My Friend Writes

What happens when a family's ordinary life is interrupted by trauma?In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with author Bonnie McDonald to discuss her upcoming book, Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma. Together they explore the life-altering events that inspired the book, the long road from calling to completion, and the surprising ways God uses our hardest seasons to help others heal.Bonnie shares the story of her son's cardiac arrest, the emotional challenges of writing about family, and the powerful metaphor that became the framework for her book. As a longtime youth director, realtor, wife, mother, and grandmother, Bonnie offers a perspective grounded in faith, practical wisdom, and hope.This conversation is about far more than writing a book. It is about obedience, resilience, protecting your peace, finding your voice, and trusting God with the assignments He places before you.If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, struggled through a season of loss or trauma, or felt God nudging you toward something you aren't quite sure you're capable of doing, this episode will encourage you.In this conversation, you'll discover:• How trauma reshapes both life and faith• Why Bonnie waited years before writing her story• The unexpected "divine download" that transformed her manuscript• The importance of protecting your peace as a writer• Why community matters for authors• What resilience looks like after life's hardest moments• How God uses our stories to help others healBonnie's book, Firm Foundation: Resilience After Trauma, releases June 18.After you listen, I hope you'll take a few minutes to read Bonnie's companion essay on my website or Substack. In it, she reflects on what it means to make room for God in the middle of an often chaotic world. She shares the daily rhythms that help her stay connected to Him, why she leaves her phone behind more often than she picks it up, and how protecting her peace has become an act of faithfulness.You'll also find show notes, links, and resources from today's conversation.Subscribe to My Friend Writes on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode.

What happens when a lifelong introvert decides to share his stories with the world?In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim Mosiman sits down with first-time author Scott Shafer, whose book Still Learning How to Adult was released in May 2026. Together, they explore the surprising journey from retirement to publication, the courage required to be seen, and why writing can become one of the most transformative practices of a person's life. Scott shares how decades spent working in the insurance industry shaped his empathy, why he began writing simply to remember everyday moments, and what happened when friends and family encouraged him to turn those stories into a book. He opens up about living as an introvert, facing the fear of criticism, navigating self-doubt, and discovering that people are often far kinder than we imagine. Whether you've dreamed of writing a book, are navigating retirement and a new season of life, or simply need encouragement to start creating something meaningful, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to be an expert to begin. You simply have to start. In this episode, you'll discover:Why writing can be one of the most powerful forms of self-discoveryHow retirement opened the door to creativity and personal growthThe surprising connection between journaling and confidenceWhy waiting to feel "ready" keeps so many people from writingHow sharing your story can encourage others in ways you'll never expectThe value of writing what you know and trusting your own voiceIf you've ever felt the nudge to write, this episode may be exactly the encouragement you need.If you've been waiting for the right time to write, let this be your reminder that writing begins long before publication. It begins with paying attention. Open a page today and write one paragraph about something you don't want to forget. Then come tell us what happened when you started.Read more from Scott and find out how to connect with him at https://www.kimmosimanwellness.com/my_friendwrites/2026/6/10/still-learning-how-to-adult

In this episode of My Friend Writes, Kim sits down with author, columnist, and storyteller Janet Hart Leonard to discuss the life-changing power of writing, faith, forgiveness, and sharing your story.For more than 20 years, Janet has written a weekly newspaper column that has encouraged readers through life's joys, disappointments, detours, and unexpected blessings. Together, Kim and Janet explore what happens when we finally stop trying to earn approval, learn to trust God's leading, and embrace the wisdom gained through life's hardest seasons. In this conversation, you'll hear about:Writing through divorce, financial hardship, and personal reinventionDiscovering purpose in unexpected placesThe healing power of journaling and storytellingWhy your words matter, even when you feel unqualifiedBuilding meaningful community as a writerLearning to love the woman you've becomeThe importance of faith during life's disappointments and detoursWhy it's never too late to write your storyWhether you're a writer, a woman navigating a new season of life, or someone wondering if your story matters, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, laughter, and hope.Connect with Janet Hart Leonard through her books When the Heart Speaks and From the Heart and follow her ongoing writing journey. Read a follow-up piece and discover more about Janet at https://www.kimmosimanwellness.com/my_friendwrites/2026/6/3/from-the-hart

