Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter

Ann Harrison
  • 4.4 (9)
  • Books
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to Inspirational Journeys, stories that matter ! Listen as I speak with K-12 authors about their writing process, how they found illustrators if needed, and speak with K-12 editors, agents, and publishers as they share tips for up and coming K-12 authors. Listen as I share editing tips and strategies, and platform building advice I learn throughout my author and editing journey, champion authors whose work I've edited, and give authors with disabilities a platform to share their writing journeys. email me at annwrites75@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.

  1. 11/22/2023

    Podcast update and Thanksgiving Wishes

    I encourage you to visit my YouTube channel, until I get the Podcast feed up and running due to technical issues. The link for my YouTube Channel is: https://www.youtube.com/user/annsmusic1

  2. 11/17/2023

    King of Realms with Britt Asher

    I reached out to todays special guest after reading the first book of her King of Realms series as part of the Hidden Gems ARC reader program. I fell in love with her dynamic characters and the fantasy world so much that I invited Brit Asher to share the story behind this series. Join us as we talk all things fantasy for middle grade readers and their families. Don’t forget to have your journal or notebook handy, because there are some golden nuggets about publishing and marketing you writers will want to take advantage of. Britt lives in the frigid wasteland known as Minnesota. While she hates the cold and snow, she appreciates the nice summers, the lack of lethal creepy crawlies, and the pretty forests and lakes. Outside of writing, she loves reading, high-speed walking, and high-speed walking while reading--yes, that’s a thing, and no, she hasn’t accidentally walked off a cliff (yet). One of her favorite places is Japan, where she lived for nearly three years and ate far too many sweet potatoes. Britt’s featured book is King of Realms. Varric has two weeks left to live. That’s the least of his problems. Twelve-year-old Varric wants nothing more than to save his mom’s life. After all, it’s his fault she’s dying. But when he breaks into a castle to steal a magical relic that might save her, the relic is stolen right out from under his nose. Even worse, he’s arrested for the theft. Unless he can find and return the missing relic within two weeks, he’ll be executed by a magical explosive on his wrist. As if that weren’t bad enough, Varric discovers that the relic is actually a key to an ancient prison containing a malicious and powerful creature. Varric’s quest to save himself and his mom turns into a race to keep the prison locked and save all of humanity from destruction. Purchase link: https://books2read.com/kingofrealms/ Connect with Britt at the following links: https://brittasher.com https://www.facebook.com/brittasherwrites/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34374119.Britt_Asher https://www.amazon.com/author/brittasher   Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

    King of Realms with Britt Asher

  3. 11/14/2023

    The Role of Love with Paul Zolman

    In today’s episode, my special guest describes the tool he created to teach children and adults to love one another as God loves us. Be journal to have your journal handy as you listen to this interesting conversation, because he shares a unique approach to outlining your book for plotters and plantsers alike. Paul Zolman is the international bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies me to speak about love? My childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside me, I searched for and eventually created a method that transformed my life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became my preferred love style, only because of the regularity. I could almost count on it. It was consistent. I came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, I knew that was a twisted belief. I wanted a better life for myself, which is why I created a paradigm shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped me move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. I hope you join me. Connect with Paul at the following links: http://www.roleoflove.com/  https://facebook.com/roleoflovedice https://instagram.com/roleoflovedice/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/roleoflovedice https://pinterest.com/roleoflovedice https://tiktok.com/@roleoflovedice https://twitter.com/roleoflovedice https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kniwkoHIW9EA5Ojv7NuLA Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

    The Role of Love with Paul Zolman

  4. 11/10/2023

    The Intricacies of Worldbuilding with Shelly Mack

    My special guest Shelly Mack and I talk about the intricacies of worldbuilding in today’s episode. Sometimes worldbuilding can be difficult, yet it’s also fun to write, once you find fellow writers and editors to support you and give you feedback to help you find the joy of writing fantasy. Join our conversation and bring along your journal to capture any golden nuggets along the way. Shelly Mack is an author of children’s books, including picture books and young adult fiction. From a toddler through to adulthood, books have been a permanent part of her day-to-day life. Her children and faith inspired her writing. Shelly wants to keep books alive in a world that needs escapism and wishes to bring joy to her readers through her books. As well as writing, she runs a ‘Meet the Author’ programme on Instagram, which has been a great addition to her author career. Shelly is a full-time writer living in Scotland with her husband, two girls and two cats. Shelly’s latest novel is entitled Landis. A world consumed by secrets. A group of friends with gifts they've yet to contol A luring darkness that will choose one to do its bidding. A visionary prince & a vengeful princess are divided by an impenetrable barrier. Benjamin must harness his newfound power to prevent Alunattra from piercing her way back through—lest she return to avenge & reclaim her throne. Welcome to Landis. Get ready to believe. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6NRB55L?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_7X5BRKTC5H6HE634BYG1 Connect with Shelly at the following link: https://linktr.ee/Shellymack Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

