Thriving Authors Podcast

Dallas Woodburn
  • 4.9 (20)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Thriving Authors Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of what it takes to get your dream book out of your heart, onto the page and into the world, connecting with a wide audience of readers. On this podcast, you will find behind-the-scenes lessons from my own book-writing and publishing journey, interviews with successful published authors, and tips and advice you can start using today to move you forward in your writing life.

  1. 4d ago

    Episode 229: Overcoming the "Second Book Slump"

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I reflect on how welcoming a second baby relates to birthing a second book. Becoming a mom of two reminded me so much of the mindset that I talk through with my clients related to writing another book. I delve into: The parallels between a second baby and a second book. Why you can expect to have mindset challenges when writing a second, third, fourth book. What to do when external pressures and critical voices in your head get louder when writing your next book. My Steph Curry analogy to growing as a writer. How we can lean into the creative process throughout the unknowns and even if we are afraid. The truth of why it's never too late to invest in yourself and your writing. I hope that some of these insights are useful for you, whether you are working on your first book, or your second, or your third or down the line! And I’d love to share an exercise that all of my clients do when we begin working together. It's called Getting to Your Why. Send me an email at dallaswoodburnteam@gmail.com and I’ll send you the three-page downloadable PDF with some questions that you can journal about to really help you try to get to the why of your book.

    32 min

  2. Jun 19

    Episode 228: What to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m talking about how to move forward when you feel overwhelmed with writing your book – especially when the pain of the world and feelings of helplessness make it challenging to tap into our creative energy. If you ever think, I know what I should be doing, but I'm having such a hard time actually taking the actions to move forward, this episode is for you! You’ll hear What to focus on when you're trying to clear the way to write or feel like what you’re doing isn’t enough. The importance of being intentional and creating boundaries. Practical ways to lean into big projects that will help reduce overwhelm so you’re not running yourself in circles. A personal example of the strategy I use to make progress instead of procrastinating. The value of small steps, including my writing streak and how committing to 100 words a day has been such a game changer (and has steamrolled me over to 90,000 words in this draft in under a year) Episode 179: Tips for a Writing Streak I want this to be an invitation to give yourself a little bit of grace and recognize that you're not alone if you’re struggling in your writing life. >> And I’d love for you to join me in my Facebook group called Women Entrepreneurs Becoming Best Selling Authors. This free community is the perfect place to share what came up for you with this exercise and any goals you have so we can cheer you on – and also to provide a little extra accountability for you, too!

    30 min

  3. Jun 5

    Episode 227: Interview with Sonya Judd

    In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to share my conversation with author Sonya Judd about her debut fiction novel One Digit Away, which was inspired by the belief that one simple act, one call, one voice, one moment of hope can change everything. We talk about the creative process, what happens when we are brave enough to put our books out in the world, and the impact that can come from being vulnerable in doing so. I know you will adore Sonja's warmth and vulnerability. Sonya shares: How personal experience drives her writing, because your lived story is what readers connect with, and no AI or textbook can replicate. What it was like to co-author a novel with her neurodivergent daughter Samantha and the benefits of collaboration and outside perspectives throughout the writing process.  The surprising ways her books have impacted readers far beyond her intended audience.  How her first book, Rest in the Nest: Powerful Principles of, of Parenting, started her author journey. After listening you’ll appreciate how your lived story is your unique credential, and sharing it creates real impact for readers. About Sonya: Sonya Judd is a business strategist, executive life coach, author, and speaker whose work centers on transformation, purpose, and emotional resilience. She is the author of Rest in the Nest: Powerful Principles of Parenting and the co-author (alongside her daughter Samantha) of One Digit Away. Through her work with youth, professionals, and community leaders, Sonya has become known for her ability to translate pain into purpose and strategy into soul work. Her writing weaves together wisdom, empathy, and spiritual truth, creating space for readers to see themselves with compassion and courage. https://onedigitawaybook.com

    26 min

  4. May 16

    Episode 226: BTS: My Publication Journey for My Latest Novel

    In this episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the timeline of drafting, editing and submitting (and editing and submitting again) that led to finally getting a publication deal for my novel BEFORE & AFTER YOU & ME. It was quite a long journey filled with ups and downs to get there! And I think it’s really important to hear the real stories behind others' success. In fact, many times books aren’t published in the order in which the writer wrote them (which has certainly been true for me!) In this episode you’ll hear: What inspired the idea for this story over 12 years ago. How I played around with the structure, setting and POV. Ways I took feedback to make my book better while staying true to myself and my vision for the book. What I feared would happen if I made any big changes to the book. The discouragement after making it to an acquisitions meeting at a big publisher but not getting an offer… and how I was able to learn from that experience and later get a publication deal with my wonderful publisher Owl Hollow Press. The process of working with amazing editors to get the book to the next level, which helped me grow so much as a writer. So even if it’s a long journey to get YOUR book out into the world, who knows what's around the next corner. Just keep moving forward, find that next stepping stone and don't give up on yourself. You never know what opportunities and excitement are waiting for you! BEFORE & AFTER YOU & ME recently turned two!!! I am still so thrilled and honored that it won the 2024 Indies Today Book Award for Best Teen Contemporary, and am eternally grateful to the team at Owl Hollow Press for bringing the best version of my book to life, and to everyone who has supported and spread the word about this story I poured my heart into for twelve years. P.S. If you decide you want to take the reins (and timeline) into your own hands and self-publish your book — but you don't want to worry about getting all the moving pieces coordinated and getting your book up on Amazon and Ingram Spark — you’re in luck. I have a Book Publishing Package where I can handle that all for you, in addition to editing and cover/interior design. Just reach out!

