Books That Make You Podcast

Books That Make You Wanna Pursue Being an Indie Author Generally speaking, the more you read, the more you feel that burning urge to write. So what happens these days, when a reader becomes a writer? Chances are, if you’re a new writer, and want to control your vision for your book, your first path into the writing world will be as an indie author. What should you know before venturing into this bountiful, unpredictable territory? A caffeinated writer, Mama, founder, speaker, trainer and traveler, Chelle Honiker is the Managing Partner of Athenia Creative Services, LLC, which includes Athenia Creative, Athenia Marketing and Athenia Training. Some of Athenia’s notable projects include: Book Cover Auctions Direct2Readers Indie Author Tools AuthorTechSummit Indie Author Magazine Author Automations 929Press More than anything, as an advocate for the empowerment of authorpreneurs, Chelle recognizes the importance of authors taking charge of both their craft and careers. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Find a Flow State When undertaking a project or a task, or anytime we really need to concentrate in our lives, we can—with fortune and with dedication—enter what’s called a flow state. A psychological concept in which a person becomes fully immersed and engaged in an activity, “flow” has been on the minds of many lately. For creatives in particular, it can be highly fruitful. Prolific author Kelly Anne Manuel is living, writing proof of what can happen when you find the flow state. With her four compelling book series, she has created an impassioned line of positive messages for kids, and has written a total of 31 books—one for each day of the month—across her four captivating series. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Grow In Your Career and in Life Career coach and talent development expert Elena Agaragimova is an ongoing source of inspiration, having helped many find their voice in leadership. In a remarkable career that spans everywhere from New York to Dubai, she is also a speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur and author. In 2019, she gave a TEDx talk called “Living Your Truth.” Elena's approach springs from the belief that true excellence in one’s career—and in leadership—is achieved through a holistic focus on not only professional growth, but personal wellbeing. Her books, Shift and The Rough Guide to Awesome Leadership, as well as her engaging podcasts, Shift with Elena Agar and Confessions of a Career Coach, are resources for anyone eager to enhance their careers and leadership skills. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Glimpse the Future—Where AI in Livestreaming and Digital Media Is Concerned The pandemic pushed us into a digital landscape, and that momentum remains strong. Livestreamed events like The BookFest—for which Books That Make You is a proud sponsor—are becoming more popular. As a leader in the live video and digital media space, Ross Brand helps artists and visionaries monetize their talent and expertise, and has been instrumental in the growth of platforms such as StreamYard. Brand is now recognized by Klout as the world's #1 livestreaming expert on social media. Volume 4 in Ross Brand’s series 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions is a number one Amazon bestseller in multiple countries, and offers a guide for anyone who podcasts, livestreams, organizes YouTube content, creates courses, is a businessperson or entrepreneur, and really anyone who recognizes the importance of staying on the cutting edge of technology. In the book, and the series overall, Ross spotlights predictions by an array of contributors—including YouTube stars, Emmy winners, hall of fame podcasters, industry executives, and even Books That Make You’s own Desiree Duffy—about how AI is impacting the world for creatives. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Try to Escape the Maze As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, James Dashner is perhaps best known for his YA “Maze Runner” series, though he is also the author of the bestselling “Mortality Doctrine” series, which includes The Eye of Minds, The Rule of Thoughts, and The Game of Lives. 2014 saw the release of a film adaptation of The Maze Runner, followed by another two films in 2015 and 2018. Altogether, the three films raked in almost a billion dollars. The three films' collective box-office earnings make it the fourth highest-grossing film series based on young-adult books, after those of Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games. Born and raised in Georgia, Dashner now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains with his wife and their four children. The House of Tongues, his new adult horror novel, was inspired by the stories his family told of their run-in with a serial killer. As his adult fiction debut, Tongues also represents his first crossover into screenwriting. Dashner enjoys the creativity and freedom allowed by writing in different genres and media, and has numerous stories slated ahead for the page and the screen. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Live Alongside an Immersive True Crime Investigator True crime stories, as many of us know, are among the most riveting, filled with intrigue and enigma and real victims for whom we can’t help but empathize with. Understanding the victim’s experience, and to relay that realness to readers, requires the unique skills of a true true crime author. Attorney and researcher Doug Kari exposed The Berman Murders, the story of Barry Berman, heir to the Kahlua fortune, and his wife Louise, who went missing in 1986 in Saline Valley, a popular Mojave Desert draw for nudists and eccentrics. Doug brings to his subjects rigorous research and compelling storytelling, enhanced by his method of immersive investigation. This style has led him inside the grave of a murder victim, in order to imagine the carnage befalling them just before death. His true-crime stories have graced the front pages of LA Weekly, Las Vegas Review-Journal, San Francisco Daily Journal, and other well-circulated outlets. An English major at U.C. Berkeley, Doug honed his writing under novelist Leonard Michaels (The Men’s Club). After receiving his law degree from U.C. Law San Francisco, he practiced IP law while doing pro bono wilderness protection work for Desert Survivors, an outdoor group that he co-founded. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Uncover the Reach and Power of Influencers Most of us know of influencers, and have some understanding of how the entertainment world, celebrities, and philanthropical institutions and brands all intersect. If you’re in one of these realms, this knowledge can help you and your company get ahead by generating influencer‐based, cause campaigns that tap into the Influencer Effect’s exponential power. And even if you’re not connected to these realms, aren’t you even a little interested to peel back the curtain and get a peek at how it works? Chock full of case studies, entertaining stories, and professional insights, Good Influence by Paul M. Katz is based on his five-part D.R.E.A.M. method. The CEO of Entertain Impact, Katz has spent over three decades as a leader in both the entertainment industry and philanthropic worlds, bringing a unique perspective to more than 100 cause marketing campaigns he’s created with celebrities and cultural influencers like Usher, Kevin Bacon, Ziggy Marley, Desmond Tutu and more. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Elevate Your Mental and Physical Health with an Innovative Approach For those tired of one-size-fits-all solutions to mental health, Dr. Paul D. Corona, a California-based physician with over 30 years of medical experience, has constructed a revolutionary approach that treats mental health not with quick fixes but a carefully calibrated, holistic method, one that includes off-label medications, amalgamated treatment methods, and aggressive strategies that have seen marked results. Beginning his career in family medicine, Dr. Corona then transitioned into psychiatry, ultimately pioneering his own method which he’s referred to as "Mind and Body Healing." Thus far, he’s authored three books in the series, “My Mind & Body Healing”. The Corona Protocol, the latest volume, addresses these comprehensive and innovative insights into mental health treatment, challenging conventional methods that have been stagnant for decades. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Find the Spark for Your True Story Writing a memoir involves far more than just listing your life experiences in order. It requires addressing a significant and poignant section of life, and delivering a story that caters more to the reader than to you. At times, writers—from the aspiring to veterans—need to find a spark to pursue the complicated work of self-exploration. Sue William Silverman’s Acetylene Torch Songs: Writing True Stories to Ignite the Soul offers that spark for memoirists seeking mentor-based instruction and inspiration. An award-winning author of eight works of nonfiction and poetry, Sue’s previous book, How to Survive Death and Other Inconveniences, won the Clara Johnson Award for Women’s Literature, and a gold star in Foreword Reviews Indie Book of the Year Award. Sue’s other works include Love Sick: One Woman’s Journey through Sexual Addiction, adapted into a Lifetime TV movie; Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, winner of the AWP Award; and The Pat Boone Fan Club: My Life as a White Anglo-Saxon Jew. She is faculty co-chair at Vermont College of Fine Arts, in the MFA writing program. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Ways Humans Can Write Better, in the Era of Artificial Intelligence This episode is a follow-up to the one where we discussed how AI—or artificial intelligence—is affecting the writing and reading community. That first episode came out just a few months ago, eons ago in terms of this technology. Yet there is something very timeless about the act of writing that we believe will never be surpassed by machines, and that is indeed the very important topic we’ll dive into deeper today: ways humans can write better. Dave Duffy serves as the Head of The BookFest®, a free, biannual online literary event that captivates readers and writers alike. The BookFest, in turn, is part of the Black Château Enterprises family, where Dave also helms operations for Black Château, a marketing firm specializing in authors and personality brands, as well as Books That Make You. And in case you’ve ever wondered about these brands, Dave is part of the reason they all work together so seamlessly. A data expert at heart, he uses quantitative analysis to inform strategy and promotional campaigns, and facilitates cross-functional literary experiences and event productions. His unique skill set positions him at the intersection of technology and operations, enabling him to deliver stimulating and memorable experiences for our literary audiences. It also gives him a front-seat view of the ways large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, and image-creating software like Bing and Midjourney or Dall-E, are disrupting things at an alarming rate. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You adventure Through Fifties-Era of Rock and Roll, and Get Hound Dogged The coming-of-age story is universal, enjoyed by every generation. The main reason: we older folks remember it fondly—or not so fondly—and younger folks are in the throes of experiencing it. Author Rebecca Hendricks’s Hound Dogged is about growing up in a turbulent time—the 1950s—and has been compared to SE Hinton’s The Outsiders. In Hound Dogged, we meet five friends: Patrick, Jerry, John, Stu and the talented newcomer Danny. As social and cultural upheaval takes center stage, these young musicians seek to find harmony amid chaos. Though Rebecca has spent her career in accounting and Judicial Assistant work, her passion has always been writing. When not writing or spending time with her husband, dog and two cats, she enjoys restoring and giving new life to old dolls. She is a Colorado native. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Romp with Hysterical Rhymes—and Introduce You to a Great Children’s Book Author Rhyming can help immensely in the learning process, especially for children, who may also love a good scary story. And they certainly would have fun with the offerings of Whimsical World, an innovative children's brand seeking to entertain and educate children of all ages, all while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. Not only is he the author of The BookFest Award-Winner Hysterical Rhymes, Derek Taylor Kent is also known for his four-book middle-grade series Scary School, published by HarperCollins. El Perro con Sombrero, his bilingual children’s book, was published by Holt-Macmillan. Other popular picture books include Dinosaur Derby, The Grossest Picture Book Ever, and his latest, Ka-Boom! He and his wife, children's author Sheri Fink, are the founders of Whimsical World, and spread their joy of literacy and learning through live events, speaking appearances, school visits and pop-up shops all over the world. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Understand Better How to Deal with Grief and Loss Probably the cruelest aspect of getting older is losing loved ones. How can we understand our grief and help others, while in the throes of their own? The award-winning author of Witnessing Grief; Inviting Trauma and Loss to Our Coaching Conversations, An Enneagram Perspective, Holly Margl is a name in the coaching realm. She's a beacon for those navigating the waters of grief, trauma, and the Enneagram. With the prestigious titles of International Coaching Federation Master Certified Coach (MCC) and Advanced Certified Mentor Coach (ACMC) to her name, Holly's expertise is recognized globally. Her adventure began at the University of Minnesota, where she studied Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Psychology. However, while teaching at a local college, a fateful intersection with coaching and the Enneagram in 2011 transformed her path. With an impressive array of coaching and Enneagram courses under her belt, Holly never stops growing.

Books That Make You Consciously Adventure with Your Child, or the Child In Your Life Whimsical stories have a place in many a child’s—and, by extension, grown-up’s—heart, helping to inspire us and nurture a sense of wonder. Nowadays, however, that sense of wonder is compromised by the intensifying emphasis on screen-time, structured learning, timelines, and the chronic pressures of school and success. Such things are intense for us adults. So what must they be like for kids growing up today? Laura Leone’s new book, Conscious Kid-Adventures with Zane: Imagine & Create, features an author-led audio meditation and engaging coloring book activities, all designed to nurture children's well-being. Motivated by a desire to provide a mindful activity for her young child during COVID lockdowns, Laura is passionate about bringing metaphysical awareness to our youth, and so established Starseed Metaphysical Shop Publishing™️ and authored the “Conscious Kid-Adventures with Zane” series. Laura Leone, M.B.A., M.A. is the founder of Starseed Metaphysical Shop LLC, which covers the brands Starseed Metaphysical Shop Publishing™ and Starseed Cosmetics™. A mom, stepmom, and the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, Laura is also an Air Force veteran, and has been in public service for over twenty years as a certified fraud examiner. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Go from a Blank Document to an Influential Author in 30 Days Readers often get the call to write. When we have our creativity sparked, our imaginations expanded, we might realize that we, too, have something profound and powerful to say, and it’s perhaps one of the greatest moments in the life of a writer. How can we make that happen, though? What if you don’t particularly like writing, or have all those fancy credentials that so many authors seem to have nowadays? A proud military veteran, Jeremy C. Jones is also a family man and entrepreneur who lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona. His accomplishments include being a four-time #1 bestselling Author on Amazon, hosting the popular podcast “Ideas That Make an Impact,” and serving as CEO at Jones Media Publishing, the top-rated, veteran-led book publishing company in Arizona. His book is called Your Book BluePrint, and he is here to share his unique process for how you can answer the call to write, publish and promote your book. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Step into the Shoes of a PTSD Soldier After over half a decade of military service that’s left him traumatized, Christian returns home and struggles with civilian life, and to readjust to the normalcy of his family ranch. Such is the premise of 48 Hours to Home, by CJ Ives Lopez. Men and women in the armed forces often face incredible burdens when returning from service. We’ve heard about the impact of PTSD, the shock of segueing from a regimented life to one of relative freedom, and how difficult it can be for these brave men and women to find the support they need as they readjust. A best-selling, multiple award-winning author across various genres—including heartwarming children's stories under her pen name Auntie Nann—CJ Ives is also a decorated Air Force veteran. With a loyal canine companion by her side, CJ's journey represents the transformative power of pursuing dreams. Real personal experiences inspired the co-authored 48 Hours to Home. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Understand Poverty, Abuse and Addiction The value of memoirs is their empathetic deep-dive into another’s life. Events that often come to us in data or statistics, or vague references to unfamiliar circumstances, tend not to penetrate our hearts until we confront them through the power of narrative. Brittany Means, a Chicana writer and editor out Albuquerque, New Mexico, has released her memoir, Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways, through Zibby Books. Brittany’s childhood was nomadic, filled with instability, as well as abuse, neglect and violence. Poverty, sexual assault, and an ostensibly evangelical Christian culture didn’t help. Spending her childhood in the passenger’s seat as her mother struggled to escape abusive relationships, Brittany’s life was a terrible haze of roads and traumas. With no money and a slew of burned bridges behind her, she managed to still care for her younger brother, managed the chaos of her home life, and attempted to make sense of the disturbing world around her. She earned an MFA from the Nonfiction Writing Program at the University of Iowa, and, before that, a Bachelor's in English from Ball State University. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Adventure Across a Mythical, Tolkien-Level World Nothing juices up our imaginations like immersing ourselves in fantasy worlds that feel so real, you can so clearly see the characters, the flora, the fauna, the communities, cultures and countryside. And so we have author C.D. McKenna’s award-winning The Vorelian Saga, a world of a dark epic fantasy, full of anti-heroes and ethically gray characters, the first book of which is The Blood of the Lion and which has readers all over the globe praising its Tolkien-level world-building. There’ve also been mentions of Game of Thrones and Eragon. Living and working in the mountains of Colorado, C.D. McKenna is also a coffee lover who, when not writing with a dog on her lap, enjoys the fresh air and hikes to distant worlds right in her backyard. While McKenna explores various genres in her writing, she is published in fantasy and horror. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Join With Aliens to Face a Common Threat How about genre-bending today? Beth Freely, award-winning author and BookFest Bellwether, is also a businesswoman and publishing industry professional. Raised in upstate New York and a temporary ex-pat in Great Britain, today she’s settled and writing in New Mexico. Her novel, Beyond the Steps of Stone, illustrates in detail a future Earth in which humans and aliens from the distant past must band together to face down a mutual enemy. Combining action, twists, great worldsmithing and world-shaking prophecies, the book launches readers on an unforgettable, literary sci-fi ride that will keep them hanging on for dear life. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Books That Make You Mix Historical Cultures, Artifacts and, indeed, Aliens KG Maw is back with us to discuss his book The Lazarus Project, the latest in his rich and stimulating “KV 66” series. Certainly a lot has happened since his previous visit, in both his fictional world and the real one. Ancient Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs, and the mysteries surrounding the pyramids, tombs, and more all continue to fascinate us. And KG is no exception—his stories are inspired directly from that wonderfully vivid and enigmatic history. A successful businessman who partnered with the Government of Dubai in an insurance brokerage venture, KG sold the business, took on an advisory role, and started writing his “KV66” stories. His ties to Egypt stem from extensive travels to the country with his wife, who comes from an Egyptian family. Find out more on Books That Make You. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.