'?" | |||
| 22 Oct 2020 | Tim Schurrer on setting mindset for success | 00:38:23 | |
Why are some people happier and more successful than others? And is there anything we can do to move ourselves from here (discontent, striving, always looking for the next thing) to there? | |||
| 29 Oct 2020 | Ally's birth story: How to use writing to work through trauma | 00:51:41 | |
What happens when the story we've been working towards takes a sharp turn? What do we do when, despite our best attempts to prepare, difficult and painful moments come our way anyways? What do we do when we think to ourselves, "This is not how this story was supposed to go"? | |||
| 05 Nov 2020 | Kim Chestney: how to overcome your intuition block | 00:41:45 | |
No matter who you are, it's sometimes difficult to access your intuition. Kim Chestney, author, creative business incubator, and intuition expert, joins us on this episode to dive into what intuition is, what keeps us from trusting ourselves, and how to use intuition to fuel a creative life. | |||
| 12 Nov 2020 | Christine Owenell: how to move through (and utilize) chaos | 00:44:21 | |
The chaos of 2020 can make us feel like our lives are going off track. But what if the frustrating detours of life weren't detours at all? | |||
| 19 Nov 2020 | Hilary Billings on how to live into confidence | 00:50:53 | |
Do you consider yourself a confident person? If not, what's getting in your way? | |||
| 26 Nov 2020 | Nicole Gulotta: Writing with the (changing) Seasons | 00:41:45 | |
You know how sometimes no matter how hard you try to write, you just can’t seem to get any words on the page? Hello 2020. Today, poet, writer, two-time author and writing coach Nicole Gulotta shares why that can sometimes be a good thing, how inspiration ebbs and flows, and how in learning to be more present with our writing we do eventually get more writing done. facebook.com/yourwildwords | |||
| 03 Dec 2020 | Why is writing so hard for me? The Power of Writing It Down Part 1 | 00:29:46 | |
If I’m really a writer, why is writing so hard for me? Most people are shocked to find that writing is not only hard for them, it’s hard for anyone and everyone who has ever tried to write—even those people who are very gifted at their craft. In this episode, we hear from: Psychotherapist and Journal Therapist Deborah Ross, author of the book Your Brain on Ink: A Workbook on Neuroplasticity and the Journal Ladder and the infamous Science Mike on what happens in our brain as we write—and why it's so difficult. This is the first episode of a special series that’s all about the power of a writing process to create positive change in your personal life. We’re covering topics like why writing can be so challenging, what’s happening in your brain when you write, why writing is therapeutic, what it costs us when voices are silenced, and what a regular practice of writing looks like in real life. | |||
| 10 Dec 2020 | What if change were just one sentence away? The Power of Writing it Down Part 2 | 00:29:11 | |
The big secret about writing is: it doesn’t actually have to be that hard. It’s really simple to tap into the therapeutic aspects of writing. This week you’ll hear from our favorite experts, Journal Therapist Deborah Ross and the infamous Science Mike, and I’ll introduce you to therapist Elyse Snipes, who will walk us through the Cognitive Behavioral Model. You’ll get a sense of how easy it is to change your life: just write it down. | |||
| 17 Dec 2020 | Can I write myself a new story? The Power of Writing it Down Part 3 | 00:30:24 | |
If your life was a movie, what kind of story would it be? This week you’ll hear, again, from therapist Elyse Snipes and also from singer and songwriter Audrey Assad. You’ll get a sense of how writing about your own personal story might help you to reframe it and feel like the hero of your life — rather than just like things happen to you without meaning or purpose. This is the third episode of a special series that’s all about the power of a writing process to create positive change in your personal life. We’re covering topics like why writing can be so challenging, what’s happening in your brain when you write, why writing is therapeutic, what it costs us when voices are silenced, and what a regular practice of writing looks like in real life. | |||
| 24 Dec 2020 | Who Gets to Be A Writer? The Power of Writing it Down Part 4 | 00:33:26 | |
Who gets to be a writer? It’s a question so many people ask themselves. On today’s episode, I chat with some voices you’ll recognize, including Science Mike and therapist Elyse Snipes as well as a new voice: Rafik Wahbi, whose program with hip hop writing helped men in jail feel a sense of empowerment over their own stories. We talk about the voices we’ve silenced and the importance of diversifying the content we consume. If you have ever felt like your story isn’t represented in books and articles—or maybe you’ve worried that your story isn’t all that different or interesting, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. We need you. Your voice matters. Today’s guests will remind you why. This is the fourth episode of a special series that’s all about the power of a writing process to create positive change in your personal life. We’re covering topics like why writing can be so challenging, what’s happening in your brain when you write, why writing is therapeutic, what it costs us when voices are silenced, and what a regular practice of writing looks like in real life. | |||
| 31 Dec 2020 | Who actually has time to write? The Power of Writing it Down Part 5 | 00:23:59 | |
Maybe you want to write — but life gets in the way. You’re busy, you’re tired. You don’t have a cabin in the woods. How do all of these people actually get writing done? | |||
| 07 Jan 2021 | Ruthie Lindsey on Writing and Chronic Pain: The Power of Writing it Down Part 6 | 00:47:46 | |
In this final episode of our special podcast series called The Power of Writing it Down, I talk with my friend and someone you probably have heard about — her name is Ruthie Lindsey. This episode is the perfect capstone to what we’ve been talking about…
Ruthie puts all these pieces together as she shares her incredible and powerful personal story of using writing as a tool to heal from chronic pain (check out her book about her story here). She also shares a simple writing practice that you can use right away to put this tool to work for you in your personal life. | |||
