This is a video about "Nobody is a throwaway person": Mary Gauden Hughes' journey to author.
https://marygaudenhughesauthor and https://henributlerbooks.com

Host Tanya Roundy interviews author and retired psychotherapist Mary Hughes about her journey from overwhelmed stay-at-home mom and volunteer to writing her first novel after feeling prompted to “go to the computer and write,” which helped her learn to value herself. Mary shares how her writing led her to pursue therapy work for 17 years to help people believe in themselves, and how faith guided her through meeting and receiving encouragement from Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans, as well as unexpected industry connections that briefly put her work in front of agents and producers. She discusses self-publishing her novel The Last Slow Dance, selling 400 copies by word of mouth before receiving her author copies, and hosting a successful Barnes & Noble signing. Mary explains the messages in her books—especially that “nobody is a throwaway person,” that God has a purpose for everyone, and that perceived weaknesses can be gifts—summarizes The Last Slow Dance (a father-daughter story connected to a band leader), and previews a new manuscript about a couple who honor their vows despite years apart. Mary also notes her books The Gift of the Music Maker and The Last Slow Dance are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and that she started a publishing company, Andre Butler Books, which published a Georgia Author/Book of the Year winner. Tanya shares where to find the podcast (YouTube, Spotify, and major platforms) and that this is her nearly 40th interview.

00:00 Welcome to Roundy’s Rants: Meet Author Mary Hughes
00:25 From Psychotherapist to Full-Time Writer (and 5 Books at Once)
01:19 Burnout as a Stay-at-Home Mom: When Volunteering Became Too Much
02:13 “Go to the Computer and Write”: The Story That Sparked Healing
03:06 Outback Adventure Plot & Finding Your True Gift
04:18 Unexpected Mentors: Meeting Nicholas Sparks (For Real)
06:11 Cover Art, Agents & Hollywood Detours: The Wild Chain of Connections
08:10 Richard Paul Evans & the Message Behind the Books: Weaknesses into Strengths
09:38 DIY Publishing Before Self-Pub Was a Thing (and Selling 400 Copies)
12:06 Called to Counseling: Going Back to School to Help Others Believe in Themselves
13:48 “Nobody Is a Throwaway Person”: Sharing the Message Through Books & Talks
16:00 The Story Behind “The Last Slow Dance” (Father–Daughter Bonds)
16:48 The Dance Night Twist: A Missing Dad & the Band Leader Steps In
17:46 Years Later: Reuniting, Healing, and Building a New Family
18:31 Next Book Tease: The Wedding Rings Mystery (Harry & Tess)
20:17 Why Musicians? How Music Shaped Her Life and Writing
20:43 Childhood Faith Story: Walking to Church Alone & Finding Her Voice
22:50 Core Message: Identity, Purpose, and Tuning Out the World’s Noise
24:11 Obedience, Perseverance, and New Starts at Any Age
26:16 Where to Buy the Books + Starting a Publishing Company to Help Others
28:09 Podcast Talk, Gratitude, and Final Blessing

In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty?

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This is a video about The Not so Paranormal World of Author, Debbie Ihler Rassmussen

https://www.authordebbieihlerrasmussen.com/books

Join Tanya from Roundy's Rants, Raves, and Reviews as she chats with her good friend and editor, Debbie Ihler Rasmussen. Debbie, an accomplished author and seasoned editor, opens up about her journey in writing, ghostwriting, and self-publishing. She shares experiences from her beginnings in 2014, the challenges of publishing her first book, and how her role as an editor for Richard Paul Evans' author group led her to help others with the self-publishing process. They discuss the heartfelt stories behind Debbie's books, including her paranormal series and her work in ghostwriting memoirs. Dive into this insightful conversation about the writing process, the importance of editing, and the joys and struggles of bringing stories to life. Don't miss Tanya's reflections on how Debbie made her own publishing journey feel so manageable and enjoyable.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Debbie's Writing Journey
01:29 Self-Publishing Insights
08:55 Early Writing Experiences
15:29 Inspiration and Reading Habits
18:27 The Legend of the Crow Series
29:13 The Challenges of Beta Reading
29:43 Editing Experiences and Insights
31:43 The Importance of POV in Writing
32:42 Common Writing Mistakes
33:47 The Joy of Writing and Editing
34:27 Word Count and Writing Length
35:38 Character Development and Realism
43:13 Ghostwriting: A Different Beast
45:52 Children's Books and Creative Challenges
47:40 Themes and Motivations in Writing
52:16 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty?

momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life!

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This is a video about The Art and Craft of Editing with Katie Chambers
Katie Chambers, a developmental editor, copy editor, and owner of Beacon Point LLC, helps indie authors shape powerful fiction and nonfiction. With a background in teaching middle and high school English and formal public speaking training, Katie brings clarity, enthusiasm, and a teacher’s heart to every presentation. She loves editing and running her business. Still, teaching is at her core, so give her a mic and a room of writers, and she's right at home. She’s passionate about helping authors strengthen their writing and better understand the editing process. And as part of that mission, she’s publishing two self-editing guidebooks for authors in January 2026.
newsletter: https://beaconpointservices.org/shining%20beacon/,
editing for authors: https://beaconpointservices.org/editing,
landing page for my books (not finished yet but will be): https://beaconpointservices.org/self-editing-guides

In this episode of Roundy's Rants, Raves, and Reviews, we sit down with Katie Chambers, a former English teacher turned editor, who shares her journey from teaching to editing and now writing her own books. Katie discusses the challenges of balancing a teaching career with young children, transitioning into editing, and publishing her own work for the first time. She offers insights into her systematic approach to editing, the importance of teaching within her work, and the creation of resources for both authors and editors. Katie also touches on the impact of AI in writing and editing, sharing her balanced perspective on ethical and productive use. With new books aimed at helping authors self-edit more effectively, Katie provides valuable advice for writers at all stages of their journey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:33 Transition from Teaching to Editing
01:54 The Editing Process and Challenges
02:37 Developing Resources for Authors and Editors
03:31 Self-Publishing Journey
04:08 Editing Styles and Preferences
09:40 Self-Editing Essentials
13:27 Common Issues in Editing
18:49 Finding the Right Editor
22:28 Editing Styles and Preferences
24:24 Building a Relationship with Your Editor
25:41 Choosing the Right Editor
29:45 Handling Criticism and Feedback
30:29 The Role of Self-Editing
37:11 Introducing Beacon Point Services
39:42 Ethical Use of AI in Writing
46:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In a world full of uncertainty, how does one cope with unbearable loss and pain? A Christmas tragedy finds Steve and Maria struggling to find hope. With the love and support of family and friends, will they find peace as they walk through the fire of Uncertainty?

momandpopsnaturals.com. Natural Ingredients for a Healthy Life!

Support the show