Episode 7: An Editor's Journey Through Trauma and Writing

Episode #11: Permission to Be

On episode #11, I sit down with music composer and singer Tahlee for a vulnerable and honest conversation about the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery. We explore their mental health journey, from navigating panic attacks and depression to addressing binge eating and unlearning harmful stereotypes. Our conversation highlights the power of patience, self-compassion, and persistence in the face of uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt like you’re piecing together your own story, this episode will remind you that every step forward matters. Tahlee is a visionary music composer with over two decades of experience crafting meditones® — calming soundscapes that promote focus, relaxation, and sleep. As a neurodivergent creator living with ADHD, c-PTSD, and migraines, Tahlee’s journey has been one of profound self-discovery and creative expression. Their personal experiences inspire their work, offering solace and connection to those who feel "out of sync" with the world. Tahlee is also the co-creator of Restful, an app designed to support mental well-being through immersive, soothing audio experiences. Their blog, Wave Length, offers thoughtful reflections on neurodivergence, creativity, and the power of sound to heal and inspire. You can follow Tahlee’s work and journey on Instagram at @restful.music [https://www.instagram.com/restful.music/]. Thanks for reading storybound! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charliemorganwrites.substack.com [https://charliemorganwrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode #10: Burnout, Diagnosis, and Starting Anew

On episode #10, I’m speaking with Michael Ruffin, who is an AuDHD coach and streamer. Michael is truly a multi-passionate individual, but everything he does contributes to shaping and providing resources for the neurodivergent community. In my chat with Michael, we talk about the pathway to burnout as a late-diagnosed individual, what is looks like, and how to get out of it. Michael provides a lot of tangible advice on journaling and changing the narrative within our minds. I hope you enjoy this episode as much I did! Michael Ruffin [https://www.instagram.com/adhdruids/] is a late-diagnosed ADHD and Autistic individual who has turned his personal journey into a mission to support and empower the AuDHD community. Through his work as a content creator, advocate, and coach, [https://www.adhdruids.com/] he strives to provide resources and guidance he wished he had access to earlier in his life. Driven by his experiences, Michael founded Dueling Minds [https://www.duelingminds.org/] to foster a world that celebrates neurodiversity and supports the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals. Beyond his leadership, Michael is a sought-after public speaker, hosting panels at the International ADHD Conference and delivering talks on AuDHD topics. With his personal experience, expertise, and unwavering commitment, Michael is a driving force in the AuDHD community, working to create a society that values and uplifts neurodiverse voices. Resources: CHADD - https://chadd.org/ Dueling Minds Peer Support - https://www.duelingminds.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charliemorganwrites.substack.com [https://charliemorganwrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode #9: Reading is Political

On episode #9, it is just me, Charlie, talking about why I’ve been missing and addressing some post-election rhetoric in the book community. As a writer and former teacher, there are just some topics that beg to be answered. In this episode, I dive into the history of reading and its implications in today’s reading landscape. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charliemorganwrites.substack.com [https://charliemorganwrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 8: Reclaiming Creativity After Misdiagnosis

On episode #8, I’m speaking with Tamsyn Bester, an editor and romance writer from South Africa. I’m really excited to bring this episode to everyone as Tamsyn is such a warm personality and speaks with so openly about her challenges with mental health. In this episode, we touch on a lot of topics, but really want to highlight Tamsyn’s view on setting boundaries around social media as a creative experiencing anxiety and her incredible journey to reclaim her creativity after being misdiagnosed. Tamsyn [https://www.instagram.com/tamsynbester] is an award-winning romance author and fiction editor based in Pretoria, South Africa. She has been an indie romance author since 2013, and decided to pursue a Bachelors degree in Publishing in 2016. When she’s not writing or editing, she can be found reading one of her favorite books for the millionth time, or spending time with family and friends. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charliemorganwrites.substack.com [https://charliemorganwrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 7: An Editor's Journey Through Trauma and Writing

On episode #7, I’m speaking with Cae Hawksmoor, a developmental editor and writer who specializes in speculative fiction. Cae’s calming presence and insightful reflections made this conversation truly special. We dig deep into the challenges of navigating creativity as a neurodivergent person, explore the importance of self-compassion, and discuss what healing looks like for trauma survivors. Cae is a wealth of knowledge (I thank them so much for sharing), and I know you’ll take away so much from this conversation. Enjoy the episode! Cae Hawksmoor [http://www.cahawksmoor.com] is a professional developmental editor and speculative fiction writers from North Wales. They have over ten years’ experience in writing, editing, and publishing - helping authors from all backgrounds. They are a graduate of Clarion West, a survivor of complex trauma, and have spent most their life living with the effects of anxiety and depression. Find them on Threads at caehawksmooredits. Resources and Grants for Writers: To find paid writing opportunities and upcoming writing competitions, check out Freedom with Writing. [https://www.freedomwithwriting.com/freedom/] The Speculative Literature Foundation [https://speculativeliterature.org/grants/] has four different yearly grants available for speculative fiction writers. The Association of Writers & Writing Programs [https://s2.goeshow.com/awp/annual/2025/volunteer_form.cfm] host a yearly national conference. They offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for conference tickets. Creative. Inspired. Happy. [https://www.creativeinspiredhappy.com/p/writing-scholarships] is offering scholarships for an aspiring writer not currently in a professional writing career, for use toward furthering their education through writing classes, continuing education, etc. Thanks for reading storybound! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charliemorganwrites.substack.com [https://charliemorganwrites.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]