Read and Write with Natasha

 📹 Watch the interview on YouTubeIndie author Douglas Weissman shares his journey from penning his first novel to navigating the world of small independent presses. Listen in as Weissman shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of this unique path in the literary world.Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of the writing process, exploring the intersection of passion, discipline, and creativity. Weissman opens up about the grueling 14-year journey behind his first novel, his unique writing routine, and his hopes for broader distribution. Weissman also shares his insights on getting book reviews and effectively using LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for book promotion. Weissman is the author of the novel Life Between Seconds, a meditation on trauma, family, and how to heal after a great loss.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Alexandra Wyman transformed her devastating loss into a beacon of hope for others becoming, a mental health advocate and public speaker. She penned down her experience of losing her husband to suicide in her memoir - "The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death." Through her story, she aims to change the narrative around suicide and provide support to those dealing with such a loss.Alexandra's journey wasn't devoid of challenges. Balancing a full-time job, being a mother, and grappling with grief while writing her book was a rollercoaster ride. And then, there was the added burden of the backlash she faced on social media following her husband's death. she navigated through these adversities and used her experience as a catalyst for healing. Alexandra's resilience in the face of adversity is commendable, and her story serves as a ray of hope for those dealing with grief and loss.She shares invaluable insights on working with a publishing company and strategies for promoting her book. Alexandra also aspires to continue her advocacy for suicide prevention and mental health support and possibly even pen down a sequel to her memoir. Hear her story to get inspired. Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Carrie Berk is a  social media influencer, author, and blogger with over 3 million followers on TikTok alone.In her YA book, My Real Life Romcom: How to Build Confidence and Write Your Own Relationship Rules, Berk shares her dating adventures (and misadventures) to help others discover more about themselves and the relationship they deserve.In this interview, we also delve into the struggle of staying authentic while in the public eye the importance of authenticity and acceptance of oneself, even in the face of criticism. Tune in to hear Carrie's advice for those starting online and the importance of having a backup plan.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

After battling a health crisis, Marjorie Turner-Hulman,  embarked on a remarkable journey, creating the "Easy Walks" guidebook series. These aren't just books; they are a beacon of hope and exploration that help people find local trails, and they are a testament to her resilience and passion.Not stopping at the guidebooks, Marjorie took a leap of faith, sharing her personal journey in her memoir. Tune in as Marjorie reflects on: -The power of storytelling.-The priceless value of reader reviews.-How to develop effective marketing strategies for authors.And much more. Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi-Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel, The Mountains We Carry, was released in November 2021. His latest novel, Waters Under Baghdad , was published in October 2023,Growing up in Iraq, Brifkani witnessed many traumatic experiences of war, migration, and political turmoil, which have highlighted his dedication to writing about the negative impact of wars and political struggles.In this episode,  Dr. Zaid Brifkani shares insights and lessons learned from his writing and publishing journey, along with his thoughts on maintaining a balance between professional life and writing and tips on how to maintain high productivity. Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Tina Erwin is a  "ghost helper" and author of eight ground-breaking books on metaphysics. With a unique ability to communicate with the spiritual realm, Tina shares riveting stories of growing up with psychic abilities and recounts personal encounters with ghosts, such as her six-year-old niece's spirit after her sudden passing. Questioning the world of reincarnation and premonitions? Tina provides insightful perspectives on these topics while revealing how her academic background in management, sociology, psychology, and industrial relations has immensely shaped her understanding and application of her psychic gifts. Tina opens up about the challenges of being vocally psychic, discussing reactions, skepticism, and the impact of her unconventional abilities on friendships. She also recounts her extraordinary career in the Navy, using her psychic abilities for counter-terrorism efforts.This episode is a mesmerizing mix of the spiritual, practical, and inspirational - a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the unseen world.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Ready to get a firsthand look at the roller coaster of emotions that is life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?Join me as I sit down with Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist and author who takes us through her thrilling 34-year career. In her book  So Many Babies, My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career & Motherhood, Dr. Landers delves into the pressure and teamwork intrinsic to this medical field and navigates stories of her most memorable patients and their parents, including a set of triplets and a baby with an inoperable birth defect. Dr. Landers also opens up about her journey as a working mother in a demanding field, the balancing act she performed between her career and family life, the challenge of being a female physician, and her approach to approaching retirement are all laid bare.This episode offers a rare peek into the world of neonatology and the highs and lows of working motherhood.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

In this episode, Egyptian children's author Miranda Beshara talks about her transition from finance to storytelling.  Miranda is the co-founder of Hadi Badi Children & YA Lit in Arabic.She also talks about her first children's book, Tata and Babcha, and how it's a vessel for preserving her family's culture and identity.  We also discussed tackling the labyrinth that is Arabic publishing and the complexities of sourcing books for young kids. Miranda's insightful perspective on the disjunction between classical and colloquial Arabic will leave you intrigued. Tune in to learn about the intricate world of Arabic children's literature.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Ever wondered what motivates women to step outside their marriages?  Susan Shapiro Barash, a seasoned author and gender studies educator known for her thought-provoking research on the taboo topic of female infidelity, sheds light on how these extramarital escapades often serve as a hidden path to empowerment, self-esteem, and unexpected love.Barash, who authored the book,  A Passion for More: Affairs That Make or Break Us discussed the nuances of societal judgments surrounding women who dare to cross the line. Despite societal progress, patriarchy still looms large, and Barash’s explorations of affairs as potential acts of self-care have not been without backlash. In this interview, Barash also shared the experience of transforming her book into a podcast, the use of a pseudonym for her fiction work, and her new novel that explores a woman's relationship with her lover. It is an episode not to be missed if you're intrigued by the complexities of women's affairs and societal gender roles.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.

Amanda Blackwood, opens up about her harrowing journey as a survivor of human trafficking, not once, but thrice, beginning at the tender age of 18. Amanda's tale is not just one of survival, but an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she transformed her traumatic experiences into a platform for advocacy and education.Amanda helps us navigate the murky waters of human trafficking, underlining that it often involves individuals one may already know and trust. She shares her personal struggle with survivor's guilt and the path towards healing, leading her to pen down her experiences and navigate the labyrinthine world of self-publishing. Her debut as an author has not only been a transformative experience but also a stepping stone towards establishing her own publishing company to foster the voices of other survivors.In the concluding segment of our conversation, Amanda equips us with the knowledge to discern the nuances of human trafficking, human smuggling, and prostitution while sharing her own experiences with abuse. She talks about the importance of recognizing signs of trafficking, and how she found strength in her vulnerability. Tune in to this profound exchange of stories, insights, and life lessons that will not only educate but also inspire you to make a difference.Have a comment? Text me!Support the show📚 Writing a book and feeling stuck? Subscribe to Read and Write with Natasha on Substack for practical guidance, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes insights on finishing your book—from idea to final draft.