My Simplified Life Michelle Glogovac

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle engages in a conversation with Amy Nielsen, a former librarian who is now an author, literary agent, and developmental editor. Amy's inspiring journey from a homeless pregnant teen to a successful author and agent is the centerpiece of the dialogue. Amy shares how she used her traumatic experiences to create a fictionalized novel, providing hope and illustrating the power of resilience.
 
What we’re talking about
Using personal trauma in fictionalized stories
The power of encouragement and determination
The role of reading in survival and personal development
Using personal trauma in fictionalized stories 
Amy illuminates how she used her real-life experiences and traumas to write a novel rather than a memoir. The process allowed her to have creative liberties, decide the outcome, and distance herself from the fact that these events really happened to her. Fictionalizing also made the story more impactful and broadened her audience reach.
The power of encouragement and determination 
Amy’s journey from being a homeless pregnant teen to becoming a successful librarian, author, and agent showcases her incredible determination. Throughout her life, she received encouragement from teachers, community members, and even random people at the grocery store. This encouragement, coupled with her determination, helped her break free from her circumstances and create a better life for herself and her daughter.
The role of reading in survival and personal development 
Reading played a significant role in Amy's survival during difficult times. She would read books to remind herself that things could be worse or that they could get better. This love for reading was passed on to her daughters and eventually led her to a career as a librarian, where she could get books into the hands of children, especially those more reluctant to read.
 
LINKS MENTIONED
Amy Nielsen’s Website
http://www.amynielsenauthor.com
The Purcell Agency
http://www.thepurcellagency.com
Wild Ink Publishing
http://www.wild-ink-publishing.com
Giveaway
https://amynielsenauthor.com/2024/05/07/giveaway-for-listeners-of-michelle-glogovacs-my-simplied-life-podcast/

In this episode of My Simplified Life, Michelle Glogovac shares a conversation with Mary Jo Hoffman, an artist, photographer, and author of the book, STILL: The Art of Noticing. The discussion revolves around Mary Jo's journey of turning a daily habit into a decade-long project, the concept of self-patronage, and the importance of noticing the beauty of nature in our surroundings.
What we’re talking about
The importance of being patient and not rushing to monetize your creative work
The concept of the 72 micro seasons and how it can change the way you view your environment
The idea of self-patronage and how it can support your creative work
The importance of being patient and not rushing to monetize your creative work
The episode focuses on the importance of being patient and taking your time to monetize your creative work. Mary Jo shares her journey of turning a daily habit into a decade-long project. She emphasizes that persistence and patience allowed her to remain authentic and keep her creative work fun, which later resulted in an unexpected and overwhelming response from her followers when she released her book.
The concept of the 72 micro seasons and how it can change the way you view your environment
Mary Jo introduced the concept of the 72 micro seasons, which can drastically change how we view our environment. This ancient Japanese concept breaks the year into smaller periods, encouraging us to notice and appreciate the subtle changes in nature around us. Michelle shares how this concept has made her more present and observant in her daily life.
The idea of self-patronage and how it can support your creative work
Another significant takeaway from this episode is the idea of self-patronage. Mary Jo and her husband balanced their creative pursuits with practical jobs, allowing them to fund their creative work without the pressure of immediate monetization. This balance not only helped them enjoy their creative work more but also led to a pent-up demand from their followers, resulting in the successful launch of Mary Jo's book.
 
LINKS MENTIONED
Mary Jo Hoffman’s Blog
 http://stillblog.net
Mary Jo Hoffman’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/maryjohoffman/?hl=en
STILL: The Art of Noticing by Mary Jo Hoffman
https://www.amazon.com/STILL-Noticing-Mary-Jo-Hoffman/dp/1580936334

In this episode of My Simplified Life, we delve into the intriguing world of mystery writing with author Marcy McCreary. Marcy shares her journey from a marketing and sales professional to becoming a noted author of the Ford Family Mysteries series. She also discusses the process of writing her books and how real-life experiences often inspire her stories. This conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Marcy shares about her husband Lew McCreary's battle with dementia and their collective efforts to get his latest book published.
What we’re talking about
Real-life experiences can fuel the process of writing.
The importance of editing and refining as you write.
The personal impact of Lew McCreary's dementia on his and Marcy's lives.
Real-life experiences can fuel the process of writing
Marcy's writing process is largely intuitive, and she often draws inspiration from real-life experiences. She identifies as a 'panzer' or an intuitive writer, and she lets her characters lead her through the story. This approach allows her to create narratives that are relatable and grounded in reality.
The importance of editing and refining as you write
Editing and refining are integral parts of Marcy's writing process. She edits as she writes, reviewing the previous day's work before moving forward. After completing a draft, she takes a break before returning to edit with fresh eyes. This process helps ensure that her books are cohesive, engaging, and polished.
The personal impact of Lew McCreary's dementia on his and Marcy's lives
Lastly, Marcy shares her personal experience with her husband Lew McCreary's dementia. Lou, a critically acclaimed author himself, has been a significant part of Marcy's writing journey. His cognitive decline has had a profound impact on their lives, emphasizing the importance of cherishing our loved ones and their legacies. Despite the challenges, Marcy and Lew continue to work together to ensure that Loew's latest book sees the light of day.

