Your Voice Is Your Brand: Why AI Can’t Replace Authors | David Wolf

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/]

Your Voice Is Your Brand: Why AI Can’t Replace Authors | David Wolf

What happens when technology becomes so advanced that it can imitate your voice? In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with David Wolf, founder of Audivita Studios and longtime producer across radio, television, film, podcasts, and audiobooks, to explore one of publishing’s fastest-changing frontiers: audio.  Together they unpack:  • Why audiobooks are no longer optional for many authors  • How podcasting evolved into today’s version of on-demand radio  • The surprising limits of AI-generated voice  • What makes human storytelling impossible to replicate  • How intuition and creativity shape great work  • Why authors should think beyond the manuscript This conversation moves beyond publishing strategy and into something deeper: connection, voice, trust, and the human experience behind the work. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can replace authors, speakers, narrators, or whether your own voice matters more than ever, this episode is for you. Guest:  David Wolf  Audivita Studios  https://audivita.com/ [https://audivita.com/] Subscribe and keep writing… so you can finish the damn book. 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/]

Psychology, Intuition & Writing the Book You’re Meant to Write with Anne Bartolucci, PhD

What happens when psychology, intuition, creativity, and storytelling collide? In this episode of Finish the Damn Book, Susie Schaefer sits down with Anne Bartolucci, PhD, psychologist, writing mentor, USA Today bestselling author, and founder of Psych Up Academy. Anne shares how she blends psychology, mythology, intuition, and storytelling to help heart-centered entrepreneurs write books that truly connect with readers. From procrastination and imposter syndrome to creativity, spirituality, and even tarot, this conversation explores the deeper emotional and energetic side of writing. In this episode: *  Why procrastination is often deeper than “lack of discipline”  *  The connection between psychology and spirituality  *  How intuition shapes the writing process  *  Why nonfiction books need story structure too  *  The “mushy middle” problem most authors face  *  Creativity, mythology, past lives & the subconscious mind  *  Writing advice for authors who feel overwhelmed or stuck  This is one of those conversations that reminds you writing a book is never just about the book. Connect with Anne Bartolucci Anne’s Tarot Reading Request Form:  https://forms.gle/UwMpaSN7abs9F1j57 [https://forms.gle/UwMpaSN7abs9F1j57] Psych Up Academy:  https://psychupacademy.com [https://psychupacademy.com] 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/]

The Spiritual Side of Writing, Publishing & Imposter Syndrome | Sierra Melcher

What if the reason you haven’t finished your book has less to do with talent…and more to do with the stories you tell yourself about who you are? In this episode, Susie Schaefer talks with author, educator, and publisher Sierra Melcher about intuition, creativity, imposter syndrome, women’s voices, and the transformational process of becoming a published author. Sierra shares how she went from believing she wasn’t a writer to publishing 19 books and building Red Thread Publishing, a collaborative publishing house devoted to helping authors amplify meaningful stories and create impact. Together, they explore:  • why imposter syndrome never fully disappears  • how community helps writers heal and grow  • the spiritual and emotional side of storytelling  • why writing doesn’t have to feel painful  • trusting intuition in creativity and business  • how anthologies help aspiring authors begin Plus, Susie pulls cards for Sierra and the audience in a powerful conversation about intuition, legacy, and trusting the next step. Connect with Sierra Melcher:  Red Thread Publishing [https://redthreadbooks.com/] 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/]