Episodes

  • From Hurt to Healing to Amazon #1 Bestseller: Christina Marie Calderwood on Writing, Healing, and Radical Co-Parenting

    From Hurt to Healing to Amazon #1 Bestseller: Christina Marie Calderwood on Writing, Healing, and Radical Co-Parenting
    Jan 20 2026
    What does it take to turn a decade of emotional upheaval into a book that helps others navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions?In a recent episode of The Munn Avenue Muse, Charlie Levin sat down with Christina Marie Calderwood, a licensed counselor, wellness coach, and former finance executive, to discuss her new book, Protecting Children Through Divorce: 12 Self-Guided Reflections. Christina’s journey is not just one of healing, but of perseverance, and her story offers writers and readers alike a front-row seat into the messy, powerful process of turning vulnerability into value.A Radical Model of Co-ParentingThe book opens with a scene that usually stuns readers: Christina, her current husband, her ex-husband, and his wife travel and dine together regularly, functioning as a “true family.”But she’s quick to clarify that this wasn’t always the case. Early on, her divorce was shaped by “animosity and hurt,” particularly at emotionally charged events like youth sports games, where sitting on the same side of the stadium felt impossible. Her book doesn’t idealize her present; it chronicles how she got here, and how others can choose light over darkness, especially when children are involved.Writing Through Pain, Writing Toward PurposeThe process of writing Protecting Children Through Divorce took over 15 years. It wasn’t a straight line. Christina admits to opening and closing her laptop countless times, discarding draft after draft before finally finding the voice that felt true.Her biggest creative barrier? Vulnerability.* She relived the hardest parts. “There was a lot of crying,” she says. Revisiting the emotional wreckage of her past was non-negotiable but also exhausting.* She didn’t hide the scars. Christina chose to write the “raw” story because she didn’t want readers to mistake her current joy for a shortcut.* She avoided the drama. Instead of detailing what caused her marriage to end, she focused on forward movement: how to emotionally care for your children even if you’re still figuring things out yourself.High-Mileage Questions and a Hybrid FormatThe structure of Christina’s book also sets it apart: part memoir, part self-help, part journal. As a clinician, she developed “high mileage questions”—deeper, reflective prompts meant to help parents process heavy emotions before they unintentionally pass them on to their children.One of the key takeaways from her conversation was the distinction between self-care and self-avoidance. Bubble baths and jogs are helpful, but are you also sitting with your pain long enough to understand it? Christina encourages readers to ask, “Am I in a space where I can think and feel safely?”The Long Game of PublishingIn the spirit of creative resilience, Christina shared a quote that stuck with her: “Finish the book.” That advice, originally from author Dennis Lehane, became her north star. There were many moments she almost quit, when the process felt too raw, too uncertain. But her WHY kept her going.“If this book helps even one parent, then it was worth every last second,” she says.📘 Protecting Children Through Divorce is available now at:* Amazon* Barnes & Noble* Independent bookstoresIf you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder🎧 Listen to Christina’s full episode on The Munn Avenue Muse.👉 Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    34 mins
  • From the Serengeti to the Bestseller List: Todd Gustafson on Story, Persistence, and Legacy

