August is National Wellness Month. So it's a great time to talk about joy. Joy and happiness aren't the same. Joy also isn't the same as toxic positivity. It's made of much sterner stuff. Join as aa we explore how joy ties to resilience, wellness, mindfulness, goal setting, manifestation and motivation.

Here's a little introduction to my guest. Lisa Amowitz is an author of young adult fiction and a cover designer. Her fantasy trilogy, beginning with An Island Strange and Wild (2024), takes inspiration from The Secret Garden and has been praised by readers for its lyrical writing and rich atmosphere. Similar positive feedback greeted the series' prequel novella, A Promise Bright and Fragile (2024), as well as the trilogy’s second book, A Secret Deep and Savage. The third, as yet untitled, book is scheduled for release in late 2025. All books in the Lost Garden series are currently in production as audiobooks, set to release in late summer/early fall 2025. Additionally, this summer Lisa plans to release a book in an entirely new genre—a cozy paranormal mystery entitled A Whiff of Murder.

Lisa’s prior works include Until Beth (2015), Vision (2014), and Breaking Glass (2013)—the last of which she re-released in 2022 with an audiobook following in 2023. She has also contributed to the YA anthology Unbound: Stories of Love, Transformation and Monsters.

Lisa designs covers for her own books as well as select clients. Her dynamic designs aim to capture the essence of each story and draw readers in.

lisaamowitz.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.amowitz

IG: @lisa_amowitz.author

TT: @lisa_amowitz.author

Bluesky: @lisaamowitz.bsky.social

Kindness plays a crucial role in self-development by fostering positive relationships, boosting self-esteem, and improving overall well-being. It encourages empathy, compassion, and resilience, contributing to a more positive and fulfilling personal journey. Join us as we discuss how this value is still vital in a world that often purports that kindness and empathy are impediments that stop one from getting ahead.

Bio for D. S. McColgan

I grew up in a village not far from the Swiss Alps, surrounded by forest and mountains. After getting my Master's degree in psychology, I worked in a Library in England. I am a devoted wife and mother to a young daughter. We now live in Wales in a house with a big garden.

I write short stories and an ongoing cosy-dark fantasy series with historic fairy tale vibes. My stories are populated by interesting, authentic characters and have a message to share alongside the fantastical elements.

Website: https://www.ataleofbooks.com

Instagram: Instagram: @dsmccolgan (German) and @ataleof_books (English)

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ataleof_books

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../D.-S.../author/B0C4M4CR6K

Introducing "Plenty of Guppies and Other Dating Misadventures" by Zen Ase! This is a book that will captivate and entertain readers with its provocative, transparent, and raw storytelling. If you're looking for a refreshingly mature and enlightening narrative about modern dating, relationships, and self-discovery, then this is the book for you.

Zen Ase, a newly divorced 43-year-old Southern woman, embarks on a journey to find "the one" in the modern dating pond. Little did she know that she would encounter exactly 101 men, whom she refers to as guppies. With each encounter, Zen shares her experiences, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the life of an award-winning artist and best-selling author.

Throughout the book, Zen delves into the intricacies of dating psychology, gender roles, and identity outside of societal expectations. She fearlessly explores her own vulnerabilities, sharing her triumphs and missteps along the way. With poetic verses and passionate prose, she weaves together a story that is both touching and hilarious, making you laugh, cry, and ponder on the complexities of love and relationships.

"Plenty of Guppies" is not just another dating memoir. It goes beyond the surface and dives deep into the challenges faced by modern adults who have loved, lost, and found the courage to try again. Zen's uncensored and uncanny storytelling will leave you hooked, turning the pages eagerly to discover what happens next.

Now, the audio for Chapter 16 of "Plenty of Guppies" is available, providing you with an immersive experience as Zen's captivating voice brings her story to life. So, listen, enjoy, and allow yourself to be transported into the enchantingly unorthodox dating world of Zen Ase.

We encourage you to support Zen Ase by listening to the audio, purchasing a copy of "Plenty of Guppies," sharing it with your friends and loved ones, and leaving reviews to help spread the word about this extraordinary book. Zen Ase's writing is a testament to the power of honesty, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable journey of love, laughter, and self-discovery. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and profoundly moved by "Plenty of Guppies and Other Dating Misadventures" by Zen Ase, the best-selling author of "Zennurgize Your Life."