Her Reading Life Podcast: Read Life-changing Books, Write Life-changing Stories

Shira J. Rodriguez
  • 4.7 (12)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Her Reading Life Podcast: Read Life-changing Books, Write Life-changing Stories

Helping readers find life-changing books. Helping writers create life-changing stories. Are you a reader who is tired of the lackluster, trashy books sold in bookstores today? Are you a writer who is just so sick of all the cookie-cutter advice given to writers? Hi! I’m Shira J. Rodriguez, author, podcaster, tea lover, and book addict. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, I’m here to say that I have the perfect list of life-changing books and life-altering writing advice that will blow your mind and free you to create the masterpiece of your dreams. Bring coffee or tea and settle in!

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How to Write the PERFECT Fantasy Book (feat. Isabella Ruiz)

    TRY RIVERSIDE HERE: https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_5&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=shira-rodriguez Do you dream of writing the perfect fantasy novel? I’m guessing if you’re here, you do! But if you’ve ever tried to figure out how to craft a bestselling fantasy story, you’ve probably realized that everyone has advice, and it’s not always clear what actually works. That’s why I’ve brought on an incredible guest—Isabella, a teen author who wrote a bestselling novel before the age of 18. She’s here to share her secrets about writing fantasy with dark themes, creating memorable characters, and balancing hope and heartbreak in your stories. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode dives deep into what it takes to write a fantasy novel that captivates readers and stays true to your vision. I hope you enjoy this episode! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe—love you all! 💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com CONNECT WITH ISABELLA -------- Website: https://isabellaruizauthor.wordpress.com/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️READ MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novelists-in-november/ ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez https://instagram.com/shirajrodriguez ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq ⭐️Get your 7 day free trial of dwell app: https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=shira ⭐️GET THE RECOMMENDED BOOKS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-you-must-read-before-the-end-of-2024? 🏷️Tags: writing a fantasy novel,how to write a fantasy novel,writing fantasy tips,fantasy novel writing tips,how to create a fantasy world,creating fantasy worlds,writing fantasy books,how to write dark themes,writing dark fantasy,fantasy writing advice,fantasy novel tips,how to write fantasy characters,developing fantasy characters,character-driven fantasy,how to write character-driven stories,writing character arcs,creating memorable characters,worldbuilding tips,how to create a magic system,writing fantasy worlds,how to write fantasy for beginners,Christian fantasy writing,writing as a Christian,faith in fantasy novels,writing a bestselling fantasy novel,how to write bestselling books,teen author success stories,self publishing a fantasy novel,self publishing tips for fantasy authors,writing advice,fantasy writing mistakes to avoid,book marketing for fantasy authors,fantasy publishing tips,authortube,writers on writing,fantasy author advice ----------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links meaning that if you decide to shop from those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support! 00:00 Introduction: Finding Life-Changing Books and Writing Stories 02:30 The Stages of Writing: From Unconsciously Bad to Consciously Good 05:00 How a Teen Author Wrote a Bestselling Fantasy Novel 10:00 The Role of Dark Themes in Fantasy and Christian Writing 14:19 Riverside 17:21 The Power of Character-Driven Stories 20:00 How to Find Your Genre as a Writer 25:00 The Importance of Subtle Character Development 28:30 Using Psychology to Create Realistic Characters 32:00 How to Tactfully Handle Dark Themes in Writing 35:00 The Balance Between Plot-Driven and Character-Driven Stories 38:00 Encouragement: Take the Leap Toward Your Dreams 39:30 Closing Thoughts: Live, Give, and Repeat #bookshopping #bookshoppingvlog #barnesandnoblevlog #booktube #amazonhaul subscribe here!: / @shirajrodriguezauthor

    40 min

  2. 12/19/2024

    Self-Publishing Mistakes to AVOID (feat. Grace A. Johnson)

