Women Writing

Liisa Kovala

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a discussion about all things writerly. I'm a Finnish Canadian author and book coach and I love my coffee, and I love talking about all things writerly. In this podcast, we'll take a coffee break together to chat with authors, publishers, book coaches, marketers, agents, publicists, booksellers, and more. Fun fact: Finns drink the most coffee per capita in the world. Just doing my part for the stats and fueling my writing! liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com

  1. Jun 23

    Coffee Break with Shamayne Olivia

    Welcome to the Women Writing podcast. In this episode, I’m taking a coffee break with author Shamayne Olivia. Shamayne Olivia is an author, speaker, and facilitator whose journey of reclaiming her authentic self has defined her life’s work. The eldest of four children, she carried adult responsibilities far too young, navigating the emotional needs of both siblings and parents. Refusing to be defined by these patterns, she chose a path of healing and transformation—breaking the generational cycle and guiding others to do the same with courage, hope, and resilience. She discovered profound insights and revelations that laid the groundwork for her business, Shoes That Fit Her Soul, LLC. The resources designed to help others reclaim their voices, rewrite their stories, and step boldly into lives of purpose include her teaching memoir, Shoes That Fit Her Soul, as well as the Shoes That Fit Her Soul workbook, digital workbook, and workshop. Shamayne lives in the Texas Hill Country, near Austin, with her generously supportive husband, Craig, and their two affectionate cats, Wrigley and Ivy. You can find Shamayne Olivia at Shoes That Fit Her Soul website. * Facebook * LinkedIn * Instagram 📚 Women Writing Circle The Women Writing Circle meets every Monday from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. Join us to get focussed writing done in the company of a supportive group of women writers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/subscribe

  2. May 19

    S2, Ep. 59: Coffee Break with Kim Lengling

    Welcome to the Women Writing podcast. In this episode, I’m taking a coffee break with author Kim Lengling. If you spot someone walking through a field with a coffee mug in one hand and a dog leash in the other, it’s probably Kim Lengling. A multi-published author, podcast host, and veteran, Kim is the voice behind Let Fear Bounce, sharing stories that prove hope is real and kindness matters. She’s the lead author of six anthologies, including Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor, and the author of Nuggets of Hope: Cultivate Kindness and 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness. When not writing or podcasting, Kim’s with her dog Dexter, coffee in hand, soaking up nature’s peace. Kim’s online spaces: WebsiteAmazon GoodReads SpotifyYouTube Facebook Facebook LinkedIn Instagram X (Twitter) TikTok Writers of all stripes—fiction, nonfiction, memoir—this one’s for you! Write On 2026 is a free online series hosted by Book Coaches Canada, with sessions designed to help you plan, draft, revise and publish like a pro, with zero stress and max creativity. With lessons from over a dozen experts in all things writing and publishing, you’ll get craft advice that will make your story shine and mindset tips that will keep you going when the words won’t. It’s like a virtual coffee date with the world’s nicest book coaches, who’ve all come together to support your literary aspirations. Come as you are and bring your questions, your half-finished drafts and your dreams of authorship (and your favourite mug!). By the end, you’ll have practical tools to improve your craft and fresh momentum to make real progress on your book. Are you ready to take your story to the next level? Write On! 📚 Women Writing Circle The Women Writing Circle meets every Monday from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. Join us to get focussed writing done in the company of a supportive group of women writers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/subscribe

  3. May 12

    S2, Ep. 58: Coffee Break with Glenda Benevides

    Welcome to the Women Writing podcast. In this episode, I’m taking a coffee break with author singer-songwriter and author Glenda Benevides. Glenda Benevides is an award-winning singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful vocals and deeply resonant lyrics that inspire audiences around the globe. As a GRAMMY®-nominated artist and Recording Academy voting member, Glenda actively contributes to honoring and elevating excellence in the music industry. Beyond her remarkable musical achievements, Glenda is a passionate mentor committed to empowering women to discover their authentic voices, embrace freedom, and unlock their full potential. Through her transformative performances, retreats, and her best-selling book, Courage: Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life, she guides individuals on a journey of clarity, courage, confidence, and community, inspiring them to lead empowered, purpose-driven lives. Additionally, Glenda champions environmental stewardship, blending her love for nature and creativity by planting trees and fostering a sustainable future. Her work reflects a harmonious blend of artistry, mentorship, and activism, leaving an indelible mark on every stage she graces and every life she touches. WRITE ON 2026! With lessons from over a dozen experts in all things writing and publishing, you’ll get craft advice that will make your story shine and mindset tips that will keep you going when the words won’t. It’s like a virtual coffee date with the world’s nicest book coaches, who’ve all come together to support your literary aspirations. Come as you are and bring your questions, your half-finished drafts and your dreams of authorship (and your favourite mug!). By the end, you’ll have practical tools to improve your craft and fresh momentum to make real progress on your book. Are you ready to take your story to the next level? Write On! 📚 Women Writing Circle The Women Writing Circle meets every Monday from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. Join us to get focussed writing done in the company of a supportive group of women writers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/subscribe

  4. May 5

    S2, Ep. 57: Coffee Break with J. M. Shaw

    Welcome to the Women Writing podcast. In this episode, I’m taking a coffee break with author J. M. Shaw. J. M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a passion. It’s a compass. A sanctuary. A way to make sense of the chaos.In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level.In 2021, Shaw released The Ascension, the first book in her fantasy-adventure series The Callum Walker Series. She has since published three sequels, with more in the works. When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions. REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Join Book Coaches Canada, a group of Canadian Author Accelerator certified fiction, memoir, and non-fiction book coaches, for a weekend of webinars on writing, publishing, mindset, and strategies. Sign up for as many (or all the sessions) and check out the freebies and special offers. Write On 2026 takes place on May 30-31, 2026. Register for free at write-on-2026.heysummit.com. And don’t forget to join “Prompt or Perish: Book Coaches Debate AI and the Future of Writing” and my session “The Sisu Method: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Writers.” And did I mention? It’s free! 📚 Women Writing Circle The Women Writing Circle meets every Monday from 6:30-8:00 PM EST. This offering is for paid subscribers. You can learn more about the benefits of subscribing here. Join us to get focussed writing done in the company of a supportive group of women writers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/subscribe

About

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a discussion about all things writerly. I'm a Finnish Canadian author and book coach and I love my coffee, and I love talking about all things writerly. In this podcast, we'll take a coffee break together to chat with authors, publishers, book coaches, marketers, agents, publicists, booksellers, and more. Fun fact: Finns drink the most coffee per capita in the world. Just doing my part for the stats and fueling my writing! liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com