Where I’ve Been
It’s been more than two years since I last posted an episode to this show. Here’s a little update about where I’ve been and what I’m doing now.
Aug 23, 2023•12 min•Ep. 99
Find Your Voice: How to Write When You're Not a Writer
It’s a podcast on writing for anyone who’s “not a writer.” Best-selling author and Founder of Find Your Voice Allison Fallon explores the power of the written word to create change in yourself, your community, and in the world through interviews with authors, reviews of powerful books, and short motivational prompts to get you moving in the right direction.
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Episodes
Josh Harris on publishing regret and how to keep writing
Have you ever voiced an idea or opinion, and then wished you could take it back? As people who like sharing our stories with the world, we've likely all said or written something that we wish we hadn't. Our opinion changed, or we realized how we negatively influenced others. When this happens, it's tempting to wonder if sharing our stories is worth it in the long run. If you're familiar with Josh Harris, you might know him as the author of 1997 book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye , or its sequel, Boy ...
Sep 16, 2021•40 min•Ep. 98
Thad Cockrell: When is my Big Break?
Have you ever asked, "When is my big break?" Thad has been a musician for years, and he was about to move on in his life when he got a call from Jimmy Fallon. This episode Thad shares how he, an artist who was about to stop making music, got onto Jimmy Fallon, the Today Show, and spoke to millions with his music. Art transforms us, and it transforms others. It is worth your effort, even when you think no one is listening. Thad's story on Rolling Stone Website: thisisthad.com Music YouTube...
Sep 09, 2021•49 min•Ep. 97
Caroline Cook: When is Your Window to Write?
When is the right time to publish? And, can a “normal” (and busy) person like me actually write a book? Writer, speaker, teacher Caroline Cook has always seen herself as a writer, but the time was never quite right. Caroline is a regular person, with a job and with kids and with lots of responsibilities on her plate. Now, as her kids start leaving the nest, she has found an opportunity to share a message that’s been on her heart for a long time. Caroline is taking her shot, and so can you. Your ...
Sep 02, 2021•43 min•Ep. 96
Memoir: How to write about the people who hurt you
Everyone has that one person (or people) in their lives: the people who have made life difficult. They might be loved, hated, or just inconveniently around, and you might find it hard to write about them honestly. How do you write about the people who have hurt you? In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon covers: The narrative role of "villains" in your life Legal ramifications of writing about real-life people What gets in the way as we're writing about true stories Three impor...
Aug 26, 2021•28 min•Ep. 95
Julie Broad on the surprising advantages of self publishing
If you're writing a book for the first time, chances are you're hoping to traditionally publish. What most first-time authors don't know is that there are several paths to publishing success out there, and self publishing is actually quite common (and can be quite profitable). In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon talks with Julie Broad, an Amazon Overall #1 Best Selling Author, an International Book Award Winner, and founder of Book Launchers. They'll cover: Surprising advant...
Aug 19, 2021•42 min•Ep. 94
Alexander Fields: Ask a literary agent
One of the top questions we get here at Find Your Voice is: "How do I find a literary agent?" On this episode, we talk with literary agent Alexander Fields about everything publishing related! Listen to learn: What a literary agent is and what they do What to do before reaching out to an agent How to reach out to an agent Website: thebinderyagency.com Podcast: On Publishing Links from the episode: Writer's Digest article: The Editor Behind the Curtain publishersweekly.com writersdigest.com publi...
Aug 12, 2021•43 min•Ep. 93
Meredith Heller: Poetry as a lifeline
What do you think of when you hear the word "poetry"? Maybe "difficult" or "boring"? But what about "lifeline"? Meredith Heller is a California-based poet, singer-songwriter, and author of Write a Poem, Save Your Life . But, more importantly, she was once a teen facing devastating life experiences, who found in writing a way through her pain. In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon and Meredith Heller cover: How poetry helps us makes sense of experience Where to start with poetr...
Aug 05, 2021•40 min•Ep. 92
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Not sure if you should self-publish or go for a traditional contract? Author and expert writing coach Allison Fallon debunks the myth that self-publishing is a B-level option. In this episode, she covers the major differences between the two most common publishing paths, highlights the strengths and drawbacks of each approach, and gives you the question which will help you choose a path forward. booklaunchers.com
Jul 29, 2021•29 min•Ep. 91
Jill Phillips: how to turn memories into memoir
So many of us want to pass down family memories, so the next generation can know what it was like back then . But how do we transform our memories into one compelling story? Without having ever written a book before, Jill Phillips set out on just this task. She shares with us why she started writing, what the process was like for her, and how she came to finish a memoir she's proud to call her own. jmphillipsauthor.com Book: Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War London Through One Family...