    GET YOUR 7 DAY FREE TRIAL OF DWELL APP: https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=shira GET THE RECOMMENDED BOOKS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-you-must-read-before-the-end-of-2024? Do you want to get published? I’m guessing if you’re watching this you do! But if you google “how to get published” and look through just a couple articles, you’ll find that everybody has an opinion and nobody seems to be able to completely agree. So that’s why I’ve brought a friend with me who’s something of a veteran of the publishing process to tell you what nobody else is willing to tell you about traditional publishing, self-publishing, and this new thing called hybrid publishing. (Never heard of it? Don’t worry! We’re about to explain it and break it down until it feels like child’s play!)    I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys!  💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com  CONNECT WITH GRACE -------- Website/blog: https://www.graceajohnson.com/ Newsletter: https://graceajohnson.ck.page/theseteastainedpages Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spirit-and-script Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceajohnsonauthor Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/graceajohnson  https://www.teenwritersnook.com/2021/10/04/meant-to-be-6-steps-to-discovering-the-right-publishing-route-guest-post-by-amazon-bestselling-author-grace-a-johnson/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️READ MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novelists-in-november/ ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez https://instagram.com/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: self publishing,self publishing tips,self publishing vs traditional publishing,self publishing vs hybrid publishing,how to self publish a book,self publishing success stories,self publishing platforms,traditional publishing,traditional publishing process,traditional publishing vs self publishing,how to get traditionally published,hybrid publishing,what is hybrid publishing,hybrid publishing pros and cons,how to get published,how to publish a book,how to get a book deal,how to find a literary agent,how to write a query letter,how to submit to publishers,authortube,writing tips,writing advice,writing tip,how to publish your book,self publishing mistakes to avoid,self publishing journey,traditional publishing journey,writing burnout,dealing with rejection as a writer,querying tips,book marketing,book publishing tips ----------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links meaning that if you decide to shop from those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support!

    40 min

  3. 12/05/2024

    What Nobody Tells You About Self-Publishing (feat. Grace A. Johnson)

    GET YOUR 7 DAY FREE TRIAL OF DWELL APP: https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=shira GET THE RECOMMENDED BOOKS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-you-must-read-before-the-end-of-2024? Do you want to get published? I’m guessing if you’re watching this you do! But if you google “how to get published” and look through just a couple articles, you’ll find that everybody has an opinion and nobody seems to be able to completely agree. So that’s why I’ve brought a friend with me who’s something of a veteran of the publishing process to tell you what nobody else is willing to tell you about traditional publishing, self-publishing, and this new thing called hybrid publishing. (Never heard of it? Don’t worry! We’re about to explain it and break it down until it feels like child’s play!)    I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys!  💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com  CONNECT WITH GRACE -------- Website/blog: https://www.graceajohnson.com/ Newsletter: https://graceajohnson.ck.page/theseteastainedpages Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spirit-and-script Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceajohnsonauthor Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/graceajohnson  https://www.teenwritersnook.com/2021/10/04/meant-to-be-6-steps-to-discovering-the-right-publishing-route-guest-post-by-amazon-bestselling-author-grace-a-johnson/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️READ MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novelists-in-november/ ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez https://instagram.com/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: self publishing,self publishing tips,self publishing vs traditional publishing,self publishing vs hybrid publishing,how to self publish a book,self publishing success stories,self publishing platforms,traditional publishing,traditional publishing process,traditional publishing vs self publishing,how to get traditionally published,hybrid publishing,what is hybrid publishing,hybrid publishing pros and cons,how to get published,how to publish a book,how to get a book deal,how to find a literary agent,how to write a query letter,how to submit to publishers,authortube,writing tips,writing advice,writing tip,how to publish your book,self publishing mistakes to avoid,self publishing journey,traditional publishing journey,writing burnout,dealing with rejection as a writer,querying tips,book marketing,book publishing tips ----------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links meaning that if you decide to shop from those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support!

    48 min

  4. 11/28/2024

    How to STOP SABOTAGING Your CREATIVE PROCESS (feat. Naomi Sowell)

    CHAT WITH NAOMI: https://linkin.bio/naomisowell/ GET THE RECOMMENDED BOOKS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-y... Are you tired of how burnt out you feel with social media and work? If so, this is just the episode for you! I’ve invited the amazing Naomi Sowell, conscious social media guru and love of all things slow living, to share how to find peace in the middle of the crazy social media world and AVOID burnout…before it happens!! I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys! 💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com CONNECT WITH NAOMI! -------- https://linkin.bio/naomisowell/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️PREORDER MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novel... ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez   / shirajrodriguez   ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: how to avoid burnout,how to avoid burnout at work,how to avoid burnout studying,how to avoid burnout while studying,how to stay awake in school,how to be consistent,how to be consistent in life,how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur,burnout,

    49 min

  5. 10/03/2024

    Are Screens Actually Changing Our Brains?? | I React to New PragerU Film on Impact of Screens and Socials on Gen Z