    From the Serengeti to the Bestseller List: Todd Gustafson on Story, Persistence, and Legacy
    Jan 6 2026
    What turns a lifetime of adventure into a story that lasts?In a recent episode of The Munn Avenue Muse, Charlie Levin sat down with Todd Gustafson, a wildlife photographer, PBS documentarian, and composer whose memoir, Tales from the Ends of the Earth: My Adventures in East Africa and Beyond, has already reached #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list. Todd’s story isn’t just about breathtaking encounters with wildlife. It’s about how a life fully lived becomes a legacy worth passing on.A Childhood Shaped by the WildTodd’s creative foundation was laid far from classrooms or studios. He grew up in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, nearly 7,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by rainforest, chameleons, and Colobus monkeys. His father, an architect, biologist, and missionary, moved the family there in the 1960s to build a secondary school.That early immersion didn’t just influence Todd’s career. It shaped his worldview. Nature wasn’t something to visit. It was home. And for decades, he’s returned the favor by documenting it with patience, respect, and remarkable skill.Beyond “Pretty Pictures”: Learning to Tell a StoryOne of the most revealing moments Todd shared was when he first considered making a book. His son Anders, a filmmaker, offered blunt feedback: a collection of beautiful images without a narrative would be “boring.”That critique changed everything.Instead of assembling a photo album, Todd approached his book like a silent film. Images introduce characters. Sequences establish rhythm. The structure mirrors the human condition: courtship, family, competition, survival. In doing so, Todd found the connective tissue between human life and the natural world.The result is a book that doesn’t just show animals. It helps readers recognize themselves.Stick‑tuitivity and the Long GameTodd credits much of his success to what his mother called “stick‑tuitivity,” the ability to stay with something long after it gets hard.That persistence paid off when he pursued legendary primatologist Jane Goodall to narrate his PBS documentary series. After years of navigating gatekeepers, Todd finally met her in Seattle for a recording session he describes as unforgettable. Goodall later contributed a deeply personal three‑page foreword to his book.The reach of Todd’s work has been equally striking. During a visit to Tanzania, Pope Francis encountered Todd’s books and remarked that they have the “chance to change hearts and minds and make this a better world.”When the Wild Is Very RealThe memoir is filled with moments that are visceral, unscripted, and decidedly not enhanced by technology:* The Cheetah Encounter: A young cheetah leapt onto the roof of Todd’s vehicle in the Serengeti, sitting just a foot from his face while its mother scanned for prey.* The Leopard Farewell: Two leopard siblings Todd had known since infancy performed a final tumbling ritual before separating forever to claim their own territories.* The Hailstorm: A rare and dangerous hailstorm trapped Todd near a herd of nearly one hundred elephants—an encounter as humbling as it was terrifying.These moments aren’t shared for spectacle. They are reminders of how small we are—and how connected. Listen or watch while Todd shares some of his most amazing encounters.Why Stories MatterTodd likens himself to the ancient mariners of Victorian England—those who returned from distant voyages with shells, artifacts, and tales of far‑off worlds. His photographs and stories are modern equivalents: gems gathered from the edge of the earth, carried back for those who may never go there themselves.Ultimately, Tales from the Ends of the Earth is about legacy. Todd believes a memoir is one of the greatest gifts we can leave future generations, a way of saying, this is who we were, and this is what we learned. As Jane Goodall writes in the book, everything we do makes a difference. The choice is what kind of difference we decide to make.Final ThoughtsWhat makes Tales from the Ends of the Earth endure isn’t just where Todd Gustafson has been, it’s how intentionally he chose to tell it.This book works because it treats a life story the same way Todd treats the natural world: with patience, structure, and deep respect. For anyone considering a memoir, especially one rooted in experience, expertise, or decades of lived work, Todd’s journey is a reminder that impact doesn’t happen by accident (although happy and unhappy accidents do happen). It comes from persistence, clarity, and a willingness to move beyond “what happened” into why it mattered.A story lasts when it does more than preserve memories. It invites others in. It teaches. It connects. And in the best cases, like Todd’s, it leaves the world a little more awake than it found it.At Munn Avenue Press, this is the kind of work we believe in, stories built with intention, care, and a long view toward legacy.📘 Where to Find the BookAvailable now at:* ...
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    38 mins
  • From Bullet Points to Bestseller: How Two Experts Turned Ideas into Impact

