Book Talks with Keith

🎙️ Book Talks with KeithEpisode Title: Letting Go of the Final DraftBook Talks with Keith is where southern storyteller, author, and speaker J. Keith Brown invites you behind the scenes of the writing life. Each episode explores the heart, humor, and humanity behind great stories — from the creative process to the moments that shape us along the way.Finishing a book should feel like crossing the finish line — but often, it feels more like saying goodbye. In this heartfelt episode, Keith shares an honest reflection on the emotional tug-of-war that comes when a writer releases their final draft for publishing.It’s a moment filled with pride, relief, and a touch of fear — the same mix of emotions a parent feels sending their 18-year-old off to college. You’ve guided it, worried over it, and loved it into being. Now, you have to trust that it’s ready for the world.Keith offers gentle wisdom and humor as he talks about the stress of “letting go,” the pull of perfectionism, and the peace that comes when you finally release what you’ve created.Why finishing a book can be harder than writing itHow to quiet the perfectionist’s “one more edit” voiceThe beauty and freedom in letting goHow every ending makes room for a new beginningKey Quote“Your book, like a grown child, is ready to live its own story. Trust that you’ve done enough — and that it’s time to let go.”If you’re an author, creative, or anyone who’s ever struggled to release something you’ve worked hard on, this episode will speak to your soul.🎧 Listen to “Letting Go of the Final Draft” wherever you get your podcasts — and remember: your story is ready for the world.

🎙️ Book Talks with Keith Episode Title: Reading Between the Lines: How Fiction Teaches Us About Real Life🌟 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Keith Brown—southern storyteller, novelist, and lifelong reader—invites you to explore how fiction does more than entertain. It teaches. It mirrors. It transforms.Through thoughtful reflection and a few charming stories, Keith shares how the characters we meet on the page can reveal truths about our own hearts. From Atticus Finch’s timeless wisdom to those complex characters we can’t help but love (or love to hate), you’ll discover how every great story carries a message meant just for you.Whether you’re curling up with a cozy mystery, wandering through a small southern town, or escaping into a sweeping romance—this episode reminds you that fiction’s real magic lies between the lines.How stories sneak truth past our defensesWhy we emotionally connect with fictional charactersWhat even the villains can teach us about ourselvesThe “mirror” effect of great storytellingA simple challenge to rediscover meaning in your favorite novelRevisit a novel that once touched your heart. Read just one chapter—and then ask yourself:“What truth about life, or about me, did this story whisper when I wasn’t paying attention?”Follow Keith’s work as an author and southern storyteller at JKeithBrownAuthor.com You can also find updates, book news, and more episodes of Book Talks with Keith wherever you listen to podcasts.And remember—Every story has something to teach us… if we’re willing to listen.

Episode Show NotesEpisode Title: Writing for Your True AudienceEvery writer faces it—the sting of criticism. It’s that fear that can keep us from putting words on the page or from sharing our stories with the world. But here’s the truth: your writing isn’t for everyone. And it doesn’t need to be.In this episode of Book Talks with Keith, I encourage you to release the pressure of trying to please everyone and instead write with confidence, knowing that your words are right for the right audience.We’ll talk about:Why criticism is inevitable (and survivable!)The danger of trying to write for everyoneHow to trust that your true audience will find your workWhy courage and authenticity matter more than perfectionIf fear of rejection or criticism has been holding you back, this episode will give you the encouragement to keep going—pen in hand, head held high.👉 Your job isn’t to write for everyone. Your job is to write with courage for the readers who need your voice.Resources & Links:Share this episode with a fellow writer who needs encouragementSubscribe to Book Talks with Keith so you don’t miss future episodes

