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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. MAR 27

    Episode 221: Why You Need a Writing Community in 2026

    This special episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast features the beautiful voices of five of my clients in Thriving Authors Academy! This episode is a deep-dive into the importance of having a writing community. The right community – safe, supportive and nurturing – is often the secret sauce that we're missing and it makes all the difference in achieving our writing dreams. I’ve witnessed such huge shifts in a short amount of time when we stop trying to do it all alone. It's that beautiful mix of feeling inspired, but also feeling like we can just show up as ourselves on those days when nothing is going right. Listen in to hear what I’ve gained and witnessed as the benefits of community over the years. You’ll hear not only from me, but from my clients who sweetly recorded what they’ve gained from being part of the community of Thriving Authors Academy, and the shifts that they've seen in just six weeks. There are many incredible books coming out in 2026 by women who have been part of Thriving Authors Academy. It's so amazing and inspiring to hear from women who have been carrying these books inside of their hearts for years, sometimes even decades, and now are going to be able to hold their books in their hands. So I invite you, if you are craving that community –  – if you're listening to this and thinking,Yes! This is a gift that I want to give myself in 2026! >> Head on over to Thriving Authors Academy.com and join our next round that starts April 6th!

    28 min

  7. MAR 21

    Episode 220: Why I Believe Your Book Matters

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I’m delving into why I titled my book Your Book Matters and why this is something I believe so deeply. A wonderful listener emailed me in response to a podcast episode where I mentioned my, at the time, soon-to-be-released book title. They shared that most books don’t actually matter – that with a creative pursuit you’re the only one it matters to, otherwise you’re setting yourself up for major disappointment.  Listen in as I respond with: How I see this as a "yes and" situation. Why it’s important to focus on the reasons that your book matters to yourself. Why I firmly believe your book will matter to other people. How knowing what motivates you allows you to design the best accountability system for yourself. Intangible ways that we can measure our success and impact on others. My dear friend, I want to assure you–now, more than ever, your writing matters. Telling your stories is a brave act. Sharing your perspective is mighty. Your ideas, your thoughts, your words–they might be the very lifeline someone else is desperately waiting for.  If nothing else, carving out time for your writing is important because it sustains your own soul. Let it be an escape. Let it fill up your inner well. Let it connect you to the deepest, truest part of yourself–rejuvenating your energy to care for others and fight important battles out in the world. Ready to write your dang book!? Join my Thriving Authors Academy before we start April 6th! Find all the details at thrivingauthorsacademy.com

    30 min

  8. MAR 15

    Episode 219: 8 Simple Reflection Questions for a Motivation Boost

    In this solo episode of the Thriving Authors Podcast, I am excited to share with you 8 simple reflection questions that will help you feel more confident, motivated, and connected with your writing project. And the waitlist is open for my Thriving Authors Academy! Find more details at www.ThrivingAuthorsAcademy.com or send me a message to join the waitlist!

    23 min
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4.9
out of 5
20 Ratings

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
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dallas Woodburn
  • Show Website
    Thriving Authors Podcast

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