    From Bullet Points to Bestseller: How Two Experts Turned Ideas into Impact
    Nov 11 2025
    Turning an idea into a book isn’t just about having something to say. It’s about how you say it, how you shape it, and who helps you along the way.Charlie Levin recently caught up with Sarah Escobar and Corinne Murray, co-authors of Work Then Place: Navigating Modern Work and Where It Happens. Their approach to writing and publishing offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring a dense, idea-rich book to life and to write with a partner. If you’re writing nonfiction or building a thought-leadership project of your own, their experience offers more than just advice. It’s a working model.From Bullet Points to BlueprintThe first version of Work Then Place wasn’t a book at all. It was 30 pages of bullet points, created by Sarah during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she was working at Netflix and witnessing massive shifts in workplace strategy. She knew her insights had long-term value, so she wrote them down. But the result, by her own admission, wasn’t “real readable.”This is something many nonfiction writers face. Deep expertise doesn’t automatically translate into accessible content. Sarah had the material, but not yet the format. It wasn’t until she partnered with Corinne that the raw ideas began to evolve into something that could meet readers where they are.Finding the Right Co-PilotCorinne came into the project with her own experience in global workplace transformation and an eye for story and clarity. Sarah had the substance. Corinne brought the shape. Together, they turned technical insights into a compelling narrative.They treated co-authorship as a strategic move. Corinne didn’t just contribute to the book. She helped transform its rhythm, tone, and accessibility. This kind of partnership, built on complementary strengths, shifted the project from “informational” to “impactful.”Design Comes Before DraftsInstead of jumping into more writing, Sarah and Corinne stepped back to figure out what the book actually needed to be. They took a focused retreat to Joshua Tree: just the two of them, a house, and all their raw content, cut into strips of paper. They laid everything out, reshuffled the pieces, and physically mapped out the flow of the book.That work resulted in the framework behind Work Then Place, including its core acronym and structure. Only after this design session did they return to the writing process with clarity and direction.Taking the time to design early on helped them avoid getting lost later.Knowing What You Don’t KnowSarah and Corinne were workplace strategy experts, but publishing was new territory. They quickly realized how much they didn’t know. Formatting for Amazon, using IngramSpark, understanding the editing process, making the content readable to non-experts—none of it was obvious.That’s when they brought in Holly Hudson, an experienced book coach. Holly helped them clarify their voice, simplify the structure, and keep the book grounded in a reader-first perspective. She also introduced them to their publisher, Munn Avenue Press. Corinne admitted the editing process was far more intense than expected, but also essential to the quality of the final product.Professional support was not an optional add-on. It was part of the foundation.Publishing Is the Middle, Not the EndAfter the book was released, Sarah and Corinne kept going. Because they had trimmed so much content to keep the book tight and readable, they’re now developing a companion workbook. It includes tools, exercises, and frameworks that help readers take action on what they’ve learned.This follow-up isn’t just bonus content. It’s a pathway to deepen impact, sustain momentum, and reach more people over time.Final ThoughtsWhat Sarah and Corinne built with Work Then Place wasn’t just a book. It was a strategic, structured process. And for any author, especially those writing about complex or technical subjects, that process matters just as much as the product.Clear planning, thoughtful collaboration, early support, and a roadmap for what comes next. These elements are what make a book work not just in terms of publishing, but in terms of real impact.At Munn Avenue Press, we support authors who think big and build wisely.📘 Where to Find the BookAvailable now at:* Amazon* Barnes & Noble* Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores)If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder🎧 Listen to the episode now on Munn Avenue Muse.👉 Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This ...
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    35 mins
  • Legacy Writing: Capturing Your Past, Creating Your Future

