Blog Posts

How to Co-authoring Books and Successful Writing Strategies with Reshan Richards and Stephen Valentine (S6 E7)

2/27/2025

In this episode, Michael Hernandez talks with Columbia professor and education leaders Reshan Richards and Steve Valentine about their journey in co-authoring books, the challenges they faced, and their innovative writing process.

They discuss how their collaboration began, the evolution of their ideas, and the importance of capturing thoughts in the moment. The authors share insights on their recent publications, the significance of recognizing transferable skills across industries, and the creative freedom they embrace in their writing endeavors. Reshan and Steve explore the intersections of education leadership, the evolution of their writing practices, and the implications of generative AI in creative processes.

They discuss the transition from traditional publishing to newsletters, the importance of storytelling, and the unique perspectives that individuals bring to their work. The dialogue also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the publishing industry, emphasizing the need for authors to understand their motivations and audience.

TOPICS

The Genesis of Collaboration
Exploring Recent Publication
The Evolution of Ideas
Challenges in Co-Authoring
The Serve and Volley Writing Process
Bridging Perspectives in Education Leadership
The Shift from Books to Newsletters
Experimenting with Substack
Generative AI and Writing
The Role of AI in Creative Processes
Publishing: Traditional vs. Self-Publishing
The Importance of Storytelling
Connecting with the Audience

LINKS
Newsletter: Making The Case

Books:
Blending Leadership
Make Yourself Clear

0 Comments

Becoming An Author: From Jornalism Teacher to Best-Selling Author with Starr Sackstein (S6 E6)

2/27/2025

0 Comments

SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Michael talks with author and education consultant Starr Sackstein about her journey as an author, discussing the motivations behind her first book, the importance of building a writing habit, and the unique perspectives they bring to their work. She emphasizes the value of blogging as a research tool and the significance of establishing a public presence to attract publishing opportunities.

The discussion also covers the writing process, time management, and the belief that every voice has a place in the literary world. Starr discusses the importance of reflective blogging as a tool for learning and growth, emphasizing the value of authenticity and imperfection in writing. She shares her organizational strategies for writing books, including the use of annotated tables of contents and the flexibility of jumping between topics in nonfiction.

The conversation also highlights the significance of crowdsourcing and collaboration in writing, as well as effective marketing strategies for authors to ensure their work reaches a wider audience. Starr discusses the evolving landscape of book marketing, emphasizing the importance of authors taking charge of their own promotion in a digital age. She shares insights on building relationships with readers, the role of publishers, and the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome. The discussion also covers the realities of writing and publishing, including the financial aspects and the significance of contract negotiation. Throughout, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of self-discovery through writing and the importance of finding the right environment to foster creativity.

TOPICS

The Journey of Authorship
From Classroom to Published Author
Building a Writing Habit
The Importance of Unique Perspectives
Navigating the Publishing Process
The Writing Process and Time Management
Embracing Imperfection in Writing
Crowdsourcing and Collaboration in Writing
Marketing Strategies for Authors
Strategies for Effective Book Promotion
The Author-Reader Relationship
Understanding Publisher Contributions
Navigating Imposter Syndrome
The Reality of Book Publishing
Self-Discovery Through Writing
Finding the Right Writing Environment
The Importance of Writing Flow
Researching Your Book Topic
The Financial Realities of Writing
Contract Negotiation Essentials

LINKS
Starr’s Books
Connect with Starr on socials:
Bluesky
Linked In

0 Comments

Book Publishing Insights from an editor: Stephanie Argy (S6 E5)

2/27/2025

0 Comments

SHOW NOTES
In this episode, Michael Hernandez speaks with book editor Stephanie Argy about her journey from writer to editor, the intricacies of the publishing process, and the unique aspects of ISTE publishing.

They discuss the importance of physical books in an increasingly digital world, the steps involved in publishing a book, and the role of peer review in ensuring quality. Additionally, they provide insights into what authors should prepare when pitching their ideas to publishers, emphasizing the need for a well-structured proposal and marketing strategies.

Michael and Stephanie talk about the importance of comparable titles, the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, the challenges faced by new writers, the significance of deadlines, and effective marketing strategies for authors. They emphasize the need for authors to understand the market, the value of editorial support, and the ongoing nature of promoting a book post-publication.

TOPICS

The Journey of a Writer to Editor
Understanding ISTE Publishing
The Importance of Physical Books
Navigating the Publishing Process
The Role of Peer Review in Publishing
Preparing a Proposal for Publishers
The Importance of Comparable Titles
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Challenges for New Writers
Navigating Deadlines in Publishing
Marketing Strategies for Authors

LINKS
Books Stephanie has edited

0 Comments

Writing a Book As A Love Letter To Your Clients with Erin Huizenga (S4 E4)

2/27/2025

0 Comments

SHOW NOTES
In this episode, learning experience designer and CEO Erin Huizenga discusses her journey as a self-published author, sharing insights about her book 'Learning in the Wild', her writing process, and the motivations behind her decision to write. She emphasizes the importance of accountability, organization, and the unique challenges of writing a book compared to shorter forms of content. Erin also shares her marketing strategies and personal reflections on the writing journey, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.

TOPICS

Introduction to Book Authoring and Publishing
Exploring 'Learning in the Wild'
The Motivation Behind Writing a Book
Erin's Writing Process and Accountability
Organizing a Large Writing Project
Overcoming Writer's Block
The Decision to Self-Publish
Marketing Strategies for Authors
Personal Insights from the Writing Journey
Working with an Editor
Advice for New Writers

LINKS
Book: https://www.learninginthewildbook.com/
Blog: https://desklightlearning.com/musings/
Website: erinhuizenga.com

Connect with Erin on socials:
Instagram

0 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>

EPISODES

How to Co-authoring Books and Successful Writing Strategies with Reshan Richards and Stephen Valentine (S6 E7)

Becoming An Author: From Jornalism Teacher to Best-Selling Author with Starr Sackstein (S6 E6)

Book Publishing Insights from an editor: Stephanie Argy (S6 E5)

Writing a Book As A Love Letter To Your Clients with Erin Huizenga (S4 E4)

Episodes

Categories

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Stay in touch!