H.E.R. Amplified: Formerly Project Seed Money

Sharissa Bradley
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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

  1. 5d ago

    Building Your Publishing Team: Allyson Wilkins on Developmental Editing, Self-Editing, and Author Community

    Find your team! In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with developmental editor and author Allyson Wilkins. Allyson shares her unique journey into the publishing industry—from studying theater arts and working in transcription to discovering plot holes in Kindle ebooks and falling in love with developmental editing. She explains the distinct differences between developmental, line, and copy editing, why she specializes in fantasy and fairy tale retellings for self-published authors, and what every author should look for during a discovery call. Allyson also discusses stepping into the author's shoes with her forthcoming book, Self Edit with Confidence: A First-Time Guide for Authors. She shares how consulting multiple editor peers, working with a book coach, and utilizing beta readers gave her a profound appreciation for the vulnerability authors feel—and why building a trusted publishing team is the single best investment an author can make. In this video, you'll learn: How a background in theater and transcription translates directly into story structure and line editing.   The essential differences between developmental, line, copy editing, and proofreading.   What critical questions to ask an editor during a 30-minute discovery call (including AI policies and trigger topics).   Why editors should book out 3–4 months in advance and offer sample edits.   What it's like to write a guide on self-editing as a professional editor.   Why having a network of editor referrals is a massive "green flag."   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified!   00:37 – From Theater Arts & Transcription to Developmental Editing   02:18 – The Connection Between Theater Structure and Story Editing   03:05 – Specializing in Fantasy, Romantasy, and Fairy Tale Retellings   04:00 – The Onboarding Process: Discovery Calls & Free Sample Edits   07:00 – Booking Timelines: Why You Should Reach Out 3–4 Months Ahead   08:50 – Questions to Ask an Editor: Experience, AI Policies, & Trigger Topics   10:20 – Spotting Editing Red Flags & Communication Styles   12:50 – Stepping into the Author's Shoes: Writing Self Edit with Confidence   16:00 – The Vulnerability of Sending Work to Beta Readers   17:35 – Why Editors Hire Editors: Creating Your Publishing Team   19:00 – Green Flags in Editors & Why You Can't Proofread Your Own Book   21:00 – Where to Find Allyson's Services   22:15 – Words of Encouragement: Finding Your Team and Community Connect with Allyson Wilkins:  Website getitwrite-editing.com Instagram @getitwrite_editing Facebook https://www.facebook.com/getitwriteedit LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/allyson-wilkins-563baa32 Scheduling Link https://calendly.com/getitwrite-editing/30min Watch this interview on youtube: https://youtu.be/w9M4qlzORAU HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  2. Oct 5

    Embracing the Season: Liisa Kovala on Hygge House Mysteries, Mindset, and Starting Before You're Ready

    Start before you're ready! In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified (formerly Project Seed Money), host Sharissa Bradley sits down for a insightful conversation with author, book coach, and community builder Liisa Kovala. Liisa shares how she transitioned from years of painstaking historical fiction research to crafting her delightful Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. She details the magic of a six-hour road trip where an entire six-book series downloaded into her mind, how she balances a looming book deadline with organizing literary festivals, and why tracking what you've already accomplished is a game-changer for recovering perfectionists. Finally, Liisa delivers a powerful reminder for every woman waiting for the "perfect time" to write her book. In this video, you'll learn: How to pivot between heavy historical writing and lighter contemporary genre fiction. The 6-hour road trip spark behind the Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. How to manage writing deadlines while supporting community initiatives like Wordstock and Book Coaches Canada. A flexible time-tracking method that eliminates overwhelm for busy authors. Why waiting until you feel "ready" is a myth—and how starting creates your readiness.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome back to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:52 – What Liisa's been up to: Book 3, a new book deal, and literary retreats. 02:32 – Evolving into community leadership after leaving full-time teaching. 03:59 – Honoring the seasons of motherhood and creative capacity. 05:34 – The road trip inspiration behind the Hygge House Cozy Mystery Series. 08:45 – Balancing a 6-book series with new contracts and changing timelines. 09:54 – Practical time management: Time blocking vs. tracking what you've done. 12:21 – Giving yourself grace as a recovering perfectionist. 16:20 – Words of encouragement: Starting before you feel ready. Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/WM2Iw987o5w Connect with Liisa Kovala: Website https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/liisakovala/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/liisakovalawriter/ Substack: https://liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LiisaKovala   HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  3. Sep 29

    The 29th Degree of Transformation: Kelly Watt on Astrological Healing, Hybrid Publishing, and Conquering Creative Panic