    Legacy Writing: Capturing Your Past, Creating Your Future
    Oct 28 2025
    Welcome back to Munn Avenue Muse, the corner where storytelling meets memory, and where writing becomes a tool for truth, legacy, and connection.In our latest podcast episode, Charlie Levin spoke with Robert Merrick Fuller, author of the quietly powerful memoir A Horsedrawn Sicklebar Cutter. What started as a conversation about his book unfolded into something much larger, a moving reflection on how personal storytelling preserves the past, strengthens our legacy, and honors the rhythms of life that still echo through us.Whether you’re writing a memoir, capturing family history, or simply exploring what it means to write honestly, this episode is a deep well of inspiration. Below are the key takeaways for every writer interested in memoir writing, sensory storytelling, and legacy preservation.1. Start With the Senses: Why Memory Needs SoundIf you’re looking for powerful memoir writing tips, start here: ground your story in a sensory anchor. For Robert, it was the sound of a classic sicklebar cutter pulled by draft horses, a rhythmic, oscillating pulse unlike the modern, steady hum of a tractor.This sound, woven into his earliest memories in Lowell, Massachusetts, became the heartbeat of his book. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s resonance. As shared during the conversation, that kind of oscillation, like breath, like a heartbeat, stays with us because it lives in the body.Memoir tip: Find that one resonant detail that evokes time and place viscerally. Whether it’s a smell, a texture, or a sound, let it lead your reader into the world you’re remembering.2. Memoir as Personal Truth and Historical RecordRobert’s story is deeply personal, but it also spans history from Mayflower ancestry to the post-war changes in American farming. He grew up in a 150-year-old farmhouse as the sixth generation of Fullers. And yet, he admitted: “I wish I had asked my grandfather more.”This tension between what we know and what we’ll never know is part of why writing a memoir matters. Memoir isn’t just personal reflection; it’s a record for those who come after us.But let’s be clear: it’s not history alone that gives memoir power. It’s honesty. Robert spent three years deciding what to include, what to hold back, and how to tell the truth about his life, including his father’s struggles and his own adult experiences.He leaned on Barbara Kingsolver’s advice:“Close the door and write as if no one were looking over your shoulder... Figure out what you want to say. That’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”And that’s where legacy writing begins, not in telling everything, but in telling what is true to you.3. Read to Write: Finding Your Own Road to FelicityRobert offered one of the simplest but most powerful pieces of advice for memoirists: read widely.He was particularly moved by How to Say Babylon by Sophia Sinclair, a story vastly different from his own, yet equally rooted in determination and voice. Inspired by Sinclair’s poetic honesty, Robert included five original poems in his memoir.The takeaway? You don’t need to read stories like your own, just stories that ring true. As Robert says, every life has its own road to felicity (his word for bliss, purpose, contentment). Writing helps us trace that road, even if we’re still walking it.4. Writing With Time in Mind: Memoir as a Legacy ActToward the end of our conversation, Robert shared something that many writers hold silently: he’s living with Stage 4 cancer. And yet, his outlook is anything but grim.He sees his memoir as part of a larger legacy, an act of documentation, intention, and care. He’s planning his own obituary, building his own coffin, choosing green burial over gravestone, and even leaving behind memorial benches. Why? “So I don’t leave it all to somebody else.”He and his wife are also paying forward, supporting students in Ghana through the Wells Mountain Initiative. Writing, legacy, service, for Robert, they’re all part of the same story.And he’s not done yet. He’s already envisioning three more books: one about his 40 years in the culinary world, one on his motorcycle life, and one chronicling his decades of travel with his wife.Final Thoughts: Write the Story Only You Can TellRobert Merrick Fuller’s A Horsedrawn Sicklebar Cutter is more than a memoir; it’s a reminder that our memories matter, our voices carry, and our legacies are still being written.If you’re an author working on your own memoir, or a reader seeking stories rooted in honesty and heart, I encourage you to listen to the full episode. You’ll find insights not just into how to write but why we write at all.📘 Where to Find the BookAvailable now at:* Amazon* Barnes & Noble* Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores)If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your ...
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    39 mins
  • What a T-Rex, a Robot, and a Novelist Reveal About the Future

