Book Brush for Authors with Kathleen Sweeney
The Writing Coach
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the visual side of book marketing—cover mockups, social media graphics, reels, and everything in between—this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. In this conversation, I’m joined by Kathleen Sweeney, co-founder of Book Brush, a visual marketing platform built specifically for authors. We talk about how Book Brush evolved by listening to writers, why so many authors struggle with consistency and branding, and how to think about marketing before your book launches—not after. We also dig into the difference between DIY...
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Amy Suto on Writing for Money, Power, and Creative Freedom — The Writing Coach Ep. 219
The Writing Coach
What if writing didn’t have to mean struggling, waiting for permission, or giving away your best work to gatekeepers? In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sit down with writer, freelancer, novelist, and creator of multiple six-figure writing businesses, Amy Suto, to talk honestly about what it means to write for money and power in today’s creator economy. Amy’s career started in Hollywood, where she followed the traditional path many writers are told is the dream… and then walked away from it. What she built instead is a writing career rooted in autonomy,...
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6 Books in 2 Years: Anne Kane on Plotting, Productivity, and Motorcycle Romance — The Writing Coach Ep. 218
The Writing Coach
In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I’m joined by author Anne Kane, who published six books in two years—including her hit motorcycle romance series ACE: Riptide MC—and is releasing Spirit Bear Conspiracy. We talk about what changed in Anne’s writing life over the last two years: how plotting sped up her drafting, why a genre shift helped her rediscover her love of writing, and what it’s like working with a small publisher that offers real support (covers, editing, marketing, and community). If you’re trying to finish...
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Gala Russ on How to Stop Doing Things the Hard Way — The Writing Coach Ep. 217
The Writing Coach
There’s a persistent myth in the writing world: that great books are created by lone geniuses, toiling away in isolation, waiting for inspiration to strike. It’s a compelling image. It’s also wildly unhelpful and mostly untrue. In this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sat down with Gala Russ (author, editor, and writing coach) to talk about what actually helps writers grow: community, feedback, structure, emotional intelligence, and learning when to stop doing everything the hard way. Gala’s journey into writing didn’t follow a neat, linear path. She...
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Writing, Resistance, and Neurodiversity with Monica Hay - The Writing Coach Ep. 216
The Writing Coach
In this week’s episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sit down with writing coach Monica Hay for a conversation that goes deep into the psychology of writing. We talk ADHD, resistance, perfectionism, brain science, messy first drafts, why story structure works for some writers and absolutely sinks others, and the surprising power of taking up writing later in life. Monica also shares the behind-the-scenes process of building her innovative writing-buddy and critique-partner matching program If you’ve ever wrestled with procrastination, compared yourself to your...
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From Zen Kid to Wiccan Priest: Ivan Richmond on Ritual, Ethics, and the Spiritual Practice of Oneness — The Writing Coach 215
The Writing Coach
On this episode of The Writing Coach Podcast, I sit down with my client, Ivan Richmond—a Wiccan priest, spiritual leader, and author of The Religion of Good. Ivan’s journey is a fascinating one: raised in a Zen Buddhist monastery community, he eventually found his way to Wicca, blending ancient philosophy with modern spiritual practice. In our conversation, we explore how ritual shapes meaning, why writing itself can be a kind of ecstatic practice, and how spirituality offers a path forward in what Ivan calls today’s “ethics crisis.” Whether you come from a faith background...
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Stephen Weinstock on Music, Theater, and Writing -- The Writing Coach 214
The Writing Coach
Hey there, writers and writing coaches! Today, we have a truly fascinating guest joining us. If you love storytelling that bends genres, experiments with structure, and dives deep into the magic of narrative, you’re in for a treat! Our guest is Steve Weinstock, a musician, educator, and author of The Reincarnation Chronicles, a genre-blending fantasy series inspired by 1001 Nights. Steve’s worked with the FAME school, Juilliard, and UC Berkeley, taught musical theater writing at NYU, and even improvised music for modern dance classes. He’s spent his career coaching artists, shaping...
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Douglas Vigliotti on Aristotle for Novelists — The Writing Coach 213
The Writing Coach
Welcome back to The Writing Coach! In our latest episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Douglas Vigliotti, author of the upcoming book Douglas brings Aristotle’s Poetics to life, showing how its ancient principles still resonate in modern storytelling. We dive deep into the building blocks of a great narrative, from mastering the three-act structure to understanding the profound impact of character believability. Douglas also explains the essential difference between comedies and tragedies and why understanding this distinction can transform your writing....
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Michael Leonard on Religous Sci-Fi — The Writing Coach 212
The Writing Coach
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...
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Sandy Day on Re-Rleasing Books — The Writing Coach 211
The Writing Coach
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...
info_outlineIn 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!