    The Intricacies of Worldbuilding with Shelly Mack

  5. 11/07/2023

    Heidi Gray McGill Returns with A Deeper Love

    Heidi Gray McGill is back with a brand new novel. This isn’t her true debut, because she’s self-published several books in her author career. However, A Deeper Love is her first traditionally published book with Celebrate Lit Publishing. Join us as we talk about her writing journey thus far, and her experience as a hybrid author. Heidi infuses God’s love into her award-winning Christian fiction works. Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into an awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who they are. Heidi’s masterfully written words reach deep into the reader’s heart and offer healing through God’s Word. McGill lives in a small town south of Charlotte, NC, with her husband of over thirty years. When not writing, Heidi loves playing with her grandsons, cooking, winning games, and exploring the world through books. Join Heidi on her latest adventures by visiting the blog on her website at https://heidigraymcgill.com/. Heidi’s latest novel is entitled A Deeper Love. I get paid to do my dream job, usually by wealthy men who thrive on adventure. But when their adrenaline rush is gone and vacation is over, I’m still here, on a tropical island, with people who mostly leave me alone. Except for this guy. Seriously, Dan is the last man I want to get involved with. If he got Decompression Illness, the doctors would likely call it Mercedes Bends. He’s privileged and entitled and would never leave his city life behind for the challenges of living on a remote Island. Don’t get me wrong—he’s prime shark bait, but I’m not ready to fall deeply in love with someone who won’t stay. There’s no such thing as “going too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes to relationships. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLJ2CSNV?&linkCode=sl1&tag=authorheidigr-20&linkId=0aab96dd35dd9bae0eb2a9ac33ee36c5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl Connect with Heidi at the following links: https://heidigraymcgill.com/ https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1 https://heidigraymcgill.com/free_book/ https://heidigraymcgill.com/blog/   Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

  6. 11/03/2023

    Teaching Children about Science through Education and Entertainment with Emanuel Rose

    In this episode, my special guest and I talk about his children’s picture book series and how his marketing team helped him self-publish his books. Join us as we talk about how his children’s book series entertains kids and inspires parents to dig deeper for answers to their children’s burning questions Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a reputation in cutting edge marketing. A renowned expert in the field, Emanuel specializes in branding, advertising, and day to day operations at his digital agency, Strategic eMarketing. His passion lies in helping companies achieve business success from the bottom to the top. Emanuel's unique approach to marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals. Emanuel enjoys learning his craft and implementing new techniques and theories for his clients, not only in his home state of Oregon, but around the world. Together with his hand selected staff, Emanuel creates opportunities while solving challenges in the ever-changing digital landscape. He is a firm believer in using his personal experiences to help others and this dedication continues to impress. Not to be outdone on the digital battlefields, Emanuel is an avid outdoorsman. He feels connected to the planet wandering the towering forests or absorbing the energy pouring in from the ocean. His childhood fantasy of discovering those special wild places translates to his writings. The freedom and joy in exploring the natural world is a welcome addition to his life. Emanual’s children’s picture book series is entitled Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree. Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree is a truly lyrical and spirited tale that takes children on a beautiful tour of nature, coupled with vibrant illustrations and impactful storytelling that shows the unbreakable bond between nature and the creatures who live within its glory.  Each book ships with a pack of Douglas Fir Seeds that can be planted. Each book comes packaged with the gift of Douglas fir tree seeds and planting instructions; a list of organizations that readers can explore supporting in their efforts to leave the world a better place than they found it; and a personal note from the author, Emanuel Rose, to guide your experience of this beautiful children’s book about nature. Purchase link: https://emanuelrose.com/product/wenaha-henry-childrens-book-about-nature-seeds-to-a-tree/ Connect with Emanual at the following links: https://emanuelrose.com/ https://www.facebook.com/StrategicEmarketing https://www.instagram.com/strategice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/ https://www.pinterest.com/semarketing/ https://twitter.com/Strategic_E https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTi_Fzh3kaCZGSMUMQUBgWA Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

    Teaching Children about Science through Education and Entertainment with Emanuel Rose