My author guest today is Sheryl Bass. Sheryl holds a master’s degree in Social Work and Journalism. She has also studied child development. She uses these insights to inform her picture book writing. Bass is a member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Children’s Book Insider (CBI). Bass also holds a master’s degree in Journalism and is currently working in public relations. Her goal in creating Be-Kind Publishing is to produce lighthearted rhyming stories with gentle themes of teamwork and friendship. Bass resides just outside of Chicago, IL with her husband and two terriers. Her first book is: "Baby Dragon’s Big Sneeze." This book has earned Eleven international book awards. Here is a synopsis: A sick baby dragon feels terrible when his fiery sneeze causes problems for a neighboring village. Can they forgive and find it in their hearts to help the giant young dragon?Follow one brave little girl who enters his cave and confronts the dragon. After learning about his plight, she advocates for him with the townspeople.It will take problem-solving at its best to prevent further destruction and heal the ailing dragon. Here follow-up book is called "Baby Dragon Finds His Family." www.bekindpublishing.com

Marco was born in Chicago but has also lived in Mexico City and San Antonio. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in English and Psychology, as well as a Master of Jurisprudence. With 15 years of experience in the corporate sector, his roles have spanned product management, operations, governance, and call center positions. In 2011, after the birth of his first daughter, Marco began to feel ill. For nine years, he was told it was anxiety, but nothing seemed to help. It wasn’t until 2020 that he was finally diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. From 2011 to 2022, Marco struggled with agoraphobia, but with the help of medication, therapy, and supportive friends, he was able to overcome these limitations. During his time at home, Marco began writing a collection of fictional short stories. Originally, he intended to gift the stories to his daughters, the youngest of whom was born in 2013. However, after sharing the stories with friends, he was encouraged to consider publishing them. In 2023, the stories were published as a novel titled Within Normal Limits. Shortly after its release, the novel became an Amazon Best Seller in the Multiple Sclerosis category. The novel follows a fictional version of Marco as he navigates struggles with religion, relationships, fatherhood, and connecting with others who are also dealing with their own solitude. After the publication, Marco began doing readings. Though the book is quite sad, Marco (the author) is not, which led to the readings evolving into comedy routines. This eventually opened the door for Marco to participate in stand-up comedy around town.     Book Synopsis:   This gripping collection of stories tells the story of Marco, a young man diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who must confront the harsh reality of his prognosis. Set against the backdrop of a life being slowly taken away from him, the reader is taken on a journey of strength, courage, and resilience as Marco learns to appreciate the beauty of life. With his relationships pushed to the limit, Marco must find the courage to face his illness and discover the weight of hope.   Website: https://www.wnlmarco.com

Welcome to another episode of Book Talks with Keith! Today, we’re tackling one of the most essential yet often overlooked parts of the writing process: proofing and editing your manuscript before it goes to print. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why editing matters: Avoid turning your masterpiece into an accidental comedy. The three layers of editing: Developmental, copyediting, and proofreading—and why skipping any of them is like skipping sunscreen at the beach. Common mistakes writers make: From continuity errors to repetitive words, we’ve got you covered. How typos can create unintended hilarity: Learn why one cookbook accidentally called for freshly ground... people (yes, really). Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and a dash of humor to help you present your best work to the world. Resources Mentioned: Tools for self-editing: Grammarly, ProWritingAid Recommended books on editing: On Writing by Stephen King, The Elements of Style by Strunk & White Find professional editors: Reedsy, Upwork Join the Conversation:What’s the funniest typo you’ve ever made—or spotted in someone else’s work? Share your stories on social media using #BookTalksWithKeith. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Subscribe to the podcast.✅ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.✅ Share this episode with your fellow writers!

My guest on this episode of Book Talks with Keith is author, John Dion. John was a former truck driver who earned his MBA through night school. He also served as an Operations Manager for over 20 years. He turned to writing to better himself and improve his mental health status. In this episode, John and I talk about his book, "The Dark Side Of My Mind." In this powerful book, John tells the good and the bad in hopes you will be encouraged and motivated in your own life as you read about his. In way of TRIGGER WARNING: There is a mention of molestation that he shares in this episode and in the book. Please be advised of this. John's Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009956466610&mibextid=LQQJ4d http://linkedin.com/in/john-dion-6210a84 Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-My-Mind-Resilience/dp/B0DLT2MBKQ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FXR96LAPPGT4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EYCOn7lysU-oot2SNn05d45mQJGWHbUqwzvTDENxBSbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.j8mO-h6ZppwX54Jr-8NgJPKdtHA0dMHqcpETAogQV3Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+dark+side+of+my+mind+john+dion&qid=1733184068&sprefix=The+Dark+Side+of+My+Mind%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1