| 14 Jan 2021 | Allison Fallon: a Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life | 00:41:28 | |
Most people go their whole lives without ever actually saying what's on their hearts. Yet we all have something we want to say. What's getting in our way? | |||
| 21 Jan 2021 | Dr. Eric Maisel on how know you (and your work) matter | 00:41:19 | |
Do you feel like you matter? Like—really matter? If you do feel like you matter, how do you know? Today’s guest is a man who argues that one way to know that we matter—really know—is to do a thing that we tell you to do all the time: it’s to write. But not just write. It’s to have a daily practice of creativity (like writing) that brings you back to this conclusion everyday: I matter. My words matter. Dr. Eric Maisel, the author of over 50 books, renowned coach to creatives, a columnist for Psychology Today and mental health advocate. His latest book The Power of Daily Practice teaches artists and creative people how to overcome blockages so they can finally meet their goals. So if you’re sure you’re an artist or a writer but you keep thinking to yourself that you don’t have the “discipline” to follow-through on your creative dreams, you aren’t going to want to miss what Eric has to share with you today. Maybe more discipline isn’t what you need at all. As for what you do need… well, let’s get into the conversation. | |||
| 28 Jan 2021 | Alex Hudgens on leaving her Hollywood dream job | 00:44:57 | |
Sometimes we get what we want in life ... and it's not what we imagined. Despite the fact that there were a lot of glamorous elements to her work in Hollywood, Alex Hudgens found herself feeling more and more distant from her true self the longer she worked in television—unsure of the difference between what she truly wanted versus what she was told she should want—until finally she couldn’t stand it anymore. Contrary to what popular opinion might suggest, Alex left behind the glamorous life in the spotlight to see if she could get back in contact with something that mattered much more to her than the success she always thought she wanted. Since then, she’s spent the past few years taking back her voice. | |||
| 04 Feb 2021 | John White: Writing myself into freedom | 00:36:47 | |
In the face of collective, systemic problems—where does one start? | |||
| 11 Feb 2021 | Bunmi Laditan: writing (as a mother) in the margins of your day | 00:52:17 | |
Mothers notoriously have no time in the day and no grace for themselves. Bunmi Laditan, writer and mother living in Quebec, Canada, does it differently. Twitter: @honesttoddler | |||
| 18 Feb 2021 | Mark McGuinness: Make your creativity your security | 00:43:14 | |
Do you feel like you're living in an unstable world? (We sure do!)
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| 25 Feb 2021 | Audrey Assad: On healing, creativity, and showing up as yourself | 00:43:37 | |
There's no getting around it: over time, we change. | |||
| 04 Mar 2021 | Jessica Martindale: Can writing be therapy? | 00:47:52 | |
As we approach the anniversary of the 2020 shutdown, we all need a place to process.
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| 11 Mar 2021 | Amy Wolff on doing something in the face of hopelessness | 00:48:33 | |
Sometimes, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But what do we do when we feel hopeless? | |||
| 18 Mar 2021 | Melissa Joulwan on going against your audience to find your voice | 00:47:05 | |
Is it worth writing even if no one will pay attention? twitter.com/meljoulwan | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | Five Myths About How Books Get Written | 00:24:40 | |
Maybe you doubt if you really have what it takes to write a book. | |||
| 01 Apr 2021 | Elyse Murphy on advocating for yourself through your words | 00:50:48 | |
Is there someone in your life trying to silence you? How do you fight for your voice when you are challenged, and what do you do when that resistance comes from someone close to you? | |||
| 08 Apr 2021 | Sara Lewis on making your personal story public | 00:49:55 | |
So many of us are so focused on getting our stories out there that we forget that becoming "known" has consequences. When you decide to publish (or share your story in any public way), what was once personal and private becomes open for discussion. People will have opinions on your story—and you might not like all of those opinions. | |||
| 15 Apr 2021 | Sandie Spotts on Cultivating a Love of Reading in Young Kids | 00:33:14 | |
So often, it's a childhood love of books and reading which inspires our own writing. But what makes a kid excited about reading and writing? How can we pass that on? | |||
| 22 Apr 2021 | Morgan Harper Nichols: wondering if your words connect | 00:42:35 | |
Artist, poet, musician and author Morgan Harper Nichols' work has already touched so many people's lives—including ours! | |||
| 29 Apr 2021 | Why you should write your life story even if no one reads it | 00:22:29 | |
We all have our doubts. Maybe you want to write your story, but you're not sure: not sure it's worth the effort, not sure you want to publish. What if no one even wants to read it? | |||
| 06 May 2021 | Ashley Abercrombie: So you're a ghostwriter? | 00:48:15 | |
You may have heard the term “ghostwriter.” And you might have some questions. (So did the author write the book or not?) Not every author comes up with every sentence of their book. Many times, there’s a behind-the-scenes person (or team) involved. And it’s not as scandalous as it sounds. In this episode, writer (and ghostwriter) Allison Fallon interviews another ghostwriter and author, Ashley Abercrombie. Both Allison and Ashley have both published under their own name and have written for other people. They talk about the challenges of each, when to know if you’re ready to share a personal story, and what it's like to help someone else’s voice come clear on the page. And check out Ashley’s book, Rise of the Truth Teller. * *Find Your Voice uses affiliate links. | |||
| 13 May 2021 | Katie Gustafson on how the Enneagram helps us rewrite our stories | 00:41:35 | |
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. instagram.com/katieagustafson | |||
| 20 May 2021 | Laura Tremaine: what to do when you feel alone | 00:44:53 | |
If so many of us feel lonely, what keeps us from reaching out to other people? | |||
| 27 May 2021 | Enuma Okoro: Writing as Soul Care | 00:45:05 | |
If you've ever dreamt of having more than one writing desk, this episode is for you.
