Write4Joy

Brandon Greer on Finding Freedom and Joy in Writing

Hey Joy Seekers! I apologize it’s been a while…so much going on at home. Just…a lot. Which is why I have this show! So we can remember what joy is and that it’s never too far away (even when life’s got you curled in on yourself and just keeps on kicking.) I’m thrilled to be back with another inspiring episode of Write for Joy, and this time, we've got a special treat for you – a heartfelt conversation with the amazingly creative Brandon J. Greer! 🌟 Here’s just 5 of the things you’ll learn in this episode: 1. Balancing Artistic Passions: Find out how Brandon's love for drawing, acting, and writing fuels his creative journey. 2. Redemption Arcs: Why Brandon believes in second chances and how he weaves them into his fantasy stories. 3. Finding Joy in the Process: Brandon shares how he experiences joy in every step of writing, from brainstorming to final edits. Yes, EDITS. 4. Plotting vs. Pantsing: Get insights on how even a strict outliner like Brandon allows for spontaneity in storytelling. 5. The Power of Queries: Learn why writing a killer query letter can improve not just your chances with agents but also your overall writing craft. Fun Fact from the Episode: Did you know Brandon wrote his first book in the 6th grade? It was cleverly titled "Around the World in About a Year." Talk about starting young and with flair! 🌍📖 Tune in now to catch all the wisdom and warmth Brandon brings to our Write for Joy conversation. And hey, if you’re struggling with writing that daunting query letter, Brandon’s got some fantastic tips for you! 👉 Subscribe to our channel So you never miss an awesome, joyful chat! Now let's go grab some joy!🌟✨ Namaste! 💛Ali ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking [https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT OUR GUEST Brandon J Greer is second and third oldest in a family of ten. (He was second oldest until a new marriage brought a new child that bumped him to third.) To set himself apart from so many siblings, he discovered the arts. Drawing, acting, and writing pulled him in at a young age. His first book, Around the World in About a Year, was completed in the sixth grade and was complete garbage but it won him a place in an arts competition at the local university. Now living in northern Utah with his wife and daughter, he travels as much as he can. Links: https://authorbrandonjgreer.wixsite.com/books [https://authorbrandonjgreer.wixsite.com/books] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT THE HOST Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble. Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development. Check out the links for All Things Ali! www.alicross.com [http://www.alicross.com/] 📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats [https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats]

Who Knew Clutter Could Be So Inspiring? Write for Joy with Carolyn Campbell

Hey Joy-Seekers! Are you ready for an inspiring trip through the pages of an accomplished writer's story? Our latest episode features the incredibly talented Carolyn Campbell, an award-winning journalist who has spent over 40 years crafting captivating stories for a variety of outlets. This conversation is full of insights, laughs, and wisdom that any writer will cherish. 🖋️ 5 Writing Gems You'll Unearth in This Episode: 1. Award-Winning Insight: Learn how Carolyn snagged the prestigious Society of Professional Journalists Award, a testament to her outstanding talent in a field brimming with skilled writers. 2. The Power of Passion & Authenticity: Discover Carolyn's secret to creating genuine connections through her writing and interviews by sharing her own life's struggles and victories. 3. Interview Intimidation No More: Get insider tips for overcoming the fear of interviewing, including how to turn a daunting Q&A into a comfortable chat with a "nice person." 4. Clutter to Clarity: Explore the quirky side of creativity as Carolyn shares how her battle with clutter sparked a writing journey that resonated with readers and led to real-life opportunities. 5. True Crime Tidbits: Gear up for some heart-pounding storytelling as Carolyn teases her upcoming true crime podcast "True Crime Soup" that she'll be stirring up with her son. 🌟 Fun Fact of The Episode: Amid the powerful life lessons, did you know that Carolyn found a unique family connection to the Presleys? Yep, you heard that right! Tune in to discover how her search for her birth family led to this fascinating piece of personal history. As always, thank you for being such an integral part of our Write4Joy community. Your enthusiasm for stories, writing tips, and the joys of creation truly make this channel what it is - a treasure trove of writerly wisdom. Now, hit that subscribe button, then go out and grab yourself some joy! Namaste! Ali P.S.: Have you had a run-in with clutter, or masterfully managed an intimidating interview recently? Share your story with us—we'd love to hear it! 📚✨ Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking [https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT OUR GUEST Carolyn Campbell is the author of three books and 900 magazine articles. She's been writing for 40 years. ^^That's the bio that Carolyn gave me, but she's SO MUCH MORE than just this. You'll have to tune into the show to discover for yourself! Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.campbell2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyncampbell5150 LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-campbell-3791062/ ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT THE HOST Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble. Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development. Check out the links for All Things Ali! www.alicross.com [http://www.alicross.com/] 📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats [https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats] 🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com [https://www.storyninjadojo.com/]