    WATCH “THE VOID”: https://www.prageru.com/video/the-void-finding-happiness-in-a-world-of-escapism We all know that technology is having an effect on us, but do we really know the extent of it? That’s why I’m so excited to be reacting to PragerU’s newest short documentary which sheds light on the impact socials and screens are having in my generation! ABOUT THE FILM:  Why is Gen Z the most depressed, anxious, and overly medicated generation in America? Detached and lonely, millions of young people are plunging into the void of escapism and social media addiction, only to find themselves more isolated and alone. PragerU’s short documentary offers some solutions to Gen Z and their families for overcoming this mental health crisis by taking on responsibilities and finding purpose. Featuring: Zuby Udezue: UK-based “clean” rapper, entrepreneur, and podcaster whose uplifting perspectives on masculinity, responsibility, and culture have caught the attention of millions. Chris Williamson: Former British TV star who shares honest lessons from his journey of transformation by finding purpose. Misha Petrov: Recent college graduate who discusses Gen Z’s most popular social media trends and how to avoid them. I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys!  💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com  CONNECT WITH NAOMI! -------- https://linkin.bio/naomisowell/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️PREORDER MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novelists-in-november/ ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez https://instagram.com/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq ⭐️JOIN PRAGERFORCE: https://www.prageru.com/pragerforce 🏷️Tags: how to avoid burnout,how to avoid burnout at work,how to avoid burnout studying,how to avoid burnout while studying,how to stay awake in school,how to be consistent,how to be consistent in life,how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur,burnout,,study tips,study tips and tricks,study tips for exams,how to organise your life,student organisation,how to prioritize tasks,how to prioritize your time,how to write a book,authortube,writing tips,writing advice,writing tip,self publishing,self publishing tips,how to self publish a book,writing,burnout,writing burnout,dealing with burnout as a writer

    40 min

  6. 09/27/2024

    5 Ways to AVOID Burnout BEFORE It Happens with Naomi Sowell

    CHAT WITH NAOMI: https://linkin.bio/naomisowell/ GET THE RECOMMENDED BOOKS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-y... Are you tired of how burnt out you feel with social media and work? If so, this is just the episode for you! I’ve invited the amazing Naomi Sowell, conscious social media guru and love of all things slow living, to share how to find peace in the middle of the crazy social media world and AVOID burnout…before it happens!! I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys! 💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com CONNECT WITH NAOMI! -------- https://linkin.bio/naomisowell/ LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️PREORDER MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novel... ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez   / shirajrodriguez   ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: how to avoid burnout,how to avoid burnout at work,how to avoid burnout studying,how to avoid burnout while studying,how to stay awake in school,how to be consistent,how to be consistent in life,how to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur,burnout,,study tips,study tips and tricks,study tips for exams,how to organise your life,student organisation,how to prioritize tasks,how to prioritize your time,how to write a book,authortube,writing tips,writing advice,writing tip,self publishing,self publishing tips,how to self publish a book,writing,burnout,writing burnout,dealing with burnout as a writer ----------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links meaning that if you decide to shop from those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support! 00:00 - Are You Experiencing Burnout? 00:11 - The Benefits of a Social Media Break 00:34 - The Struggle of Returning to Social Media 01:01 - Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World 02:10 - Embracing a Slower Lifestyle 02:57 - Introducing Naomi Sowell 05:40 - The Importance of Slow Living 07:16 - How to Combat Burnout 08:04 - Practical Tips for Reclaiming Your Time 10:00 - The Power of Silence and Solitude 11:20 - Reducing Noise in Your Life 12:00 - The Impact of Physical Activity on Creativity 14:20 - Writing and Productivity Hacks 18:00 - The Role of Reflection in Productivity 21:00 - Creating Space for Creativity 24:00 - The Journey to a Healthier Mindset 27:00 - Overcoming Lies About Productivity 30:00 - Finding Peace in a Noisy World 44:30 - Encouragement for Your Journey #bookshopping #bookshoppingvlog #barnesandnoblevlog #booktube #amazonhaul subscribe here!: / @shirajrodriguezauthor