    What a T-Rex, a Robot, and a Novelist Reveal About the Future
    Oct 14 2025
    When you think of scientists or tech experts, you might picture complicated data or dire predictions. But Peter Solomon, scientist, entrepreneur, and Amazon best-selling author of 100 Years to Exctinction, brings a refreshingly human approach to the future of technology.With experience in both science and storytelling, Solomon helps readers make sense of overwhelming topics like AI ethics, climate change, and genetic engineering. His motivation is deeply personal:“I have 12 grandkids,” Solomon says. “And I worry about their future.”Whether you are an author, an entrepreneur, or simply a curious reader, his insights show how stories can help us understand and shape the future.1. Every Breakthrough Comes With a ShadowAfter decades developing new technologies, Solomon now asks a different question: what is the cost?“Every great advancement,” he says, “comes with a terrible downside.”He shares five examples that show how progress often brings risk:* Fossil Fuels sparked the Industrial Revolution, but now drive climate change* Nuclear Power provided clean energy, but also produced atomic bombs* The Internet connected the world, but enabled widespread misinformation* Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers massive potential but creates serious ethical concerns* Genetic Engineering may revolutionize medicine, but carries unpredictable consequencesSolomon is not anti-technology. He simply believes in asking hard questions early.2. You Are Made of Stardust (and Maybe a T-Rex)One of Solomon’s greatest talents is making science feel magical. In his educational project, The Stardust Mystery, he tells kids:“You are made of stardust that was once in a T-Rex and Albert Einstein.”It sounds like science fiction, but it is real. The atoms in your body were created in ancient stars and have traveled through time via plants, animals, and ecosystems.It serves as a beautiful reminder of our profound connection to the universe and to one another.3. Digital Immortality Is Already HappeningIn Solomon’s upcoming novel, a tech billionaire gives his own eulogy after digitally uploading his consciousness into a robot body.This may sound like a futuristic fantasy, but the groundwork already exists. Some companies are building “afterlife avatars,” and AI tools can simulate a person’s voice and personality after just a few hours of interaction.As the line between human and machine blurs, Solomon poses a profound question: what happens when technology captures us more effectively than we capture ourselves?4. Want to Make an Impact? Start With a StoryIf you want to change the world, Solomon has one clear message: do it through fiction.“We need to motivate everyone. And I think the best way to do that is with a novel.”While facts appeal to logic, stories reach the heart. A well-told narrative can spark empathy, curiosity, and real change.Whether you are writing about climate change, AI, or any global issue, Solomon believes that storytelling is your strongest tool.The Future Begins With the Stories We TellPeter Solomon shows that understanding the future does not require advanced degrees. What it really takes is curiosity, courage, and a powerful story.By grounding science in narrative, he helps readers move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.So ask yourself: What kind of future are you writing?If you are ready to share your own story, whether it is fiction, nonfiction, or a blend of both, Munn Avenue Press is here to help you bring it to life. If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderWant more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    38 mins
  • Hopefully, the Only Stalker You Know

    Hopefully, the Only Stalker You Know
    Sep 30 2025
    When you picture a Marine with seven combat tours, the image that comes to mind is probably rigid command and barked orders. Yet, retired Marine Scott Stalker, author of Left of Leadership, has built his entire philosophy around something different: preparation, humility, and care for people.His story is filled with lessons that reach far beyond the military. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, writing a book, or just navigating everyday challenges, his approach is practical, human, and surprisingly relatable.1. Growth Often Starts at Rock BottomStalker’s career didn’t begin with glory. In fact, at Marine Corps intelligence school, he finished “dead last.” One superior told him bluntly that he wouldn’t last more than four years. That failure could have ended his career, but instead it became the turning point.“If I wanted to do more, I had to become more. And that meant preparation.”It’s a reminder that our most painful setbacks often provide the soil where real growth begins. Failure doesn’t have to define you. It can shape you into someone stronger, more disciplined, and more ready for what comes next.2. Success Is Determined Before the Big MomentIn the military, most people think of the “boom”—the moment of battle, the high-stakes decision. But Stalker argues that outcomes are decided long before then. That’s why he called his book Left of Leadership.“The best time to prepare for Monday is Sunday night.”Success, he explains, happens in the unglamorous prep: double-checking gear, running through scenarios, asking hard questions in advance. The same is true in daily life. What looks like quick, decisive action in the moment is really the result of preparation that no one else sees.3. Stress Is a GiftMost of us treat stress as the enemy. Stalker flips that view on its head. As a former powerlifter, he compares stress to weight on a barbell. You only grow stronger by adding more.“Stress is a gift. Without it, there’s no growth. No adaptation, no improvement.”He even described writing his book as a form of chosen stress. It was hard, uncomfortable, and demanding, but that pressure forged new strength. Instead of running from stress, Stalker suggests leaning into it in measured ways, using it as training for the unexpected challenges to come.4. Trust and Love Outperform AuthorityRank may keep order in the military, but Stalker insists real leadership has nothing to do with titles. It’s about trust—and, perhaps surprisingly, about love.“People aren’t going to follow you just because you bark orders. They’ll follow you because you inspire them… because you genuinely love them.”True influence comes from building relationships, showing care, and investing in people. Teams, families, and communities thrive when they feel seen, supported, and valued. Authority might demand compliance, but trust creates loyalty.5. Be the Original YouIn a world full of comparisons, Stalker offers one of his simplest but most powerful pieces of advice: authenticity beats imitation.“Don’t try to be the next David Goggins, the next Jocko Willink… Don’t try to be the next Scott Stalker. Be the original you.”He never set out to write the next bestselling military memoir. He wrote his book because he had a message he believed in. That same mindset applies anywhere… at work, in creative projects, or in daily life. Your experience, your voice, and your perspective are your greatest assets.Prequel to SuccessScott Stalker’s lessons remind us that leadership isn’t about the dramatic moment or the title you hold. It’s about what happens beforehand… the preparation, the resilience, the willingness to embrace stress, and the authenticity to lead with care.These are not just military lessons. They’re lessons for anyone who wants to grow, to influence others, or to succeed in the work that matters most.So the real question becomes: What preparation are you doing today that will serve as the prequel to your next success story?📚 Left of Leadership is available now wherever books are sold.🎧 Hear the full conversation with Scott Stalker on The Munn Avenue Muse podcast.If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderWant more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    45 mins
  • Master Your Book Launch: PR Secrets from a Global Expert

