Beestie Besties with J & Lo

E9 - Neurodiverse Representation, the Adirondacks, & Traditional vs. Self-Publishing for Kids' Books

Laura and Jess welcome author Kim Adams to talk about Bella and Nash: Our First Camping Trip, her chapter book inspired by her years working with nonverbal students and communication devices, plus her family's deep ties to the Adirondacks. Kim shares her publishing journey with Wilde Beast Publishing and what life as a published author really looks like. The duo also breaks down what to consider when choosing traditional vs. self-publishing for children's books, shares CNY Arts Center workshop updates (August 22nd, Fulton), spotlights author Valerie Cole's Old Witch's Home series, and introduces the newest Beastie Bestie, Jess's new pup, Frank.

E8 - Family Secrets, Finding Your People, & What it Takes to Keep Promoting Your Book after Publication

What does it really take to keep promoting your book after publication? In Episode 8 of Beestie Besties with J & Lo, J and Lo welcome two author friends who are showing up, learning as they go, and doing the work of building real momentum around their books: Roxanne Bocyck, author of Catherine’s Dream, and Kaitlyn Marquart, author of IDK What to Say, Amber Luna, My Bright Light, and Mari’s Light, Burning Bright. Roxanne shares the family secret and Polish immigration history that inspired Catherine’s Dream, how research helped her shape the story, and what she learned through the publishing process. She also talks about author events, book tables, giveaways, and how writers can make their setup more inviting when they are promoting in person. Kaitlyn shares how a simple idea became IDK What to Say, what collaboration with Wildebeest Publishing Co. helped her discover about her writing process, and how she later taught herself to self-publish. She also talks about Amber Luna, My Bright Light, Mari’s Light Burning Bright, friendship, mental health, healing, and why asking for help is part of doing hard things. Also in this episode: gratitude, accountability buddies, author mindset, social media, book promotion, the August 22 author workshop at CNY Arts Center, the CNY Arts Center book club, the Brooklyn Book Festival, and the value of carving out consistent creative time before the day gets away from you. Mentioned in this episode: - Catherine’s Dream by Roxanne Bocyck - IDK What to Say by Kaitlyn Marquart - Amber Luna, My Bright Light by Kaitlyn Marquart - Mari’s Light Burning Bright by Kaitlyn Marquart - CNY Arts Center author workshop on August 22 - CNY Arts Center book club - Brooklyn Book Festival on September 27 - Wildebeest Publishing Co.’s 90-Day Non-Fiction Writing Journal Have a Beestie Besties story? If you and a best friend, sibling, spouse, creative partner, or business partner have built something, survived something, created something, or taken a big leap together, J and Lo would love to hear about it. Visit Wildebeest Publishing Company online and submit your story for a future segment. Be yourself, run wild, take leaps, high five your homies, and pen your pages.

E7 – Spring Growth, Smart Book Promotion, & Taking the Leap

Spring Growth & Smart Publishing: Taking the Leap Is your book idea still hibernating? It is time to shake off the winter chill and get moving. In this episode, Laura and Jess are talking all things growth, from scaling your business to taking massive leaps in your personal life. The Friends Are Here Segment We are joined by two incredible authors who prove there is no single right way to make it in this industry. Kelly Shrank and Barb Stone stop by to share their polar-opposite (but equally successful) publishing journeys. We dive into: * The secrets to niche self-publishing success. * How to leverage events and public speaking to turn a book into a brand. * Creative marketing tactics that actually move the needle. The Beestie Bestie Story Sometimes "taking the leap" is metaphorical, and sometimes it involves a plane ticket. We share a personal story about the absolute wild ride of buying a home in Belize. Whether you are eyeing a new market or a new country, we talk about the mindset shift required to go all in. Also In This Episode: * Spring Gratitude: What we are thankful for as the season changes. * Wildebeest Updates: Big things are happening behind the scenes at the company. * Why now is the perfect time to stampede toward your publishing goals. Whether you are a seasoned author or just starting to sharpen your horns, this episode is packed with the gnu-found motivation you need to succeed.

E6 – Perseverance, Publishing, & Finding Your Voice

Laura and Jess sit down with Dr. Luissa Kiprono and Rand Timmerman to talk resilience, life after publishing, and what it really takes to share your story with the world. From podcasting success to powerful personal journeys, this episode is all about perseverance, visibility, and using your voice with confidence.

E5 – Creativity, Confidence, & Building Your Brand

Laura and Jess chat with branding expert Aldea Gerard about authentic marketing, creative growth, and building a brand that actually reflects who you are. Plus: author updates, retreat news, and a Beastie Besties story about turning a small side hustle into a thriving business.