Authors After Action: Real Life Stories Behind the Books

Today's podcast dives into the magical realm of storytelling with the incredible J.F. Munroe, the mastermind behind the Legacy of the Four trilogy. We chat about how ancient powers collide with the human heart, and trust me, it's not just epic battles and mythical creatures; it’s about courage, sacrifice, and characters that’ll stick with you long after you turn the last page. J.F.'s journey from maternity leave to author is a wild ride filled with inspiration from fantasy giants like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. We’ll also explore the nitty-gritty of the writing process, from the chaos of creating a trilogy to the highs and lows of marketing your book. So grab a comfy seat, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s uncover the secrets behind crafting stories that resonate!Companies mentioned in this episode:AmazonFiverrLinks referenced in this episode:JFMonroeBookshelf.com

Thinking about self-publishing a book but not sure where to start?In this episode, Donald Dunn speaks with Michelle DeFilippo, founder of 1106 Design, about what self-publishing really means today — and how authors can avoid expensive publishing traps.They break down:The difference between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishersHow some publishing companies charge authors thousands while still taking royaltiesWhat professional book editing and cover design actually costWhy authors must hire experts instead of doing everything themselvesHow Amazon royalties really work (and what percentage you actually keep)Why most authors never recoup their investmentHow speakers and consultants can use books to build authority and generate incomeThe truth about becoming an Amazon bestsellerCommon mistakes new authors makeIf you are a veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, or aspiring author, this episode will help you understand the real costs, risks, and opportunities in modern publishing.Before you invest thousands into editing, design, or a hybrid publishing package, listen to this conversation.Links referenced in this episode:1106design.combarracksmedia.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:1106 DesignAmazonIngramSpark

If you want to write a book that stands the test of time, what separates a short-term release from a decades-long bestseller?In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with bestselling author Marita Tedder, also known to many readers as Marita Littauer, whose landmark personality book Wired That Way has remained in continuous publication for more than twenty years.Drawing from a career that spans writing, speaking, training communicators, and leading conferences, Marita shares what truly makes a book worthwhile, how authors build lasting audiences, and why clarity of message is the foundation of long-term success.She is widely known as the bestselling author of over twenty books, including Wired That Way, a personality classic that has remained in continuous publication for more than two decades. Marita (1)This conversation goes far beyond writing mechanics. It explores platform building, speaking before publishing, marketing realities, and the discipline required to keep your work relevant in an increasingly crowded publishing world.Topics Covered:The first question every aspiring author must answerHow to know if your message is strong enoughWhy many self-published books struggleBuilding an audience before you publishUsing speaking to refine your materialMarketing strategies that extend a book’s lifespanAuthentic writing in the age of AIWhether you are an aspiring author, entrepreneur, speaker, or creative professional, this episode delivers practical insight from someone who has built a lasting career around words and communication.Subscribe for more conversations with impactful authors sharing the strategies, mindset, and experience behind their success.

If you want to lower your golf score, the answer might not be a new club — it might be simple math.In this episode of Authors After Action, host Donald Dunn sits down with engineer-turned-author Bob Labbe, creator of Putting by the Numbers, to break down a physics-based approach to putting that helps golfers eliminate costly three-putts and improve consistency on the green.Bob explains how understanding distance, friction, and repeatable mechanics can dramatically improve lag putting without changing your swing or buying new equipment. His method is designed for golfers of any skill level and focuses on simple, practical adjustments that lead to immediate results.Whether you are a recreational golfer or a competitive amateur, this conversation explores why putting accounts for such a large portion of your score and how small changes in approach can save multiple strokes per round.Topics Covered in This Episode:Why most golfers struggle with long-distance puttingHow math and physics improve distance controlThe mental side of consistent puttingWhy great putting matters more than powerful drivesTurning decades of research into a practical golf methodThe process of writing and publishing a niche instructional bookIf improving your putting is your fastest path to better golf scores, this episode provides a smarter, more reliable way to approach the green.Book and Resources:Putting by the Numbers https://puttingbythenumbers.com https://boblabe.comAbout Authors After ActionAuthors After Action features in-depth conversations with authors, engineers, and subject-matter experts who share the thinking, experience, and discipline behind their work.Subscribe for interviews focused on mastery, execution, and real-world results.