    Master Your Book Launch: PR Secrets from a Global Expert
    Sep 9 2025

    Welcome to a special episode of Munn Avenue Muse, featuring Charlie Levin’s conversation with the incredible Kiki Keating, founder of The Kiki Network, a global PR firm, and former Director of Public Relations at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. Kiki brings over 15 years of experience building reputations and helping authors achieve their publishing dreams, from her time at Tuck School of Business (1998-2013) to her current work with The Kiki Network.

    For independent authors navigating the complex world of publishing, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Kiki reveals how to take your book from an initial idea to a market-ready success, offering guidance on finding ghostwriters, securing professional editors, and choosing between traditional, agented, or hybrid publishing routes.

    Crucially, Kiki emphasizes the power of strategic publicity and media relations. Learn why you need to start building buzz 3 to 4 months before your book launch, lining up interviews and speaking events to ensure maximum impact during release week and beyond. She'll share how to cultivate your social media presence and grow your audience long before your book hits the shelves, a non-negotiable step as modern publishers increasingly look for authors with built-in platforms. As many traditional "big five" publishers no longer invest heavily in marketing unless you're a high-profile author, developing your own platform is more vital than ever.

    Discover the inspiring story behind 'Better Angels,' a project Kiki helped bring to life for Congressman Michael McCall and Sadie Keller, demonstrating how books can truly make a difference, reaching beyond bestseller lists into the hands of those who need them most by distributing copies to children's hospitals. The conversation also delves into practical strategies for authors to connect with readers – from engaging email campaigns like "Who wants to be murdered in my next book?" to direct correspondence – and the often-overlooked joy of research that can enrich your writing process.

    Whether you're struggling to find time to write, as Kiki herself managed a demanding schedule with young children, looking to decode Amazon's algorithms for better sales, or simply want to elevate your book's visibility, Kiki's wisdom is invaluable. Tune in to arm yourself with the essential PR and marketing strategies every independent author needs for a successful and impactful publishing journey.

    If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.

    Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder

    Want more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse.

    Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share it.