From Garden to Grimoire: Abigail O'Bryan on Writing and Whimsical Worlds

Hey Joy-Seekers! Prepare to have your imagination whisked away to a realm where dark fantasy thrives, and familiar tales are woven anew. Our latest episode features the delightful and incredibly imaginative Abigail O'Bryan who joined me for a heartwarming conversation full of creative insights and a dash of gardening banter. Trust me, this cozy chat is the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or tea! 🔑 5 Keys You'll Unlock in This Episode: 1. The Birth of a Dark Fantasy: Discover the inspiration behind Abigail's upcoming book, "Iron Rose," and how her twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" gives it a fierce new life. 2. The Journey of a Storyteller: Abigail shares her evolution from a high school writer to a stay-at-home mom who crafts stories about deep characters and fascinating worlds. 3. The Symphony of Creative Passion: Ali and Abigail talk about shifting their musical talents to writing and the parallel between the dedication to develop musical talent with the unseen grind behind creating magical prose. 4. Finding Your Creative Cheerleader: Learn about the importance of having someone who has unwavering faith in your work. Shoutout to Nova, who Abigail gives credit to keeping her going. 5. Joy in the Craft: Both Ali and Abigail dive into what brings them joy in their respective passions, shining light on the small wonders that fuel their creative fires. 🌷 Fun Fact: In another life, Abigail might have been a gardener. Abigail describes her literary world as one where her characters and stories blossom with the same care and affection one would give to a rose garden in bloom. As we wrap up this exciting episode, I’m not just inspired by Abigail's passion for writing and the arts, but I’m also chomping at the bit to hold "Iron Rose" in our eager hands. If you're as enchanted by the idea of fierce sword fights, wild escapes, and intoxicating love as we are, Abigail's new book is not to be missed! 🌟 Call to Action: Don't forget to hit like, subscribe, and ring that notification bell to join us on every literary adventure. Once you’ve done that, head over to Abigail's Instagram for a daily sprinkle of fantasy, and sign up for her newsletter so you don’t miss the release of “Iron Rose”! Let's support our new voice in dark fantasy and show her the same love that she pours into her spellbinding tales! Now go and grab yourself some joy Namaste! Ali Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking [https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT OUR GUEST Abigail O'Bryan writes dark fantasy retellings of humanity & happily ever afters. When not writing, she's raising two kids and seeing just how many flowers she can fit in her arms. Links: IG: @abigail_obryan_author Website: www.authorabigailobryan.com [http://www.authorabigailobryan.com/] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT THE HOST Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble. Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development. Check out the links for All Things Ali! www.alicross.com [http://www.alicross.com/] 📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats [https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats] 🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com [https://www.storyninjadojo.com/]

Crafting Stories and Climbing Mountains with Author Daniel Sayre

Hey Joy-Seekers! This episode is going to resonate with all the dreamers, doers, and joy-seekers out there. I had the chance to sit down with the multi-talented engineer and wordsmith Daniel Sayre for a heart-to-heart that's as inspiring as it is insightful. Grab your favorite brew, settle in, and prepare yourself for a conversation that's all about finding joy in the pursuit of passion, purpose, and the art of writing. 📚☕️ 🔑 5 Keys to Discovering Joy and Purpose: 1. The Intersection of Interests: Learn how Daniel Sayre balances his love for engineering with the creative world of writing, and find out how to align your career with your passions. 2. Defining Joy: Dive into what joy means to both Daniel and I—spoiler alert, it's all about taking risks and accepting challenges. 3. Facing Challenges Beyond the Page: Explore the bravery of embracing both the writer's journey and life's adventures, like Spartan races, white water rafting, and even mountain climbing! 4. Writing with Impact: Understand the ripple effect your writing can have on readers and how simple stories can carry profound meaning. 5. Risk-taking and No Regrets: Be encouraged to take risks in life that promise growth, excitement, and the satisfaction of living without regrets. 🤓 Fun Fact: Did you know Daniel Sayre not only eats up words on the page but also gobbles up miles in obstacle course races? That's right, he takes on the gritty Spartan Race and Tough Mudder like a champ! For Daniel, it's all about the joy of crossing the finish line. It was an absolute pleasure to have Daniel brighten up our Write4Joy community with his experiences and insights. This episode is a treasure trove of golden nuggets for anyone looking to find that sweet spot where joy meets purpose. So make sure you tune in and treat your soul to this wonderful conversation! 📣 Call to Action: As always, we'd love for you to be part of the conversation. After you've listened to the episode, hit us up in the comments with your own definitions of joy, risks you're thinking of taking, or just how you're pursuing your passions! And if you've been stirred by the words shared, let's show some love and support for our indie authors like Daniel—visit his website, check out "Becoming Glitch," and look out for the sequel sometime this year! Spread joy, be fearless in your pursuits, and keep writing your own adventure, my friends! Namaste! Ali PS. If you haven't yet, smash that subscribe button to join our community of joyful writers and storytelling enthusiasts. Let's bring some joy to that inbox and life of yours! Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking [https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT OUR GUEST Daniel Sayre holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering as well as a double minor in math and creative writing from San Jose State University. In spite of this, he tries to remain only a part-time nerd. He is a sucker for a good superhero story and loves the great outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking, obstacle course races, or just getting to see new places. He also likes pizza, spending time with friends, and playing around on his 3D printer. Cooking and spelling bees… not so much. He lives in California. Links: Check out Daniel's website at https://danielsayreauthor.com/ [https://danielsayreauthor.com/]. He's also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093501434590 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093501434590] Find his first book, Becoming Glitch, on Amazon athttps://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Glitch-Daniel-Sayre/dp/B0BMSY5Y93 [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Glitch-Daniel-Sayre/dp/B0BMSY5Y93] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT THE HOST Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble. Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development. Check out the links for All Things Ali! www.alicross.com [http://www.alicross.com/] 📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats [https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats] 🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com [https://www.storyninjadojo.com/]