Do you rate your books? Most people don't. What's more, often people only rate things when they aren't happy. Maybe they got bad service at a eatery. Maybe the new doctor made them wait too long. Perhaps they thought the art display was a waste of time because the paintings looked like a third grader painted them. Or perhaps they didn't like a podcast because the host said, "like," too often. Sadly, the same thing happens with books. So in this episode, I want to share with you 3 reasons I would love to see you actively rate the books you read, especially those you enjoy. Be sure to visit www.jkeithbrown.com to learn more about Keith and his books.

The one thing I most often hear from new authors is: "Promoting my book is so hard." Well...it can be. In truth, for many authors, the writing is the easy part, or at least, the fun part. But it takes more work to get it into the hands of your readers. In this episode, I want to suggest three ways you can better promote your book as a new author. Grab a listen and be sure to share it with a friend. Thanks, Keith

Today's episode is a solo episode and in it, I simply want to encourage any new author to remember these three tips. In fact, all of us may need to be reminded at times. So, grab a coffee, have a seat at my table, and let's chat. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit HERE. To visit my website: www.JKeithBrown.com

Arlene tells us: "I started writing after an innocent comment by a coworker just prior to retirement. She said I should do something from my bucket list. I immediately replied that I would write a novel. I wondered why I had replied so quickly and with such conviction. I wrote Beneath A Blanket Of Snow and published it in 2020. It's a story of secrets, friendship, crime, adversity, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. If We Had Known was published in 2021. I live in Pennsylvania and continue to write. www.arlenelomazoffmarron.com www.linktr.ee/arlenelomazoffmarron **************************** To connect with author J. Keith Brown: www.jkeithbrown.com Socials: @jkeithbrown.author

My guest this week is author Kelly Allegretti. Kelly is a mother of three. Law school grad. Local san franciscan. Kelly has just begun her writing career and is here to share a little of this with us. Her first book is a detective series based in San Francisco. Father-daughter detective team. The daughter, Kelsey, graduates and comes home from college to help her dad with his detective agency, all after losing her mom in a tragic accident. The duo is hired to find a family friend who went missing in San Diego. Along the way they uncover government corruption and...a secret affair. To find Kelly and her book(s): tiktok.com/@kellyallegretti3. https://www.instagram.com/kelly.allegretti?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== https://whatdoyouwanttoreadblog.wordpress.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPDQR3LP?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=706f8c07-d025-47c0-a16c-ca01f00de0b5 ***************** To find Keith, visit: www.JKeithBrown.com Socials: @jkeithbrown.author