LINKS MENTIONED
Marcy McCreary’s Website
https://www.marcymccreary.com/
Marcy McCreary’s Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/marcymccrearyauthor/
Lew McCreary’s Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/lewmccreary/the-13th-step

In this solo episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac talks about the importance of setting boundaries in both personal and professional life. She delves into how setting boundaries is a form of self-care and shares her experiences navigating relationships with differing beliefs. She also discusses managing the expectations of others and the necessity of understanding one's capacity and setting boundaries accordingly in a work context.
What we’re talking about
Setting boundaries is essential for self-care
Managing the expectations of others in your business is crucial
Navigating relationships with differing beliefs requires setting clear boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for self-care
Michelle emphasizes that setting boundaries is a key aspect of self-care. She shares her journey of creating boundaries, which has led her to a better understanding and control over her time and tasks. She encourages listeners to value their happiness and prioritize it by setting effective boundaries.
Managing the expectations of others in your business is crucial
Another key topic Michelle addresses is managing others' expectations, particularly in a business context. She shares her experiences as a business owner, highlighting that it's important not to overestimate what others will do for your business. Understanding this helps to set realistic expectations and can lead to more successful business relationships.
Navigating relationships with differing beliefs requires setting clear boundaries
Lastly, Michelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with differing beliefs. She shares personal experiences of realizing that some beliefs can be deal-breakers in friendships, emphasizing the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. She encourages listeners to set boundaries where necessary to preserve their mental and emotional well-being.
 
LINKS MENTIONED
Ep 9: Creating Boundaries As A Form Of Self-Care
Ep 29: Managing Expectations Of Others In Business
Ep 155: Saying No & Making A Difference
Ep 219: Managing Expectations

In this episode, host Michelle Glogovac introduces us to her friend and novelist, Angela Brown. They discuss the trials of finding oneself while being content and the struggle of wanting more while being happy. Angela shares her journey to becoming a writer and the inspiration behind her book, Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time. This conversation provides valuable insights into personal growth, career changes, and the challenges of creating a fulfilling life.
 
What we’re talking about
It's possible to seek personal growth without needing to disrupt a happy life.
Each choice, good or bad, leads to something important.
Age is not a barrier to pivot and try something new.
It's possible to seek personal growth without needing to disrupt a happy life. 
Angela Brown shares the concept behind her book, Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time. She wanted to present a story about a woman who is content and happy yet seeks change and personal growth without causing chaos in her life. This narrative deviates from the traditional portrayal of a woman needing to "find herself," which usually involves significant life disruptions.
Each choice, good or bad, leads to something important. 
Angela emphasizes that every decision we make, whether a seemingly bad choice or a good one, contributes to our journey. These choices, she suggests, even the ones that lead to mistakes, are necessary stepping stones that guide us to our next phase. She credits the trials and errors of her past for leading her to become a writer and believes in the butterfly effect of choices.
Age is not a barrier to pivot and try something new. 
Angela and Michelle discuss the societal expectations around age and career and how they challenge these norms. Angela shares her personal experience of publishing her first book at 40 and how she sees this age as a pivot point. Rather than viewing it as a time to settle, she considers it an opportunity to explore new paths, demonstrating that age should not limit personal growth and career changes.
LINKS MENTIONED
Angela Brown’s Website
angelabrownbooks.com
Angela Brown’s Instagram
https://instagram.com/angelabrownbooks 
Olivia Strauss Is Running Out Of Time by Angela Brown
https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Strauss-Running-Out-Time/dp/1662516355

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Elle Evans, an anesthesiologist and author of Wedding Issues. They discuss Elle's journey from being a big reader in her childhood to becoming a doctor and then deciding to write a book. Elle also shares her bridesmaid experiences and how those experiences influenced her book.
 
What we’re talking about
Elle's love for reading and writing started from an early age.
The importance of taking risks in life.
Wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories.
Elle's love for reading and writing started from an early age. 
Elle shares that she loved reading books from a young age and even brought books to school to read during breaks. She wanted to be a writer initially but eventually chose to pursue a career in medicine.
The importance of taking risks in life. 
Despite initially hesitating to pursue a career as a writer due to the perceived risks, Elle eventually decided to take the leap and write a book while working as an anesthesiologist. Her story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions.
Wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories. 
Elle shares how her experiences as a bridesmaid influenced her book. She noted that wedding planning can bring up many other emotions and stories, not just for the couple getting married but also for their friends and family. This inspired the backdrop for her book.
LINKS MENTIONED
Elle Evans’ Website
https://www.elleevansbooks.com/ 
Elle Evans’ Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/elle.evans.books/?hl=en 
Wedding Issues by Elle Evans
https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/our-books/wedding-issues