219: The Author Hat

Do you have a story inside you but keep wondering whether it is worth sharing or where you would even begin? In this episode of The Hats Podcast, Melissa Dumas and Kerri Harper-Howie put on The Author Hat and share the personal journeys behind writing and publishing their books. Melissa explains how a 30-day relationship challenge that began on her blog eventually became The Love Challenge: 30 Days, 30 Ways to Increase the Love in Your Relationship. What started as a divine idea grew into a practical resource that has helped couples, families, and even workplace teams strengthen their relationships. Kerri shares how her desire to preserve her mother's legacy and tell the honest story of their family business inspired The Family Secret: The Business and Franchise Owners' Guide to Building Generational Wealth. She opens up about the courage, persistence, and structure it took to bring the book from an idea to publication over seven years. Together, Melissa and Kerri discuss the different paths authors can take, the hats they had to wear throughout the writing process, and why your story does not have to look like anyone else's to hold value. In this episode, you'll learn: How Melissa turned a 30-day blog challenge into a published book Why Kerri felt called to preserve her mother's story and family legacy How to recognize when your experience can become a valuable resource for others Why writing a little each day can make a big goal feel achievable The importance of discipline, commitment, courage, confidence, and persistence Whether you have already started writing or your book is still only an idea, this conversation will encourage you to make time for your story, find the writing process that works for you, and take the next step. Your book will not write itself, but it does not have to happen all at once. Connect with The Hats Podcast Send an email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHatsPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheHatsPodcast Connect with Kerri Harper-Howie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerriharperhowie/ Check out Kerri's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0D9TYFW6N Connect with Melissa Dumaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/ Website: https://www.melissadumaz.com/