Do you ever wonder why publishing feels harder than ever—even for talented writers? In this episode, we unpack the shifting realities of the publishing world, the gatekeeping role of social media, and how authors are increasingly responsible for their own marketing, platforms, and sales.

We also share a personal story about losing tens of thousands of Facebook followers overnight and how that loss spotlighted the fragile ecosystem of modern author visibility. As always, we advocate for connection over clout and remind you that real growth often happens offline—in living rooms, book clubs, and homeschooling co-ops.

If this conversation resonated with you, share the episode with a friend or leave us a review. Word-of-mouth is still the best algorithm. Listen now for an honest look at the highs and heartbreaks of writing in the digital age.

Resources:

• Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a longtime homeschooler who could use an infusion of energy and fresh enthusiasm, our free Welcome Home webinar series is for you! Register now to join us on May 20-22!
• https://bravewriter.com/landing/welcome-home/
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram:

Sometimes, the most meaningful conversations aren’t planned—they unfold.

In this week’s episode, we drop in on an unscripted, delightful catch-up between two close friends. From Julie’s recent retreat at Miraval (complete with clay turtles and 7 a.m. birdwatching) to Melissa’s college days giving prairie nature tours, this episode traces the kinds of stories and reflections that surface when we give ourselves time to notice.

We talk about how naming things builds intimacy, the role of repetition in learning (and music!), and why modeling beeswax might be the best-kept secret in home education. There are nods to Charlotte Mason, Lynda Barry, roadrunners, rereading A Room with a View, and a clay plaque that simply says “mama.”

Tune in for a rich, meandering conversation about creativity, nature, grief, and the quiet power of doing something more than once.

Resources:

• Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a longtime homeschooler who could use an infusion of energy and fresh enthusiasm, our free Welcome Home webinar series is for you! Register now to join us on May 20-22!
• https://bravewriter.com/landing/welcome-home/
• Follow Lynda Barry on Instagram: @thenearsightedmonkey
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Find Wishtree in the Brave Writer Bookshop and check out the Wishtree Dart!
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky:

How do we prepare our children to think critically in an age of overwhelming information, bias, and quick judgments? In today’s Brave Writer episode, we interview Sharon McMahon, an award-winning educator, philanthropist, and the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Small and the Mighty. In our lively discussion with Sharon, aka “America’s Government Teacher,” we explore how true critical thinking requires a tolerance for discomfort and a commitment to understanding perspectives beyond our own. Sharon reflects on lessons from history, including unsung heroes like Harriet Tubman and Anna Thomas Jeanes, and emphasizes the importance of presenting children with varied viewpoints rather than indoctrinating them with a single narrative. We also discuss strategies for fostering resilience, optimism, and humility as we engage thoughtfully with the world around us.

Join us for a conversation full of hope, encouragement, and practical ideas for raising critical thinkers in a complicated world. Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive!

Resources:

• Sharon’s website: sharonmcmahon.com
• Connect with Sharon on Instagram: @sharonsaysso
• Read The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
• Sharon’s podcast: Here's Where It Gets Interesting
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing!
• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: