95: Navigating Self-Publishing as a Couple: A Therapist's Workbook & A Memoir of Healing with Maureen Kane and Sean Dwyer

In this episode of the Heart-Centered Therapist Podcast, we welcome back Maureen Kane and her husband, Sean Dwyer, to explore their journey of creating and publishing two impactful books—Maureen's therapy workbook A Guide Back to You, and Sean's memoir A Quest for Tears: Surviving Traumatic Brain Injury. Together. They dive deep into the world of creativity and self-publishing, sharing practical strategies for using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), design tips, and ways to overcome common writing challenges. In this episode, you'll discover: The Inspiration Behind the Workbook: Maureen discusses her motivation for creating a resource that guides clients in rediscovering themselves and setting boundaries. Collaboration as a Couple: Learn from Maureen and Sean about how they honored each other's strengths, and worked together with success and ease. Publishing Insights: Sean shares his experiences with self-publishing through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and offers tips for aspiring authors, including the advantages of hybrid publishing and the realities of bringing a book to market. Marketing Strategies: Maureen reveals her organic marketing approach, discussing how she integrates her workbook into her therapy practice and uses social media to promote both books authentically. Whether you're a therapist, a writer, or someone interested in the creative process, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical tips and encouragement! 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:00:40 - Maureen's Return and New Projects 00:01:12 - Inspiration Behind the Therapy Workbook 00:02:39 - Sean's Role in the Workbook Creation 00:03:38 - Maureen's Poetry Book 00:05:00 - Sean's Experience with Publishing 00:06:05 - Sean's Memoir on Traumatic Brain Injury 00:09:25 - Challenges and Healing Through Writing 00:10:15 - Writing Process and Overcoming Challenges 00:12:23 - Tools and Techniques for Capturing Ideas 00:14:59 - Transition from Writing to Design 00:17:17 - Graphic Design Challenges 00:18:23 - Cover Design and PowerPoint Tips 00:21:01 - Unique Design Elements 00:22:18 - Working Together as a Couple 00:23:52 - Complementary Skills and Brain Differences 00:26:13 - Understanding Each Other's Work 00:26:28 - Introduction to KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) 00:28:03 - ISBN and Distribution Considerations 00:30:05 - Print on Demand and Cost Benefits 00:32:33 - Challenges with Amazon's AI 00:34:57 - International Availability and Future Projects 00:37:01 - Alternative Publishing Options 00:39:39 - Mainstream vs. Hybrid Publishing 00:41:03 - Marketing and Ethical Considerations 00:43:12 - Awards and Recognition 00:45:24 - Self-Publishing Stigma and Quality Control 00:47:11 - Changes in the Publishing Landscape 00:48:00 - Marketing and Unexpected Audiences 00:49:07 - Feedback on the Therapy Workbook 00:50:17 - Feedback on Sean's Memoir 00:52:25 - Personal Connections and Impact 00:53:40 - Unexpected Reach of Maureen's Poetry Book Connect with Maureen Kane and Sean Dwyer: www.maureenkanecounseling.com  seandwyerauthor.com  Maureen's therapy workbook: https://a.co/d/1ajtRJ5 Maureen's poetry book: https://a.co/d/hyxsYxt Sean's book: www.seandwyerauthor.com/shop   Check out Berries: Berries Referral Link: heyberries.com/?via=heart-centered Discount code: Sindee50 for $50 off your first month Connect with Sindee: Visit my website: https://heartcenteredtherapistpodcast.com/  Join the Heart-Centered Therapist Community FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478651669638167 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartcenteredtherapist/ Shop Mental Health Threads: https://mentalhealththreads.etsy.com Interested in realigning your own practice to be more heart-centered? Join Sindee on her podcast by signing up for a Therapist Alignment Session. This brief, 15-30-minute conversation is a unique opportunity to re-align with your heart-centered approach, both in your client interactions and in the development of your practice. Whether you're at the beginning of your career or an experienced therapist, these sessions are designed to help you gain clarity on specific issues you're facing. Sign up for your Therapist Alignment Session here: https://calendly.com/heartcenteredtherapistpodcast/therapist-alignment-session Want to be a guest on the podcast? Email Sindee: [email protected] For more information on the Couples Therapy Mentorship Group, email me at [email protected]