  7. 10/31/2023

    Road Trip Rescue Book Launch with Becca Wierwille

    Don’t let your limitations or disability keep you from doing the work God has called you to do. That’s what my special guest and I talk about in today’s episode. Beca Wierwille discuss how she has learned to write in spite of her disability. She also shares her writing process and tips for writers as an editor and as an editor. In spite of technical issues at the end, I recommend having a journal handy as you tune into this conversation, because there are a lot of golden nuggets  to put in your writer’s toolbox. Becca Wierwille writes stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family. Road Trip Rescue is Becca's debut novel. Visit her online at beccawierwille.com or follow her on social media @beccawierwille. Sign up for her email newsletter to receive free resources and monthly encouragement. Becca’s debut middle grade novel is entitled Road Trip Rescue. Twelve-year-old Kimmy trusts dogs more than people. After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years ago, Bo disappeared. When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her furry family member home. Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy had in mind. Purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-Rescue-Becca-Wierwille-ebook/dp/B0CCWV1SS4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35UXM9PA7UTF0&keywords=road+trip+rescue+becca+wierwille&qid=1697126267&sprefix=road+trip+rescue%2Caps%2C356&sr=8-1 Connect with Becca at the following links: https://beccawierwille.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beccawierwille/ https://www.facebook.com/beccawierwille Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want  to participate inwriting workshops. Visit: https://540writerscommunity.com/ to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.

    Road Trip Rescue Book Launch with Becca Wierwille

  8. 10/27/2023

    Teaching Children to Dream Big Through the art of Storytelling with Nathaniel Turner

    Nathaniel A. Turner is a breath of fresh air. As one of the most entertaining and captivating Renaissance people of our day, he's sought after by organizations and individuals worldwide to share the tools, techniques, and strategies to live life in the present with joy on purpose. The Humanitarian Propulsion Engineer, College & Career Readiness Strategist, TED Speaker, and author's work includes the books: Raising Supaman, Stop the Bus, It's A Jungle Out There, Journey Forward, and The Amazing World of STEM. Nate shares an audio version of his unique style of envisioning and manifesting the best version of himself across numerous social media platforms. Everything Nate shares today was proofed and measured for nearly thirty years, beginning with endeavoring to give an unborn child a life better than he had. Successfully designing his child's life backward, he discovered that the process now known as 'The Life Template,' which includes a suite of academic and social tools, techniques, and strategies, might be helpful for others. It's worth noting that Turner's son not only met Harvard's admission benchmarks (i.e., test scores in the top 1%, 33 college credits by his junior year, proficiency in four languages, left home after his junior year to play soccer in Brazil, and started a foundation to address teen homelessness); he eviscerated the profiled criterion by his sixteenth birthday. Nate's son met the rigorous educational requirements of the top colleges and universities without means of wealth, privilege, legacy status, fraud, bribery, cheating, Affirmative Action, or Adobe Photoshop. His son earned acceptance to twenty-seven of America's best undergraduate colleges and universities, Ph.D. fellowships to seven of America's best engineering graduate schools, and MBA offers from four of America's top business schools. Today, Turner's son holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Furthermore, Turner's son is a first-year MBA student at NYU's Stern School of Business. Turner's 'Life Template' helped his son receive more than a million dollars in free education. Today, Nate teaches businesses, schools, not-for-profits, and families how to achieve any goal or objective, like being college and career ready through backward design. Nate's life mission is simple. First, he wants us to consider who we are and whether we are now who we want to be when we are no more. Second, he wants us all to embrace our responsibility to leave the planet better than it was when we arrived by helping, serving, and making sure all who encounter us know their lives matter. You can purchase Nate’s books at the following links: Homes for All (The Amazing World of Stem): Turner-Bandele, Naeem K, Turner, Nathaniel A, Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266688: Amazon.com: Books The Amazing World of STEM: Turner, Nathaniel A, Turner-Bandele, Naeem K, Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266602: Amazon.com: Books https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989587924?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NW52RBPN4Z1QSWGMQZKW Connect with Nate at the following links: https://www.nathanielaturner.com/ https://speakerhub.com/speaker/nathaniel-turner https://www.facebook.com/RaisingSupaman  https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielaturner/ https://twitter.com/NateATurner https://www.youtube.com/c/Raisingsupaman

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Welcome to Inspirational Journeys, stories that matter ! Listen as I speak with K-12 authors about their writing process, how they found illustrators if needed, and speak with K-12 editors, agents, and publishers as they share tips for up and coming K-12 authors. Listen as I share editing tips and strategies, and platform building advice I learn throughout my author and editing journey, champion authors whose work I've edited, and give authors with disabilities a platform to share their writing journeys. email me at annwrites75@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.

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