Read And Write With Natasha

In this episode, I chat with writer and scholar Ciahnan Darrell. We discuss the complexities of creating a feminine experience when you are a male author. In his novel, a Lifetime of Men, Ciahnan draws from his own upbringing amidst powerful women , as he intertwines personal stories with societal struggles on feminism and reproductive rights, inviting us to reflect on the intricate dance between...

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube . Author Paul Trammell lives aboard his sailboat, and has found a profound sense of freedom and self-discovery. When Paul is not steering his boat "Windflower" through tranquil waters or bracing against the unexpected, he's penning novels and self-publishing from his floating abode. In this podcast, we talked about the world of self-publishing at se...

Deema Alalami is an educator-turned-author and reading advocate. In this episode, we discuss the following: Transition to literary luminary: The transformation of Deema Al Alami from corporate life to a renowned author and reading advocate, along with the inception of her " Mother to Author" program. Embracing Arabic children's literature: An exploration of Deema's dedication t...

📹 You can watch the interview on YouTube here . Do you know what a book coach does? I sit down with Kathy Otten , a certified book coach and published author.  Kathy sheds light on the customized support that book coaching provides, from the germination of an idea to the pride of a completed manuscript and the various choices that the publishing world presents. For anyone in need of a nudge of en...

Pauls Toutonghi is the Pushcart Prize-winning author of the acclaimed novels Red Weather and Evel Knievel Days. He was born in Seattle, Washington, to an Egyptian father and a Latvian mother. His latest novel is The Refugee Ocean. In this episode, we explore various facets of writing, publishing, and the art of storytelling: Exploring The Refugee Ocean : A heartfelt tribute : Paul delves into how...

Ever wondered what happens when two authors team up to write a murder mystery? Join us for a thrilling episode with Landis Wade and Sarah Archer, the dynamic duo behind the novella Death by Podcasting . This light-hearted murder mystery has won over readers with its unique blend of their distinct writing styles.  They reveal the intricacies of their co-writing process, from Google Drive drafts to...

 📹 Watch the interview on YouTube Indie author Douglas Weissman shares his journey from penning his first novel to navigating the world of small independent presses. Listen in as Weissman shares his perspective on the challenges and rewards of this unique path in the literary world. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the heart of the writing process, exploring the intersection of passion, di...

Alexandra Wyman transformed her devastating loss into a beacon of hope for others becoming, a mental health advocate and public speaker. She penned down her experience of losing her husband to suicide in her memoir - " The Suicide Club: What to Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death." T hrough her story, she aims to change the narrative around suicide and provide support to those dealing...

Carrie Berk is a  social media influencer, author, and blogger with over 3 million followers on TikTok alone. In her YA book, My Real Life Romcom: How to Build Confidence and Write Your Own Relationship Rules, Berk shares her dating adventures (and misadventures) to help others discover more about themselves and the relationship they deserve. In this interview, we also delve into the struggle of s...

After battling a health crisis, Marjorie Turner-Hulman,   embarked on a remarkable journey, creating the "Easy Walks " guidebook series. These aren't just books; they are a beacon of hope and exploration that help people find local trails, and they are a testament to her resilience and passion. Not stopping at the guidebooks, Marjorie took a leap of faith, sharing her personal journ...

Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi-Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel, The Mountains We Carry, was released in November 2021. His latest novel, Waters Under Baghdad , was published in October 2023, Growing up in Iraq, Brifkani witnessed many traumatic experiences of war, migration, and politic...

Tina Erwin is a  "ghost helper" and author of eight ground-breaking books on metaphysics.  With a unique ability to communicate with the spiritual realm, Tina shares riveting stories of growing up with psychic abilities and recounts personal encounters with ghosts, such as her six-year-old niece's spirit after her sudden passing.  Questioning the world of reincarnation and premoniti...

Ready to get a firsthand look at the roller coaster of emotions that is life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit? Join me as I sit down with Dr. Susan Landers, a seasoned neonatologist and author who takes us through her thrilling 34-year career. In her book  So Many Babies, My Life Balancing a Busy Medical Career & Motherhood, Dr. Landers delves into the pressure and teamwork intrinsic to thi...