Today on the podcast, I welcome the artistic entrepreneur known as Marlena “Zen Ase” Johns who has lived an adventurous life, raising twin sons, and teaching high school for twenty-six years in the inner city. She was Teacher of the Year for AHS in 2011-2012 and 2017-2018, a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction and a University of Chicago Distinguished Educator. One of her plays was performed at a local community center. She won a prose contest sponsored by the University of Houston. She’s performed poetry more times than she can count at over 50 venues, hosted, and organized over 50 live music, comedy and poetry shows, Laughz and Lyrics, to both handfuls of adoring fans and wall to wall, standing room only crowds. She’s the Houston organizer for 100,000 Poets for Change, and she’s been honored with a Congressional Award for activism. Her poetry and prose can be found in over a dozen anthologies and magazines including, “ Let’s Talk about Being Human,” “Selfhood,” “Restless,” “Five 2 One magazine”, “Caravel”, and “Switchback”. She recently decided to include what she's learned from motivating students to help teens and adults accelerate mindset changes and replace limitations with possibilities. As of January 2023, she has created four books (three of them Amazon best sellers), a podcast- Zennurgy and a series of workshops Book blurb The Perfect Storm: A Dive into Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery Bestselling author Zen Ase's relationship journey continues in this captivating sequel to the bestselling Plenty of Guppies and Other Dating Misadventures: Lust, Loss, and Lessons of Love From 101 Dates- A Memoir Told in Poetry and Prose. Hindsight is 20/20, and Zen's eyes are now wide open to secrets hidden by the most talked about Guppy. Since POG's release, her life has taken a dramatic turn, filled with new challenges and discoveries hinted at in the first book. This sequel delivers a provocative, uncensored account of Zen's experiences with love, heartbreak, ecstasy, and self-discovery. Witness her journey from serial dater to committed partner, navigating the complexities of love and manipulation. The book delves into intuition, sacrifice, "relationship goals," and the age-old question: what are we truly willing to do for love? Zen asks readers new and old, “Have you ever had an epiphany after a relationship ended, exclaiming, 'Now it all makes sense' "? If the answer is yes, then you'll see yourself in Zen's story. No matter your experiences, this book acts as a cheat code, breaking down relationship illusions and manipulation techniques. Witness the shocking revelations of their next 22 months, experiences filled with suspense, romance, and poignant moments. Prepare to get caught in The Perfect Storm, a thrilling sequel that is a certified page-turner. To connect with Zen: https://linktr.ee/zenase  Spoken Word Artist: Zen Ase Best Selling Amazon Author: Zennurgize Your Life, Volume 1; Plenty of Guppies and Other Dating Misadventures, You are Wanted and Loved Because You're You Houston Organizer for: 100,000 Poets for Change Host and Organizer for : Laughz and Lyrics Host and Producer of the top 10% globally ranked: Zennurgy Podcast Phone: 7135484936 Email: [email protected] Website:  https://linktr.ee/zenase  Website: https://www.laughzandlyrics.com *************** To visit Keith's website: www.jkeithbrown.com [email protected]

Today's guest is author John Salmon, Psychologist, Author, and Christian Husband and Father. John's work combines his education, experience, and passion for Jesus Christ to share work that he hopes will help you. Website blogs: Approximately 1300 blogs at this site related to various marriage, family, & parenting topics. Blog | Family by God's Design | a Celebrating Community of Honor and Grace (honorgracecelebrate.com)  Facebook @Facebook Honor Grace Celebrate    Twitter @ Honor_Grace HonorGraceCelebrate (@Honor_Grace) / X (twitter.com)  The books can all be found on Amazon: Family By God's Design @ Amazon.com: Family by God's Design: A Celebrating Community of Honor and Grace eBook : Salmon, John: Kindle Store  A Practical Guide to Better Behaved Children @ Amazon.com: A Practical Guide to Better Behaved Children eBook : Salmon PhD, John : Kindle Store  For His Eyes Only: A Devotional Workbook & Prayer Guide for Husbands @ For His Eyes Only: Salmon, John: 9781978455481: Amazon.com: Books  The Sacred Pause: 30 Days of Patience @ The Sacred Pause: 30 Days of Patience: Salmon, PHD, John: 9798853207226: Amazon.com: Books  The Last Day: Reflections from the Gospel of Mark @ The Last Day: Reflections from the Gospel of Mark: Salmon, John: 9798353254836: Amazon.com: Books  Max Loses His Legs @ Amazon.com: Max Loses His Legs - Picture Book - Gift for Easter, Christmas, Communions, Baptism, Birthdays, Age 2 - 5, 6 - 8, 8 -10 eBook : Salmon, John, Salmon, Alicia: Kindle Store ***** Keith's Website: www.JKeithBrown.com Socials: @jkeithbrown.author

