One of the things I enjoy most about interviewing authors is that I never quite know where the conversation will take us. Sometimes we’re exploring imaginary worlds, other times we’re discussing real-life challenges, and occasionally we’re discovering just how many hats an author can wear!
My latest conversations introduced me to three very different perspectives on writing, creativity, and life. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, looking for a little inspiration, or curious about the business of being an independent author, there’s something here for you.
Cat Johnston: A Hidden World Just Beyond St. Augustine
What if there were an entire world hiding just beyond the streets of one of Florida’s most historic cities?
That’s part of the imagination behind Cat Johnston’s Shifting Destiny, the first book in her Aconite Hollow trilogy. Her wolf-shifter story takes readers into a hidden world near St. Augustine, Florida, where the familiar and the fantastical meet.
During our conversation, we talked about the inspiration for her fictional setting, her writing journey, and some of the personal challenges she’s navigated along the way.
Cat also opened up about living with narcolepsy and how her experiences may eventually inspire a book of their own once the Aconite Hollow trilogy is complete.
Dr. Lewis: Why Belonging Matters More Than Ever
Have you ever walked into a room and wondered whether you truly belonged there?
It’s a feeling many of us have experienced, and one that Dr. Reginald Lewis explores in his book Belonging Is the Brand.
Our conversation went well beyond the book as we discussed what it really means to feel seen, valued, and included. I even shared a little about my own college experience as a single mom and how that shaped my perspective on belonging.
One of my favorite parts of our discussion was the idea of being a bright light for others, particularly during times when the world feels uncertain.
Sometimes the most meaningful conversations are the ones that remind us how much we have in common.
And I Thought Ladies: Two Writers, 18 Books, and a Passion for Storytelling
Writing a book is an accomplishment. Writing 18 books between two authors? Now that’s a lot of storytelling!
Wilnona Marie and Jade Dee are the creative duo behind And I Thought Ladies and co-founders of AITL Media, a literary PR and media strategy firm.
With an impressive collection of books, including their cozy mystery poetry series The Famous House Cleaners, these two bring plenty of experience and personality to the literary world.
Their series includes The Famous House Cleaners, All Bleached Up, and more adventures that combine mystery with a playful approach to storytelling.
We explored their writing partnership, their creative journey, and what it’s like to build a presence in the literary world while also helping other authors navigate publishing and promotion.
Great Stories Come in Many Forms
If there’s one thing these conversations continue to remind me, it’s that storytelling isn’t limited to one genre, one experience, or one way of looking at the world.
Sometimes stories transport us to hidden fantasy worlds. Sometimes they help us better understand ourselves and the people around us. And sometimes they simply give us a mystery to solve and a reason to laugh along the way.
That’s the beauty of discovering independent authors. You never know what you’ll find, and your next favorite read might come from someone you’ve never heard of before.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch these conversations, get to know the authors, and perhaps discover a book or two to add to your reading list.
Happy reading!