In this episode, Egyptian children's author Miranda Beshara talks about her transition from finance to storytelling.  Miranda is the co-founder of Hadi Badi Children & YA Lit in Arabic . She also talks about her first children's book, Tata and Babcha , and how it's a vessel for preserving her family's culture and identity.  We also discussed tackling the labyrinth that is A...

Ever wondered what motivates women to step outside their marriages?   Susan Shapiro Barash , a seasoned author and gender studies educator known for her thought-provoking research on the taboo topic of female infidelity, sheds light on how these extramarital escapades often serve as a hidden path to empowerment, self-esteem, and unexpected love. Barash, who authored the book,  A Passion for More:...

Amanda Blackwood, opens up about her harrowing journey as a survivor of human trafficking, not once, but thrice, beginning at the tender age of 18. Amanda's tale is not just one of survival, but an inspiring testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she transformed her traumatic experiences into a platform for advocacy and education. Amanda helps us navigate the murky waters of huma...

📹 Watch the interview on YouTube. Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend humor into a dark, suspense-filled narrative? Liz Alterman, the author of the riveting suburban thriller, The Perfect Neighborhood , joins us to shed light on this unique storytelling approach. We unravel the layers of her book, delving into her choice of an affluent suburban setting and the inspiration behind her novel'...

Delve into the world of book marketing with our guest, Emily Enger, who wears many hats, including that of a book marketing and publicity coach. Emily brings a fresh perspective to the table, advocating for minimalist marketing strategies for authors and sharing profound insights on the choice between traditional or self-publishing.  Emily offers expert guidance to a speculative fiction author, la...

Scott Stedman s a serial entrepreneur, business leader, and advisor to a diverse group of companies. He wrote the book Mouse   because he wanted his daughter to know that anything was within her reach.  "I want my amazing daughter to know that she doesn’t need anyone’s permission to create magic." Listen to our conversation and get inspired. And while you are at it, if you enjoy this sho...

📹 VIDEO: You can watch the interview on YouTube here. Living twenty years with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease,  Margaret Mary O'Connor 's life was hell. Beyond the daily physical symptoms to deal with were the emotional ones as well. She was told by two doctors that her physical symptoms of vomiting, great loss of weight, anemia, and others were all in her head. The doctor she was to...

 California mompreneur Rebecca Linney has figured out the secret to teaching her son to get to sleep and stay asleep, and yes, she wrote a children's book about it. She is a busy working mom that will always make sure to find time to write, even it means asking Siri for help. In this podcast episode, I chat with  Rebecca Linney, author of the children’s book The Growing Bed . Send us Fan Mail...

🎥 Watch the interview on YouTube here . Aiden Adams is eight years old. He is a singer-songwriter and an author. He was four years old when he wrote his first book, There Are No Sheep in New York City , about the power of imagination. Hear the conversation and tell your kids about Aiden. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 🥒 NEW! The Lonely Cucumber — Natasha's latest children's book A m...

After twenty years of working on her legacy journal project, Merle R. Saferstein published Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vol. I. —a legacy journal for this and future generations. Vol. II  will be released on June 20, 2023. In reading through 359 of her journals, she came to understand the value and impact of journaling as well as the importance of sharing the essence of who she is.   Saferstein s...

Before turning to fiction, Aggie Blum Thompson covered real-life crime as a newspaper reporter for a number of papers, including The Boston Globe and The Washington Post . She is the author of I Don't Forgive You and All the Dirty Secrets . In this episode, we talk about:   The surge in interest in true crime. The cultural shock of moving to Washington, DC. Dealing with rejections. How she go...

Rick Bleiweiss is an award-winning author, publishing executive, music producer, rock musician, record company senior executive, and educator.    In this inspiring conversation, we talk about the publishing journey, the pros and cons of self-publishing and why it is important to have an agent. Bleiweiss is the author of The Pignon Scorbion Series. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 🥒 NEW! The Lone...