Jul 22, 2021•40 min•Ep. 90
FYV Staff Picks: Summer Reads with Substance
We're all about summer beach reads—but we also know that not everyone is looking for light poolside distraction. For those of you wanting a book with more substance this summer, our FYV Director of Operations, Ashley Scoby, has five recommendations. Ashley's background in is journalism and sportswriting. She’s written about Olympic athletes, covered a Final Four, and traveled to France to write about the 2019 Women’s World Cup. But on this episode of FYV staff picks, the conversation goes beyond...
Jul 15, 2021•32 min•Ep. 89
Kirbee Miller on Writing While Balancing it All
If you've ever thought, "I want to write a book, but I'm not sure if I have time for it," then may we introduce you to Kirbee Miller. Kirbee Miller is a multi-passionate person: She's an entrepreneur, founder of KiNiMi Kitchen. She works in the corporate world, and she's intentional about working creativity into her life. Juggling relationships, responsibilities, and passions, we often make excuses about writing. We don't have time. This episodes challenges that belief and encourages you to keep...
Jul 08, 2021•47 min•Ep. 88
Shari Medini: Writing a Book with Your Friend
So many people write to support their business and bolster their credibility. Sometimes, that book is a group project. Writing a book with another person: does it lighten the workload or create "too many cooks in the kitchen"? Shari Medini and Karissa Tunis are co-authors and co-owners of AdoreThemParenting.com . Between both mothers, they have six kids and plenty of work-from-home experience, which made the current shifts toward working from home something they could speak to parents about dire...
Jul 01, 2021•43 min•Ep. 87
How to Overcome Writers Block and Other Secrets of the Creative Life
Have you ever started a creative project and somewhere along the way become ... stuck? Creative block is part of the process. And we're curious how everyone deals with it. This episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon asks, "What do you do when you get stuck in your writing or in life?" We get lots of different answers: everything from physical movement to letting distraction run its course, and Ally shares her own writer's block trick. If you're curious to hear more, check out Ally's po...
Jun 24, 2021•22 min•Ep. 86
Mary Marantz: How do I make my story interesting?
If you have a dream of writing a personal story, but worry that your story isn't interesting, this episode is for you. Author, podcaster, and public speaker Mary Marantz covers two insecurities that keep writers from getting started, how to write about complicated people in our stories, and how to make a personal story appeal to others. Keep listening until the end to hear Mary's publishing path: she gets specific about her journey finding an agent and putting together her book proposal. Book: D...
Jun 17, 2021•49 min•Ep. 85
Amy Young on the Gift of Burnout
So many of us are burnt out: but, for some of us, it's not our fault. We've been led to believe lies about what we need or what we should be — and it has us running in circles. Relationship coach and YouTuber Amy Young jumps on with Allison Fallon to discuss what keeps women restricted, and how to dismantle those lies and stand in your truth. amyyoungcoaching.com instagram.com/amyyoungco youtube.com/channel...
Jun 10, 2021•48 min•Ep. 84
Seven Books Every Writer Should Own
What books should I read as a writer? As writers, we owe a lot to other writers: they are the people who inspired us in the first place, and they are the ones who keep us writing. Author and writing coach Allison Fallon shares seven books she returns to when she's stuck, needs perspective, or is looking for encouragement. If you're a writer (or want to be), your bookshelf might need these: 1. Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters . John Steinbeck writing about his writing to his agent and...
Jun 03, 2021•25 min•Ep. 83
Enuma Okoro: Writing as Soul Care
If you've ever dreamt of having more than one writing desk, this episode is for you. Enuma Okoro is an award-winning author. Among many other places, her work has been featured in the NY Times and the Financial Times. On this episode, she shares her passion for the writing life and how the practice of writing is soul care. Listen for: what it means to be a writer what it's like to write in multiple genres how "not writing" can actually help you write enumaokoro.com...
May 27, 2021•45 min•Ep. 82
Laura Tremaine: what to do when you feel alone
If so many of us feel lonely, what keeps us from reaching out to other people? Laura Tremaine is host of the podcast 10 Things to Tell You and author of the book Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First .* With Allison Fallon, she discusses loneliness, moving to LA and the early days of blogging, and, most importantly, practical ways to connect with others. This episode will make you a better friend and communicator and leave you feeling a little less alone. @laura.tremaine @10thingstotellyou 10thingstot...
May 20, 2021•45 min•Ep. 81
Katie Gustafson on how the Enneagram helps us rewrite our stories
You may have heard of the Enneagram: the personality typing system that we mention fairly frequently on this show. This episode, therapist and Enneagram coach Katie Gustafson gives an overview of the Enneagram and its connection to narrative. Katie says, "I believe your story is the most powerful tool you've got," and, with Allison Fallon, she discusses how this tool helps bring an editorial pen to our lives. katiegustafson.co instagram.com/katieagustafson linkedin.com/in/kagustafson facebook.co...
May 13, 2021•42 min•Ep. 80
Ashley Abercrombie: So you're a ghostwriter?
