Episode Overview In Episode 10 of Just Write Julie, host Julie Navickas sits down with award-winning author, recording artist, music producer, entrepreneur, and public speaker Ben Barbic to explore how a personal story becomes a book—and how it can continue growing beyond the final page. Ben is the author of Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through Pain, published by Skyhorse Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster. After losing his childhood home to wildfire, enduring earthquake damage, and rebuilding his life after hitting rock bottom, Ben turned his experiences into work centered on honest storytelling, resilience, and personal growth. Together, Julie and Ben explore the craft of memoir, including knowing when you're ready to write, shaping lived experiences into a cohesive narrative, and protecting your voice through revision. They also discuss his unconventional path to traditional publication and how music, podcasting, and public speaking can extend a book's reach and emotional impact. Whether you're considering writing your own story, exploring another creative medium, or figuring out what comes next after a difficult chapter, this episode invites you to consider what you can build from where you are now. What You'll Hear in This Episode The Story Behind Rise & Climb Ben shares what led him to turn his experiences into a memoir and why he felt compelled to bring that story to readers. Knowing When You're Ready to Write Living through an experience and being ready to write about it are different things. Julie and Ben explore the role of time, perspective, and emotional distance in making meaning on the page. Turning Pain into a Cohesive Narrative Real life rarely follows a tidy plot. The conversation examines how memoir writers can choose which experiences belong in a book and connect them without forcing an ending or structure that feels untrue. Protecting an Honest Voice Revision can strengthen a story, but vulnerability is often what makes a memoir resonate. Ben discusses shaping his manuscript while preserving the voice and honesty behind it. Writing About Other People Personal stories often involve shared experiences. Julie and Ben consider boundaries, privacy, and the responsibility of writing about people who may remember events differently. An Unconventional Path to Traditional Publication Ben reflects on his journey from manuscript to published book and opens a conversation about the different ways authors can find their publishing path. Building a Platform Across Creative Mediums Drawing on his work in music, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, Ben explores how creative pursuits can support one another—and how writers can approach building an audience without feeling pressured to be everywhere. Creating an Audiobook with Original Music The Rise & Climb audiobook combines Ben's narration with original music. Julie and Ben discuss how sound can deepen the listening experience while keeping the story at its center. Expanding the Book Through a Soundtrack With the official Rise & Climb soundtrack scheduled for mid-October 2026, Ben explores how music can carry the book's emotional journey into another form. When the Author Outgrows the Ending Finishing a memoir does not stop the author's life from changing. The conversation considers how continued growth can reshape a writer's understanding of a story already in print. Finding Purpose Without a Perfect Ending Purpose can feel like a big demand when you're simply trying to get through the day. Julie and Ben explore what moving forward can look like before you have a clear destination. Taking the Smallest Step Forward For listeners with a story to tell or a creative goal they've put off, the episode closes with a conversation about finding an approachable place to begin. Key Takeaways for Writers Readiness to write involves perspective as well as experience. A cohesive memoir needs thoughtful selection; it does not need to include everything that happened. Revision should clarify your story while preserving the voice that makes it yours. Telling your own truth requires care when your story includes other people. Building a platform can begin with the creative work and connections you already have. Music and other mediums can offer new ways for audiences to experience a book. Your life can continue evolving beyond the ending you've written. You can take a meaningful first step before you know where the entire path leads. Guest Spotlight: Ben Barbic Ben Barbic is an award-winning author, recording artist, music producer, entrepreneur, and public speaker. His memoir, Rise & Climb: Finding Purpose Through Pain, explores resilience and personal growth through experiences of loss, adversity, and rebuilding. His work spans books, music, and speaking, with an emphasis on honest storytelling and finding purpose through difficult experiences. The Rise & Climb audiobook features his narration alongside original music, and an official soundtrack is scheduled for mid-October 2026. Learn more about Ben and find Rise & Climb in print, e-book, and audiobook formats at: risenclimb.com Connect with Ben on Instagram: @benbarbic Follow Ben on X: @benbarbic Find Ben Barbic on Spotify to explore his music and watch for the Rise & Climb soundtrack. About the Show Just Write Julie is the podcast where writing meets strategy and creativity meets clarity. Each episode helps writers strengthen both their craft and their confidence through conversations with authors, publishing professionals, creatives, and industry experts. Listen & Subscribe Follow and subscribe to Just Write Julie on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. If this episode encouraged you to begin telling your story or take a step toward a creative goal, leave a review or share it with someone who could use that same nudge forward. For writing resources, publishing insights, behind-the-scenes content, and author updates, visit AuthorJulieNavickas.com and connect with Julie on social media. Until next time: just write—and don't be afraid to be strategic about it.
