thewritingcoach's podcast

Episode Spotlight: Michael Leonard on Pilgrims, Aliens, and a Journey from Tech to Fiction This week on The Writing Coach Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome my client, Michael Leonard, to discuss his debut novel, Pilgrims. Michael’s transition from a career in international business and tech to becoming a speculative fiction author is as fascinating as his book. Our conversation dives deep into the creative process, the challenges of publishing, and the philosophical questions that inspired his work. Pilgrims is no ordinary first-contact story. This science fiction novel takes readers on a journey that blends interstellar drama with profound metaphysical exploration. When aliens arrive on Earth with religion in tow, humanity is forced to confront faith, identity, and the meaning of existence. Michael’s unique take avoids the shallow tropes often seen in the genre, offering a thoughtful and original narrative that leaves readers thinking long after the last page. In this episode, Michael and I explore:      •           The emotional rollercoaster of launching a book and how to embrace the marathon of being an author.      •           The genesis of Pilgrims and how a childhood thought experiment evolved into a high-concept novel.      •           The art of world-building with philosophical depth, including how Michael tackled big questions without losing his narrative’s authenticity.      •           Why flawed characters create compelling stories—and how Michael ensured his protagonist was relatable despite his imperfections.      •           The immersive full-cast audiobook production of Pilgrims, featuring sound effects, music, and narration by Jeff Hayes of Dungeon Crawler Carl fame. Michael also reflects on the pivotal role of mentorship (spoiler alert: he gives me a lot of credit, which I humbly accept!) and shares actionable advice for aspiring authors, including the importance of investing in your craft and embracing the long game of a writing career. Whether you’re a science fiction fan, a writer looking for inspiration, or someone fascinated by the intersection of faith and storytelling, this episode is for you.

In this latest episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with one of my superstar clients, the multi-talented author Sandy Day. If you’re a fan of heartfelt and relatable stories set against rich Canadian backdrops, you’re going to love this conversation. Sandy returns to the podcast to talk about her re-released novel, Head on Backwards, Chest Full of Sand. This project, which began as a semi-autobiographical novella, has been expanded into a full-length novel. During our discussion, she opens up about the challenges of revisiting and revising older work, the joys of setting her story in the breathtaking landscape of Cape Breton, and the deep emotional resonance of her coming-of-age tale. We also delve into her unique writing journey, from studying under Canadian literary icons like Michael Ondaatje and BP Nichol to navigating the independent publishing world with skill and grace. Sandy’s insights into crafting authentic characters, embracing her identity as a Canadian author, and balancing humor with seriousness in her writing are fascinating. Plus, she shares her approach to connecting with readers through personal essays and newsletters, providing a glimpse into her creative process. Tune in now to hear about Sandy’s remarkable career, her thoughts on embracing specificity to achieve universality, and why Head on Backwards, Chest Full of Sand is a must-read.

In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Dhesi, a talented book coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the world of writing. We dive deep into her journey as a writer and coach, her unique approach to storytelling, and her personal and professional insights on crafting a fulfilling writing life. Emma shares her transformative journey from actress to librarian to accomplished book coach, describing the moments that shaped her passion for storytelling. Her story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the importance of finding joy in the process, even when the path isn’t always straightforward. Emma also describes the “Four Pillars of Author Success”—a roadmap she developed through her own experiences and coaching practice. Whether you’re penning your first chapter or navigating the complex world of publishing, these pillars offer valuable insights to help you find clarity, stay motivated, and, importantly, enjoy the ride. Tune in to hear Emma’s thoughts on navigating the ups and downs of writing, the joy of community and mentorship, and why having fun along the way is essential for a sustainable and fulfilling creative career. This conversation is packed with warmth, insight, and practical wisdom—a must-listen for anyone committed to growing as a writer. Listen now!

In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sit down with Rhonda Douglas, a Canadian writer and writing coach who is passionate about helping women and non-binary authors complete their first books. Rhonda shares her journey as a writer, including the powerful impact that early feedback and recognition had on her as a young writer. She also discusses her experience in MFA programs, where she learned invaluable lessons about story structure and craft. But the real heart of our conversation centers around the challenges that writers, especially women, face in actually finishing their books and getting them published. Rhonda discusses the fear, self-doubt, and distractions that can derail a writing project, and the strategies she’s developed to help her students overcome these obstacles. Overall, this conversation is packed with insights and practical advice for any writer. Listen to the episode now!

In the ever-evolving world of self-publishing, standing out as an author requires more than just talent—it takes strategy, resilience, and a strong understanding of the business side of being a writer.  In the latest episode of The Writing Coach podcast, I speak with Kimberley Grabas, founder of Your Writer Platform and a veteran in the author marketing world. Kimberley and I have crossed paths numerous times over the past decade, and this conversation was the perfect chance to explore the biggest shifts in author marketing we’ve experienced. Kimberley and I both launched our careers in the early days of social media—when platforms like Twitter were new and figuring out how to market yourself online was the Wild West. Over the years, we’ve both learned that sustainable success in this industry requires more than just fleeting social media trends. During the interview, we discuss: What has changed in author marketing over the last decade How authors can build a foundation for long-term success The importance of knowing your target reader How to make marketing feel authentic, not forced Why you need to know your brand values before you start marketing And much more! This episode is packed with actionable insights into how the author marketing landscape has changed and how you can set yourself up for success. Kimberley’s advice will resonate with any writer looking to build a sustainable, thriving career, so listen now!

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, I chat with Sue Brown-Moore. Sue is a sought-after book revision coach and one of LA Weekly’s 15 Book Coaches to Watch. Sue and I discussed various aspects of fiction writing, including the importance of character-driven storytelling, imagination, romance, and authenticity. We share our experiences and perspectives on these topics, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to storytelling and the importance of inclusivity and character-driven narratives. We also discuss pricing strategies for coaching and consulting services, with a focus on maintaining personal space and high-ticket, low-volume work. Listen now!

Looking for inspiration, guidance, and a fresh perspective on your craft? You are in the right place. In this week’s episode of The Writing Coach podcast, I sit down with Beth Barany, a creativity coach, NLP expert, and accomplished author. Beth shares her fascinating journey from aspiring doctor to published writer, and offers invaluable insights on nurturing creativity, finding joy in the writing process, and approaching marketing with a heart-centered approach. Beth’s unique blend of playfulness, emotional intelligence, and practical advice will leave you energized and ready to tackle your next writing project. Join us as we explore the world of science fiction, indie publishing, and the power of embracing your creative side. Listen now!

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin Johns speaks with author and writing coach Brooke Adams Law.

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin Johns speaks with author and writing coach Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer. Sarah Elisabeth Sawyer is an author and writing instructor who takes authors struggling to master the tools and knowledge of their author journey and help them become confident in writing their books. She has been featured on Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn podcast, Mark Dawson’s Self Publishing Show, Jane Friedman’s blog, and more. As a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, her signature course, Fiction Writing: American Indians, equips authors to write authentic stories that honor Native American history and culture. Her Dictation Bootcamp for Authors takes authors through the process of mastering dictation through easy exercises that help them become masters of their fictional worlds. Listen now!

In this episode of The Writing Coach podcast, writing coach Kevin Johns discusses the significance of small acts of kindness and their impact on his life, as well as the role of personality in shaping an artist's reputation. He explains how the behavior of various artists--from writers to comic book artists to musicians--have influenced his perception of their work and how some of the most powerful acts of marketing involve small, personal actions.