You may have heard the term “ghostwriter.” And you might have some questions. ( So did the author write the book or not? ) Not every author comes up with every sentence of their book. Many times, there’s a behind-the-scenes person (or team) involved. And it’s not as scandalous as it sounds. In this episode, writer (and ghostwriter) Allison Fallon interviews another ghostwriter and author, Ashley Abercrombie. Both Allison and Ashley have both published under their own name and have written for ot...
May 06, 2021•48 min•Ep. 79
Why you should write your life story even if no one reads it
We all have our doubts. Maybe you want to write your story, but you're not sure: not sure it's worth the effort, not sure you want to publish. What if no one even wants to read it? Or maybe you definitely don't want to publish, but you have a story from your past that needs working out—a story you have questions about—and something is telling you to write it down. But you think to yourself, "That's crazy, I'm not a writer." In this episode, author and writing coach Allison Fallon covers the comp...
Apr 29, 2021•22 min•Ep. 78
Morgan Harper Nichols: wondering if your words connect
Artist, poet, musician and author Morgan Harper Nichols' work has already touched so many people's lives—including ours! This episode, she shares about how she still gets nervous sharing new work with an audience (and how that's a good thing), the playlist she uses when she writes, and what is special to her about her latest book. She reflects on how words connect—or don't—with people, how art might only connect with one person—and that person might be you (and how worth it that is). She defines...
Apr 22, 2021•43 min•Ep. 77
Sandie Spotts on Cultivating a Love of Reading in Young Kids
So often, it's a childhood love of books and reading which inspires our own writing. But what makes a kid excited about reading and writing? How can we pass that on? The mentors in our early lives make a huge difference here. Listen in on Allison Fallon's conversation with an early mentor of her own, her mom, Sandie Spotts. Sandie is a lifelong educator who has years of experience teaching kids to read (and to like reading). In this episode, she shares tips on cultivating a love of reading in th...
Apr 15, 2021•33 min•Ep. 76
Sara Lewis on making your personal story public
So many of us are so focused on getting our stories out there that we forget that becoming "known" has consequences. When you decide to publish (or share your story in any public way), what was once personal and private becomes open for discussion. People will have opinions on your story—and you might not like all of those opinions. When Sara Lewis shared her story on a podcast, she didn't think of herself as "brave." But when her story went viral, she quickly learned what it meant to be in the ...
Apr 08, 2021•50 min•Ep. 75
Elyse Murphy on advocating for yourself through your words
Is there someone in your life trying to silence you? How do you fight for your voice when you are challenged, and what do you do when that resistance comes from someone close to you? As an author, speaker, and influencer, Elyse Murphy uses words for a living. But she knows what it's like to have someone suppress her voice: She and Ally both left abusive marriages, and, on this episode, they talk about how you can use a tool like writing—specifically writing your story—to hold onto what you know ...
Apr 01, 2021•51 min•Ep. 74
Five Myths About How Books Get Written
Maybe you doubt if you really have what it takes to write a book. On this episode, Allison Fallon names five common myths about how books get written—misconceptions that SO many people have about this process. After debunking these myths, she reveals the truth. Listen to hear about the myth of the writer's retreat, the typewriter myth, and then what actually happens behind the scenes. Hopefully, you'll realize that you, too, have everything it takes to write your words down in the format of the ...
Mar 25, 2021•25 min•Ep. 73
Melissa Joulwan on going against your audience to find your voice
Is it worth writing even if no one will pay attention? Melissa wrote a best-selling cookbook back in the height of the Paleo movement called Well Fed . But now, ten years later, she wants to write about something new, and she's not sure her audience will follow. If you've ever struggled with having a "platform" or "audience" for your writing, today's episode is for you. Listen to hear about what it's like to change topics when the subject you've been writing about isn't where your heart is anymo...
Mar 18, 2021•47 min•Ep. 72
Amy Wolff on doing something in the face of hopelessness
Sometimes, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But what do we do when we feel hopeless? On this episode, author, speaking coach, and founder of the Don't Give Up Movement Amy Wolff speaks with us about mental health, writing, and how living a life of impact can start small. She brings "hope" out of the clouds and down to earth: naming its components and giving insights on how to get back to feeling hopeful. New book: Signs of Hope: How Small Acts of Love Can Change Your World * dontgi...
Mar 11, 2021•49 min•Ep. 71
Jessica Martindale: Can writing be therapy?
As we approach the anniversary of the 2020 shutdown, we all need a place to process. Author and writing coach Allison Fallon often praises journaling as a tool for personal growth and a form of self-therapy. But what exactly are the parallels between writing and therapy? And when is it best to simply go to the professionals? Los Angeles Therapist Jessica Martindale uncovers what therapy is really about. Listen also for: Tips on how to find a therapist What to do if you can't afford therapy Refle...
Mar 04, 2021•48 min•Ep. 70
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