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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, Jimmy Dunne and I explore the importance of relationships, personal contributions, and the joy of everyday experiences over the pursuit of accolades. We delve into the nuances of capturing the essence of life through storytelling. Additionally, we discuss the power of "fiction with purpose," the meticulous writing process, and the importance of maintaining emotional truth in narratives.

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00:00 Introducing Jimmy Dunn: Renaissance man in arts/business.
05:58 Small moments define our lives true meaning.
09:26 Captured father-in-law's life stories during the pandemic.
13:06 Writing short stories: truth, structure, conversational style.
14:37 Writing is rewriting; refining through multiple drafts.
19:19 Blessed childhood fostered an early passion for music.
20:51 Math, music, and storytelling shaped my journey.
24:42 Streaming platforms highlight extraordinary writing and storytelling.
27:28 Character and integrity are essential in life.
32:48 I mentor and support young people's transitions.
36:03 Dyslexic volunteer inspires storytelling despite challenges.

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Hello, fellow writers! Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, there's always something to learn about creating a book that truly resonates with readers. In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I share valuable insights on writing with a purpose, identifying your ideal reader, defining your core message, and understanding your role as an author. Let’s explore these important aspects together!

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00:00 Engage readers personally and be their relatable guide.
06:19 Identify your reader and core message precisely.
09:13 Guide readers; don't transform them entirely.
12:10 Leave reviews, share on social, and tag me.

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In this episode of "Authors Who Lead," Katie Otey shares the depth of her experiences in the literary world. A humorist with a penchant for heartfelt narratives, Katie underscores the importance of writing from the heart.

"Understanding the craft and staying true to oneself," she affirms, is crucial for long-term success. This is particularly evident in her first adult book published by Phoenix Publishing in August, where she combines her life experiences with her literary skills.

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00:00 Met Katie Ode, author and humorist, inspiring.
05:48 Authors should be valued by merit, not identity.
08:38 Struggled with Appalachian stereotypes and family history.
10:18 Embrace diversity beyond cultural stereotypes through media.
14:45 Take time, join the community, and share thoughtful stories.
19:47 Beautiful, inspiring story with vibrant food illustrations.
22:20 Isaiah inspired a funny, imaginative, dramatic child.
24:29 Authors often feel confident yet terrified.
27:50 Follow your heart, stay true, work hard.

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I sit down with Kevin O'Connor, the author of the forthcoming memoir, 2 Floors Above Grief. Scheduled for release today, O'Connor's book provides a unique blend of memoir, travelogue, and an exploration of the mental health aspects of working in the funeral industry from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Our conversation ranges from the intricacies of writing a memoir to the deep emotional and historical context behind his family's funeral business.

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00:00 Focused on writing a book in 2021.
03:12 Followed the guided process and published the book in 18 months.
06:41 The Initial audience was 150 family members, but expanded.
11:57 Planning follow-up books, inspired by family letters.
14:39 Funeral directors coping with inherited grief burden.
18:20 Authentic family stories, no fictionalization, considering fiction.
19:53 Use fiction to tell truths without hurting people.
24:30 Real, flawed characters are relatable and interesting.
28:08 Memoir covers multiple lives and personal stories.
30:06 Memoirs reflect interpreted past moments, not facts.
36:00 Resources for grief, book updates, newsletter, Instagram.
37:00 Shift toward emotional aspect in modern grieving.

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive deep into aspiring authors' emotional and psychological challenges. Through personal anecdotes and imparted wisdom, I not only recount my journey riddled with self-doubt and dyslexia but also provide a guiding light for those grappling with similar fears. I share insights from my experiences and teach you how to transform fear into fuel for your writing journey.

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00:00 Convinced teacher to grade speeches without writing.
06:47 Kids inspired me to publish my book.
09:44 Self-doubt and mental habits are hard to break.
11:18 Tell a positive story if imagining the future.
16:43 Face fear; you'll overcome like before.
18:01 Join our author community: resources, workshops, support.

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I dive into an enlightening conversation with Sébastien Roger, a multifaceted entrepreneur, coach, and speaker. Roger’s journey spans from creating a feature documentary to teaching languages, and ultimately, coaching individuals to fine-tune their public speaking abilities. Through his reflections, Sébastien Roger offers insights on authenticity, the power of small steps, and the importance of emotions in storytelling.

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00:00 Sebastian is a kind and inclusive leader.
05:27 Refusing coaching led to an unsuccessful TEDx talk.
06:24 Promote meaningful ideas through TEDx talks.
11:29 Multilingual upbringing sets a precedent for easy learning.
12:57 Identity struggle leads to a broader perspective.
17:32 Living in a world of programmed characters.
19:56 Fear of writing, and storytelling challenges push boundaries.
24:08 Setting intention drives towards desired outcomes and mentors.
28:38 Embracing creative noncompliance to foster growth and change.
30:28 Overcome nervousness by focusing on others.
33:41 Supporting impactful communication on diverse platforms with clarity.
36:21 Deep conversations spark new thoughts and growth.

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I welcome Karen Osborne, an award-winning author and podcaster. This intriguing conversation delves into how we use fiction to address political and historical issues without directly engaging in politics. Karen's newest book, "Justice for Emerson," is set in 1968 and explores themes of race and the treatment of black veterans during and after the Vietnam War. Her first dive into a city she created allows for the resurrection of characters from her prior book, "Reckonings," adding an extra layer of familiarity and depth for her readers.

My own work, "Adventures in Cinderbottom," focuses on the humanity of coal miners in Southern West Virginia, pushing back against the often negative stereotypes portrayed about the region. My ability to tell rich, humane stories has garnered positive feedback from actual residents of the cities I write about, showing that authenticity and sincerity resonate deeply with readers.

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00:00 Sibling search unravels family's mixed race history.
05:23 Characters make surprising choices, revealing their humanity.
07:42 Novel based on real events in 1924.
09:43 Memoir turned coming-of-age story in the 50s.
15:50 The Author creates a new setting for an upcoming book.
17:08 Adventures in Cinderbottom depicts humanity amidst hardships.
21:09 Fiction addresses political issues in a historical context.
25:29 Discussing memories with husband to fact-check.
27:54 Author's son, skilled beta reader, successful writer.
33:40 Showcasing expertise through podcast interviews, learning journey.
34:19 Podcasting has helped me become a better writer.
38:10 Persistence pays off for aspiring authors.
42:45 Inspiring students to become published authors.

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In this episode of Authors Who Lead, I take listeners on an introspective journey, urging aspiring authors to embrace their genuine desires and motivations when writing a book. Through personal anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode sheds light on the often-overlooked importance of knowing and honoring what you truly want from your writing journey.

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00:00 Overcoming doubts and finding purpose in writing.
05:26 Harness the power of writing for yourself.
09:46 Write a book with purpose, impact, and creativity.
11:25 The book changes you and can change the world. TEDx.
14:58 Book efforts lost due to lack of truth.
17:28 Embrace desires and uniqueness for success.

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