I apologize it’s been a while…so much going on at home. Just…a lot. Which is why I have this show! So we can remember what joy is and that it’s never too far away (even when life’s got you curled in on yourself and just keeps on kicking.)

I’m thrilled to be back with another inspiring episode of Write for Joy, and this time, we've got a special treat for you – a heartfelt conversation with the amazingly creative Brandon J. Greer! 🌟

Here’s just 5 of the things you’ll learn in this episode:

1. Balancing Artistic Passions: Find out how Brandon's love for drawing, acting, and writing fuels his creative journey.

2. Redemption Arcs: Why Brandon believes in second chances and how he weaves them into his fantasy stories.

3. Finding Joy in the Process: Brandon shares how he experiences joy in every step of writing, from brainstorming to final edits. Yes, EDITS.

4. Plotting vs. Pantsing: Get insights on how even a strict outliner like Brandon allows for spontaneity in storytelling.

5. The Power of Queries: Learn why writing a killer query letter can improve not just your chances with agents but also your overall writing craft.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know Brandon wrote his first book in the 6th grade? It was cleverly titled "Around the World in About a Year." Talk about starting young and with flair! 🌍📖

Tune in now to catch all the wisdom and warmth Brandon brings to our Write for Joy conversation. And hey, if you’re struggling with writing that daunting query letter, Brandon’s got some fantastic tips for you!

👉 Subscribe to our channel So you never miss an awesome, joyful chat!

Now let's go grab some joy!🌟✨

Namaste!

💛Ali

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Brandon J Greer is second and third oldest in a family of ten. (He was second oldest until a new marriage brought a new child that bumped him to third.) To set himself apart from so many siblings, he discovered the arts. Drawing, acting, and writing pulled him in at a young age. His first book, Around the World in About a Year, was completed in the sixth grade and was complete garbage but it won him a place in an arts competition at the local university. Now living in northern Utah with his wife and daughter, he travels as much as he can.

Links:

https://authorbrandonjgreer.wixsite.com/books

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

Are you ready for an inspiring trip through the pages of an accomplished writer's story? Our latest episode features the incredibly talented Carolyn Campbell, an award-winning journalist who has spent over 40 years crafting captivating stories for a variety of outlets.

This conversation is full of insights, laughs, and wisdom that any writer will cherish.

🖋️ 5 Writing Gems You'll Unearth in This Episode:

1. Award-Winning Insight: Learn how Carolyn snagged the prestigious Society of Professional Journalists Award, a testament to her outstanding talent in a field brimming with skilled writers.
2. The Power of Passion & Authenticity: Discover Carolyn's secret to creating genuine connections through her writing and interviews by sharing her own life's struggles and victories.
3. Interview Intimidation No More: Get insider tips for overcoming the fear of interviewing, including how to turn a daunting Q&A into a comfortable chat with a "nice person."
4. Clutter to Clarity: Explore the quirky side of creativity as Carolyn shares how her battle with clutter sparked a writing journey that resonated with readers and led to real-life opportunities.
5. True Crime Tidbits: Gear up for some heart-pounding storytelling as Carolyn teases her upcoming true crime podcast "True Crime Soup" that she'll be stirring up with her son.

🌟 Fun Fact of The Episode:

Amid the powerful life lessons, did you know that Carolyn found a unique family connection to the Presleys? Yep, you heard that right! Tune in to discover how her search for her birth family led to this fascinating piece of personal history.

As always, thank you for being such an integral part of our Write4Joy community. Your enthusiasm for stories, writing tips, and the joys of creation truly make this channel what it is - a treasure trove of writerly wisdom.

Now, hit that subscribe button, then go out and grab yourself some joy!

Namaste!

Ali

P.S.: Have you had a run-in with clutter, or masterfully managed an intimidating interview recently? Share your story with us—we'd love to hear it! 📚✨

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Carolyn Campbell is the author of three books and 900 magazine articles. She's been writing for 40 years.

^^That's the bio that Carolyn gave me, but she's SO MUCH MORE than just this. You'll have to tune into the show to discover for yourself!

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.campbell2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyncampbell5150

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-campbell-3791062/

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻Hey Joy-Seekers!

Are you ready for an inspiring trip through the pages of an accomplished writer's story? Our latest episode features the incredibly talented Carolyn Campbell, an award-winning journalist who has spent over 40 years crafting captivating stories for a variety of outlets.

This conversation is full of insights, laughs, and wisdom that any writer will cherish.

🖋️ 5 Writing Gems You'll Unearth in This Episode:

1. Award-Winning Insight: Learn how Carolyn snagged the prestigious Society of Professional Journalists Award, a testament to her outstanding talent in a field brimming with skilled writers.
2. The Power of Passion & Authenticity: Discover Carolyn's secret to creating genuine connections through her writing and interviews by sharing her own life's struggles and victories.
3. Interview Intimidation No More: Get insider tips for overcoming the fear of interviewing, including how to turn a daunting Q&A into a comfortable chat with a "nice person."
4. Clutter to Clarity: Explore the quirky side of creativity as Carolyn shares how her battle with clutter sparked a writing journey that resonated with readers and led to real-life opportunities.
5. True Crime Tidbits: Gear up for some heart-pounding storytelling as Carolyn teases her upcoming true crime podcast "True Crime Soup" that she'll be stirring up with her son.

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Carolyn Campbell is the author of three books and 900 magazine articles. She's been writing for 40 years.

^^That's the bio that Carolyn gave me, but she's SO MUCH MORE than just this. You'll have to tune into the show to discover for yourself!

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.campbell2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyncampbell5150

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-campbell-3791062/

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com

Prepare to have your imagination whisked away to a realm where dark fantasy thrives, and familiar tales are woven anew. Our latest episode features the delightful and incredibly imaginative Abigail O'Bryan who joined me for a heartwarming conversation full of creative insights and a dash of gardening banter. Trust me, this cozy chat is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea!

🔑 5 Keys You'll Unlock in This Episode:

1. The Birth of a Dark Fantasy: Discover the inspiration behind Abigail's upcoming book, "Iron Rose," and how her twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" gives it a fierce new life.
2. The Journey of a Storyteller: Abigail shares her evolution from a high school writer to a stay-at-home mom who crafts stories about deep characters and fascinating worlds.
3. The Symphony of Creative Passion: Ali and Abigail talk about shifting their musical talents to writing and the parallel between the dedication to develop musical talent with the unseen grind behind creating magical prose.
4. Finding Your Creative Cheerleader: Learn about the importance of having someone who has unwavering faith in your work. Shoutout to Nova, who Abigail gives credit to keeping her going.
5. Joy in the Craft: Both Ali and Abigail dive into what brings them joy in their respective passions, shining light on the small wonders that fuel their creative fires.

🌷 Fun Fact: In another life, Abigail might have been a gardener. Abigail describes her literary world as one where her characters and stories blossom with the same care and affection one would give to a rose garden in bloom.

As we wrap up this exciting episode, I’m not just inspired by Abigail's passion for writing and the arts, but I’m also chomping at the bit to hold "Iron Rose" in our eager hands. If you're as enchanted by the idea of fierce sword fights, wild escapes, and intoxicating love as we are, Abigail's new book is not to be missed!

🌟 Call to Action:

Don't forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring that notification bell to join us on every literary adventure. Once you’ve done that, head over to Abigail's Instagram for a daily sprinkle of fantasy, and sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss the release of “Iron Rose”! Let's support our new voice in dark fantasy and show her the same love that she pours into her spellbinding tales!

Now go and grab yourself some joy

Namaste!

Ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Abigail O'Bryan writes dark fantasy retellings of humanity & happily ever afters. When not writing, she's raising two kids and seeing just how many flowers she can fit in her arms.

Links:

IG: @abigail_obryan_author

Website: www.authorabigailobryan.com

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 Hey Joy-Seekers!