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley welcomes author, playwright, and healer Kelly Watt. Kelly shares her lifetime journey with story—from writing her first crayon book at age six to studying playwriting, being mentored by renowned Canadian author Timothy Findley on her debut Gothic novel Mad Dog, and navigating the turbulent release of her first book two days after 9/11. She dives deep into her award-winning collection of poetry and flash prose, The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide, explaining the astrological significance of the 29th degree and how a pandemic pivot led her to Wild Rising Press. Kelly also reveals her practical tools for overcoming author anxiety, including EFT tapping and her step-by-step Fear Inventory System for when her mind starts going crazy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:56 – Early Storytelling & Seeing Books as Gateways 02:39 – Dual Callings: The Intersection of Healing and Writing 04:20 – Mentorship with Timothy Findley & Writing Mad Dog 05:25 – Pandemic Pivot: The Weeping Degree: How Astrology Saved Me from Suicide 08:35 – Understanding the 29th Astrological Degree & Collective Healing 11:30 – Comparing Traditional vs. Indie Hybrid Publishing 15:00 – Award Validation & Marketing with Social Media Intention 18:09 – Overcoming Self-Doubt: EFT Tapping & The Fear Inventory System 22:27 – Courage is Action: Why Confidence Comes After You Take the Leap 24:58 – Remembering "You Are Not Your Book" & Where to Find Kelly Connect with Kelly Watt: Website https://www.kellywatt.ca Instagram @kellywattauthor Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kellywattauthor LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-watt-0b987958/   HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world.   Formerly Project Seed Money.   Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com   Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified   Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified   Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley.   If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  4. Sep 22

    Reinventing Your Story: BJ Magnani on Medical Mysteries, Sidewalk Sales, and Landing a TV Deal

    In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with BJ Magnani, former pathologist, research scientist, teacher, and author of the Dr. Lily Robinson series. BJ shares her remarkable path through four distinct careers, explaining how a request to write a fictional column for a major medical journal launched her novel-writing career. She discusses her debut novel, The Queen of All Poisons, which follows a Boston pathologist recruited as a covert government assassin. BJ also opens up about battling self-doubt, relying on community over technical tools, and the incredible moment a bookstore sidewalk sale led to a potential streaming series contract a year later. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified! 00:46 – Four Careers: From Teacher to Scientist to Pathologist 01:55 – The Clinical Chemistry Column: Turning Toxins into Fiction 04:55 – The Queen of All Poisons & Dr. Lily Robinson 06:45 – Overcoming Writer's Self-Doubt & Launching a Pen Name 08:34 – Why Community is an Author's #1 Tool 09:10 – Publishing with Encircle Publications 10:04 – The Sidewalk Sale that Led to a TV Streaming Deal 13:23 – Where to Find BJ's Books & Poison Blog 14:51 – Final Inspiration: Lifelong Learning & Never Giving Up   Connect with BJ Magnani: Website https://www.bjmagnani.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/@bj_magnani Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bjmagnaniauthor LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/barbarajean-magnani-phd-md-26659778 BLUSKY https://bsky.app/profile/bjmagnani.bsky.social HER Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is a platform devoted to amplifying women's voices and helping their stories, work, ideas, and businesses create ripples in the world. Formerly Project Seed Money. Explore interviews, grants, resources, and community: https://heramplified.com Subscribe to HER Amplified: https://www.youtube.com/@heramplified Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HERAmplified Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@h.e.r.amplified Hosted by author, publisher, and educator Sharissa Bradley. If this conversation stayed with you, share it with another woman and help keep the ripple moving.

  5. Sep 15

    Unstoppable Storytelling: Sandy Malone on Journalism, TLC's Wedding Island, and Writing Bold Fiction

    What does it take to pivot from political journalism to running a destination wedding empire, starring in a reality TV show, and becoming a bestselling fiction author? In this episode of H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley chats with the multitalented Sandy Malone. Sandy takes us through her colorful life story, from reporting on police beats and writing for The Wall Street Journal to coordinating disaster relief after Hurricane Maria and leading the Police Tribune. She opens up about the vulnerability of publishing fiction, her Jekyll Island book series, her upcoming novel Thicker Than Blood, and her essential advice for aspiring female writers. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to H.E.R. Amplified 00:43 – Early Writing Dreams & High School Newspaper Controversy 02:50 – Journalism at Ohio State, Georgetown & The Wall Street Journal 04:45 – Switching to DC Public Affairs & Discovering Vieques Island 06:20 – Running 19 Weddings a Month & TLC's Wedding Island 08:50 – Hurricane Maria, Emergency Evacuations, and Moving On 12:00 – Writing for Brides, HuffPost, and Becoming Editor-in-Chief of Police Tribune 18:00 – Transitioning to Fiction: Escape to Jekyll Island & Thicker Than Blood 23:15 – Advice for Female Authors: Knowing Your Ending & Ignoring Doubters Connect with Sandy Malone: Website: https://sandymalone.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandynmalone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyMaloneWIV TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@sandy.malone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-malone-author/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/SandyMaloneAuthor/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SandyMaloneBooks X; https://x.com/SandyMalone_    Watch this on youtube: https://youtu.be/QH72ogV9AgA

  6. Sep 8

    Climbing the Spiral Staircase: Elizabeth Wilson on Divorce, Drastic Rewrites, and Reclaiming Joy

