Read and Write with Natasha

If you’ve ever worried your story sounds “too foreign,” this conversation is for you.

I sit down with Brussels-based writer and coach Dr. Anne Randerson (pen name Mickey Brent) to discuss writing stories that cross borders and languages without losing the reader. We discuss setting, voice, intentional use of foreign words, and navigating a publishing world that often favors the familiar.

Anne shares the long road behind her Brussels-centered novels and a sequel set in Santorini, thirteen years and thirteen rewrites before her first yes. We talk revision, resilience, reader expectations, translation, and how to pro...

Romance fiction is dominating the chart. It's also redefining how stories are told and sold.

In this episode, I sit down with author and industry veteran  Noel  Stark to talk about why happy endings aren’t clichés. 

They’re promises. We dig into how a genre once brushed off as “women’s fiction” built one of publishing’s most loyal and profitable audiences.

Noelle takes us from the secret paperbacks she once hid in her backpack to the binge that launched her writing career. 

Along the way, she breaks d...

What happens when ancient biblical narratives collide with Wall Street ambition? 

Author Jeanne Blasberg takes us on a fascinating journey through her literary trilogy, culminating in Daughter of a Promise- a bold, contemporary reimagining of the David and Bathsheba story set in the high-stakes world of investment banking.

The conversation reveals how Blasberg transforms this ancient tale of power imbalance into a relevant examination of workplace dynamics, consent, and unexpected love. Her Bathsheba (renamed Betsabe) is a young professional navigating a complex relationship with her powerful boss during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

...

Dr. Nicole Janz, author of The Write Habit planner, brings an honest perspective to the psychological barriers that prevent writers from establishing consistent creative practices. 

Drawing from her own journey from burnt-out academic to thriving authorpreneur, she reveals how the most common writing struggles—procrastination, avoidance, and inconsistency- often mask deeper fears about worthiness and vulnerability.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level productivity advice to explore the mindset shifts necessary for sustainable creative success. 

Dr. Janz shares her evolution from scattered marketing efforts to community-based connection, from overwhelm to intentional business plan...

When a creative mind trained in Hollywood's competitive structure ventures into the world of novel writing, the results can be illuminating. 

Shan Serafin's journey from James Patterson collaborator to solo novelist offers fascinating insights into the modern creative landscape, and a passionate warning about the future of human expression.

Serafin reveals the unexpected path that led him to co-authoring bestsellers with Patterson, crediting his manager for seeing novel-writing potential he hadn't recognized in himself. 

"When writing a novel, you create an entire universe," Serafin explains, contrasting this with screenwriting, where directors, designers, and ac...

What happens when a child spills leftovers on the kitchen floor and immediately labels himself "stupid"? 

For author Brenda Do, this heartbreaking moment sparked the creation of It's Okay Not to Know, a children's book challenging our perfection-obsessed culture.

Growing up Chinese in 1970s America, Brenda never saw herself represented in children's literature; every book featured white children. This experience shaped her determination to create characters that every child could identify with, regardless of appearance or background. 

So she created a world of colorful monsters with the gender-neutral protagonist leading readers through lessons of...

For Neera Mahajan, a professional critique about her written English didn't derail her career; it sparked an extraordinary second act as an author, book coach, and community builder.

"The only thing standing between you and the senior management position is your written English," Neera's boss told her years ago. 

Rather than accepting this limitation, she embraced it as a challenge, eventually publishing eight books and building a thriving community of writers who benefit from her unique approach to making the writing and publishing process accessible to everyone.

I...

What does it take to build a sustainable career as a writer?

 In this special episode, the tables turn as I’m interviewed by author Jean Alfieri about my 25-plus years in the writing world.

I talk about how it all began with a letter to the editor challenging gender discrimination in Jordan’s labor laws. 

Seeing that letter published and realizing my words could spark debate was the moment I knew storytelling would be at the heart of my life’s work.

We cover everything from building resilience to facing rejectio...

What if becoming a parent actually made you MORE creative, not less?

Writer and "book therapist" Heidi Fiedler discovered something surprising: when life became more demanding after she became a mom, her creative drive didn't disappear. It intensified. 

"I had less time, less energy when I became a mom, and yet I wanted to keep writing. It felt more important to me than ever."

In this deeply personal conversation, Heidi reveals why the pressure to write fast is killing our creativity and how embracing the "messy, dreamy early stage" is where t...

What if you could design your entire life around freedom and flexibility?

 That's exactly what Kayla Ihrig did when she bought a one-way ticket to Mexico in 2017, launching herself into the world of digital nomadism. This journey ultimately led to an unexpected book deal, "How to Be a Digital Nomad," and a thriving freelance career.

In this conversation, Kayla shares the truth about the digital nomad lifestyle beyond the Instagram highlights. While beautiful destinations like Croatia and Guatemala feature in her story, she discusses the challenges that rarely make it onto social media: loneliness, financial i...

Imagine being just 20 years old when police force you to confess to a double murder you didn’t commit. 

Then imagine spending the next 21 years of your life behind bars, with no hope of release.

This isn’t fiction; it’s the reality Deon Patrick lived before his exoneration in 2014.

In this powerful conversation, Deon shares how Chicago police built a false case against him and seven others, including a 15-year-old with borderline intellectual disability.

 One of the most shocking parts? His co-defendant, Daniel Taylor, was already in polic...

▶️  Watch the episode: The Bold Leap: How JD Barker Left a Six-Figure Career to Write Full-Time

What would drive someone to leave behind a comfortable six-figure corporate career and sell everything they own to pursue writing? 

For JD Barker, New York Times bestselling author and collaborator with James Patterson, it was a calculated risk that changed everything.

In this conversation, Barker reveals the eerie inspiration behind his upcoming thriller Something I Keep Upstairs,  a real-life haunted house perched on a tiny granite island just off the New Hampshire coast...

What if anyone could have a biological child with anyone, regardless of gender, fertility, or age?

That’s the provocative premise behind Baby X, the new novel by author and bioethicist Kira Peikoff. 

In this episode, we explore the world of In Vitro Gametogenesis (IVG), a cutting-edge technology that transforms ordinary cells into sperm or eggs using stem cells. It’s already been tested in mice. Humans may be next.

Kira explains how IVG could revolutionize parenthood for same-sex couples, single parents, and those facing infertility, while also confronting the chilling poten...

What happens when a marketing strategist decides history shouldn't be boring? In this captivating conversation, Paul Lloyd Hemphill shares how a simple question to his teenagers about history sparked an unexpected creative journey. When they repeatedly called history "boring," Hemphill set out to change the narrative, literally.

Hemphill shares the fascinating evolution of his book, Inspiration for Teens, which uses stories from the Battle of Gettysburg to teach leadership skills and character development to young people. What began as management literature found its true audience only after two teenage girls suggested a title change, transforming it into...

What makes a truly unforgettable literary villain? 

According to bestselling thriller author Gary Braver, it's not mustache-twirling evil, but rather those "sweet smelling reasons" that justify their actions in their minds. 

Drawing from over four decades of teaching creative writing and penning critically acclaimed mysteries, Braver takes us behind the curtain of compelling thriller construction.

Braver's latest novel, "Rumor of Evil," follows two Cambridge homicide detectives investigating a suspicious death that connects to the cold case of a Romani exchange student who perished in a treehouse fire.

Inspired by th...

What does it take to reinvent your life in your 40s, face down hundreds of rejections, and still come out on top?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christina LePort, a former cardiologist turned medical thriller author, about her remarkable journey from the operating room to the written word.

Born in Bologna, Italy, Christina once dreaded writing assignments. But everything changed in her mid-40s as she waited to start cardiology training.

That’s when she discovered the magic of fiction. “I realized that if you’re an author, you create the world...

What if it didn’t take a life-altering tragedy to change your life for the better?

In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Scott White, also known as the “Life is Too Short Guy,” who’s on a mission to make the world a happier place—one smile at a time.

Scott breaks down the ten simple but powerful principles from his Amazon #1 bestselling book. These aren't vague motivational quotes—they're real, actionable tools you can use right now to shift your mindset and improve your life.

From “Attitude is Everything” to...

When Patricia Bonis lost her children to international abduction, she was thrust into every parent’s worst nightmare—fourteen years of silence.

In her memoir Jeddah Bride, Patricia recounts the unimaginable journey from Florida courtrooms to the heart of Saudi Arabia, where a judge’s decision to allow unsupervised visitation led to more than a decade of separation.

With raw honesty and emotional clarity, Patricia exposes the human toll of international custody battles. Her story reveals the alarming gaps in protection for children and parents caught between conflicting legal systems. 

"Within one hour of his...

When Karen De Bonis arrived at her library book reading to find zero attendees, she didn't crumble—she took a photo. That single photo of empty chairs would go viral on Twitter, reaching over a million views and revealing something profound about vulnerability in our success-obsessed world.

Behind this viral moment lies a much deeper story. De Bonis spent seven years crafting her memoir "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," which chronicles not just her son's medical journey but her own battle with people-pleasing behaviors that delayed crucial medical intervention. As she exp...

What if the secret to publishing success isn't TikTok or Instagram but good old-fashioned hustle and real-world connections?

In this episode, I chat with Jean Alfieri, author of the beloved Zuggy the Rescue Pug series and an advocate for shelter pets everywhere. 

Jean’s journey into authorship began with one determined rescue pug and has blossomed into an impressive 11-book series (and counting!).

Jean's practical approach is a breath of fresh air, flipping conventional wisdom on its head. While many authors chase algorithms and digital ads, Jean packs auditoriums at school vis...