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.munnavenuemuse.com
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    34 mins
  • How a Journal Can Save Your Life

    How a Journal Can Save Your Life
    Aug 26 2025
    Welcome back to the Munn Avenue Muse, the place where books and the people behind them come alive. We’re closing in on 30 podcast episodes (wild, right?), and this one is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever thought about turning real-life chaos into something meaningful on the page.Charlie Levin welcomes Amy Lamb, a certified health and wellness coach, and her mom, Shirley Lamb. Together, they turned a medical nightmare into a book that’s already changing lives: My Health Journal.This isn’t just another guided journal. It’s the book they wish they’d had years ago, a lifeline born out of nearly four years of the wrong treatment.When “Trust the Doctors” Went WrongAbout six years ago, Shirley started noticing muscle weakness. After countless tests, she was diagnosed with a serious condition and endured monthly treatments for almost four years.But here’s the plot twist: she never had the illness.When Shirley and her husband moved to North Carolina, a new doctor pushed for second opinions. The truth came out: the diagnosis was wrong, the treatments were unnecessary, and the toll on Shirley’s health was devastating. We’re talking strokes, seizures, and heart problems, events that suspiciously lined up with the treatments themselves.The most chilling part? If she hadn’t moved, she’d still be hooked up to the wrong IV, paying the price for someone else’s error.That realization lit a fire under Amy and Shirley. If the medical system wasn’t going to connect the dots, they needed a way to do it themselves. And that spark became My Health Journal.Turning Pain into PurposeWhen Amy read aloud from the book’s intro during our podcast, it stopped us in our tracks:“We lost nearly four years to the wrong treatment, but that misdiagnosis gave us freedom. It gave our family clarity. And it let us finally focus on what truly mattered, helping Mom feel better and regain control of her health.”That’s the heart of My Health Journal. It’s not a fluffy gratitude diary. It’s a serious tool for anyone trying to piece together their health story when doctors, specialists, and apps aren’t talking to each other.Think of it as your personal evidence log. A place to track symptoms, diet, stress, meds, social connections, and even gratitude (because mindset matters). With two pages per day plus monthly reflections, it doubles the depth of most wellness journals. And yes, it sneaks in tips and quotes to keep you inspired on the days when health feels like a battle.Author Takeaways: Turning Notes Into NarrativesAmy and Shirley’s advice?* Write everything down. Don’t trust your memory.* Ask questions (even the ones that make doctors uncomfortable).* Get second and third opinions.* Look for patterns. Food, stress, sleep, and social life are all connected.* And Amy’s favorite practice is gratitude: each journal page begins with “I am grateful for…”Here’s the meta piece for authors: this book started as notes. Just raw, messy, frustrating notes scribbled during a medical crisis. And when the dust settled, those notes became the blueprint for a book that can help thousands of families. Proof that your journal might be your next manuscript.Behind the Scenes of PublishingAmy admits she never thought she’d write a book. But once the idea clicked, the process moved fast. With Munn Avenue Press guiding the way (editing, cover design, distribution), what started as scattered pages turned into a polished, professional book.Her family even voted on cover designs, making it a creative and surprisingly fun process. Lesson for authors: involve your people. It makes the book journey richer.What’s Next for My Health JournalAmy’s mission now is getting the journal into the hands of people who need it most especially those battling chronic illness. She’s also exploring a digital edition with app features, blending old-school note-taking with modern tech.And here’s how dedicated she is: she literally carries copies in her backpack, ready to hand one to a doctor at any appointment. Here’s an author who believes in her work.🎧 Listen, Learn, and Maybe… WriteYou can catch the full interview with Amy and Shirley on the Munn Avenue Muse Podcast. It’s equal parts heartbreaking, eye-opening, and inspiring.👉 Grab your copy of My Health Journal (fulfilled by Ingram, so it’ll hit your mailbox in about a week).And if you’re an author? Pay attention to how Amy and Shirley took pain and turned it into purpose. Sometimes the hardest stories make the most powerful books.If you would like to publish your book or your audiobook (or are just dreaming about it), let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.Happy Writing! Charlie Levin, Publisher & FounderWant more unfiltered author journeys and publishing wisdom? Subscribe below for weekly insights from the Munn Avenue Muse. Ask Siri or Alexa to “Play The Munn Avenue Muse podcast!” This post is public so feel free to share...
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    25 mins