    What happens when writing your memoir changes your entire life? Today on H.E.R. Amplified, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Elizabeth Wilson to celebrate the launch of her debut book, Lonely Girl: An Unexpected Love Story. Elizabeth gets raw about the emotional and logistical marathon of her publishing journey. She details why she threw out 95% of her original draft, how her writing process forced her to confront her marriage, and what happened when her publication date coincided with moving and her fiancé's major shoulder surgery. If you've ever faced creative burnout or felt like you're starting over, Elizabeth's inspiring "spiral staircase" analogy will give you the perspective shift you need.   Connect with Elizabeth: Website: whisperedwisdompress.com Instagram: @ewilsonwrites Podcast: Inspired Writer Collective Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow H.E.R. Amplified on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.e.r.amplified    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jaJ7pTpPTlE

  7. Aug 31

    No Regrets: Lindsey Goldstein on Finding Your Writing Rhythm and Small Press Success

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with author Lindsey Goldstein to discuss her inspiring journey to becoming a published novelist later in life. Lindsey shares how getting a personal essay published in The New York Times finally gave her the confidence to write her first book. She opens up about the long, arduous reality of the querying trenches, the game-changing community she found through Pitch to Publish, and why parting ways with her literary agent was ultimately the best decision for her career. Whether you are looking to submit directly to small presses, balance a busy life with writing sprints, or overcome the fear of rejection, Lindsey's practical wisdom is the ultimate guide to charting your own path. In this video, you'll learn: How an external validation spark can build your confidence to write. The realities of query letters, beta readers, and page-one rewrites. How to find open, un-agented submission windows with small presses. Balancing 1-hour writing sprints with a busy career, family, and a demanding dog. Why setting concrete, external deadlines is the key to finishing your manuscript. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction to Lindsey Goldstein. 00:27 – The Confidence Spark: Getting published in The New York Times. 02:17 – The Query Trenches: Learning the hard way and the power of Pitch to Publish. 04:10 – The Page-One Rewrite: Tossing a draft to save the premise. 05:40 – Parting with an Agent & Landing Egret Lake Books. 07:56 – Hidden Resources: Finding free, un-agented publishing guides. 11:07 – Fitting Writing In: 1-hour slots vs. 4-hour refrigerator trips. 12:21 – Deadlines as Tools: Setting agent pitches to finish the book. 16:56 – Final Encouragement: Why it is never too late to start. Connect with Lindsey: Website: lindseygoldsteinauthor.com Instagram/Threads: @GoldsteinLindsey Substack: lindseygoldstein.substack.com

  8. Aug 24

    Building Your Own Stage: Jennifer Lieberman on Creative Agency, Handling Harsh Feedback, and Fighting the Bots

    In this episode of the Project Seed Money Podcast, host Sharissa Bradley sits down with Jennifer Lieberman, the creative powerhouse behind the award-winning solo show and hit novel Year of the What? (originally titled Year of the Slut). Jennifer pulls back the curtain on her multi-hyphenate career as an actor, producer, and author. She gets incredibly raw about the devastating "amateur mistakes" of her early publishing journey, why she shelved her manuscript for an entire year after a brutal editing critique, and how an encounter at a coffee shop completely changed her path. Learn how she navigated online censorship by internet algorithms, built her business Make Your Own Break, and why she believes self-doubt is actually a secret weapon that drives artists to excel. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Jennifer Lieberman. 00:31 – The Actor-Writer Shift: Creating your own opportunities. 01:08 – Erotic Poetry and the Fifty Shades catalyst. 01:54 – Bringing Year of the Slut from a 10-character solo show to a chick lit novel. 03:59 – The Crushing Critique: The unvetted editor who made her cry for a week. 05:52 – The Pivoting Trap: Bouncing between screenplays, web series, and books. 06:48 – Reclaiming Her Power: The boyfriend who pushed her to self-publish. 07:22 – Serendipitous Connections: Burning Man nails and The Nanny Diaries editor. 07:55 – Censored by the Bots: Rebranding to Year of the What?. 10:37 – Overcoming the "Icky" feeling of self-promotion. 12:11 – Writing First-Person: The "Carrie Bradshaw" fantasy vs. reality. 13:20 – The Artist's Rollercoaster: Why vulnerability makes us better creatives. 15:43 – Make Your Own Break & where to find Jennifer's books. 16:50 – Final Inspiration: Facing the "big matzah ball" of fear. Connect more with Jennifer:  Website www.MakeYourOwnBreak.com Instagram @iamjenlieberman Facebook @iamjenlieberman LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjenlieberman/ www.YearOfTheWhat.com   Join us on the Project Seed Money Podcast as we delve into the journeys of inspiring female authors, sharing their challenges and triumphs to empower your writing path. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. For additional resources and to connect with our community, visit projectseedmoney.com. If you have a story to share, reach out to be featured in an upcoming episode.   Follow Project Seed Money on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectseedmoney/    Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fplzSNjrynw

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H.E.R. Amplified—Hear Every Ripple—is where women's voices, stories, work, ideas, and businesses are given room to travel. Formerly Project Seed Money, the show began by helping women authors discover grants, funding opportunities, and practical publishing resources. Today, host Sharissa Bradley speaks with women authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and publishing professionals about writing, publishing, business, funding, resilience, and creating meaningful change. Each conversation offers honest stories, practical insight, and resources to help women feel seen, heard, supported, and equipped to move their work forward—because every ripple begins with a voice.

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