Get ready to dive into a heartfelt conversation about reclaiming your voice with the incredible Amy Lou Jenkins! We kick things off discussing how Amy transformed her life from nursing to writing, realizing that her voice was never too much—just too contained. She shares her journey of self-discovery in the quiet of nature, where she learned that nothing apologizes for existing. This episode is all about the power of authentic storytelling and how it can help us make meaning of our experiences, no matter how tough they may be. Join us as we explore the importance of writing not just for ourselves, but for future generations to connect with our stories. So grab a comfy seat and let’s get inspired to embrace our voices! A deep dive into the transformative journey of Amy Lou Jenkins unfolds in this episode as she shares her story of reclaiming her voice and identity. Starting from a place where her emotional expressiveness was deemed too much, Amy found solace and clarity in the natural world, particularly during moments spent walking in the woods with her son. This discovery led her to a profound realization: nature exists unapologetically, and so too should we. Through candid reflections, Amy discusses the struggles she faced with silence and compliance, stemming from her upbringing in a challenging environment. With an earnestness that resonates, she encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and tells us how writing can be a powerful tool for personal liberation. As a seasoned writer and instructor, she emphasizes that storytelling is not merely a personal indulgence but an essential act of courage and connection that fosters community and understanding. Amy's work now focuses on guiding others through the art of journaling and memoir writing, helping them to navigate their own paths to self-discovery and voice reclamation.Takeaways:Amy Lou Jenkins emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our voices as writers, especially after feeling silenced in the past.She discusses how nature can serve as a powerful source of inspiration and reflection for writers, enhancing their storytelling abilities.Writing isn't just a career; it's an act of courage and authenticity that connects us to others and to our own truths.Amy believes that every story matters, and encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique narratives without fear of judgment.Links referenced in this episode:amyloujenkins.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Sierra ClubConsequence magazineNonfiction Writers AssociationBenningtonJack Walker Press

In this episode of Authors After Action, we bring you a powerful storytelling podcast experience rooted in real life stories, inspiring interviews, and the depth of the human experience. We sit down with Tina Irwin—author, grief guide, and spiritual practitioner—whose personal journey began with the devastating loss of her six-year-old niece and evolved into a life devoted to helping others heal.Tina shares what she believes happens after death and offers practical tools for those left behind—whether grieving a loved one, a child, or even someone they never knew. Through deep conversations, she explains how fear can be transformed into compassion, and how confusion can become clarity when we learn to face loss with openness and courage.This episode explores overcoming adversity in its most universal form: grief. Tina’s work reveals profound resilience stories about love that continues beyond death, the power of spiritual connection, and the ways healing can occur for both the living and the departed. She opens up about remote viewing, spiritual communication, and how writing with intention becomes a form of service.These life lessons remind us that grief is not only about death—it appears in every form of loss we face. Whether you’re seeking comfort, understanding, or a new perspective on healing, this conversation offers insight, empathy, and hope for anyone walking through loss.Takeaways:Grief can be met with compassion and clarity rather than fear.Practical tools can help both the living and the departed find peace.Personal loss can become a path to service and meaning.Healing applies to all forms of loss, not only death.Spiritual connection can transform how we process grief.Writing with intention carries healing energy.Links Referenced in This Episode: ghosthelpers.com tinairwin.comCompanies Mentioned in This Episode: Amazon Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment Audible

In this episode of Authors After Action, we deliver a storytelling podcast experience built on real life stories, inspiring interviews, and the depth of the human experience. We sit down with Jim Marshall—engineer, polymath, and pioneer in human development—whose personal journey led him from dreaming of physics to discovering that the most complex system in existence is the human mind.With more than fifty thousand hours devoted to understanding human potential, Jim shares how engineering principles shaped his approach to people, relationships, and growth. Through deep conversations, he reveals why so many of our societal problems stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of human nature—and how technology and social media have only widened that gap.Jim explains how his work as a “human development engineer” blends classical education, empirical data, and biofeedback to create rapid, meaningful change. These resilience stories show how insight can arrive in minutes instead of years, and how clarity replaces confusion when people finally understand what’s happening inside themselves.The conversation turns toward Jim’s new book and his groundbreaking framework, Septemics—a practical system designed to help anyone decode behavior, relationships, and motivation. This episode offers powerful life lessons about perception, connection, and the courage to rethink what we believe about ourselves and others.If you’re drawn to stories about growth, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity at the inner level, this episode delivers a compelling look at how understanding people can change everything.

Authors After Action — Podcast DescriptionAuthors After Action is a conversational podcast that explores the story behind the book.Each episode features authors—fiction and nonfiction—sharing the journey that led them to write, the ideas that shaped their work, and the lessons learned along the way. Rather than focusing on hard selling or technical writing advice, the show centers on experience, purpose, and the moments that turn an idea into a finished book.Episodes are audio-only and run approximately thirty to forty-five minutes, designed for thoughtful discussion and honest reflection.Authors After Action is part of the Barracks Media Network, bringing meaningful conversations with creators to listeners who value story, insight, and authenticity.