On today's episode, I invite author Rachel Grosvenor to the table to chat. Rachel is a writer from Birmingham, UK, with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing. With a passion for telling fantastical tales, Rachel has written poetry and short stories for reviews and anthologies worldwide. When she's not writing, she spends her time editing, coaching, and wondering what's for elevenses. Blurb: Tyranny is in the air in the city of Finer Bay, and Professor Wendowleen Cripcot would like to be left alone, thank you very much. The memories of the last one hundred years are quite enough to be getting on with, if only these young upstarts from the government body, The Finery, would stop trying to control her every move. With the eyes of a dictator upon her, there are not many places to hide...but Wendowleen has never been one to back down from a fight (just ask her pet wolf), and insurrection is brewing underground. Rachel's website and Socials: www.RachelGrosvenorAuthor.com www.instagram.com/rachelgrosvenorauthor www.facebook.com/rachelgrosvenorauthor www.twitter.com/rgrosvenorautho https://www.flyonthewallpress.co.uk/product-page/the-finery-by-rachel-grosvenor ***** Keith's website: www.jkeithbrown.com Socials: @jkeithbrown.author

Andrea Putting is a conscious entrepreneur and the founder of Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony. Her best-selling and award-winning books, "Compassionate Prosperity" and "Compassionate Purpose," weave together the threads of social mission with the quest for deeper meaning in our lives. As a speaker and podcast host, Andrea advocates for unity and the potent impact of storytelling. She's the founder of Putting Words, a self-publishing house where she empowers emerging authors to carve out their own paths to bestseller status. Living in Melbourne, Australia, Andrea cherishes the company of her 2 grandchildren who keep her jumping in Puddles. She the delight of chocolate, and the spark of engaging conversations. Compassionate Prosperity: When Success is Not Enough - Compassionate Prosperity explores how having compassion projects in business turns success into fulfilment and satisfaction for you and your business. As compassion grows, prosperity follows, in your team, community and business. Success takes on a new meaning and a higher purpose as you become an authentic influence. Compassionate Purpose: Discovering a Life of Fulfilment - Compassionate Purpose is a discovery of the calling to service, giving back or paying it forward. When we find a purpose greater than ourselves, we find a sense of fulfilment that can change our lives. Connecting compassion and the desire for purpose brings focus to making the difference that we all long to make, along with a sense of fulfilment and joy that creates a legacy worth living. Her links are: www.AndreaPutting.com.au www.PuttingWords.com – Download the “Self-Publishing Readiness Checklist & Guide to Self-Publishing Success.” www.ChocolateandCoffeeBreaks.com Books can be found at www.AndreaPutting.com.au/books Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andrea-Putting/author/B09YLV8GJN? (and on your favorite online seller) www.Facebook.com/AndreaPuttingSpeaker www.LinkedIn.com/in/AndreaPutting www.Instagram.com/AndreaPutting ***** Keith's Website: www.jkeithbrown.com Instagram: @jkeithbrown.author

Today, I invite author Brooke French onto the "Book Talks with Keith" podcast. Brooke is a recovering lawyer turned writer who lives with her husband and sons between Atlanta and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. She spends most of her days gleefully researching and writing about fatal viruses, terrorism, and murder. Brooke is likely on numerous watch lists. Brooke’s most recent book, The Carolina Variant, is like Blake Crouch’s Upgrade with the pacing of Fox’s 24. ***** Tess Oliver's memory is a killer. When the lead that could save her law practice is destroyed in a suspicious fire, only her recollection of it remains. Tess can relive memories, but her gift comes at a cost. The last time she used it, she nearly died. This time, she only takes a peek. A single moment spent in her memory of the defendant's encoded document gives her a brutal migraine and a phone number. Luke Broussard answers her call from the wreckage of a downed plane. His charter passenger is dead. A mutated virus seeps from the man's broken cargo. And when rescuers take Luke to an Atlanta hospital, the virus comes with him. Tess follows her lead to Luke and finds an instant connection. As they run from a psychopath who'll stop at nothing to retrieve the document, the city falls apart around them. The code hidden in Tess's mind may be the only thing that can keep the outbreak contained, but using her gift to decipher it could kill her. If the virus – or whoever engineered it – doesn't get to her first. ***** Booke's Website:  www.brookelfrench.com   Her socials are:  https://www.instagram.com/brookelewisfrench/  https://www.facebook.com/brooke.l.french https://www.threads.net/@brookelewisfrench   Here's where listeners can find The Carolina Variant:  https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Variant-Brooke-L-French/dp/1685132189   And, here's where they can find Brooke's first book, Inhuman Acts: https://www.amazon.com/Inhuman-Acts-Brooke-L-French/dp/1685130356 ***** To connect with author J Keith Brown, visit www.jkeithbrown.com Instagram: @jkeithbrown.author