    46 min

  7. 09/13/2024

    My Top 11 Books of 2024 | 11 Books You Must Read Before the End of 2024

    GET THE FULL BOOK + CLEANNESS GUIDE: https://bookshop.org/lists/11-books-you-must-read-before-the-end-of-2024? Looking for some books to jump into the last half of the year? Well, lucky you because I just compiled a list of some of my favorites from this year that you absolutely cannot miss before the end of the year.   I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys!  💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com  LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️PREORDER MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novelists-in-november/ ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez https://instagram.com/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Website: https://bio.site/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: yearly wrap up,,top 10,top 10 books,top 10 favorite books,top 10 books of all time, hello stranger, katherine center, jane eyre, bronte, gabrielle zevin, the unmaking of june farrow, adrienne young, the enigma of room 622, joel dicker, far from the madding crowd, thomas hardy, caraval, stephanie garber, the otherworld, abbie emmons, the labors of hercules beale, gary schmidt, remarkably bright creatures, shelby van pelt, the do over, lynn painter ----------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: some of these links are affiliate links meaning that if you decide to shop from those links I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support! 00:00 - Discover Must-Read Books for 2024! 00:15 - Hi! I'm Shira: Your Guide to Life-Changing Reads 01:00 - Why Finding the Right Book Matters 01:25 - Top 11 Books You Can't Miss This Year 05:40 - Book 1: Hello Stranger by Katherine Center 06:13 - Book 2: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 12:00 - Book 3: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 15:40 - Book 4: The Unmaking of June Pharaoh by Adrienne Young 20:12 - Book 5: The Enigma of Room 622 by Joël Dicker 23:23 - Book 6: Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy 29:28 - Book 7: Caraval by Stephanie Garber 37:36 - Book 8: The Otherworld by Abby Emmons 39:51 - Book 9: The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary D. Schmidt 41:07 - Book 10: Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

    49 min

  8. 09/05/2024

    What Nobody Tells You About Writing Community with Bethany J. Melton

    Have you ever heard about the Inklings and wished you could be part of a writing community like C. S. Lewis or J. R. R. Tolkien? Well, I’ve got good news for you… YOU CAN. Today, Bethany and I will be sharing our secrets to finding writing community and a readership who loves what you write and supports you!   I hope y'all enjoy today's podcast! Love you guys!  💌business inquiries: shirajrodriguez@gmail.com  BETHANY’S SOCIALS -------- Blog: https://bethanyjmelton.com Email List Sign-Up: http://eepurl.com/gxuW4n  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethany.j.melton/ Inklings Writing Coaching Website: https://bethanyjmeltonwrit.wixsite.com/inklings-writing-coa LET'S BE FRIENDS! -------- ⭐️PREORDER MY BOOK: https://wildbluewonderpress.com/novel...  ⭐️Instagram: shirajrodriguez instagram.com/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Website: bio.site/shirajrodriguez  ⭐️Pinterest: ShiraJRodriguez: https://pin.it/6U9qYS1Kq 🏷️Tags: writing groups, writing community, writers unite, book recommendations, monthly tbr, bookstore vlog, bookstore vlog and haul, how to write, writing advice how to become a writer, all the books im going to read this month, books i want to read in, to be read, tbr jar prompts, bookstore vlog aesthetic, tbr jar prompts pick my reads, books to read, tbr jar, tbr game, instagram chooses the books i read, romance, fantasy, book shopping vlog barnes and noble, barnes and noble romance book shopping, booktube, come book shopping with me, book haul, bookstore vlog, amazon book haul unboxing, amazon book haul 2023, writertube, how to write nonfiction, how to find writer community, how  to  find  readers, inklings, c. s. Lewis, tolkien, narnia, lord of the rings, barnes and noble vlog, amazon wishlist, the biggest book haul ever, romance book recommendations, fantasy reads, unbox books with me, book shop with me, book unboxing, booktok books,book shopping,booktube,book shopping vlog,barnes and noble vlog,book shopping with me,book shopping and haul,book shopping spree,,indie bookstore, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry, Abbie Emmons

    1h 17m
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4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Helping readers find life-changing books. Helping writers create life-changing stories. Are you a reader who is tired of the lackluster, trashy books sold in bookstores today? Are you a writer who is just so sick of all the cookie-cutter advice given to writers? Hi! I’m Shira J. Rodriguez, author, podcaster, tea lover, and book addict. Whether you’re a writer or a reader, I’m here to say that I have the perfect list of life-changing books and life-altering writing advice that will blow your mind and free you to create the masterpiece of your dreams. Bring coffee or tea and settle in!

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