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| 03 Jun 2021 | Seven Books Every Writer Should Own | 00:25:23 | |
What books should I read as a writer? If you're a writer (or want to be), your bookshelf might need these: 3. The War of Art. Steven Pressfield addresses resistance in the creative life. 5. Stein on Writing. Sol Stein answers your questions on writing technique. 6. Bird by Bird. Anne Lamott's classic on writing and life. 7. If You Want to Write. Brenda Ueland on how everyone has an interesting perspective worth writing down. *FYV uses affiliate links. | |||
| 10 Jun 2021 | Amy Young on the Gift of Burnout | 00:47:34 | |
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. | |||
| 17 Jun 2021 | Mary Marantz: How do I make my story interesting? | 00:49:10 | |
If you have a dream of writing a personal story, but worry that your story isn't interesting, this episode is for you. | |||
| 24 Jun 2021 | How to Overcome Writers Block and Other Secrets of the Creative Life | 00:22:19 | |
Have you ever started a creative project and somewhere along the way become ... stuck? | |||
| 01 Jul 2021 | Shari Medini: Writing a Book with Your Friend | 00:42:43 | |
So many people write to support their business and bolster their credibility. Sometimes, that book is a group project. | |||
| 08 Jul 2021 | Kirbee Miller on Writing While Balancing it All | 00:47:00 | |
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.
*FYV uses affiliate links | |||
| 15 Jul 2021 | FYV Staff Picks: Summer Reads with Substance | 00:32:22 | |
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 conversation goes beyond sports to her many other interests: the failings of the American prison system, the significance of single women in our political system, and how important it is for every woman to find their own way in the world and to speak their truth.
*FYV uses affiliate links Mentioned in this episode: innocenceproject.org | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | Jill Phillips: how to turn memories into memoir | 00:40:14 | |
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. Book: Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War London Through One Family's Story * *FYV uses affiliate links. | |||
| 29 Jul 2021 | Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing | 00:28:37 | |
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. | |||
| 05 Aug 2021 | Meredith Heller: Poetry as a lifeline | 00:39:57 | |
What do you think of when you hear the word "poetry"?
If you're curious about writing poetry but feel intimidated, this episode is for you. | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | Alexander Fields: Ask a literary agent | 00:43:22 | |
One of the top questions we get here at Find Your Voice is: "How do I find a literary agent?"
Website: thebinderyagency.com
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| 19 Aug 2021 | Julie Broad on the surprising advantages of self publishing | 00:42:01 | |
If you're writing a book for the first time, chances are you're hoping to traditionally publish.
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| 26 Aug 2021 | Memoir: How to write about the people who hurt you | 00:28:19 | |
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. In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon covers:
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| 02 Sep 2021 | Caroline Cook: When is Your Window to Write? | 00:43:05 | |
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 can you. Your story is worth it. Instagram: @caroline.b.cook | |||
| 09 Sep 2021 | Thad Cockrell: When is my Big Break? | 00:48:30 | |
Have you ever asked, "When is my big break?" | |||
| 16 Sep 2021 | Josh Harris on publishing regret and how to keep writing | 00:39:47 | |
Have you ever voiced an idea or opinion, and then wished you could take it back? If you're familiar with Josh Harris, you might know him as the author of 1997 book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, or its sequel, Boy Meets Girl. He has a lot of regret over these books and other writing. After moving on from his position as pastor and publicly deconstructing long-held religious beliefs, he now finds himself in a new role: coaching all kinds of people as they, too, learn to live authentically through change.
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