Transforming Obsession Into Art: Writing About Weight Loss Realities With Kelly Morgan

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone talks with Kelly Morgan f about her lifelong journey with weight, self-image, and healing through self-expression. Kelly shares how writing her semi-autobiographical novel, "Weight for It," became a transformative act of self-care and self-discovery, and how helping fellow indie authors has become a new passion. Together, they explore themes of vulnerability, creative processing, and building supportive communities for underrepresented voices.About the Guest:Kelly Morgan is an author, publisher, and advocate for underrepresented writers. Based in Aurora, Colorado, she is the founder of Bright Headed Publishing and host of The Author’s Mic and Indie Reader Society. Kelly’s writing explores personal and social themes—her latest novel, "Wait for It," offers a candid, fictionalized account of her struggles with weight and acceptance.Main Topics Covered:Kelly’s approach to self-care: meditation and morning affirmationsThe emotional roller coaster of weight loss and self-sabotageWriting as therapy—how "Wait for It" emerged from personal painFiction as a tool to process and distance oneself from heavy emotionsOvercoming setbacks in the publishing industry and launching her own pressPractical advice for indie authors and demystifying the publishing processBuilding spaces for authentic storytelling and underrepresented voicesQuote from the Episode:"I can't be the only one crying in my closet. I can't be the only one that hears the scale when I step on it. Maybe this will help somebody else, knowing that they're not alone in this journey." – Kelly MorganTimestamps:00:00 – Introductions and self-care routines00:58 – Kelly’s meditation and affirmation practice03:13 – Background of "Wait for It" and the messy middle of weight loss09:28 – Early body image awareness and societal messaging11:17 – Writing habits and harnessing creativity14:11 – Deciding to publish and confronting feedback fears17:38 – First publishing experiences and founding Bright Headed Publishing22:56 – Relaunching projects post-pandemic and developing support resources for authors30:29 – Writing as self-confrontation and therapeutic growth35:39 – Navigating extremes in wellness culture and finding balance37:22 – Other avenues for healing and the power of meditation40:39 – How to connect with Kelly & special offers43:05 – Final questions & fun rapid-fire roundSpecial Offer:Listen for details on how to get a free digital copy of "Wait for It" via a link in the show notes or newsletter!Connect with Kelly at BrightHeadedPublishing.comBuy Kelly's Book: https://bookshop.org/a/87491/9798869232052Never Miss a Moment of Imperfect AdultingWe invite you to join our email community and let us bring the podcast directly to you! As a subscriber, you'll receive notifications about new episodes, exclusive offers from our amazing guests, and easier access to any of the important links mentioned on the show—no more scrambling to write down websites or remember special codes.Why subscribe?Stay up-to-date without checking your podcast appGet guest offers delivered straight to your inboxAccess all important links in one convenient placeCatch the highlights even when you don't have time to listenAre you ready? Join us at https://www.imperfectadulting.com If you have a story to share and you'd like to be a guest on The Art of Imperfect Adulting, here are the steps for how you can make that happen. Pitch yourself at https://www.imperfectadulting.com/be-a-guestIf you love the show and you'd like to support it directly you can tip the host here https://imperfect-adulting.captivate.fm/supportHere are a few resources that Amy uses to make all this great content. These are affiliate links :-)For livestreaming and recording ECamm https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=amy69Podcast hosting and distribution: Captivate FM https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=ntczmwi Website hosting with Siteground https://www.siteground.com/?referrer_id=9115590Ai Transcription Tool: Castmagic https://get.castmagic.io/ugrmjjrt8ofjFor Email I recently switched to Beehiiv https://www.beehiiv.com?via=Amy-Stonebefore that I used Kit. Books I like and books written by show guests on Bookshop.org https://bookshop.org/lists/podcast-guest-authors