Prepare to have your imagination whisked away to a realm where dark fantasy thrives, and familiar tales are woven anew. Our latest episode features the delightful and incredibly imaginative Abigail O'Bryan who joined me for a heartwarming conversation full of creative insights and a dash of gardening banter. Trust me, this cozy chat is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea!

🔑 5 Keys You'll Unlock in This Episode:

1. The Birth of a Dark Fantasy: Discover the inspiration behind Abigail's upcoming book, "Iron Rose," and how her twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" gives it a fierce new life.
2. The Journey of a Storyteller: Abigail shares her evolution from a high school writer to a stay-at-home mom who crafts stories about deep characters and fascinating worlds.
3. The Symphony of Creative Passion: Ali and Abigail talk about shifting their musical talents to writing and the parallel between the dedication to develop musical talent with the unseen grind behind creating magical prose.
4. Finding Your Creative Cheerleader: Learn about the importance of having someone who has unwavering faith in your work. Shoutout to Nova, who Abigail gives credit to keeping her going.
5. Joy in the Craft: Both Ali and Abigail dive into what brings them joy in their respective passions, shining light on the small wonders that fuel their creative fires.

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Abigail O'Bryan writes dark fantasy retellings of humanity & happily ever afters. When not writing, she's raising two kids and seeing just how many flowers she can fit in her arms.

Links:

IG: @abigail_obryan_author

Website: www.authorabigailobryan.com

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com

This episode is going to resonate with all the dreamers, doers, and joy-seekers out there. I had the chance to sit down with the multi-talented engineer and wordsmith Daniel Sayre for a heart-to-heart that's as inspiring as it is insightful. Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and prepare yourself for a conversation that's all about finding joy in the pursuit of passion, purpose, and the art of writing. 📚☕️

🔑 5 Keys to Discovering Joy and Purpose:

1. The Intersection of Interests: Learn how Daniel Sayre balances his love for engineering with the creative world of writing, and find out how to align your career with your passions.
2. Defining Joy: Dive into what joy means to both Daniel and I—spoiler alert, it's all about taking risks and accepting challenges.
3. Facing Challenges Beyond the Page: Explore the bravery of embracing both the writer's journey and life's adventures, like Spartan races, white water rafting, and even mountain climbing!
4. Writing with Impact: Understand the ripple effect your writing can have on readers and how simple stories can carry profound meaning.
5. Risk-taking and No Regrets: Be encouraged to take risks in life that promise growth, excitement, and the satisfaction of living without regrets.

🤓 Fun Fact:

Did you know Daniel Sayre not only eats up words on the page but also gobbles up miles in obstacle course races? That's right, he takes on the gritty Spartan Race and Tough Mudder like a champ! For Daniel, it's all about the joy of crossing the finish line.

It was an absolute pleasure to have Daniel brighten up our Write4Joy community with his experiences and insights. This episode is a treasure trove of golden nuggets for anyone looking to find that sweet spot where joy meets purpose. So make sure you tune in and treat your soul to this wonderful conversation!

📣 Call to Action:

As always, we'd love for you to be part of the conversation. After you've listened to the episode, hit us up in the comments with your own definitions of joy, risks you're thinking of taking, or just how you're pursuing your passions! And if you've been stirred by the words shared, let's show some love and support for our indie authors like Daniel—visit his website, check out "Becoming Glitch," and look out for the sequel sometime this year!

Spread joy, be fearless in your pursuits, and keep writing your own adventure, my friends!

Namaste!

Ali

PS. If you haven't yet, smash that subscribe button to join our community of joyful writers and storytelling enthusiasts. Let's bring some joy to that inbox and life of yours!

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Daniel Sayre holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering as well as a double minor in math and creative writing from San Jose State University. In spite of this, he tries to remain only a part-time nerd. He is a sucker for a good superhero story and loves the great outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking, obstacle course races, or just getting to see new places. He also likes pizza, spending time with friends, and playing around on his 3D printer. Cooking and spelling bees… not so much. He lives in California.

Links:

Check out Daniel's website at https://danielsayreauthor.com/.

He's also on Facebook at Hey Joy-Seekers!

This episode is going to resonate with all the dreamers, doers, and joy-seekers out there. I had the chance to sit down with the multi-talented engineer and wordsmith Daniel Sayre for a heart-to-heart that's as inspiring as it is insightful. Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and prepare yourself for a conversation that's all about finding joy in the pursuit of passion, purpose, and the art of writing. 📚☕️

🔑 5 Keys to Discovering Joy and Purpose:

1. The Intersection of Interests: Learn how Daniel Sayre balances his love for engineering with the creative world of writing, and find out how to align your career with your passions.
2. Defining Joy: Dive into what joy means to both Daniel and I—spoiler alert, it's all about taking risks and accepting challenges.
3. Facing Challenges Beyond the Page: Explore the bravery of embracing both the writer's journey and life's adventures, like Spartan races, white water rafting, and even mountain climbing!
4. Writing with Impact: Understand the ripple effect your writing can have on readers and how simple stories can carry profound meaning.
5. Risk-taking and No Regrets: Be encouraged to take risks in life that promise growth, excitement, and the satisfaction of living without regrets.

🤓 Fun Fact:

Did you know Daniel Sayre not only eats up words on the page but also gobbles up miles in obstacle course races? That's right, he takes on the gritty Spartan Race and Tough Mudder like a champ! For Daniel, it's all about the joy of crossing the finish line.

It was an absolute pleasure to have Daniel brighten up our Write4Joy community with his experiences and insights. This episode is a treasure trove of golden nuggets for anyone looking to find that sweet spot where joy meets purpose. So make sure you tune in and treat your soul to this wonderful conversation!

📣 Call to Action:

As always, we'd love for you to be part of the conversation. After you've listened to the episode, hit us up in the comments with your own definitions of joy, risks you're thinking of taking, or just how you're pursuing your passions! And if you've been stirred by the words shared, let's show some love and support for our indie authors like Daniel—visit his website, check out "Becoming Glitch," and look out for the sequel sometime this year!

Spread joy, be fearless in your pursuits, and keep writing your own adventure, my friends!

Namaste!

Ali

PS. If you haven't yet, smash that subscribe button to join our community of joyful writers and storytelling enthusiasts. Let's bring some joy to that inbox and life of yours!

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Daniel Sayre holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering as well as a double minor in math and creative writing from San Jose State University. In spite of this, he tries to remain only a part-time nerd. He is a sucker for a good superhero story and loves the great outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking, obstacle course races, or just getting to see new places. He also likes pizza, spending time with friends, and playing around on his 3D printer. Cooking and spelling bees… not so much. He lives in California.

Links:

Check out Daniel's website at https://danielsayreauthor.com/.

He's also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093501434590

Find his first book, Becoming Glitch, on Amazon athttps://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Glitch-Daniel-Sayre/dp/B0BMSY5Y93

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com

This episode of Write for Joy, is a real treat. In this episode I sat down with Susan Phelan, an author and actress, to discuss her book "Miss Classified" and the joy of writing. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover in this engaging conversation:

1. Understanding Joy: Susan and Ali delve into the concept of joy and its significance in writing, shedding light on how joy can manifest as a secondary emotion tied to discovery and love.
2. Writing as Discovery: A fascinating discussion on how Susan's background in acting has influenced her as a writer, and the joy she finds in becoming one with her characters during the writing process.
3. Impact of Authentic Work: Discover how Susan's work, "Miss Classified," has brought joy to readers and provided insights into understanding ADHD from a new perspective.
4. The Circle of Joy: Uncover the beautiful cycle of joy as Susan shares her experiences of joy as an author and actress, and the joy she feels when her work brings joy to others.
5. A Fun Fact: Check out Susan's acting credits, including the teen comedy romance "You're So Cupid" and the Lifetime Christmas movie "Hot Chocolate Holiday"!

This episode is packed with insightful and heartfelt moments—and lots of laughter. So, if you're ready to infuse your writing journey with joy and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

Here's an extra fun fact that just proves Susan’s awesomeness. Susan held a backyard carnival at the age of 10 to raise money for Jerry Lewis' kids. What a joyful childhood memory to cherish!

If you're as inspired as I am, it's time to take action. Head over to my website to listen to the full episode and explore the show notes where you’ll find links to Susan's work and projects. Let Susan's journey and insights spark joy and creativity in your writing endeavors!

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

‘Till next time, go out and grab your joy!

Namaste!

Ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Susan Phelan is an actress and author. Her middle grade contemporary novel, Miss Classified, was inspired by her own children, three of whom struggled with ADHD—just like Miss Classified’s main character. The book is fun and humorous and worth a read! See if you can spot her in the teen comedy “You’re So Cupid”, and the Lifetime Christmas movie, “Hot Chocolate Holiday.”

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.m.phelan/

Twitter: @suepeaZQ

Instagram: suepea5

thesusanphelan.com (still under construction)

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3525157/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0susanmphelan@gmail.com

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi &]]>Hey Joy-Seekers!

This episode of Write for Joy, is a real treat. In this episode I sat down with Susan Phelan, an author and actress, to discuss her book "Miss Classified" and the joy of writing. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover in this engaging conversation:

1. Understanding Joy: Susan and Ali delve into the concept of joy and its significance in writing, shedding light on how joy can manifest as a secondary emotion tied to discovery and love.
2. Writing as Discovery: A fascinating discussion on how Susan's background in acting has influenced her as a writer, and the joy she finds in becoming one with her characters during the writing process.
3. Impact of Authentic Work: Discover how Susan's work, "Miss Classified," has brought joy to readers and provided insights into understanding ADHD from a new perspective.
4. The Circle of Joy: Uncover the beautiful cycle of joy as Susan shares her experiences of joy as an author and actress, and the joy she feels when her work brings joy to others.
5. A Fun Fact: Check out Susan's acting credits, including the teen comedy romance "You're So Cupid" and the Lifetime Christmas movie "Hot Chocolate Holiday"!

This episode is packed with insightful and heartfelt moments—and lots of laughter. So, if you're ready to infuse your writing journey with joy and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

Here's an extra fun fact that just proves Susan’s awesomeness. Susan held a backyard carnival at the age of 10 to raise money for Jerry Lewis' kids. What a joyful childhood memory to cherish!

If you're as inspired as I am, it's time to take action. Head over to my website to listen to the full episode and explore the show notes where you’ll find links to Susan's work and projects. Let Susan's journey and insights spark joy and creativity in your writing endeavors!

I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

‘Till next time, go out and grab your joy!

Namaste!

Ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Susan Phelan is an actress and author. Her middle grade contemporary novel, Miss Classified, was inspired by her own children, three of whom struggled with ADHD—just like Miss Classified’s main character. The book is fun and humorous and worth a read! See if you can spot her in the teen comedy “You’re So Cupid”, and the Lifetime Christmas movie, “Hot Chocolate Holiday.”

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.m.phelan/

Twitter: @suepeaZQ

Instagram: suepea5

thesusanphelan.com (still under construction)

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3525157/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0susanmphelan@gmail.com

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble.

Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com

Our latest episode was a true joy to create. Laurie Lewis’s passion for storytelling and zest for life is totally infectious. Get ready to be dazzled by her insights and heartfelt anecdotes as she and I enjoyed a stirring conversation on the wonders of writing and the pursuit of joy.

✨💎 5 Joyful Gems 💎✨

1. Learn how authors like Laurie infuse their love for family, faith, and personal interests into their writing, creating rich narratives that resonate with readers—and maybe even make a difference in their lives.
2. Discover Laurie's approach to character-driven storytelling, which has sprouted from her real-life interactions, such as her touching experience with a French woman in a nursing home.
3. Gain a fresh perspective on how writing can be a means to work with the Divine Creator and produce truth in fiction—whether through first-hand encounters or sheer empathy and imagination.
4. Find out how specific life events can transform into award-winning novels like “The Letter Carrier," proving that sometimes the best stories choose us.
5. Get a heartfelt reminder of the impact that books can have on readers and the community, as Laurie's work not only tells enthralling stories but also brings families and estranged relatives together.

🤓 Fun Fact from the Episode 🤓

Did you know that “The Letter Carrier” evolved from an 8-year labor of love to help a woman share her wartime story, eventually becoming a celebrated piece of historical fiction that garnered a Whitney Award? Talk about a novel that wrote its own destiny!

This heart-to-heart with Laurie Lewis is more than just a peek behind the curtain of an author's life; it's a reminder of the profound joy we can all find in our creative pursuits.

🙌 Call to Action 🙌

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the full episode, and let Laurie’s journey inspire your next writing adventure! Hit the subscribe button and never miss out on stories that spark your passion. If Laurie’s tales tug at your heartstrings, check out her books to experience the magic first-hand.

Keep spreading joy, my friends! One word at a time!

Namaste!

Ali

P.S. I’d love to hear about the joy you've found in writing or reading. Drop us a comment or share your story with us on social media!

Write on! ✍️💖

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis is a weather-whining lover of family, God, twinkle lights, and the sea. Realizing that she was craft-challenged and particularly lethal with a glue gun, she set her creative juices on writing, which was less likely to burn her fingers. Having won several awards for her work, she feels writing is her niche.

Born in Baltimore, Laurie spent many years within the exciting and history-rich corridor between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C., which made her a politics

and history junkie. She’s the author of fifteen novels published in multiple genres.

Her women’s fiction, romance novels, and suspense novels are written under her own name—Laurie Lewis—and her historical fiction novels are penned as L.C. Lewis.

Her WWII novel, “The Letter Carrier,” won two Whitney Awards —Best General/Historical Fiction 2023 and Novel of the Year, 2023. She’s a RONE Award Winner (The Dragons of Alsace Farm) and was twice named a New Apple Literary Award winner in 2017 (The Dragons of Alsace Farm) and in 2018, winning

Best New Fiction (Love on a Limb). She is also a BRAGG Medallion honoree, and she was twice named a Whitney Awards and USA Best Books Awards...]]>Hey Joy-Seekers!

Our latest episode was a true joy to create. Laurie Lewis’s passion for storytelling and zest for life is totally infectious. Get ready to be dazzled by her insights and heartfelt anecdotes as she and I enjoyed a stirring conversation on the wonders of writing and the pursuit of joy.

✨💎 5 Joyful Gems 💎✨

1. Learn how authors like Laurie infuse their love for family, faith, and personal interests into their writing, creating rich narratives that resonate with readers—and maybe even make a difference in their lives.
2. Discover Laurie's approach to character-driven storytelling, which has sprouted from her real-life interactions, such as her touching experience with a French woman in a nursing home.
3. Gain a fresh perspective on how writing can be a means to work with the Divine Creator and produce truth in fiction—whether through first-hand encounters or sheer empathy and imagination.
4. Find out how specific life events can transform into award-winning novels like “The Letter Carrier," proving that sometimes the best stories choose us.
5. Get a heartfelt reminder of the impact that books can have on readers and the community, as Laurie's work not only tells enthralling stories but also brings families and estranged relatives together.

🤓 Fun Fact from the Episode 🤓

Did you know that “The Letter Carrier” evolved from an 8-year labor of love to help a woman share her wartime story, eventually becoming a celebrated piece of historical fiction that garnered a Whitney Award? Talk about a novel that wrote its own destiny!

This heart-to-heart with Laurie Lewis is more than just a peek behind the curtain of an author's life; it's a reminder of the profound joy we can all find in our creative pursuits.

🙌 Call to Action 🙌

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the full episode, and let Laurie’s journey inspire your next writing adventure! Hit the subscribe button and never miss out on stories that spark your passion. If Laurie’s tales tug at your heartstrings, check out her books to experience the magic first-hand.

Keep spreading joy, my friends! One word at a time!

Namaste!

Ali

P.S. I’d love to hear about the joy you've found in writing or reading. Drop us a comment or share your story with us on social media!

Write on! ✍️💖

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Laurie (L.C.) Lewis is a weather-whining lover of family, God, twinkle lights, and the sea. Realizing that she was craft-challenged and particularly lethal with a glue gun, she set her creative juices on writing, which was less likely to burn her fingers. Having won several awards for her work, she feels writing is her niche.

Born in Baltimore, Laurie spent many years within the exciting and history-rich corridor between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and D.C., which made her a politics

and history junkie. She’s the author of fifteen novels published in multiple genres.

Her women’s fiction, romance novels, and suspense novels are written under her own name—Laurie Lewis—and her historical fiction novels are penned as L.C. Lewis.

Her WWII novel, “The Letter Carrier,” won two Whitney Awards —Best General/Historical Fiction 2023 and Novel of the Year, 2023. She’s a RONE Award Winner (The Dragons of Alsace Farm) and was twice named a New Apple Literary Award winner in 2017 (The Dragons of Alsace Farm) and in 2018, winning

Best New Fiction (Love on a Limb). She is also a BRAGG Medallion honoree, and she was twice named a Whitney Awards and USA Best Books Awards finalist.

Links:

Laurie loves to hear from readers, and she invites you to join her VIP Readers’ Club or 

contact her at any of these locations:

https://books2read.com/u/mlLqRM (letters)

VIP Readers’ Club-https://www.laurielclewis.com/newsletter 

Website- www.laurielclewis.com 

Twitter-  https://twitter.com/laurielclewis 

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1743696.Laurie_L_C_Lewis 

Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/LaurieLCLewis/ 

Instagram/ https://www.instagram.com/laurielclewis/ 

BookBub- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laurie-lewis

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: speaking, teaching, nonfiction books

This is where I hang out the most!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy

Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks

📚Facebook Fan Group📚:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance

Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks

I hope you're all doing great. We have a new episode up on the channel, and I can't wait to share all the joy-filled wisdom from our guest, Kara Leigh Miller. In this episode, Kara dives into where she finds joy in writing and life, and it's truly inspiring. Here's some highlights of what you can expect from this episode:

1. Keys to Finding Joy: Kara shares her insights on finding joy in writing and life. She talks about the importance of personal permission to step away, embracing discovery writing, and the joy in the storytelling process.
2. Fun Fact: Did you know that Kara has written Christian romance and a paranormal romance series that has been compared to the next generation of Twilight? It's so fascinating to hear about her diverse writing journey!
3. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional life and the importance of giving oneself the space to find joy in writing.

Soak up all the positivity and wisdom from Kara Leigh Miller. I guarantee you'll walk away with a brighter perspective and some new tools to find joy in your own writing journey.

Happy listening, and as always, keep seeking joy in every corner of your life!

Cheers!

Ali

🌟P.S. Don't forget to hit the like button and share your key takeaways in the comments🌟

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest, Kara Leigh Miller

Kara Leigh Miller is a multi-genre published author and an avid reader with eclectic tastes that range from the tame to the taboo. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband, kids, a spoiled rotten pit bull, and five needy cats. When she's not busy writing romance novels that leave readers swooning, she's spending time with her family, working out, or binge watching Netflix. And sometimes, she'll even play golf with her husband, even though she totally sucks at it.

Links:

Website: www.karaleighmillerauthor.com 

Newsletter sign-up (and get a FREE book): https://BookHip.com/GANWAJF

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Your Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐For ALL Things Ali

This is where I hang out the most!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

🥷🏻STORYNINJA DOJO🥷🏻

www.storyninjadojo.com

All about writers! It's a bit under construction at the moment, but you can...

Subscribe to NinjaNews, my short, weekly email that includes a brief lesson and a kata (practice) you can do right away. https://www.subscribepage.com/ninjanews

Watch STORYNINJA LIVE!👀

Ann Hunter joins me as we discuss writing, the life and the craft, and offer a weekly kata. We're live Tuesdays 5-6 p.m. MT on YouTube and Twitch!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alicross

Twitch: Hey Joy-Seekers!

I hope you're all doing great. We have a new episode up on the channel, and I can't wait to share all the joy-filled wisdom from our guest, Kara Leigh Miller. In this episode, Kara dives into where she finds joy in writing and life, and it's truly inspiring. Here's some highlights of what you can expect from this episode:

1. Keys to Finding Joy: Kara shares her insights on finding joy in writing and life. She talks about the importance of personal permission to step away, embracing discovery writing, and the joy in the storytelling process.
2. Fun Fact: Did you know that Kara has written Christian romance and a paranormal romance series that has been compared to the next generation of Twilight? It's so fascinating to hear about her diverse writing journey!
3. We discuss the challenges of balancing personal and professional life and the importance of giving oneself the space to find joy in writing.

Soak up all the positivity and wisdom from Kara Leigh Miller. I guarantee you'll walk away with a brighter perspective and some new tools to find joy in your own writing journey.

Happy listening, and as always, keep seeking joy in every corner of your life!

Cheers!

Ali

🌟P.S. Don't forget to hit the like button and share your key takeaways in the comments🌟

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest, Kara Leigh Miller

Kara Leigh Miller is a multi-genre published author and an avid reader with eclectic tastes that range from the tame to the taboo. She currently lives in Michigan with her husband, kids, a spoiled rotten pit bull, and five needy cats. When she's not busy writing romance novels that leave readers swooning, she's spending time with her family, working out, or binge watching Netflix. And sometimes, she'll even play golf with her husband, even though she totally sucks at it.

Links:

Website: www.karaleighmillerauthor.com 

Newsletter sign-up (and get a FREE book): https://BookHip.com/GANWAJF

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Your Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐For ALL Things Ali

This is where I hang out the most!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

🥷🏻STORYNINJA DOJO🥷🏻

www.storyninjadojo.com

All about writers! It's a bit under construction at the moment, but you can...

Subscribe to NinjaNews, my short, weekly email that includes a brief lesson and a kata (practice) you can do right away. https://www.subscribepage.com/ninjanews

Watch STORYNINJA LIVE!👀

Ann Hunter joins me as we discuss writing, the life and the craft, and offer a weekly kata. We're live Tuesdays 5-6 p.m. MT on YouTube and Twitch!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alicross

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/storyninjadojo

📚Facebook Fan Group for my Books📚:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!

https://www.subscribepage.com/aliarcher_booklink

I hope you're all doing amazing! I'm thrilled to finally be back with season 2 of the Write4Joy show where we dive into the world of joy, happiness, and, of course, writing. In this episode, I caught up with one of my besties, Ann Hunter, for a heartwarming and inspiring conversation. So, grab a cozy spot and get ready to be uplifted!

Here are 5 keys that you'll take away from our chat with Ann Hunter:

1. The power of gratitude: Ann shares how being grateful for the small things in life brings her joy, and how her family and friends play a significant role in that.

2. Overcoming challenges: Ann opens up about her personal battles with mental health and how she's found solace through writing and creating safe spaces for representation in her work.

3. The joy of writing community: We explore the importance of finding a supportive community and how it can be a driving force in reaching your writing goals.

4. Embracing authenticity: Ann's work champions tough teen issues and demonstrates how true Christians should behave, making it a safe space for youth to see themselves represented.

5. Transforming work into play: Ann's infectious energy reminds us all to infuse our work with joy and look at it as a form of play, making it easier and more enjoyable to do.

Shameless Begging: We love Sodalicious! If any of you know any Sodalicious bosses, please consider sponsoring the show! :)

I'd love for you to share your thoughts and takeaways from the episode. What resonated with you the most? Leave me a comment and let's keep the conversation going!

Wishing you all a joy-filled day ahead. And remember, joy is all around you—so grab some for yourself, today!

Big joy-filled hugs,

💛Ali

Namaste!

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Multi-award winning author Ann Hunter is awesome. And hilarious. She is often told it must be a blast living in her brain. She argues that the voices in her head never shut up. The only way to get relief is to let them out on to the page. She lives in the shadow of the Wasatch mountains with an overly tolerant husband and two feral daughters.

Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/annhunterhttp://www.northoakseries.com 

IG: @annhunter82 & @northoakseries 

FB: www.facebook.com/northoakseries or /authorannhunter

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

📚Facebook Fan Group📚:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

For Writers:

https://www.storyninjadojo.com

Welcome to the Season Finale!

How've you been? Have you been finding your joy? I'd love to know what you've discovered. You should join me on the show! (The link's below!)

This chat with Jared was inspiring and encouraing to me. (shh... I'm actually feeling stirrings of writing desires!)

One of the quotes Jared referenced by Dieter F. Uchtdorf can be found in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

I hope you love this episode as much as I enjoyed making it!

The show will return in January with some of the best interviews I done, and after I've made some improvements to the way I do things. There's so much to learn! Thank you for hanging with me while I figured out what I was doing. You're the best!

Namaste!🙏🏻💛

Ali

P.S. If you like the show, I would be ever so grateful for your support! There are several great ways you can support it ~ do one, or do all!

• 💛Like!
• 💛💛Subscribe!
• 💛💛💛Toss a coin into the tip jar!
• 💛💛💛💛Leave a review!
• 💛💛💛💛💛Share with your friends!

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest ~ Jared Garrett

I'm an eclectic writer who draws from a wide and varied background that started in an end-times cult. I've been a firefighter, concierge, teacher, trainer, and technologist. I have twelve published books and am just getting started.

Links:

https://linktr.ee/jaredgarrett

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: speaking, teaching, nonfiction books

This is where I hang out the most!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy

Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks

www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Fan Group📚:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!

https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance

Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks

www.alinoblebooks.com

I hope you're in high spirits and ready for a burst of happiness. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with award-winning author Amey Zeigler, who specializes in romantic comedic mysteries that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

So, what can you expect from this fun-filled conversation?

Here's 5 keys that you'll take away from this awesome interview:

1. The Power of Humor: Amey shares how infusing humor into both our lives and our stories can help us navigate stressful situations and bring levity to even the toughest moments.
2. Adventure Abounds: Explore the exciting world of Amey's books, where romance meets action and adventure. Discover how she creates compelling characters who embark on thrilling journeys that go beyond just love stories.
3. Real-Life Inspiration: Learn how Amey draws inspiration from her own experiences and the places she's lived, crafting stories that resonate with readers on a personal level. Get ready to be transported to captivating settings!
4. Transformational Stories: Dive into the discussion about the importance of transformational stories and the impact they can have on readers. Discover how Amey weaves growth opportunities into her narratives, creating meaningful and relatable journeys.
5. Laughter's Healing Power: Hear Amey's personal story of turning to humor as a source of strength during difficult times and how she incorporates it into her books. Find out how humor can bring joy, healing, and resilience to our lives.

Now, for a fun fact from the episode: One time, Amey accidentally submitted her book, "The Casserole Dish," into an awards competition. She thought it was a long shot, but it ended up winning runner-up in the Roan Awards for sweet contemporary romance. Proof that sometimes, unexpected surprises can lead to great success!

I had an amazing time getting to know Amey, and I know you'll love her --and her books--too. If you're in need of a dose of laughter and heartwarming adventure, make sure to check out her remarkable stories.

Please subscribe to the show and share with anyone who could do with some happy inspiration. Isn't that everyone?

As always, stay positive, embrace joy, and surround yourself with uplifting stories. Until next time, keep writing your own joy!

Namaste!

Ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Amey Zeigler, an award-winning author of romantic comedies and mysteries. Her mainstream romance, The Casserole Dish, won the Runner-Up in the Rone Awards for Sweet Contemporary Romance. Her stories are filled with humor, charm, and heart, often with a dash of action and adventure. Amey even narrates her own books—thanks to her years of theater training in college and high school.

When she's not writing, she’s teasing her three kids, globe-trotting with her husband (for book research of course!), or trying new things.

Links:

You can find Amey at www.ameyzeigler.com or @ameyzeigler on Instagram and Twitter.

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: speaking, teaching, nonfiction...]]>Hey there, joy-seekers!

I hope you're in high spirits and ready for a burst of happiness. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with award-winning author Amey Zeigler, who specializes in romantic comedic mysteries that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

So, what can you expect from this fun-filled conversation?

Here's 5 keys that you'll take away from this awesome interview:

1. The Power of Humor: Amey shares how infusing humor into both our lives and our stories can help us navigate stressful situations and bring levity to even the toughest moments.
2. Adventure Abounds: Explore the exciting world of Amey's books, where romance meets action and adventure. Discover how she creates compelling characters who embark on thrilling journeys that go beyond just love stories.
3. Real-Life Inspiration: Learn how Amey draws inspiration from her own experiences and the places she's lived, crafting stories that resonate with readers on a personal level. Get ready to be transported to captivating settings!
4. Transformational Stories: Dive into the discussion about the importance of transformational stories and the impact they can have on readers. Discover how Amey weaves growth opportunities into her narratives, creating meaningful and relatable journeys.
5. Laughter's Healing Power: Hear Amey's personal story of turning to humor as a source of strength during difficult times and how she incorporates it into her books. Find out how humor can bring joy, healing, and resilience to our lives.

Now, for a fun fact from the episode: One time, Amey accidentally submitted her book, "The Casserole Dish," into an awards competition. She thought it was a long shot, but it ended up winning runner-up in the Roan Awards for sweet contemporary romance. Proof that sometimes, unexpected surprises can lead to great success!

I had an amazing time getting to know Amey, and I know you'll love her --and her books--too. If you're in need of a dose of laughter and heartwarming adventure, make sure to check out her remarkable stories.

Please subscribe to the show and share with anyone who could do with some happy inspiration. Isn't that everyone?

As always, stay positive, embrace joy, and surround yourself with uplifting stories. Until next time, keep writing your own joy!

Namaste!

Ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

Amey Zeigler, an award-winning author of romantic comedies and mysteries. Her mainstream romance, The Casserole Dish, won the Runner-Up in the Rone Awards for Sweet Contemporary Romance. Her stories are filled with humor, charm, and heart, often with a dash of action and adventure. Amey even narrates her own books—thanks to her years of theater training in college and high school.

When she's not writing, she’s teasing her three kids, globe-trotting with her husband (for book research of course!), or trying new things.

Links:

You can find Amey at www.ameyzeigler.com or @ameyzeigler on Instagram and Twitter.

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host

Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people.

Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: speaking, teaching, nonfiction books

This is where I hang out the most!

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy

Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks

www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Fan Group📚:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!

https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance

Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks

www.alinoblebooks.com

Learn…

1️⃣ How to navigate writing during challenging times, including personal struggles and life changes.

2️⃣ Finding joy through self-reflection in nonfiction writing.

3️⃣ The sheer fun and satisfaction of writing fiction and letting your imagination run wild.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know that Mariah published four books during the last years of her marriage? It's a testament to the strength and resilience present even during tough times.

How do you find the strength to carry you through those hard days?

Have a blessed week!

ali

Want to be a Guest on the Show?

Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted!

https://calendly.com/thealicross/w4j

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest:

Mariah K. Porter writes about mental illness using comedic and hopeful tones.

Links:

https://mariahkporter.com

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About the Host:

Ali Cross is an author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: speaking, teaching & nonfiction

This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com

www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy

Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks

www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!

https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance

Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks

www.alinoblebooks.com

Every week I'm surprised by what comes out of the show. This conversation with Tamara Grantham made me remember my early days as a mom and how I needed something more, something for me, in order to be the best mom I could be to my boys. Many women, and men, find themselves in similar situations and there can sometimes be the sense of guilt, like they should just magically be this other-centered being who serves and gives all to their children. 

This chat made me think how parenting is very much like our safety instructions on a plane. When air pressure changes, the masks can drop from the ceiling. If you don't put your own mask on first, choosing to serve your child first, you might find you're unable to save yourself. Then where would your child be? 

Kinda dramatic, but save yourself first, folks! That's the best thing you can do for your children. 

We talked about other things, too, of course! Check it out and see for yourself. Then check out Tamara's books!

Also, I'd love to hear your opinion on parenting and writing. What was your experience? Was it as "life-saving" for you as it was to both Tamara and I?

Oh! And don't forget to like and subscribe!

Ali :)

**Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://calendly.com/thealicross/w4j***

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT OUR GUEST Tamara Grantham is the author of more than a dozen books. She writes fantasy for middle grade through adult readers. Many of her novels launched as #1 bestsellers on both Amazon and B&N. She has won numerous awards, including two Rone awards, and a first place Indiefab Book of the Year award. A native Texan, she now lives in Kansas with her husband, five kids, and six pets. In rare moments of free time, she loves nature walks, and watching every Star Trek or Star Wars movie ever made.

Links: Website: https://tamaragrantham.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tamaraclairegrantham Twitter: https://twitter.com/TCGrantham Instagram: https://instagram.com/tclaire579/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tclaire579/ Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8086515.Tamara_Grantham Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Tamara-Grantham/e/B00KDRB24S/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALI Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓**WANT A FREE BOOK?**📖 Subscribe to Ali's...]]>Hello my friends! 

Every week I'm surprised by what comes out of the show. This conversation with Tamara Grantham made me remember my early days as a mom and how I needed something more, something for me, in order to be the best mom I could be to my boys. Many women, and men, find themselves in similar situations and there can sometimes be the sense of guilt, like they should just magically be this other-centered being who serves and gives all to their children. 

This chat made me think how parenting is very much like our safety instructions on a plane. When air pressure changes, the masks can drop from the ceiling. If you don't put your own mask on first, choosing to serve your child first, you might find you're unable to save yourself. Then where would your child be? 

Kinda dramatic, but save yourself first, folks! That's the best thing you can do for your children. 

We talked about other things, too, of course! Check it out and see for yourself. Then check out Tamara's books!

Also, I'd love to hear your opinion on parenting and writing. What was your experience? Was it as "life-saving" for you as it was to both Tamara and I?

Oh! And don't forget to like and subscribe!

Ali :)

**Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://calendly.com/thealicross/w4j***

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT OUR GUEST Tamara Grantham is the author of more than a dozen books. She writes fantasy for middle grade through adult readers. Many of her novels launched as #1 bestsellers on both Amazon and B&N. She has won numerous awards, including two Rone awards, and a first place Indiefab Book of the Year award. A native Texan, she now lives in Kansas with her husband, five kids, and six pets. In rare moments of free time, she loves nature walks, and watching every Star Trek or Star Wars movie ever made.

Links: Website: https://tamaragrantham.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tamaraclairegrantham Twitter: https://twitter.com/TCGrantham Instagram: https://instagram.com/tclaire579/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tclaire579/ Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8086515.Tamara_Grantham Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Tamara-Grantham/e/B00KDRB24S/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALI Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓**WANT A FREE BOOK?**📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

I've got an exciting new video for you, and you won't want to miss it! In this episode, I sat down with the incredible Jared Quan to explore the power of impactful writing and discuss his inspiring journey as an author, networker, and force for good.

So grab a cozy seat, your favorite snack, and let's dive right in!

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1️⃣ Unleashing the Power of Impact: Discover how stories can create a lasting impact on the world, and gain insights on how to infuse your writing with purpose and meaning.

2️⃣ Pursuing Your Passions: Jared's infectious enthusiasm for pursuing his passions will inspire you to chase after your own dreams fearlessly.

3️⃣ The Writer's Arsenal: Learn about Jared's recently published books, covering a variety of genres, from futuristic romance to supernatural tales. Plus, explore his book about networking, which provides valuable tips for making connections and getting involved in exciting projects.

4️⃣ Building a Persona: Jared reveals how he harnessed the power of dressing up to network with confidence, and how introverts can find their own "armor" to navigate social situations authentically.

5️⃣ The Long-lasting Impact: Delve into a thought-provoking discussion on how actions taken in the past can have a profound and lasting impact on future generations, and how success and making a difference may not always look the way we expect.

🎉 Did You Know? 🤔 In the video, we discussed John Cusick's character in the movie 2012, where he plays a writer. While the film focuses on global disasters, there's an interesting subplot about saving the best books, arts, and animals. It's a reminder that even if a book isn't a best-seller, it can still have a significant impact on the world.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with Jared Quan and share his incredible insights with you. It's people like him who inspire me to keep creating impactful content and spreading joy through writing.

If you want to dive deeper into Jared's world, I highly recommend checking out his Twitch channel, where he shares even more of his wisdom, and don't forget to grab a copy of his fantastic books!

Remember, writing and publishing your work is crucial for making an impact. Don't be afraid to share your voice with the world, and know that every little step counts.

As always, thank you for being a part of my Write4Joy community. If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs up, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell to never miss an episode!

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep spreading joy one story at a time!

Namaste!

Ali

***Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://calendly.com/thealicross/w4j***

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT JARED QUAN Author / Gamer / Twitch Affiliate/ Husband / Father / Volunteer (not in that order)

Links: www.jaredquan.com https://www.twitch.tv/resadur164 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredquan/

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALI  Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐**CROSS:** coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹**ARCHER:** YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚: Hey, Write4Joy family!

***Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://calendly.com/thealicross/w4j***

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT JARED QUAN Author / Gamer / Twitch Affiliate/ Husband / Father / Volunteer (not in that order)

Links: www.jaredquan.com https://www.twitch.tv/resadur164 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredquan/

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALI  Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐**CROSS:** coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹**ARCHER:** YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓**WANT A FREE BOOK?**📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!  https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️**NOBLE:** Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks  www.alinoblebooks.com

I am so excited about this episode featuring the amazing Michelle Henrie. If you love art, writing, and finding joy in pursuing your dreams, this episode is just for you!

We delve into the fascinating world of Michelle Henrie, an incredibly talented writer and artist. Michelle's artistic journey spans over two decades, during which she taught art, sold her artwork across the United States, and even designed a float for Utah's famous Days of 47 Parade.

She truly is impressive!

My favorite quote from the show is, "Being a writer brings me joy and fulfillment, even on the hard days." - Michelle :)

And here's a fun fact: Michelle once flew in a biplane and landed on an iceberg! Talk about incredible adventures!

I hope this episode will inspire you to find joy in your own creative pursuits, no matter how challenging they may be. Remember, writing is not always easy, but the reward is truly worth it. And speaking of joy, I want to hear from you! In the comments, share what's brought you joy in your writing journey. I love learning from this amazing community of writers and creators.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an episode. Keep spreading joy, keep writing, and keep celebrating every step of your amazing journey!

Warmest wishes, Ali

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT MICHELLE HENRIE

Michelle spent twenty years teaching art to children and sold her artwork across the United States. By special invitation, she designed a float for The Days of 47 Parade. She's written copy for marketing, blogs, and a commercial. The League of Utah Writers and The Writers of the Future Contest have given Michelle multiple awards. She loves new adventures and flew in a biplane that landed on an iceberg, rode a camel, and belly danced. Now, she lives with her family in a blue house where she makes up new stories and laughs at her own jokes.

Links!  https://www.michelle-henrie.com https://www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com TikTok @michellehenrieauthor

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALI Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names.

Check out the links for All Things Ali! ⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This profile is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks 📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com 🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!  https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

My guest today is Karen E. Hoover, my longtime friend and writing inspiration. I have learned so much from her that has made me a better writer AND a better human. Have a listen, then go buy her books. If you love epic fantasy, you will NOT be disappointed. (Read the Wolfchild Saga! It's amazing!)

