Are Book Awards Worth It? | Carol Abrahamson

Why No One Thinks Their Story Matters (Until They Tell It) | Ally Berthiaume

Many aspiring authors wonder the same thing: "Why would anyone care about my story?" In this episode, Susie Schaefer talks with award-winning author, memoir coach, and developmental editor Ally Berthiaume about why personal stories matter, how memoirs become meaningful to readers, and the difference between writing from a wound versus writing from a scar. Ally shares practical advice for first-time memoirists, common mistakes writers make, and how storytelling can create connection, healing, and even social change. They also discuss: • Why your personal story is more universal than you think  • The biggest memoir-writing mistakes authors make  • Writing for the reader, not just yourself  • How stories create movements and drive change  • Cause-driven publishing and advocacy  • Intuition, creativity, and following the nudge to write  • Why every story deserves to be told If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, this conversation is for you. Connect with Ally Berthiaume Website: https://thewriteplacerighttime.com/ [Website: https://thewriteplacerighttime.com/] Instagram: @ayberthiaume [https://www.instagram.com/ayberthiaume/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayberthiaume/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayberthiaume/] https://www.youtube.com/@thewriteplacerighttime [https://www.youtube.com/@thewriteplacerighttime]  Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include:  • Writing and revision tips  • Publishing and self-publishing guidance  • Book marketing and platform-building  • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination  • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward?  https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/ [ https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/]

Why Most Authors Never Finish Their Book with Rachel Catherine Allen

Many people dream of writing a book. Few actually finish one. In this episode, Susie Schaefer sits down with copywriter, book coach, and author Rachel Catherine Allen to discuss why writers get stuck, how mindset impacts the writing process, and what it takes to finally get your book across the finish line. Rachel shares insights on authenticity, clarity, memoir writing, and the personal journey behind her upcoming memoir, Bat Shit: My Story of Going Sane. Key Topics: • Why authors struggle to finish their books • The role of mindset in writing • Authenticity and storytelling • Memoir writing and personal growth • Practical strategies for getting unstuck Connect with Rachel Catherine Allen: 🌐 https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/ [https://www.boltfromthebluecopywriting.com/] 🌐 https://www.rachelcatherineallen.com/ [https://www.rachelcatherineallen.com/] 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelallenwrites/] #FinishTheDamnBook #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #BookWriting #PodMatch Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include:  • Writing and revision tips  • Publishing and self-publishing guidance  • Book marketing and platform-building  • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination  • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward?  https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/ [ https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/]

From Book Idea to Bestseller with Tanya Brockett

What does it really take to move a book from idea to bestseller? In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with publishing strategist, bestselling author, and AI for Authors founder Tanya Brockett to discuss how authors can turn their expertise into books that create impact, credibility, and new opportunities. Tanya shares her INK Method, explains why understanding your ideal reader matters, and discusses the mindset shifts that help authors move from unfinished manuscripts to published books. In This Episode • From book idea to bestseller • Tanya's INK Method • Why ideal readers matter • The business value of a book • Author confidence and mindset • Ghostwriting and publishing support • Manifestation and intuition Connect with Tanya Brockett 🌐 https://tanyabrockett.com [ https://tanyabrockett.com] 🌐 https://aiforauthors.io [https://aiforauthors.io] Watch the Full Episode 🎥 https://geni.us/fdb-tanya-brockett [https://geni.us/fdb-tanya-brockett] Reflection Moment Who is the one reader your book was written to help? When you become clear on that answer, writing becomes much easier. Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include:  • Writing and revision tips  • Publishing and self-publishing guidance  • Book marketing and platform-building  • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination  • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward?  https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/ [ https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/]

Are Book Awards Worth It? | Carol Abrahamson

Many authors dream of becoming award-winning authors, but are book awards really worth pursuing? In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with Carol Abrahamson, founder of Book Award Mastery and former McGraw-Hill executive, to discuss how book awards can help authors build credibility, increase visibility, and create new opportunities long after publication. Carol shares insider insights from decades of experience helping authors navigate the world of book awards, avoid scams, and develop a strategy that supports their long-term goals.  In this episode: • Are book awards worth the investment? • How awards support book marketing • Common myths about book awards • How to identify legitimate award programs • Why some authors win more awards than others • Using awards to build authority and credibility • The connection between intuition and business decisions Connect with Carol Abrahamson Book Award Mastery:  https://bookawardmastery.com/contact/finish [https://bookawardmastery.com/contact/finish] 22 Free & Nearly Free Ways to Promote Your Award-Winning Book:  https://bookawardmastery.com/22-ways-award/finish [https://bookawardmastery.com/22-ways-award/finish] Watch the Full Episode https://geni.us/fdb-carol-abrahamson [https://geni.us/fdb-carol-abrahamson] Reflection Moment What would change if you stopped thinking of your book as a product. and started thinking of it as a platform? Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include:  • Writing and revision tips  • Publishing and self-publishing guidance  • Book marketing and platform-building  • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination  • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward?  https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/ [ https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/]

Self-Editing, AI & Better Books with Katie Chambers

Many authors spend years learning how to write, but very few learn how to edit. In this episode, Susie Schaefer talks with editor and educator Katie Chambers about self-editing, working with professional editors, building a stronger manuscript, and the growing role of AI in publishing. Katie shares how she transitioned from teaching English to running a successful editing business, why authors often submit manuscripts too early, and what writers can do to improve their books before hiring an editor. They also discuss: • Why self-editing matters • Common mistakes first-time authors make • Building systems that create creative freedom • The future of self-publishing • AI-generated writing and editing • Why human creativity still matters Connect with Katie Website:  https://beaconpointservices.org [https://beaconpointservices.org] Watch the Full Episode https://geni.us/fdb-katie-chambers [https://geni.us/fdb-katie-chambers]   Books:  Self-Editing Essentials for Fiction Self-Editing Essentials for Nonfiction Reflection Moment What would happen if you spent more time revising your manuscript than writing the next chapter? Finish the Damn Book Podcast helps aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, creatives, and writers finally complete the book they know they’re meant to write. Hosted by Susie Schaefer, the podcast cuts through perfectionism, writer’s block, overwhelm, and publishing confusion with honest conversations about writing, publishing, book marketing, creativity, and the author journey. Featuring authors, editors, ghostwriters, publishers, writing coaches, and industry professionals, each episode offers practical strategies to help writers finish, publish, and share meaningful books. Topics include:  • Writing and revision tips  • Publishing and self-publishing guidance  • Book marketing and platform-building  • Creativity, confidence, and procrastination  • Encouragement for writers stuck in the messy middle Many episodes close with Susie’s signature “Reflection Moment”, an intuitive conversation exploring creativity, identity, purpose, and the emotional side of becoming an author. Whether you’re writing memoir, nonfiction, business, or personal development, Finish the Damn Book is here to help you trust your voice and finally bring your story to life. Ready to move your book forward?  https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/ [ https://www.finishthebookpublishing.com/]