    31 min

  5. May 9

    Episode 225: Tips for Writing Your Book Description

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to share what has helped me write my back cover and my longer book descriptions. I even give an example of the description from my book “Your Book Matters: 52 love notes from my creative heart to yours.” On the surface, writing your book description seems pretty simple…but it is super common to struggle with this task because you need to condense so much into a short space! To write a compelling book description, you need to 1) give the reader a sense of what your book is about; 2) introduce the reader to your own authentic voice and style; 3) sell your book; 4) grab the reader’s attention and leave them wanting more! I dive into: The distinction between your book description and your back cover description. Some exercises that are really helpful with taking away the pressure and stress of writing the description of your book. Why I recommend writing your book description before you reach the end of your manuscript. How to grab the reader’s attention in your book description. A little trick I use to hone in on how to write to the ideal reader of your book. Check out the back cover description from my latest novel BEFORE & AFTER YOU & ME. Emma blames herself when a freak accident at a pool party leaves Hunter, the town’s rising track star and her former boyfriend, paralyzed from the waist down. As she struggles with anxiety, loneliness and regret, she begins to obsessively paint portraits of legs and feet—Hunter’s legs and feet—and for the first time receives critical acclaim and notice for her artwork. But what started as therapeutic for Emma ends up deepening her guilt. Does creating meaningful art require retreating inward toward self-expression, or striving outward toward recognition—or can it somehow be both? Searching for one whole, authentic identity, Emma grapples with love, ambition, grief, homecoming, and—ultimately—redemption.

    32 min

  6. May 1

    Episode 224: How to Overcome Overflowing Ideas Syndrome!

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m talking about what I call Overflowing Ideas Syndrome. It’s when you have so many ideas that it's really hard to commit to one idea and easy to get distracted. This will be a great episode for you if you have a bunch of half-finished manuscripts, but you don't have a completed book! I delve into: Why nothing is wrong with you and how you can reframe this into a strength. Tools that will help you focus your energy on one idea at a time. The importance of tuning in to the book YOU most want to write. What happens when you pay attention to what gives you energy and excites you. Journaling prompts that you can use whenever you need to find clarity about what direction to go in. After listening, I think you’ll understand why it's really common to get distracted by shiny new ideas and to abandon projects halfway – and how joining a container of support with a writing community and working with a coach can help you stay accountable to finishing your book.And if you are an entrepreneur who wants to write and publish the book inside your heart, I’d love for you to join me in my Facebook group called Women Entrepreneurs Becoming Best Selling Authors. This free community is the perfect place to share what came up for you with this episode and any goals you have so we can cheer you on – and also to provide a little extra accountability for you, too!

    24 min

  7. Apr 19

    Episode 223: How do I know if I'm ready to share my work with readers?

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m excited to talk about deciding when to share your book with others and what the overall editing process looks like. Listen in to find out details like: The different stages of editing and which order to do them in. An analogy that my creative writing professor at USC shared that has stuck with me. The importance of hiring a qualified professional editor, and how to find the ideal editor for YOU. How to ensure you get the feedback that you really need to hear from others. And what to do when you get feedback that doesn’t resonate with you. When I recorded this episode I was in the trenches working on the edits to my books so I think that you’ll get a lot of value out of the insights I’m sharing. If you could use support around the drafting or editing process or anywhere along your book writing journey, I would love to connect. I offer 60-minute 1-on-1 calls where you can pick my brain with questions about your book (or multiple books!), and get my personalized expert guidance to help you move forward in your writing career. Let me help you get un-stuck so that you can write and publish your dream book that grows your audience, grows your business, and grows your legacy.

    35 min

  8. Apr 3

    Episode 222: The 2 Biggest Objections I Hear

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m diving into two common objections that I hear over and over from the women who are considering joining Thriving Authors Academy. These objections might resonate with you, too, so I wanted to talk about them and pose some questions for you to think about. If you’re feeling resistant to committing to write your book, this episode will help you figure out if now is the right time to jump in AND how you can guarantee that this investment is going to pay off. After listening to the episode, if you’re still wondering “Can I really do this?” – let's hop on a call and we can talk through it together. There's no pressure and you're not wasting my time. During our call I’ll be a mirror for you, reflecting back to you the truth that you are sharing, so that you are able to go after your dream of becoming a published author in whatever is the best way for you to do that. The next round of Thriving Authors Academy starts April 6th! Find more details at ThrivingAuthorsAcademy.com

    30 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Welcome to the Thriving Authors Podcast, where we delve into all aspects of what it takes to get your dream book out of your heart, onto the page and into the world, connecting with a wide audience of readers. On this podcast, you will find behind-the-scenes lessons from my own book-writing and publishing journey, interviews with successful published authors, and tips and advice you can start using today to move you forward in your writing life.

Information

  • Creator
    Dallas Woodburn
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dallas Woodburn
  • Show Website
    Thriving Authors Podcast

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