In this episode, I sit down with the marketing strategist and author of The Art of Resilience: The Refugee State of Mind—Hussein Al-Baiaty, to explore the power of writing communities and the evolving world of indie publishing.

We discuss how building connections, honing communication, and embracing community can shape an author’s journey—whether you're considering traditional publishing, self-publishing, or growing your presence as a writer.

What We Cover in This Episode:

Renowned executive coach Antonia Bowring joins us to reveal how coaching has evolved in the digital age, especially amidst the challenges brought on by COVID-19. 

 This shift has increased the acceptance and accessibility of coaching across regions like Africa and the Middle East. 

Through her book "Coach Yourself: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive," Antonia empowers listeners to harness their own potential with the right mindset and resilience. 

We address skepticism in the coaching industry, underscoring the importance of certifications like those from the International Coaching Federation to maintain quality standards. 

Our co...

What if the items gathering dust in your attic held the keys to unlocking your deepest healing? 

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Ann Mracek, author of Unpacking the Attic: A Path to Healing Your Inner Child, to explore the transformative power of confronting childhood memories through seemingly mundane objects.

Anne shares her personal journey of healing old wounds, where items like her grandfather's pipe became touchstones for reframing her past and releasing feelings of unworthiness.

Through journaling, self-reflection, and forgiveness, Anne turned her own healing process i...

In this episode, we focus on actionable strategies for aspiring writers and solopreneurs to thrive in the creator economy. 

Author and solopreneur  ​Ayodeji Awosika shares his insights on leveraging personal strengths, mastering marketing skills, and the significance of building an audience to achieve financial independence.

We discussed the following:

• Importance of aligning work with natural strengths 
• The myth of the starving artist and the necessity of marketing 
• Building a robust email list for direct audience engagement 
• Discussing the realities of the creator economy and persistence 
• Aiming for manageable financial goals like 20K a m...

In this episode, three authors come together to share their journeys through widowhood, highlighting the strength found in friendship and community. 

Karen Smith Racicot, Karen Justice, and Rebecca LaChance discuss their collaborative writing process in their book Widows Among Us, and the essential lessons learned about preparing for an unforeseen loss. 

Among the topics we discussed: 

• How unique bonding experiences led to a friendship
• Writing a book from shared stories and experiences
• Practical advice for navigating widowhood
• The Publishing  journey and strategies for outreach
...

🎥  You can watch the episode on YouTube here.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Daisy Khan, a pioneering advocate for Muslim women's rights.

From her early days in architectural design to becoming a powerful voice for gender equality, Dr. Khan shares her inspiring journey detailed in her memoir, Born with Wings. 

Her story unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11, driving her leadership in officiating marriages, tackling community issues, and challenging stereotypes about Islam.

We discuss the persistent hurdles of Islamophobia, focusing on its impact on young Muslims in education and their...

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Josh McConkey, best-selling author, emergency physician, and military leader.

Hear how his dual roles have shaped his views on addressing Gen Z's mental health challenges, exacerbated by social media pressures.

Dr. McConkey shares insights from his military and medical career on preparing Gen Z for success, emphasizing community involvement and volunteerism to foster resilient leaders.

We also explore his transition from emergency medicine to authorship with his book Be The Weight Behind The Spear, tackling topics like children’s social media use, parental controls, and the nua...

Join us as award-winning entrepreneur and author Veronica Kirin discusses the transformative power of paradigm shifts, drawing on her anthropology background.

We talked about how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can catalyze personal growth or pose significant challenges, sharing insights from her acclaimed projects, Stories of Elders and Stories of COVID.

In this episode, we also covered the distinct paths of fiction and nonfiction publishing, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted proposal and strategic decision-making.

We also challenged the relentless hustle culture in entrepreneurship, exploring how to build a balanced, sustainable business. 
Duration: 00:47:09

Andrea Emily Stumpf shares the extraordinary story of documenting the life of her great-great-grandmother, Sayyida Salma, the first Arab woman to publish memoirs. 

We delve into her groundbreaking life, from defying cultural norms in the 19th century to her marriage to a German man, and her lasting impact on Arab and women's studies.

Andrea also discusses her collaborative translation effort with her German-born mother, bridging cultural gaps to preserve Sayyida Salma's authentic voice.

From the challenges of self-publishing to the creative freedom it offers, this episode explores the historical and personal motivations behind b...

What happens when childhood memories collide with historical events?

In this episode, I sit down with Rhonda Zimlich—author, writing teacher at American University, and storyteller. Rhonda shares the inspiration behind her novel, Raising Panic, a story rooted in her own experiences and the tragic PSA 182 crash in San Diego.

Set in 1978 in rural Southern California, Raising Panic captures the resilience of two young girls navigating chaos and loss. Rhonda opens up about weaving personal history into fiction, exploring the nuances of memory, trauma, and creativity. 

Does technology threaten creativity—or en...