Empowering Joy: Susan Phelan's Insights on ADHD and Creativity

Hey Joy-Seekers! This episode of Write for Joy, is a real treat. In this episode I sat down with Susan Phelan, an author and actress, to discuss her book "Miss Classified" and the joy of writing. Here's a sneak peek of what you'll discover in this engaging conversation: 1. Understanding Joy: Susan and Ali delve into the concept of joy and its significance in writing, shedding light on how joy can manifest as a secondary emotion tied to discovery and love. 2. Writing as Discovery: A fascinating discussion on how Susan's background in acting has influenced her as a writer, and the joy she finds in becoming one with her characters during the writing process. 3. Impact of Authentic Work: Discover how Susan's work, "Miss Classified," has brought joy to readers and provided insights into understanding ADHD from a new perspective. 4. The Circle of Joy: Uncover the beautiful cycle of joy as Susan shares her experiences of joy as an author and actress, and the joy she feels when her work brings joy to others. 5. A Fun Fact: Check out Susan's acting credits, including the teen comedy romance "You're So Cupid" and the Lifetime Christmas movie "Hot Chocolate Holiday"! This episode is packed with insightful and heartfelt moments—and lots of laughter. So, if you're ready to infuse your writing journey with joy and inspiration, this episode is a must-listen! Here's an extra fun fact that just proves Susan’s awesomeness. Susan held a backyard carnival at the age of 10 to raise money for Jerry Lewis' kids. What a joyful childhood memory to cherish! If you're as inspired as I am, it's time to take action. Head over to my website to listen to the full episode and explore the show notes where you’ll find links to Susan's work and projects. Let Susan's journey and insights spark joy and creativity in your writing endeavors! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. ‘Till next time, go out and grab your joy! Namaste! Ali Want to be a Guest on the Show? Just fill out this form and your wish shall be granted! https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking [https://write4joy.captivate.fm/booking] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT OUR GUEST Susan Phelan is an actress and author. Her middle grade contemporary novel, Miss Classified, was inspired by her own children, three of whom struggled with ADHD—just like Miss Classified’s main character. The book is fun and humorous and worth a read! See if you can spot her in the teen comedy “You’re So Cupid”, and the Lifetime Christmas movie, “Hot Chocolate Holiday.” Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.m.phelan/ [https://www.facebook.com/susan.m.phelan/] Twitter: @suepeaZQ [https://twitter.com/@suepeaZQ] Instagram: suepea5 [https://instagram.com/suepea5] thesusanphelan.com [http://thesusanphelan.com/] (still under construction) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3525157/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3525157/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0]susanmphelan@gmail.com [susanmphelan@gmail.com] ★゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜☆゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜★ ABOUT THE HOST Ali Cross is a USA Today Bestselling author, happiness enthusiast and believer in hope in magic. Plus, she just really likes to talk to people. She writes YA SciFi & Fantasy as Ali Archer and Christian Romance as Ali Noble. Ali, aka the StoryNinja, also teaches character and story development. Check out the links for All Things Ali! www.alicross.com [http://www.alicross.com/] 📚Facebook Reader Group📚 https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats [https://www.facebook.com/groups/alicats] 🥷🏻StoryNinja🥷🏻www.storyninjadojo.com [https://www.storyninjadojo.com]