In this episode of My Friend Writes Podcast, Kim sits down with author, somatic coach, and physical therapist Kate Bartley for a powerful conversation about writing, healing, nervous system regulation, chronic stress, trauma, self-abandonment, and what it really means to become visible.Kate shares the deeply personal story behind writing her book, The Good Girl Prescription: Breaking Free from Good Girl Syndrome to Heal Your Body, Transform Your Relationships, and Uplevel Your Confidence. Together, Kim and Kate explore the emotional process of writing a book, working through fear and rejection, healing “good girl syndrome,” and learning how to stop living at war with yourself.This episode is for women who feel stuck in overthinking, people-pleasing, chronic stress, burnout, perfectionism, or fear of being seen. It is also an honest conversation for writers who know they are carrying words inside of them but feel afraid to begin.In this conversation, we discuss:• how writing transforms the writer• nervous system healing and somatic coaching• chronic stress and women’s health• people-pleasing and “good girl syndrome”• fear of rejection and visibility• journaling and expressive writing• trauma responses and the body• learning to trust yourself as a writer• overcoming perfectionism and overthinking• why courage often feels scary before it feels freeing• how writing a book changes your identityWhether you are a writer, creative woman, coach, caregiver, or someone navigating healing and personal growth, this conversation will encourage you to stop hiding your voice and begin trusting the story inside of you.Connect with Kate Bartley:Website: katebartley.comBook: The Good Girl PrescriptionSubscribe to My Friend Writes Podcast for conversations about who writers were before they wrote their books… and who they became because they did.

In this episode of My Friend Writes Podcast, I’m sitting down with Holly Compton, author of Choosing True Life: 30 Foundational Choices for a Life Transformed.Holly shares the story behind writing her book after carrying the idea in her heart for more than 20 years. We talk about faith, missions work, mentorship, obedience, writing through life experience, and what happens when God’s timing finally meets our willingness to begin.Together, we discuss:• writing a book rooted in discipleship and spiritual growth• how mentorship shapes both writers and readers• trusting God’s timing in the creative process• healing from difficult family relationships• redemption, forgiveness, and grace• overcoming fear and self-doubt as a writer• why every person’s story carries value and purposeHolly also shares how writing revealed the deeper weight of her own story, the importance of community and support while writing, and why she believes ordinary people can create meaningful books that impact lives.This conversation is thoughtful, faith-filled, and encouraging for writers, readers, mentors, and anyone wondering if it’s finally time to share the story they’ve been carrying.If you’ve ever felt the quiet nudge to write, I think this episode will encourage you to pay attention to it.

In this episode of My Friend Writes Podcast, I’m sitting down with Mary Grace Johnson, author of And the Sun Came Up: A True Story of Grief and Hope.Mary shares the story behind her faith-based children’s book inspired by the loss of her father in a tragic farm accident when she was just eight years old. Together, we talk about childhood grief, anxiety, healing, family, faith, and the unexpected ways writing can help us process the stories we carry for years.We also discuss:• writing through grief and trauma• imposter syndrome and the fear of sharing your story• faith and emotional healing• creating children’s books that offer hope• how loss shapes identity over time• why every person’s story mattersThis conversation is honest, gentle, and deeply encouraging for writers, readers, parents, and anyone walking through loss or healing.If you’ve ever wondered whether your story could help someone else feel less alone, I think this episode will stay with you.

In this episode of My Friend Writes, I sit down with Maria Morgan, author of Hope Ignited: Set Free from the Grip of Anxiety and Depression.Maria shares her deeply personal journey through anxiety, depression, and the quiet unraveling that led her to a breaking point—and ultimately, to healing. Together, we talk about the season when her story was unfolding, the shame that kept her silent, and the moment truth began to shift everything.This conversation is not just about writing a book. It is about what happens in us when we walk through darkness, and how healing often begins in the presence of others who are willing to sit with us and speak truth.If you have ever struggled in silence, questioned your worth, or wondered if freedom is possible, this conversation will meet you with honesty and hope.You can connect with Maria at:Website- https://mariaimorgan.com/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mariaimorgan/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/WriterMariaIMorganAmazon- https://a.co/d/07VWA4f9

There’s a moment before a story is written, before the words make sense, when something quiet begins to stir.My Friend Writes is a space for that moment.In this podcast, I'll sit with authors not just to talk about their books, but about who they were before they wrote them, and who they became in the process.If you’ve ever felt the nudge to write or wondered what might be waiting on the other side of your own words, there might be something here for you.If you are a writer, I'd love to feature you! Learn more on Instagram @my_friendwritesTrailer is live. Episodes begin May 6. I’d love to have you listen in.