Have a joyful day! Ali :)

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT MY GUEST: KAREN E. HOOVERKaren E. Hoover has been writing for most of her life, either creating small, hand-stapled booklets, team-writing with her brother as a teenager, or birthing full novels as an adult. She has been blessed to learn the craft of writing at the feet of some of the masters, including Brandon Sanderson and Tracy Hickman, but gained must of her understanding of writing while attending the LDStorymakers Writers Conference between 2006 and 2009. She placed four times in the three years she entered their First Chapter Contest, ending 2009 with a grand prize win and an offer for publication.

Karen is the author of twelve books, with many more to come. Four in The Wolfchild Saga (The Sapphire Flute, The Armor of Light, The Emerald Wolf, and The Amethyst Eye), one book in The Misadventures of a Teenage Wizard series (Two Souls Are Better Than One,) and  Newtimber: Fractured. She has also published a book of poems, three books under her pen name, Raine Gillespie, and two under her pen name Liza Westbrook. She lives in Tooele, Utah with her husband, her dog, three and a half cats, and multiple strays that live in her garage.

Links:  https://www.karenehoover.com/

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALIAli Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks

📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

I hope you enjoy it, too!

Ali :)

The bumper music is "Gone With the Flow" by Marc Torch.

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ 

ABOUT OUR GUEST~JOHN M. OLSEN

John M. Olsen is an award-winning author who edits and writes speculative fiction across multiple genres. He loves stories about ordinary people stepping up to do extraordinary things. His short stories have appeared in dozens of anthologies. He loves to create and fix things through editing and writing both short stories and novels, and also when working in his secret lair equipped with dangerous power tools. In all cases, he applies engineering principles and processes to the task at hand, often in unpredictable ways. He lives in Utah with his lovely wife and a variable number of mostly grown children and a constantly changing subset of extended family and pets.

Find John in all the places!

https://johnmolsen.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JohnsWritingStuff

https://www.amazon.com/author/johnmolsen

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

 ABOUT ALI

Ali Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names.

Check out the links for All Things Ali! 

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching  This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com 

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks  📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

I want to try something a little different from my previous posts. I want to ask YOU a question. In the video, Adrienne and I talk a lot about writing and mental health...

How do YOU think writing can contribute to one's mental and emotional well-being?

Enjoy the show! Ali :) Oh and PS! I changed the bumper music! What do you think? This music is "Gone With the Flow" by Marc Torch.

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT OUR GUEST Adrienne Monson is an award-winning author who has been hailed by MSN as a “vampire expert”. She has always had a voracious appetite for reading. She enjoys all kinds of fiction and will stay up all night to finish a well-written book. While she is primarily known for her vampire novels in the Blood Inheritance Trilogy, she also writes historical romance, retold fairy tales, dystopian, and other genre mash-ups.

FOLLOW ADRIENNE IN ALL THE PLACES! http://www.adriennemonson.com/ https://www.instagram.com/adriennemonson https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrienne-monson-40613346

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT ALIAli Cross is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross

www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks www.aliarcherbooks.com

📚Facebook Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖

Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter exclusive!  https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

In this episode, Craig Kingsman, an internationally recognized tech thought leader and budding mystery writer, joins me, Ali Cross, on a thrilling adventure into the complicated recesses of his mind. You'll be captivated till the very end!

Here's a few takeaways from our conversation:

1️⃣ The importance of a support system: Discover why it's vital to surround yourself with fellow writers, beta readers, and editors to help bring your book to life.

2️⃣ Adding humor to your mystery writing: Craig Kingsman walks us through his personal experience of incorporating humor into his stories, and how it can enhance the reading experience.

3️⃣ The joy of sharing stories with your loved ones: We discuss the powerful connection created by sharing our love for literature with our friends and family, and how it enhances our own writing journey.

Fun Fact! Did you know that Craig Kingsman runs the Utah Mystery Writers Group on Facebook? It's an amazing opportunity for mystery writers to connect, share ideas, and support each other in their creative endeavors.

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button, because we have more exciting episodes and a community of passionate writers waiting to support you and celebrate your successes.

Keep writing, keep dreaming, and keep sharing your stories with the world!

Namaste. Ali💛

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT CRAIG KINGSMAN

Craig Kingsman writes about murders because committing them would be a real bummer for the victim.

By day, he an is internationally recognized tech thought leader and software architect. He is the author of two books and dozens of magazine articles on software development, has been awarded internationally for his community support in the computer industry, and has been a presenter at software conferences in North America and Europe.

By night, he is working on a first novel that hopefully you will read soon. He is on the board for the Rocky Mountain chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Craig is also a member of Sisters in Crime and Private Eye Writers of America. He also runs the Utah Mystery Writers Facebook group.

He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, award winning mystery writer Laurie Heath, and their two cats Mystery and Mayhem. 🐈‍⬛📚🐈‍⬛

Find Craig Online:

Website: https://craigkingsman.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsmanbooks Mystery Writer | Conference PresenterWeb | Facebook | Goodreads

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks 📚Facebook Group📚: Who Writes4Joy? We do! This time we have a special guest who will unravel the mysteries of writing suspenseful tales! You don't want to miss this one, featuring the incredible Craig Kingsman. 🔍💥

Website: https://craigkingsman.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsmanbooks Mystery Writer | Conference PresenterWeb | Facebook | Goodreads

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks 📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats Website: www.aliarcherbooks.com 🆓📖Want a FREE book?  Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive!  https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks Website: www.alinoblebooks.com

Fun fact from the episode: Abby draws inspiration from a quote by Ray Bradbury, "You only fail if you stop writing." This powerful reminder keeps her motivated and fuels her creative fire!

Take a moment to listen to the episode and immerse yourself in Abby's compelling story. You won't want to miss her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to her craft.

I want to hear from you! How has writing or storytelling made a meaningful impact on your life? Share your story with in the comments. Let's celebrate the power of words together!

Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss an inspiring episode. Until then, keep spreading joy through your own unique expressions!

Warmest wishes,

Ali💛 

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Abby Petersen is an aspiring author and word connoisseur from Northern Utah. She's a student at Utah State University working on a bachelor's degree in creative writing and a minor in folklore. On the off-chance that she's not reading or writing, you'll find Abby people-watching, eating ice cream, and enjoying nature. 🎓📝📖🍨🏔️

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

ABOUT YOUR HOST

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks 📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com 🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

Check out these 5 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Detailed Character Sketches: Discover how David finds joy in writing by creating detailed character sketches before diving into a story. Learn how to explore the motivations, fears, and joys of your characters, including the villains.
2. Unveiling the Why: Dive into the mind of a villain. David shares why he strives to understand why villains behave the way they do, rather than painting them as simply evil. So, say goodbye to one-dimensional antagonists!
3. Characters Taking Control: Explore the magic of writing where characters take control and make unexpected choices. David emphasizes the importance of letting the story evolve organically, even if it surprises the author.
4. Writing Beyond Trends: Discover why David advises writers not to be constrained by what's currently popular or what the market demands. As he shows us with his own work, the market can change by the time your book is published, so true joy comes from being authentic to yourself.
5. Uplifting Endings: Find joy in uplifting people through storytelling. David's aim is to make readers feel better by the end of his stories. Learn how he crafts passionate romances that go beyond the altar and tackle the challenges that threaten these relationships.

Fun Fact! Did you know that C. David Belt served in the US Air Force, flew B 52s, and even sang in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square? Now, that's an impressive background!

Let's find joy in writing and inspire each other to create meaningful stories that resonate with readers. Remember, you have the power to make a difference!

Wishing you endless inspiration and joy in your writing journey, Ali :)

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

C. David Belt was born in the wilds of Evanston, WY. As a child, he lived and traveled extensively around the Far East. In Thailand, he once fed so many bananas to a monkey, the poor monkey swore off bananas for life.