My guest today is author Dan Klefstad. Dan is a longtime radio host and newscaster. His latest novel, Fiona’s Guardians, is about humans who work for a beautiful vampire named Fiona. The book was adapted by Artists’ Ensemble Theater for their Mysterious Journey podcast. A short film adaptation is currently in pre-production.Dan is working on the sequel but first will release a title for fellow authors – DIY Book Promo: How to Find Readers Without Spending Money. He writes in Louisville, Kentucky. To connect with Dan: Fiona's Guardians podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1y0LNMg3zhHSi1ZdjKmkaB  Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Fionas-Guardians-Dan-Klefstad/dp/1739630904/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fiona%27s+guardians+by+Dan+Klefstad&qid=1705440752&sr=8-1  Or order from Papercut Books in Wilmington, NC: https://www.papercutbooks.com/ Facebook: Facebook.com/dan.klefstad  http://www.diybookpromo.com   ***** To connect with author J Keith Brown, visit www.jkeithbrown.com. Follow him on Instagram @jkeithbrown.author

Many people, including our young people, are suffering with trauma resulting from any number of types of abuses. With that said, I want to introduce you to today's author, Yasmine Brown. Yasmine has already written three books that share her personal journey in this area as well as the healing work she has done. In them, you will find connection, encouragement, and tools to help you do the same. Yasmine's Website: Home Page (yiry-elements.com)  Amazon Book Links: Deliverance: Taquayasia's Final Journey (The Deliverance Series): Brown, Yasmin S: 9781949798173: Amazon.com: Books Red Flags: Book Two: The Deliverance Series: Brown, Yasmin S.: 9781949798487: Amazon.com: BooksReconstruction Journal: A Journal for Use With the Deliverance Series: Brown, Yasmin S: 9781949798395: Amazon.com: Books The Silent Destruction (Deliverance): Brown, Yasmin S.: 9781949798111: Amazon.com: Books Voices of the 21st Century: Resilient Women Who Rise and Make a Difference: Watson, Gail: 9781951943400: Amazon.com: Books To connect with Author, J. Keith Brown, visit www.JKeithBrown.com

On this episode of Book Talks with Keith, I invite author Marrisa Lima (M. D. Lima) to join me in a chat. This YA dystopian series is being released in installments and Book 1, entitled, "The Knowing," is now available through Amazon. Book 1 introduces us to a fascinating plot idea. If you could know the age you would be when you die, would you want to know? That is exactly the journey that Lima takes you on within the pages of this new book. What's more, readers are able to respond at the end of the book and offer their opinions as to the next volume within the series. In other words, you may get to help plot the continuing story. Lima is also going to give those who respond a free copy of Book 2. And just in case you needed one more reason to buy, part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the American Cancer Society. To connect with M. D. Lima: Website: www.authormdlima.com  Public Email: [email protected]  Amazon book link: THE KNOWING ON AMAZON FB Page: THE KNOWING FB PAGE  (folks can DM the FB page) ***** To visit J. Keith Brown's website: www.JKeithBrown.com To connect with J Keith Brown on Instagram: @jkeithbrown.author

This is the introduction to the podcast. We will begin releasing episodes in January 2024. I hope you will follow or subscribe to this podcast and support these authors as they bring you their work. My Website: www.JKeithBrown.com. Join me on Instagram: @jkeithbrown.author