He served as a Latter-day Saint missionary in South Korea and southern California (Korean-speaking), and yes, he loves kimchi. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies, but he managed to bypass all English or writing classes. He served as a B-52 pilot in the US Air Force and as an Air Weapons Controller in the Washington Air National Guard and was deployed to locations so secret, his family still does not know where he risked life and limb (other than in an 192′ wingspan aircraft flying 200′ off the ground in mountainous terrain).

He sang as a baritone in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for fifteen years.

When he is not writing, he works as a software engineer and collects and (obsessively) researches swords, spears, and axes (oh, my!), and other medieval weapons and armor. He and his wife have six children and live in Utah.

Learn more about David at his website: https://www.unwillingchild.com

Buy David's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rkiCkF

Get free stuff, including the Christmas story we talked about, here: https://unwillingchild.com/extras.html

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Your Host

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram:...]]>Welcome to this awesome chat with Latter-Day Saint Horror author, C. David Belt! 

Check out these 5 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Detailed Character Sketches: Discover how David finds joy in writing by creating detailed character sketches before diving into a story. Learn how to explore the motivations, fears, and joys of your characters, including the villains.
2. Unveiling the Why: Dive into the mind of a villain. David shares why he strives to understand why villains behave the way they do, rather than painting them as simply evil. So, say goodbye to one-dimensional antagonists!
3. Characters Taking Control: Explore the magic of writing where characters take control and make unexpected choices. David emphasizes the importance of letting the story evolve organically, even if it surprises the author.
4. Writing Beyond Trends: Discover why David advises writers not to be constrained by what's currently popular or what the market demands. As he shows us with his own work, the market can change by the time your book is published, so true joy comes from being authentic to yourself.
5. Uplifting Endings: Find joy in uplifting people through storytelling. David's aim is to make readers feel better by the end of his stories. Learn how he crafts passionate romances that go beyond the altar and tackle the challenges that threaten these relationships.

Fun Fact! Did you know that C. David Belt served in the US Air Force, flew B 52s, and even sang in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square? Now, that's an impressive background!

Let's find joy in writing and inspire each other to create meaningful stories that resonate with readers. Remember, you have the power to make a difference!

Wishing you endless inspiration and joy in your writing journey, Ali :)

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Our Guest

C. David Belt was born in the wilds of Evanston, WY. As a child, he lived and traveled extensively around the Far East. In Thailand, he once fed so many bananas to a monkey, the poor monkey swore off bananas for life.

He served as a Latter-day Saint missionary in South Korea and southern California (Korean-speaking), and yes, he loves kimchi. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Aerospace Studies, but he managed to bypass all English or writing classes. He served as a B-52 pilot in the US Air Force and as an Air Weapons Controller in the Washington Air National Guard and was deployed to locations so secret, his family still does not know where he risked life and limb (other than in an 192′ wingspan aircraft flying 200′ off the ground in mountainous terrain).

He sang as a baritone in the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square for fifteen years.

When he is not writing, he works as a software engineer and collects and (obsessively) researches swords, spears, and axes (oh, my!), and other medieval weapons and armor. He and his wife have six children and live in Utah.

Learn more about David at his website: https://www.unwillingchild.com

Buy David's books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rkiCkF

Get free stuff, including the Christmas story we talked about, here: https://unwillingchild.com/extras.html

★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

About Your Host

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali!

⭐CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching This is where I hang out the most! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks.com 📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com 🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com

So if you're looking for inspiration, deep insights, and a new perspective on writing, then head over to our YouTube channel and check out our latest video featuring C. David Belt.

But that's not all! We have a special treat for our newsletter subscribers. Make sure to visit our website, where you can purchase C. David Belt's books, including his fantastic Christmas story anthology and his captivating Witch of White Lady Hollow series.

Let's find joy in writing and inspire each other to create meaningful stories that resonate with readers. Remember, you have the power to make a difference!

Wishing you endless inspiration and joy in your writing journey,

Here are five takeaways from our inspiring conversation:

1. The Power of Writing Minutes: Discover how taking a few precious moments each day to write can bring relaxation, clarity, and joy into your life. Robin shares their personal "writing minutes" practice and how it has transformed their writing process.
2. Supporting and Encouraging Other Writers: Find out how Robin finds joy in uplifting and connecting with fellow writers. Discover the beauty of the writing community and its impact on personal growth and creative development.
3. The Healing Journey: Explore how writing can become a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and finding purpose. Robin shares her personal experience of turning writing from a distraction into a purposeful healing journey, and how their readers have gone on similar transformative journeys while reading their books.
4. The Hero's Journey: Delve into the excitement of fantasy storytelling and uncover how the hero's journey is not only a thrilling adventure for characters but also a metaphor for our own lives. Learn how reading and writing allow us to experience personal growth and self-discovery through relatable characters.

Fun Fact from the Episode! Did you know that Ali and Robin grew up just one hour away from each other? It's amazing how life's twists and turns brought them together 2000 miles and 50 years later for this inspiring conversation!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a cozy seat, put on your writing hat, and get ready to be inspired to find joy and purpose in your writing journey.

Remember, writing is not just about pen and paper; it's about finding your own voice, embracing your struggles, and discovering joy along the way.

Keep on writing, smiling, and spreading joy!

Warmest Wishes, Ali💛

。。+゜゜。。+゜゜。。+゜゜。。+゜゜。。

Robin Glassey grew up in a little town in Ontario, Canada. She moved to Utah in 1994 to finish her college degree and fell love with the mountains and Brett Glassey. When a family tragedy struck, Robin turned to writing to deal with her grief and create order out of chaos. She began writing her favorite genre – epic fantasy.

As a busy mom, Robin decided that self-publishing was the best fit for publishing her clean YA series. Her award-winning novella, The Least of Elves, was published in 2014, quickly followed by the first book in the Azetha Series: Secrets of Fathara.

While Robin’s main love is writing epic fantasy, she has won awards for her poetry and personal essay writing. Contemplating her grandmother’s digital footprint when her grandmother passed away, Robin wrote Irene Kendall Never Existed. The award-winning religious essay was released in 2020 in the anthology Chasing Tomorrow.

Robin is an experienced presenter and panelist at numerous events and conferences such as FanX SLCC, LTUE (Life the Universe and Everything), Fyrecon, the League of Utah Writers, and many more. She belongs to the League of Utah Writers and is president of one the local chapters.

The wealth of knowledge Robin has gained about self-publishing, writing, and editing she shares with both beginning and advanced writers at writing conferences throughout the year. You can find out more about Robin and her books at https://www.robinglassey.com.

Find Robin online!

We're back with another exciting episode of Write4Joy, and this time we have a special guest who will inspire you to find joy in your own writing journey. Join me and the incredibly talented YA fantasy author, poet, and speaker, Robin Glassey. In this episode, Ali and Robin delve into the depths of writing joy, sharing personal experiences, tips, and insights that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to embrace your creative side.

The wealth of knowledge Robin has gained about self-publishing, writing, and editing she shares with both beginning and advanced writers at writing conferences throughout the year. You can find out more about Robin and her books at https://www.robinglassey.com.

Find Robin online!

Amazon Store Website

Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest

Pink Cotton Press Journals & Notebooks

Amazon Store

Join us every week, to meet someone new, learn something new, and maybe even feel something new. Joy is all around you—isn't it time you grabbed some for yourself? ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★

Ali is a certified life coach and USA Today bestselling author under two pen names. Check out the links for All Things Ali! 

🐦CROSS: coaching, speaking, teaching  This is where I hang out the most!  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & TikTok: @thealicross www.alicross.com | www.storyninjadojo.com

🏹ARCHER: YA SciFi & Fantasy  Facebook & Instagram: @aliarcherbooks.com 📚Facebook Group📚: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats www.aliarcherbooks.com

🆓WANT A FREE BOOK?📖 Subscribe to Ali's newsletter and get Sacrifice - a newsletter-exclusive! https://www.aliarcherbooks.com/sacrifice

🕊️NOBLE: Christian Romance Facebook & Instagram: @alinoblebooks www.alinoblebooks.com